YC Drink Package Changes?

[Captain-John]

5 minutes ago, Beamafar said:

 

I'm leaning that way, too, Capn'.  But the pragmatist in me is taking into account that we enjoyed the Deluxe package when in YC on Meraviglia shortly after it was included, despite the fact that it wasn't in place at the time of booking.  Though there is a difference between not getting what you thought you would at the time of booking with the experience being reduced and it being enhanced.

 

Fair point - but it's good business etiquette to give the customer more than they expect, less so the other way about - and can lead to long lasting bitterness! (I say that after having booked two YC cruises in the space of 2 months despite increasing prices and decreasing amenities/experiences - they're addictive!)

[Captain-John]

1 minute ago, Annbel1511 said:

I’m boarding Preziosa saterday. Booked december 2017. I’ll let you know what’s included.

 

Fab. Hope you have a wonderful cruise.

[strikerSBG]

That the Premium drink package is now included doesn’t correspond with the answers I got from MSC Austria AND MSC Germany. Both told me that NOTHING will change. I will print out these Emails and will bring it to my cruise - if I am not getting something which was included they will make it included! 😞

[citizenfrank]

I'm confident they will honour all the old packages bookings provided they fit the criteria.

Think it would ruin their reputation to take 'the next step' within this fiasco.

I say fiasco ….I honestly think many were expecting this & the gelato thing aside it is fair & fits the current market, but the way it was handled is shocking!

I've an October 2019 'gap' to fill & was about to book something cheap & cheerful with RCI yesterday out of Texas with a road trip and Halloween in NOL included, on what I thought was an amazing deal (been waiting for them to re-launch it) with their deluxe package FREE (well ok no charge!) for 1st & 2nd roomers. But within clarifying something with them over age limits in cabins I established I had screwed up badly! It is only an inside albeit but the booking suggested the promotion WAS included....It is not! 

It was suggested to me from close quarters that the Carnival Vista now has replaced the Dream out of Galveston & so that could easily substitute.

Price wise it could, well certainly if you factor in buying the RCI drinks package now, but I cannot go back to Carnival with this stupid 15 drink per 24hr limit....It is to restrictive!

My point being...

STILL after all this MSC is attractive, though it would be out of Miami & thus not ideal for the Halloween fun in NOL & the route I had planned.

 

MSC ….Still an attractive girl cruisers!! 

[LakeWobegon]

The Vista is home ported out of Galveston now and Horizon in Miami. The Panorama will sail out of Long Beach next year. So the previous two will likely stay put. The drink limit is an issue for some. You could be creative though with in-stateroom bottles of liquor and bottles of wine, etc., if you drink the latter. Still, one of the reasons I usually get a drink pacakage is so I don't have to worry or mess with all that. I never came close to the 15 drink limit though I like to have some drinks! My wife thought it was amusing how I tried to get my money's worth. I like vodka tonics so I would go down the casino, the only place they had Grey Goose VX (then $17 a shot) besides the steakhouse on board, and get a couple to bring back to the pool. A few of those a day at the pool and wine at dinner (besides other drinks) and I had easily surpassed the daily cost of the drink package. 

[citizenfrank]

8 minutes ago, LakeWobegon said:

The Vista is home ported out of Galveston now and Horizon in Miami. The Panorama will sail out of Long Beach next year. So the previous two will likely stay put. The drink limit is an issue for some. You could be creative though with in-stateroom bottles of liquor and bottles of wine, etc., if you drink the latter. Still, one of the reasons I usually get a drink pacakage is so I don't have to worry or mess with all that. I never came close to the 15 drink limit though I like to have some drinks! My wife thought it was amusing how I tried to get my money's worth. I like vodka tonics so I would go down the casino, the only place they had Grey Goose VX (then $17 a shot) besides the steakhouse on board, and get a couple to bring back to the pool. A few of those a day at the pool and wine at dinner (besides other drinks) and I had easily surpassed the daily cost of the drink package. 

Was on Magic in May & enjoyed the sailing. I love the Carnival vibe, though many do not, but the limit was reached on four days! Mrs Frank on five! On Fantasia in October I swear if MSC imposed the limit we would be sinking cola half the nights!

