Come Sail Away With Us…LIVE from the MSC Seaside (Yacht Club) …July 21-28, 2018

[Lovetocruise2002]

 

 

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[Lovetocruise2002]

Thanks for the Arthur pic. It is not the same Maitr D from the Divina last fall.

 

In answer to some questions about the shows, the shows need to be universally understood due to the variety of languages passengers understand. Therefore there is seldom a comedian on MSC

 

 

Pepe is the Maitre D in the pic. And also on this sailing. He is wonderful!

 

 

 

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[dolls123]

Following since this is the same cruise I’ll be on in September

[Lovetocruise2002]

This is an awful sight:

 

 

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[newenglandbob]

Taking this cruise next May. Looking forward to YC. Been on 6 NCL cruises 5 in the Haven but it seems to be going up significantly in price with no change in amenities and quite a bit more crowded.

[Lovetocruise2002]

Some final thoughts as I sit here by the pool, trying to soak up the last day.

 

This ship is beautiful! If you like mirrors, chrome, and glass, then this is your ship. If you prefer the more rustic or vintage look, then maybe not. The ship is clean. Very clean. There are constantly people wiping and cleaning all over the ship.

 

There is greater mix of cultures on this ship compare to RCL and DCL ships that we have sailed in the past. The ship sailed full this week. There were tons of children on board, both in the YC and outside of it. Typical of summer sailings. Kids are kids, I get that, I am a teacher and a parent, however, I was appalled by some of the behaviours that I witnessed this week. In talking to other passengers, I was not the only one who shared this thinking.

 

The service here in the YC cannot be matched by any other line. Both in the lounge and up on Deck 19, there are constantly butlers and servers coming around to check on you, not just for drink orders but to get you food, cutlery, you name it and they will get it. Plates and cups disappear as soon as you push it aside. I did not grow up like this, so part of me felt terrible to be waited on like this.

 

Food is very subjective. We have had no bad meals, however, I still prefer the food in Coastal Kitchen. I thought that CK was consistently better in presentation and flavours. This would not stop me from booking YC again though. Arthur is by far, the best and most entertaining waiter that I have come across on any cruise!

 

The "ship within a ship" concept of the YC is genius. You really could just stay here the whole time if you wanted to. RCL needs to step it up to compete with this on a Suites level.

 

I did not love the shows. They were entertaining but repetitive. I think I would still give RCL the edge on this one, especially the OA class ships.

 

If you are looking for where you money goes the furthest, then the answer is clearly here in YC. If you are looking at the overall package, then MSC still might still need to improve a few things to match other lines. We have had zero regrets with this sailing and we have had the most wonderful time. I certainly would not write off the YC in the future. I personally think that if you come on board looking for RCL or Celebrity etc., then you will be disappointed because MSC is not. But if you come on board with an open mind, then you will enjoy your experience. It is an excellent alternative if you are looking for something different.

 

 

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[Lovetocruise2002]

I will also post the rest of the daily programs tomorrow or Sunday after I get home. I have not forgotten that I am behind on that.

 

 

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[skid10]

I will also post the rest of the daily programs tomorrow or Sunday after I get home. I have not forgotten that I am behind on that.

 

 

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26 pages, 500+ posts and 30+ Periscopes....the only thing you forgot was taking some "me" time. This was the best shared vacation ever! I hope hubby forgives you. GREAT JOB!!!

[frank808]

My family and I agree with all but one of your points. The only one we differ with is coastal kitchen vs yc, but food is subjective.

 

How were the kids in yc? The first week it was really quiet. The second week there were a few large family groups with young kids running around and being kids. But there was nothing appalling that happened.

 

Please share your disembarkation experience. We had a butler escort us to the gangway and then we were left to figure out everything ourselves. I am wondering if they do escort you to yc luggage area and then to customs.

 

Royal has this down for their suite guests. They escort you to suites luggage area and there is a short customs line for suite guests.

 

Have a great day and that last meal onboard is a reality check.

Some final thoughts as I sit here by the pool, trying to soak up the last day.

 

This ship is beautiful! If you like mirrors, chrome, and glass, then this is your ship. If you prefer the more rustic or vintage look, then maybe not. The ship is clean. Very clean. There are constantly people wiping and cleaning all over the ship.

 

There is greater mix of cultures on this ship compare to RCL and DCL ships that we have sailed in the past. The ship sailed full this week. There were tons of children on board, both in the YC and outside of it. Typical of summer sailings. Kids are kids, I get that, I am a teacher and a parent, however, I was appalled by some of the behaviours that I witnessed this week. In talking to other passengers, I was not the only one who shared this thinking.

