Observations from MSC Seaside Yacht Club

[CruisingFox27]

6 hours ago, Dr. Cocktail said:

It gets tiresome telling friends or chatting with clients about MSC and how great the YC is only to be met with incredulous looks. It would be better for all involved if I just said "it's as bad as you think"!

 

It would be much better, advise anyone you speak to that MSC and YC in particular are terrible 😂 Keep them away and we keep the prices more reasonable for us...

[Valkyrie]

On 7/29/2019 at 9:19 AM, Dr. Cocktail said:

I think we have a winner!

Would a clamp like this work on the chairs? It would open up a lot of umbrella choices.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Metal-Clamp-Holder-Clip-Beach-Fishing-Umbrella-Mount-Chair-Clamp-1-1-Pole/273820944020?hash=item3fc1000694:g:CncAAOSwbURcwVjx

[Dr. Cocktail]

5 hours ago, Beardface said:

 

Just forward them this article - The MSC Seaside is the Ship to Beat in 2018.

 

1 hour ago, CruisingFox27 said:

 

It would be much better, advise anyone you speak to that MSC and YC in particular are terrible 😂 Keep them away and we keep the prices more reasonable for us...

 

It's just like when Celebrity was first launched 27 years ago..... Chandris Fantasy was a budget based line that sailed ancient ships (just saying that when we arrived at the pier for our sailing on the Azur,  pairs of animals were disembarking ....)

 

Chandris announced that they would be launching a luxury division and Meridian and Horizon set sail. I sailed on Horizon on week 3 and was simply blown away. In her prime, she was a beautiful ship with great lounges and still probably the best food I ever had on a ship.

 

No-one believed me. They just couldn't make the mental jump from Fantasy to Celebrity.

 

They practially gave away the initial sailings and as we all know, the line ultimately was acquired by RCI.

 

Similarly, I think that people can't make the jump from MSC as a discount, high density line sailing old tonnage to the behemoth that that is launching new ships like a photocopier that won't stop.

Edited August 1, 2019 by Dr. Cocktail

[mafig]

Interesting post, Dr. Cocktail.

LOL on the pairs of animals.😀

[rattanchair]

21 hours ago, Hoofy7 said:

If there is a table out in the deck that I can smoke at I’m a happy camper. Lol My favorite thing to do is get up by 5am and get coffee and sit outside and smoke before the family wakes up for the day. I will probably buy the WiFi package, but I believe someone else other than you was saying in response to your post that they couldn’t find shade or WiFi? I’m fine with or without WiFi but usually buy it just to check on things at home. I love the sun and don’t mind sitting without shade either. I’m pretty easy to please. 😉 The thoughts on Divina were disheartening, but I read the same things about the Seaside and had an amazing cruise in February on her.  

Dear Hoof,  Purchased wifi on all sailings all summer, NCL, Celebrity, and MSC.  DW purchases the top of the line, so of course I am forced to buy the same. ( I must have married an heiress, in a past life!). I could only get the best wifi reception on Seaside. We have surrounding the outside of our home, cameras connected to the internet. Only could watch on Seaside.

Edited August 1, 2019 by rattanchair
spelling

[rattanchair]

On 7/27/2019 at 5:47 PM, Dr. Cocktail said:

We have many more MSC YC's booked (and another Haven (sorry - still love it!))

Dear Dr.,  We went this summer on the Breakaway Haven, H6, aft penthouse #9316. It has the largest balcony of all the H6 category. Loved the shower and double sink. Butler explained to us that we have to call him to get service, because his 16 cabins, all H6 are 2 per floor. We tipped him $10 every time he brought us anything. We did not require, fruit, flowers, hors d'oeurves, chocolate strawberries, cheeses; but if you have cookies and pastries, that would be welcome. I guess they do not have cookies and pastries, but once or twice each week. A $50 tip on the first day to the maitre d' had no affect. This alone soured our expectations. We never heard the word "NO" on the Seaside when we requested anything! We heard the word "NO" repeatedly in the Haven. Did love the air conditioned Haven pool deck. Haven lounge 'pales', compared to the Top Sail Lounge. We did not use our 3x specialty restaurant perk, because we did not want to eat with guests in ball caps swigging beer from a bottle. Call me an elitist, one who ate every meal in the never changing  menu , Haven restaurant, waiting 2 hours for our entree pre-ordered at lunch. I will end here, otherwise remembering will upset my dinner tonight.