Done all three dream class vessels (which I like both visually & as a sailing) but still to manage Vista class, but that is MSC & NCL's fault lol

[sverigecruiser]

1 hour ago, Beamafar said:

I don't remember ever having it stated anywhere in my bookings, SC.  I may contact MSC (we booked one of our YC cruises next year through the UK office) and see if they're willing to confirm in writing that we will have the Deluxe package included.  (I might also contact the German TA that we booked the other YC cruise with, too!)

 

It would be great to hear what MSC in the UK and/or Germany say about it.

Edited December 20, 2018 by sverigecruiser

[sverigecruiser]

34 minutes ago, citizenfrank said:

I'm confident they will honour all the old packages bookings provided they fit the criteria.

 

 

I agree with you. The problem is that no package is mentioned anywhere in the documents and if MSC say that no "package" is included, but free drinks, it's not easy to say what's included.

[citizenfrank]

5 minutes ago, sverigecruiser said:

 

I agree with you. The problem is that no package is mentioned anywhere in the documents and if MSC say that no "package" is included, but free drinks, it's not easy to say what's included.

Hi SC. I have just looked in my e-folder & I had a 'revised set of documents' sent out upon request when I requested the old Deluxe package during the amnesty period.

Mine says....

647N9W18-ALL-INCLUSIVE DELUXE DRINK PACKAGE        £XXX.00

A. - 02/04/19

 

[LakeWobegon]

21 minutes ago, citizenfrank said:

Hi SC. I have just looked in my e-folder & I had a 'revised set of documents' sent out upon request when I requested the old Deluxe package during the amnesty period.

Mine says....

647N9W18-ALL-INCLUSIVE DELUXE DRINK PACKAGE        £XXX.00

A. - 02/04/19

 

Thanks for the info. I will request a revised set of docs after I make my final payment here tomorrow. Can't forget that before Christmas! As for Carnival, I'm not sure why they impose that limit. I have never been able to find an official reason. I am sure some of it has to do with cost and some with liability related to the shorter cruises Carnival hosts. I can't say for sure but I'm fairly certain they do more 3-5 day cruises than any line. I've been told that a shorter cruise usually = party barge. That said, that's a total stereotype I've never experienced. May sound like a snob but my wife's aunt recently asked if she should book a cruise on Carnival Miracle over their typical Holland America cruise and I told her no, I wouldn't cruise in anything but Dream or Vista class with Carnival. But I agree, I love the Carnival vibe. Truly the "Fun Ship" without being trashy or lewd. I never paid much attention a cruise director but The Flying Scotsman on Vista was terrific. That guy was everywhere and had his own singing show on board. Great singer. 

[citizenfrank]

18 minutes ago, LakeWobegon said:

Thanks for the info. I will request a revised set of docs after I make my final payment here tomorrow. Can't forget that before Christmas! As for Carnival, I'm not sure why they impose that limit. I have never been able to find an official reason. I am sure some of it has to do with cost and some with liability related to the shorter cruises Carnival hosts. I can't say for sure but I'm fairly certain they do more 3-5 day cruises than any line. I've been told that a shorter cruise usually = party barge. That said, that's a total stereotype I've never experienced. May sound like a snob but my wife's aunt recently asked if she should book a cruise on Carnival Miracle over their typical Holland America cruise and I told her no, I wouldn't cruise in anything but Dream or Vista class with Carnival. But I agree, I love the Carnival vibe. Truly the "Fun Ship" without being trashy or lewd. I never paid much attention a cruise director but The Flying Scotsman on Vista was terrific. That guy was everywhere and had his own singing show on board. Great singer. 

Hi

Yes I'm sure it is a combination of the short 'booze cruise' & overall 'fun ship' mentality over pure economics. I think there is 'snobbery' relating to their product, but I say try it & if you hate it move on! It is not like their vessels are trashy at all, though I agree with you I would only sail Dream & Vista class, but I find the MSC vibe so plush & I do like that. One thing is for sure NO other line puts the same emphasis on the good old cruise director as Carnival, in some ways they seem to invest/value them equal to a Captain, though obviously the responsibility is minor & it is almost rude to compare! My gauge is how many CD's do you remember & you like me seem to recall their names, Mike Pack from the UK is excellent, though nothing to do the being from these shores, but I think he may get the new ship Panorama! The Rev E, Matt Mitcham & our most recent was a guy from Alabama called 'Cookie' OMG! 