 

The service here in the YC cannot be matched by any other line. Both in the lounge and up on Deck 19, there are constantly butlers and servers coming around to check on you, not just for drink orders but to get you food, cutlery, you name it and they will get it. Plates and cups disappear as soon as you push it aside. I did not grow up like this, so part of me felt terrible to be waited on like this.

 

Food is very subjective. We have had no bad meals, however, I still prefer the food in Coastal Kitchen. I thought that CK was consistently better in presentation and flavours. This would not stop me from booking YC again though. Arthur is by far, the best and most entertaining waiter that I have come across on any cruise!

 

The "ship within a ship" concept of the YC is genius. You really could just stay here the whole time if you wanted to. RCL needs to step it up to compete with this on a Suites level.

 

I did not love the shows. They were entertaining but repetitive. I think I would still give RCL the edge on this one, especially the OA class ships.

 

If you are looking for where you money goes the furthest, then the answer is clearly here in YC. If you are looking at the overall package, then MSC still might still need to improve a few things to match other lines. We have had zero regrets with this sailing and we have had the most wonderful time. I certainly would not write off the YC in the future. I personally think that if you come on board looking for RCL or Celebrity etc., then you will be disappointed because MSC is not. But if you come on board with an open mind, then you will enjoy your experience. It is an excellent alternative if you are looking for something different.

 

 

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[Two Wheels Only]

The "ship within a ship" concept of the YC is genius. You really could just stay here the whole time if you wanted to. RCL needs to step it up to compete with this on a Suites level.

 

RCCL has stated in the past that they are against the "ship within a ship" concept BUT there is always a possibility of them changing direction. Celebrity never had the concept until Edge (Celebrity won't call it "ship within a ship", though) and now Celebrity is revamping their existing fleet to incorporate "ship within a ship" concepts such as dedicated suite restaurant, lounge, sundeck, etc. I don't know if all will include exclusive pool/whirlpool but anything is possible.

[EMc&DrS]

Some final thoughts as I sit here by the pool, trying to soak up the last day.

 

 

There is greater mix of cultures on this ship compare to RCL and DCL ships that we have sailed in the past. The ship sailed full this week. There were tons of children on board, both in the YC and outside of it. Typical of summer sailings. Kids are kids, I get that, I am a teacher and a parent, however, I was appalled by some of the behaviours that I witnessed this week. In talking to other passengers, I was not the only one who shared this thinking.

 

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I just retired from teaching last month, so we are excited to be cruising this year in mid-Sept when most kids will be back in school--a first for us. Were the kids misbehaving in YC, or just in the public areas outside YC? There were a few kids in YC on Divina last July when we cruised, but they were all well behaved for the most part. It always blows me away how many parents just let their kids run free on a cruise--even elementary aged kids--and the behavior seems to get increasingly worse as the week goes on. You know it's hard for teachers not to say something when we see kids making "bad choices." It's in our DNA! The fact that YC was quiet with no kids running around, jumping in the pool, etc. was one of the big selling points for us when we decided to book our upcoming cruise. If you've seen kids running wild in YC this week, that would be disappointing to hear.

[mafig]

 

How were the kids in yc? The first week it was really quiet. The second week there were a few large family groups with young kids running around and being kids. But there was nothing appalling that happened.

 

Please share your disembarkation experience. We had a butler escort us to the gangway and then we were left to figure out everything ourselves. I am wondering if they do escort you to yc luggage area and then to customs.

 

Royal has this down for their suite guests. They escort you to suites luggage area and there is a short customs line for sui

 

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Hi, Frank,

 

Our butler also escorted us to the gangway and then left us. I seem to recall that on Divina our butler "Mamoosh" (that name is completely incorrect, but that's what sticks in my mind) escorted us to the YC luggage area. Actually, "Mamoosh" was on this cruise, and it was so nice to see him, we actually saw him more than our assigned butler.

 

I saw some kids in the YC but I don't recall any bad behavior. It was July in the Caribbean, so I was expecting more.

[Lovetocruise2002]

26 pages, 500+ posts and 30+ Periscopes....the only thing you forgot was taking some "me" time. This was the best shared vacation ever! I hope hubby forgives you. GREAT JOB!!!

 

Thank you for following Skid!! I have once again, throughly enjoyed documenting it. I've had a lot of me time. No worries. And Hubby knows this is all part of the package. 16 years married and 21 years together, he knows what to expect [emoji12]

 

My family and I agree with all your conclusions. The only one we differ with is coastal kitchen but food is subjective.

 

How were the kids in yc? The first week it was really quiet. The second week there were a few large family groups with young kids running around and being kids. But there was nothing appalling that happened.

 

Please share your disembarkation experience. We had a butler escort us to the gangway and then we were left to figure out everything ourselves. I am wondering if they do escort you to yc luggage area and then to customs.