[Hoofy7]

You all have me really excited for December 6th to get here! I think I’m going to like 11 nights of Yacht Club service! Lol I’m also excited to be one of the first people on MSC’s private island Ocean Cay. I read in an article that Yacht Club would have its own area on it, but can’t find confirmation of this. I want to book the cabana on the island for the day, but not if it’s not in the Yacht Club area ( if this even exist) and hate to spend the money if a cabana is already included on the island. I find it doubtful that it would be, as food and drink is for purchase, as far as I can tell. I do wish things were clarified better. I’ll look for reviews from the first cruisers to hit the island and book excursions from there. Now I’m hungry for pastries and gelato! Lol 

Edited August 1, 2019 by Hoofy7

[mafig]

Just spent some time looking at Haven cruises for next year.  

I do what I usually do, sigh deeply and leave the website feeling depressed.

 

Your post made me feel better, Rattanchair.😏

[rattanchair]

1 hour ago, Hoofy7 said:

You all have me really excited for December 6th to get here! I think I’m going to like 11 nights of Yacht Club service! Lol I’m also excited to be one of the first people on MSC’s private island Ocean Cay. I read in an article that Yacht Club would have its own area on it, but can’t find confirmation of this. I want to book the cabana on the island for the day, but not if it’s not in the Yacht Club area ( if this even exist) and hate to spend the money if a cabana is already included on the island. I find it doubtful that it would be, as food and drink is for purchase, as far as I can tell. I do wish things were clarified better. I’ll look for reviews from the first cruisers to hit the island and book excursions from there. Now I’m hungry for pastries and gelato! Lol 

Dear Hoof,  Last year on the RCL Allure, we booked the cabana on their 'out island' Suite section. They take you from the ship via a golf cart to and from the ship, nice ! When you get there the cabanas are infested with ants. We brought a can of Off, mosquito  repellent ( yes we are paranoid passengers) and used it to spray the cabana to stop the ants crawling all over us. Needless to say we only stayed about an hour for our, I think ,$300 cabana. The native attendants were very good. Bring a pocket full of $1 's.

   P.S. A person like you should enjoy every minute of the 11 days. I am sure the new Ocean Cay will be void of ants.

Edited August 1, 2019 by rattanchair
additional info

[Hoofy7]

I bet you are right! Usually I am the “cabin steward”, wait staff, and butler in my everyday life for my very large family! How could I not enjoy a cruise with or without YC service! But with YC service, I’m sure I’ll find it incredible! Hahaha I am very accustomed to eating my dinners warm as someone always needs a drink or plate refill before I even sit down, so the complaints in reviews about food not being hot, will not be an issue with me either! 😉 

[rattanchair]

1 hour ago, mafig said:

Just spent some time looking at Haven cruises for next year.  

I do what I usually do, sigh deeply and leave the website feeling depressed.

 

Your post made me feel better, Rattanchair.😏

Dear Ma,  Let me enhance that feeling. We had concierge Roy  P in the Haven. An amiable gentleman, who warned us that should we order any specialty restaurant entree, it would be through our butler and ONLY to our cabin; and do not expect it to be hot. An honest 'heads up'. Now what cruiser wants to dress up to eat in their cabin?  Part of the dining experience is to dress in a jacket, slacks and tie and enjoy the  Haven ambience.  I can understand dining in your cabin if you are sick, incapacitated or quarantined.

    There are absolutely no tables for two in the Shanghai Noodle Bar or Teppanyaki. One is crowded in the the rest of creation. Roy advised us that there is no guarantee of a time or what evening he could get us into a specialty restaurant. Since we dine at 6:15 every evening, we were 'forced' to take our meals in the never changing Haven restaurant. No problem for me since I get broiled chicken every night at home, why should it be any different on NCL ?

  The differences between the MSC Yacht and the NCL Haven are night (NCL) and day (MSC). Why spend the money for a mediocre NCL Haven experience when you can live like 'Royalty' on a Yacht Club MSC?

P.S. Sorry Dr. C and DW !

Edited August 2, 2019 by rattanchair
P.S.