Good times but price aside the drinks package, the concept & vessels of NCL & the sheer sexiness of MSC gets my votes!! 

[LakeWobegon]

1 hour ago, citizenfrank said:

Hi

Yes I'm sure it is a combination of the short 'booze cruise' & overall 'fun ship' mentality over pure economics. I think there is 'snobbery' relating to their product, but I say try it & if you hate it move on! It is not like their vessels are trashy at all, though I agree with you I would only sail Dream & Vista class, but I find the MSC vibe so plush & I do like that. One thing is for sure NO other line puts the same emphasis on the good old cruise director as Carnival, in some ways they seem to invest/value them equal to a Captain, though obviously the responsibility is minor & it is almost rude to compare! My gauge is how many CD's do you remember & you like me seem to recall their names, Mike Pack from the UK is excellent, though nothing to do the being from these shores, but I think he may get the new ship Panorama! The Rev E, Matt Mitcham & our most recent was a guy from Alabama called 'Cookie' OMG! 

Good times but price aside the drinks package, the concept & vessels of NCL & the sheer sexiness of MSC gets my votes!! 

Yes. I always factor the drink package in as part of the overall cost. Very excited to try MSC. My wife is telling the kids we will need to 'class it up a bit.' Meaning we're a pretty laid back bunch. The most formal we will get to be typically is my wife wearing a nice somewhat formal dress (not evening gown) and myself a sport coat. Though I have to wear suits for work when meeting with customers. Despite that, it would irritate me a slight bit on Carnival when on formal night we were seated next to someone wearing a basketball jersey and shorts. More so because I lectured the kids that, you do have to follow the rules and put a collared shirt on. I do know not to request an Old Speckled Hen for my pre-dinner beer as my friend from Buckinghamshire couldn't stop laughing. Aparrently it's like ordering a Busch Lite here? 

[hamrag]

5 hours ago, cshim said:

I have just been told in writing by UK customer services:

 

In the Yacht Club experience are included unlimited food and beverage in MSC Yacht Club areas, Free minibar service and Premium Drink package in the rest of the ship.

 

So it doesn't include premium plus. There is a 10 Euro limit and champagne is no longer included.

 

I wouldn't place too much faith in what MSC customer services tell you....right hand....left hand....they have no idea what is happening onboard! We sail early Feb on Preziosa, and are not remotely concerned. If MSC want to retain YC customers, it is in their interest to provide Premium+ and I for one believe that is what they will do.

[sverigecruiser]

3 hours ago, citizenfrank said:

Hi SC. I have just looked in my e-folder & I had a 'revised set of documents' sent out upon request when I requested the old Deluxe package during the amnesty period.

Mine says....

647N9W18-ALL-INCLUSIVE DELUXE DRINK PACKAGE        £XXX.00

A. - 02/04/19

 

 

Thank you for that information.

 

Since MSC in Sweden have told me that no package is included I doubt that I can get the old deluxe package confirmed from them. I will contact them and see what kind of confirmation I can get. They must be able to tell me what's included and what's not.

[sverigecruiser]

3 hours ago, citizenfrank said:

Hi SC. I have just looked in my e-folder & I had a 'revised set of documents' sent out upon request when I requested the old Deluxe package during the amnesty period.

Mine says....

647N9W18-ALL-INCLUSIVE DELUXE DRINK PACKAGE        £XXX.00

A. - 02/04/19

 

 

Thank you for that information.

 

Since MSC in Sweden have told me that no package is included I doubt that I can get the old deluxe package confirmed from them. I will contact them and see what kind of confirmation I can get. They must be able to tell me what's included and what's not.

[Annbel1511]

Boarded preziosa a couple of hours ago. Minibar included. All drinks on ship included except with star. At one pool staff asked if de wanted ice-cream and brought us Venchi ice-cream in a cup. No charge. Haven’t tried champagne yet.

[Annbel1511]

Had a glass of champagne. No charge.