 

Royal has this down for their suite guests. They escort you to suites luggage area and there is a short customs line for suite guests.

 

Have a great day and that last meal onboard is a reality check.

 

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I will not go into specific details because I don't want this to turn into a huge debate, but it was more than just kids running around being kids. I just spoke to the YC concierge before I read this post about disembarkation. From what she told me, it sounds like we will just be escorted to the gangway and we're on our own from there. And yes, RCL has this process down so well. I will definitely report back tomorrow about it.

 

RCCL has stated in the past that they are against the "ship within a ship" concept BUT there is always a possibility of them changing direction. Celebrity never had the concept until Edge (Celebrity won't call it "ship within a ship", though) and now Celebrity is revamping their existing fleet to incorporate "ship within a ship" concepts such as dedicated suite restaurant, lounge, sundeck, etc. I don't know if all will include exclusive pool/whirlpool but anything is possible.

 

They are putting a pool on the suites sundeck with Spectrum...time will tell....

 

 

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[Lovetocruise2002]

I just retired from teaching last month, so we are excited to be cruising this year in mid-Sept when most kids will be back in school--a first for us. Were the kids misbehaving in YC, or just in the public areas outside YC? There were a few kids in YC on Divina last July when we cruised, but they were all well behaved for the most part. It always blows me away how many parents just let their kids run free on a cruise--even elementary aged kids--and the behavior seems to get increasingly worse as the week goes on. You know it's hard for teachers not to say something when we see kids making "bad choices." It's in our DNA! The fact that YC was quiet with no kids running around, jumping in the pool, etc. was one of the big selling points for us when we decided to book our upcoming cruise. If you've seen kids running wild in YC this week, that would be disappointing to hear.

 

Right on with the "it's in our DNA" comment. I had to try so hard to not say anything throughout the week. The things I saw were within YC as well. It was not quiet at times. Running...check, jumping in pools...check, splashing other guests...check, the list goes on but let's just leave it at that. We still had a great time!

 

 

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[EMc&DrS]

Right on with the "it's in our DNA" comment. I had to try so hard to not say anything throughout the week. The things I saw were within YC as well. It was not quiet at times. Running...check, jumping in pools...check, splashing other guests...check, the list goes on but let's just leave it at that. We still had a great time!

 

 

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That's too bad. We only saw kids jumping in the YC pool once last cruise---two young boys whose parents were partying in the hot tub with their backs to the pool. My wife and I were the only two in the pool with them, so she calmly turned to the boys and said, "I am a school principal, and I do have an office on this ship. You wouldn't want to have to go to the office, would you?" It actually worked! And by the end of the cruise, those two boys had become her favorites. They would check in with her to say hello. She actually bought candy for them and had it delivered to their room one night.

 

Probably the one and ONLY time an adult speaking to misbehaving kids on a cruise actually worked!!!

[bellemiche]

"We have had no bad meals, however, I still prefer the food in Coastal Kitchen. I thought that CK was consistently better in presentation and flavours. This would not stop me from booking YC again though."

Yes! I agree with you.

 

"If you are looking for where you money goes the furthest, then the answer is clearly here in YC. If you are looking at the overall package, then MSC still might still need to improve a few things to match other lines. We have had zero regrets with this sailing and we have had the most wonderful time. I certainly would not write off the YC in the future. I personally think that if you come on board looking for RCL or Celebrity etc., then you will be disappointed because MSC is not. But if you come on board with an open mind, then you will enjoy your experience. It is an excellent alternative if you are looking for something different."

My mom and I were just talking about this today. We would go with MSC again for being pampered in the YC but still prefer Royal/Celebrity. :D

 

Thanks for sharing your experience!

Edited July 27, 2018 by bellemiche
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[Lovetocruise2002]

"We have had no bad meals, however, I still prefer the food in Coastal Kitchen. I thought that CK was consistently better in presentation and flavours. This would not stop me from booking YC again though."

Yes! I agree with you.

 

"If you are looking for where you money goes the furthest, then the answer is clearly here in YC. If you are looking at the overall package, then MSC still might still need to improve a few things to match other lines. We have had zero regrets with this sailing and we have had the most wonderful time. I certainly would not write off the YC in the future. I personally think that if you come on board looking for RCL or Celebrity etc., then you will be disappointed because MSC is not. But if you come on board with an open mind, then you will enjoy your experience. It is an excellent alternative if you are looking for something different."

My mom and I were just talking about this today. We would go with MSC again for being pampered in the YC but still prefer Royal/Celebrity. :D

 

Thanks for sharing your experience!

 

Thanks for following Bellemiche!!