[rattanchair]

23 minutes ago, Hoofy7 said:

I bet you are right! Usually I am the “cabin steward”, wait staff, and butler in my everyday life for my very large family! How could I not enjoy a cruise with or without YC service! But with YC service, I’m sure I’ll find it incredible! Hahaha I am very accustomed to eating my dinners warm as someone always needs a drink or plate refill before I even sit down, so the complaints in reviews about food not being hot, will not be an issue with me either! 😉 

Dear Hoof,  Reading your post, you remind me of the gentleman portrayed by Jackie Gleason, "In Father's Delicate Condition";  a very capable human being catering to his family above all else, but still able to appreciate the finer things life has to offer.

[Beamafar]

10 hours ago, Hoofy7 said:

You all have me really excited for December 6th to get here! I think I’m going to like 11 nights of Yacht Club service! Lol I’m also excited to be one of the first people on MSC’s private island Ocean Cay. I read in an article that Yacht Club would have its own area on it, but can’t find confirmation of this. I want to book the cabana on the island for the day, but not if it’s not in the Yacht Club area ( if this even exist) and hate to spend the money if a cabana is already included on the island. I find it doubtful that it would be, as food and drink is for purchase, as far as I can tell. I do wish things were clarified better. I’ll look for reviews from the first cruisers to hit the island and book excursions from there. Now I’m hungry for pastries and gelato! Lol 

 

There are lots of threads with updated information about Ocean Cay; just use the search facility to get a list of them.  The YC area won't be ready before Feb next year (IIRC) so there'll be a dedicated area set aside for YC guests 'til then.  There's even talk that the island may not be ready in time for the first scheduled visit by Meraviglia in November (we're on that cruise).  MSC has changed its policy in regard to charging for food on the island;  the buffet will now be complimentary.  AFAIK, drinks will also be complimentary for YC guests.  I reckon there will also be other complimentary food offerings in the YC area.

[Hoofy7]

2 hours ago, Beamafar said:

 

There are lots of threads with updated information about Ocean Cay; just use the search facility to get a list of them.  The YC area won't be ready before Feb next year (IIRC) so there'll be a dedicated area set aside for YC guests 'til then.  There's even talk that the island may not be ready in time for the first scheduled visit by Meraviglia in November (we're on that cruise).  MSC has changed its policy in regard to charging for food on the island;  the buffet will now be complimentary.  AFAIK, drinks will also be complimentary for YC guests.  I reckon there will also be other complimentary food offerings in the YC area.

Well I hope they get it done in time for your sailing. It will be a disappointment if it’s taken off our ports. Though it may save me money in booking an excursion. lol I tend to go overboard and book so many that we end up wasting one and deciding not to go last minute. I usually book every catamaran that includes snorkeling, a beach stop, and includes lunch and drinks. The kids really like these and we have fun meeting the differing personalities that man the vessels. There’s one in Antigua that is just perfection. The snorkeling was good, the beach was beautiful and hardly any people, and they cooked the most amazing grilled lobster on the beach for us, which we enjoyed on the catamaran on the sail back. We book it every time we have Antigua as a stop. 

Im surprised that MSC hasn’t gotten the island operational already as it’s been delayed before I believe? I’m sure it’s a cruise selling point for many. I’ll have to look at the threads. I didn’t even think to check on CC boards for it. Lol 

[Hoofy7]

In all honesty, I tend to overlook the bad and focus on the positives. I’m spending time with my family, I’m disconnecting my kids from the constant social media trash they are exposed to ( except for very limited time on a shared WiFi package), I’m not in the cold of Upstate NY, I’m not cooking or cleaning, and I’m sailing on beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean. I’ve only ever had ONE bad cruise and it was a failure in every department, but I still had fun with my family despite it. I made the mistake of booking a cruise on Carnival and lesson learned, I won’t ever sail on that line again, despite the free cruise offers I get weekly. Lol 

MSC sent me this cruise I’m taking in December free as well. It was an offer from their casino department. I actually won the biggest jackpot of my cruise in February on the Seaside, and I think they want their money back! Hahaha But THAT SHIP HAS SAILED! ( Pun intended) Lol I used that almost $12,000 to put new flooring in my entire basement and have a closet built under the stairs to make use of the space. That money was gone a week after I returned! Also which CC thread do you recommend about Ocean Cay for me to update myself on the progress? Thanks in advance. A link would be perfect as I’m technologically challenged. 