[stp_mmh5]

This past week on the Meraviglia, I would watch the waitresses and waiters use the tablets on ordering drinks to see what would come up.  While in the Sky lounge, our favorite waitress mentioned that our package was Premium Plus, and would often use our cards to complete drink orders.  Also I was curious on what the limit was on individual shots, as a bottle Chivas Regal 18 yr was nearly empty.  The price per shot was $12, but was not covered by our package. Which I presumed was the case as even in the Top Sail Lounge, that particular whiskey was in the Connoisseur's Selection section of the drink menu, with an additional charge. 

 

So there apparently is a limit on price to the package, but is not clearly defined. I would presume that it falls around 10.50, based on how we were never charged for any of the signature drinks anywhere on the ship. I feel the best way to figure it for a particular sailing, would be to see what has an extra charge within the Yacht Club, and use that as a guide. 

 

If it helps, we booked back in August of this year, through MSC USA. Our boarding documents always indicated Drinks-All Inclusive, but never specified Deluxe/Premium Plus/Premium.

 

-Shane

[sverigecruiser]

6 hours ago, stp_mmh5 said:

This past week on the Meraviglia, I would watch the waitresses and waiters use the tablets on ordering drinks to see what would come up.  While in the Sky lounge, our favorite waitress mentioned that our package was Premium Plus, and would often use our cards to complete drink orders.  Also I was curious on what the limit was on individual shots, as a bottle Chivas Regal 18 yr was nearly empty.  The price per shot was $12, but was not covered by our package. Which I presumed was the case as even in the Top Sail Lounge, that particular whiskey was in the Connoisseur's Selection section of the drink menu, with an additional charge. 

 

So there apparently is a limit on price to the package, but is not clearly defined. I would presume that it falls around 10.50, based on how we were never charged for any of the signature drinks anywhere on the ship. I feel the best way to figure it for a particular sailing, would be to see what has an extra charge within the Yacht Club, and use that as a guide. 

 

If it helps, we booked back in August of this year, through MSC USA. Our boarding documents always indicated Drinks-All Inclusive, but never specified Deluxe/Premium Plus/Premium.

 

-Shane

 

Do I understand this right? They say that you have the Premium Plus package but $12 drinks are not included?

 

This is getting more and more confusing! Shouldn't the Premium Plus package include everything?

[stp_mmh5]

14 hours ago, sverigecruiser said:

 

Do I understand this right? They say that you have the Premium Plus package but $12 drinks are not included?

 

This is getting more and more confusing! Shouldn't the Premium Plus package include everything?

 

So here is my thoughts on this as I tried to figure it out as well.  All drinks, i.e. cocktails, beers, beertails, etc are included.  Once you start going into the Premium/Ultra Premium brands, that is when the additional charges start to appear.  I should have taken pictures of the bar menus this go around, but for whatever reason I did not, which would have been useful to compare the YC drink menu that has additional charges vs the rest of the ship.

[ashank1m]

With all new change, it seems things are moving differently from ship to ship and YC (Premium) package is stuck between new Premium and Prem+.  Chivas 18 is Super Prem and it was always excluded.  With new packages, it seems all COFFEE, CHOCOLATE & ICE CREAM BAR (Spirit coffees, special coffee drink, milk shake, gelato, etc)/  SPA BAR & WELLNESS CORNER (Protein Shake) / MISCELLANEOUS (Crepe and Protein snack) have been taken out.  I guess until everything is final, we will just ask the server.  See old package and new package.

New Drink package 2019.pdf

2018 Drink Package Comparison Guise with DRINKS ON US.pdf

[kevinrobedm]

We just made a final payment today on our YC sailing in March of 2019. The MSC rep confirmed that "Premium Plus" is the package for YC guests.  I guess we will see if that what the on-board staff give us.

[Linda the Book Lover]

Looks great to me. I like the laundry for gym clothes.  Has anyone used this YC perk? How many times a week and did the gym gear survive?

[Beamafar]

16 minutes ago, Linda the Book Lover said:

Looks great to me. I like the laundry for gym clothes.  Has anyone used this YC perk? How many times a week and did the gym gear survive?

 

That perk is available only on Meraviglia for those in YC Wellness cabins (and MSC is doing away with the 'Wellness' experience next year).

[Captain-John]

6 minutes ago, Beamafar said:

 

That perk is available only on Meraviglia for those in YC Wellness cabins (and MSC is doing away with the 'Wellness' experience next year).

 

Did anyone actually book this experience? I'm curious to see their market research that made them think it would be a success?