 

 

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[frank808]

Here is a hint. To get the yc baggage area just walk past all the different colored baggae areas. You will make a right at the end and the hallway goes towards immigration. The yc baggage area is on your left and is the last area before you hit customs. Get ready for the line here.

Thank you for following Skid!! I have once again, throughly enjoyed documenting it. I've had a lot of me time. No worries. And Hubby knows this is all part of the package. 16 years married and 21 years together, he knows what to expect [emoji12]

 

 

 

I will not go into specific details because I don't want this to turn into a huge debate, but it was more than just kids running around being kids. I just spoke to the YC concierge before I read this post about disembarkation. From what she told me, it sounds like we will just be escorted to the gangway and we're on our own from there. And yes, RCL has this process down so well. I will definitely report back tomorrow about it.

 

 

 

They are putting a pool on the suites sundeck with Spectrum...time will tell....

 

 

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[Lovetocruise2002]

Here is a hint. To get the yc baggage area just walk past all the different colored baggae areas. You will make a right at the end and the hallway goes towards immigration. The yc baggage area is on your left and is the last area before you hit customs. Get ready for the line here.

 

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We're actually debating if we should just carry all our bags off. We don't have that many bags....is there a huge line at the YC baggage area?

 

 

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[mafig]

We're actually debating if we should just carry all our bags off. We don't have that many bags....is there a huge line at the YC baggage area?

 

 

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I think it's all timing.

We had no line at the YC baggage area.

No line at all for customs/immigration.

[Lovetocruise2002]

I think it's all timing.

 

We had no line at the YC baggage area.

 

No line at all for customs/immigration.

 

What time did you walk off? We are planning to disembark around 8:15-8:30am.

 

 

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[beachliving01]

I loved your post. So much good information. Looks like you had a great time. We cruise in October and your post has intensified our excitement. I do have a few questions. Could you share the route that you took for the walking tour in San Juan.

 

I did see the pictures for the white party and it seemed there were quite a few people enjoying themselves. Do you know what time the party started?

 

Did you get a chance to see or go to the Gatsby party? Wondering if there were a lot of individuals that "dressed" for the theme. My daughter in law really wants to dress up for this.

 

For whatever reason I can't see the scope of the Aurea sundeck. Do you happen to have pictures that you can share. Would really like to see what that looks like. Could you also tell me where we would find the sundeck?

 

Thank you so much.

[nacdcruiser]

We're actually debating if we should just carry all our bags off. We don't have that many bags....is there a huge line at the YC baggage area?

 

Both times for us we left YC around 8:00 or so and it was about 35 to 40 minutes to being in our car in the parking garage. Pretty smooth getting to the bags, but then some waiting in line for customs.

 

John

[Lovetocruise2002]

Answers within your quote:

 

I loved your post. So much good information. Looks like you had a great time. We cruise in October and your post has intensified our excitement. I do have a few questions. Could you share the route that you took for the walking tour in San Juan.

 

 

 

 

There was not a set route. We did have a map which I can post after I get home tomorrow. I already deleted it off my phone. Basically, it was recommended by good friends over at Royal Caribbean Blog that we head to El Morro through the city and then walk along the water in the way back to the ship. There is also a tourism agency there where you can pick up maps and get info.

 

I did see the pictures for the white party and it seemed there were quite a few people enjoying themselves. Do you know what time the party started?

 

 

 

 

White party started at 10:30pm.

 

Did you get a chance to see or go to the Gatsby party? Wondering if there were a lot of individuals that "dressed" for the theme. My daughter in law really wants to dress up for this.

 

 

 

 

No, we did not go the Gatsby party. Couldn't even tell you what night it was on lol.

 

For whatever reason I can't see the scope of the Aurea sundeck. Do you happen to have pictures that you can share. Would really like to see what that looks like. Could you also tell me where we would find the sundeck?

 

 

 

Sorry, I only did the scope and I did not take pics. You can probably google and find pics online. Both sundeck are on deck 19.

 

Thank you so much.

 

 

 

 

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[dodger1964]

Thanks again for doing review...We are sailing in regular balcony this September with "bella" so much of what you reviewed won't really apply to us (this time!), but still nice to hear about how the people behind the glass doors live! (our cruise is so inexpensive it will be the cheapest cruise we have ever taken...so I don't feel bad about not getting all the perks...but we are black elite and got basic drink package).

 

I still can't believe they put "x food might may or may not be served fully cooked". ("can I please have that pork not fully cooked!")

 

What time is your flight?

 

We haven't booked our flights yet, and trying to decide timing...we always carry off our bags (only each bring a small roller bag and a backpack), and we usually book early flights and are first off the ship. (we made 9:00 flight last year sailing with Celebrity...but we don't check bags and have pre-check...and were still almost an hour early to gate)

 

Safe travels home!