Edited August 2, 2019 by Hoofy7

[Beamafar]

Here's one on the subject of the YC cabanas:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/topic/2682139-ocean-caye-yacht-club-cabanas-pricing/?tab=comments#comment-57970442

 

This one is a long thread on the subject of the island, with a discussion included on what will be on offer, food wise:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/topic/2666555-hype-over-ocean-cay-fizzling-since-everything-a-la-carte/?tab=comments#comment-57565209

[Hoofy7]

Just now, Beamafar said:

Here's one on the subject of the YC cabanas:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/topic/2682139-ocean-caye-yacht-club-cabanas-pricing/?tab=comments#comment-57970442

 

This one is a long thread on the subject of the island, with a discussion included on what will be on offer, food wise:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/topic/2666555-hype-over-ocean-cay-fizzling-since-everything-a-la-carte/?tab=comments#comment-57565209

Thank you so much! I must say I really enjoy this thread and how active you all are, as far as participating in it. The tips I’m receiving are invaluable, so again thank you all! I hope sometime we share a bottle and meet in person!

Another question and I’m sorry I’m asking so many. What should I expect weather wise for my sailing 12/6-12/17? I always cruise in February or April and have never taken a December cruise before. Do you think the ship will be decorated for Christmas during my sailing or does MSC not do that because if the cultural diversity? I think it would be lovely if it was, as I’ve never sailed near the holidays. I’ll check those links out now! You all are the best! 

[Beamafar]

I can't answer on the weather front.  Who knows what weather is going to be like at any given time.  We sailed from Miami last January and it was unseasonably cold due to that horrendous polar vortex.  It was 6 degrees (celsius) in the mornings in Miami and there was a cold breeze throughout the days - I had to buy a warm jumper to wear!  The seas were too rough for us to visit Jamaica;  the captain had to alter course significantly.

 

The ship will certainly be decorated for Christmas.  They began decorating a ship we were on from around the 4th of December.

[Hoofy7]

30 minutes ago, Beamafar said:

I can't answer on the weather front.  Who knows what weather is going to be like at any given time.  We sailed from Miami last January and it was unseasonably cold due to that horrendous polar vortex.  It was 6 degrees (celsius) in the mornings in Miami and there was a cold breeze throughout the days - I had to buy a warm jumper to wear!  The seas were too rough for us to visit Jamaica;  the captain had to alter course significantly.

 

The ship will certainly be decorated for Christmas.  They began decorating a ship we were on from around the 4th of December.

Yes of course I didn’t mean predict the weather, I just wondered in general on averages if Caribbean temperatures and if seas are generally rougher in December than in spring. I’ve really never even noticed the ship move much on any of my sailings. I just didn’t know if it was a rainy season or usually more wind etc...I know there’s a nice lounge and covered pool so I’ll be good either way. 😉 

Edited August 2, 2019 by Hoofy7

[JAGR]

14 minutes ago, Hoofy7 said:

I just wondered in general on averages if Caribbean temperatures and if seas are generally rougher in December than in spring. I’ve really never even noticed the ship move much on any of my sailings. I just didn’t know if it was a rainy season or usually more wind etc. 

As Bea attests to, weather can be fickle.  If you want average information as a yardstick, December temperatures in the Caribbean range from an average low of 73 degrees to an average high of 83 degrees.  Rain occurs in the Caribbean a total of 11.4 days during an average December . Total precipitation during the month averages 3.7 inches.  Bear in mind, however, that most rain occurs in early to late afternoon.  Also, note that the weather usually feels a little cooler on a sea day with the breeze.  The weather in the Top Sail Lounge is generally warm enough to sometimes melt the ice in a drink, requiring good imbibement strategy! 😉

Edited August 2, 2019 by JAGR

[tcmagnum]

On ‎7‎/‎28‎/‎2019 at 7:58 PM, rattanchair said:

Dear TC,  From your  profile, you look like DW and I, 40 years ago, only my DW is a brunette. I understand. One of our first cruises was on the 'Independence', circling the Hawaii Islands. It's sister ship was the Constitution ( of "I Love Lucy" fame). We booked two lowers inside. When we got to our stateroom (cabin) there was absolutely no room for us and our luggage. Luckily for me, I carried extra cash, because DW refused to set foot in this stateroom. Went to purser and purchased the next available stateroom at full tariff price. Again," what ever Lola wants, Lola gets"., and it has been that way ever since. Godspeed!

Rattanchair...You need to book the Feb 1, 2020 Seaside cruise and join us.  Of course you would have to come out of YC to have drinks with us.  Would love to meet you guys - I want to see myself in the future!!  Lol. 

Really enjoyed you insight in all things Seaside and YC.  

[rattanchair]

1 hour ago, tcmagnum said:

Rattanchair...You need to book the Feb 1, 2020 Seaside cruise and join us.  Of course you would have to come out of YC to have drinks with us.  Would love to meet you guys - I want to see myself in the future!!  Lol. 

Really enjoyed you insight in all things Seaside and YC.  

Dear TC,  Thanks for the invitation. DW is still teaching (45 years and counting, slowly). We are booked for Christmas vacation on Mera, Spring break on Mera again, June on Seaside and July on Seaside again, then back to school, with Seaside for Thanksgiving and Mera for Christmas, all YC only. At least this is the plan for 2020. But we all know that life sometimes gets in the way. "The best laid schemes of mice and men, gain aft aglay (often go wrong) and leave us not but grief and pain for promised joy" Robby Burns.  So let me return the invitation should you all be on board with us and may we invite you for drinks in the Yacht Club. And thank you for your kind words about my postings. RC

[JAGR]

29 minutes ago, rattanchair said:

 So let me return the invitation should you all be on board with us and may we invite you for drinks in the Yacht Club.

While I appreciate your review and commentary, I think TC had it right about you coming out of the YC to join them for drinks.  I really think that those of us who have paid for the experience should be allowed to do so.  Bringing in non-paying guests is poor form, at best.  Have them come to your cabin, if you will, but the YC public areas should be for YC guests only, IMHO.

 

To also use Robert Burns (or Rabbie, not Robby Burns),“Oh would some power the giftie gie us, To see ourselves as others see us.”  We don't need to have the entire ship see us as we are.  There is a reason there are locked access doors opened only by a member's card.

[max996]

On 7/31/2019 at 12:55 PM, rattanchair said:

Dear Max,  Your posts about the Divina and the Seaside YC Royal Suites helped us 'pull the trigger ' on booking with MSC. Thank you for all your postings ! I could have never have posted my observations in 'real' time in the Royal Suite on Divina, there was absolutely no wifi when I sat on the balcony. I could type day and night from the RS on Seaside.

Hey, that's good to hear, and I'm so glad you had a great of an experience that my wife and I always have! 

[rattanchair]

4 hours ago, JAGR said:

While I appreciate your review and commentary, I think TC had it right about you coming out of the YC to join them for drinks.  I really think that those of us who have paid for the experience should be allowed to do so.  Bringing in non-paying guests is poor form, at best.  Have them come to your cabin, if you will, but the YC public areas should be for YC guests only, IMHO.

 

To also use Robert Burns (or Rabbie, not Robby Burns),“Oh would some power the giftie gie us, To see ourselves as others see us.”  We don't need to have the entire ship see us as we are.  There is a reason there are locked access doors opened only by a member's card.

Dear J,  We were on the Divina this past Christmas, when we met this divine Scot, who flew in from Scotland, traveling with her daughter and grandson in adjoining cabin in the Yacht Club. I immediately recited the aforementioned 'of mice and men' to her , one of my most favorite. She replied to me "Oh, Robby Burns". It sounded to me as Robbie or Robby. Please forgive me for mis-hearing . She proceeded to quote verses from  "Poor Willie's Prayer" her father's favorite. We hit it off being Robert Burns fans. I sit and read his letters to 'Clarinda' to this day.

    On my past posts on other threads ( specifically NCL Breakaway Haven Observations) a poster accused me of being a SNOB, can you imagine that! I told her that it was so bourgeois a term. I much prefer 'elitist'. I see we are comrades. But I will take the chance of offending my fellow elitists in the Yacht Club by inviting a fellow CC poster, for a drink and tour of our Royal Suite in the Yacht Club. I do not think the exemplary staff will refuse anything a Royal Suite asks. They have not refused us yet. We will post our observations. We invite you as well, should we ever meet. You are truly a scholar and a gentlemen in every sense of the words.

Edited August 2, 2019 by rattanchair
Sylvander