Live from Seashore Feb 5-12 (2022)

[TrinaLC]

Happy to answer any questions! Observations, not necessarily in any particular order 🙂

 

- Passenger count remains very low, about 1500 ship wide, and approximately 150 or 50% in the yacht club. I get the sense there may have been a lot of upgrades into the yacht club. It’s just about perfect at 50% capacity! The rest of the ship seems quite empty except in the usual hotspots.

 

-Embarkation was fairly painless given the low pax count. (This may not hold true as loads on increase!). At least two checkpoints for Covid passports and test results before you can progress, but seemed really quite well organized. After the initial document checkpoints, they perform a quick nasal swab and then you are given a sticker to sit in a particular area. There will be an attendant there who gets results by iPad and (s)he will let you know when you are good to go.  (About 20 minutes.). Once cleared you officially check in and if the ship is ready can board. We got there by 10;45 and were on board by noon. Being in the YC did not particularly expedite the process given the low pax count. As others have noted the new terminal no longer has a truly separate YC checking waiting.  

 

- Staff throughout the ship have been outgoing, friendly and helpful, as nice and delightful a group as I’ve ever sailed with. The yacht club stuff as always is awesome, but the vibe is really good throughout the ship.

 

- We have noticed however, a complete lack of presence from/inter reaction with ship officers, whether maritime or hotel. On other MSC cruises we’ve been really pleased with the interaction with officers (they were regularly “checking in” and asking how things were going, as well as being sociable) and there has been literally zero on this cruise. I can’t ascribe this to Covid because there would be plenty of ways for interaction on the open decks, so I can only describe this as a very disappointing short fall from the normal expectations on MSC.

 

- The food in the yacht club exceeds our past experiences, uniformly good/very good. We’ve also sampled some of the food in the buffet and have been very impressed with the quality and the variety.  The pizza, which is always been a favorite, seems however to be inexplicably thin, almost zero crust. The flavor and toppings are still as good as always, but overall it has dropped in my esteem 🙂. I now give the “best at sea” to carnivals pizza!

 

-This is our first cruise that has actually managed to stop at the private island, bad weather has prevented docking on several other cruises.  It certainly  lives up to the hype!  What a lovely spot! We enjoyed the lunch at the yacht club facility, which really is lovely, but certainly all passengers have the benefit of many great locations. In fact, as others with noted, the beaches outside of the yacht club area are probably superior and all facilities are really well done.  We were there just until 5 o’clock on this particular leg of the cruise, stopping again before returning to Miami, hope for the full evening festivities on that leg.

 

- A first world “problem”, but shocked (pun intended) at the lack of electrical outlets in our YC cabin, given this is a new ship. NO outlets by the bedside, nor by the seating area, none in the bathroom. Two USB ports by the TV, and two standard US plugs next to them - plugs were side by side, meaning really only one was usable if you were trying to plug in anything wider than just a standard plug.  There are 3 European plugs so consider bringing adapters to make these usable. I can only imagine things are worse in “steerage”. (LOL that is a joke, don’t cancel me 🙂. )

 

- Overall, a lovely cruise, reminds me why I like MSC so much and how awesome their YC product is. Particularly enjoy seeing staff from past cruises and it is amazing how they genuinely remember you!

 

 

 

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[morpheusofthesea]

20 minutes ago, TrinaLC said:

There are 3 European plugs so consider bringing adapters to make these usable. I can only imagine things are worse in “steerage”

Thanks for posting this. We leave on the 12th on Seashore, and just ordered 3 adaptors for overnight delivery.

[Cruiser Bruiser]

Thanks for starting this thread. I will be sailing on Seashore on 2/19, so I am excited to go on your cruise with you.

 

Regarding the officers, I was on Meraviglia over Thanksgiving, and officers were out and about, and Voyager's Club events were being held. I was back on Meraviglia on January 9 and the officers were entirely gone, as were the Voyager's Club events. The officers are being kept in a bubble to ensure they are safe from omicron and there are no impacts on ship operations.

 

I'm anxious to have my parties back, but not until it's safe to do so. Safe travels!

[TrinaLC]

I can understand senior officers in a bubble but surely they can send out assistants?  I think it would be good training for them!  
 

And the MaitreD’ in the YC barely leaves his stand.   Never have met him once even though we’ve eaten every dinner in the YC. 
 

The one time to date on this cruise when he was doing the live cooking that the YC MD’s routinely do (fresh pasta etc) he never left his corner.  Our wonderful waiter mentioned fresh crepes but you never would have known it was the customary YC M’D show. 
 

 

Edited February 8, 2022 by TrinaLC

[Cashsmoney]

Could you please post post a few pictures of the daily’s? 
  I’m curious what venues are open to everyone in the evening not just vaccinated only. 

[TrinaLC]

[Cashsmoney]

4 hours ago, TrinaLC said:

Thank you!

[Cashsmoney]

Also is the Teppanyaki restaurant vaccinated only? Or is it open to everyone ?

[TrinaLC]

14 minutes ago, Cashsmoney said:

Also is the Teppanyaki restaurant vaccinated only? Or is it open to everyone ?

I’ll try and find out. I haven’t seen any suggestion of differention. 

[seapad]

@TrinaLC Thanks for the great review. We will be on the YC in April. You said earlier for embarkation, there is not much "preference" for YC to speed up the process. 

- Did you also stop by the White Tent to check in initially? 

- Were you then directed to whatever area they want you to go for the test? 

- Were you taken on board by the butler from the wait are , or did you just walk on after the test result is obtained? 

 

Thanks - this will help us understand what to expect when we board. 

 

[TrinaLC]

Yes, go to the YC tent to drop off your luggage, (IMO) tip the porter, and “check in”. It isn’t really a check in, more a screening. They will want to see your test results and Vax card. They will issue you a red paper bracelet (like concerts).  You will get a strip of QR codes with your name and cabin. They will attach one to the bracelet and give you to hold on to the rest with your vax card and test results.
 

 A land-based “butler” will escort you inside the new terminal to the next step which is a more rigorous review of your test results and vax card. Then you are directed to the medical test. You go there un-escorted. A quick swab and as I recall that medical person takes hold of your QR strip. You are given a paper number (eg, ‘Station 12”) with adhesive you wear like a badge. You go up the escalator unescorted and find the station which is well marked with seating. You may or may not be with other YC guests.  I think they keep families together for testing and therefor the same waiting station area. (They did for us.)
 

There is an attendant dedicated to each station who has an iPad and a walkie-talkie. When she gets results she will identify the guest(s), scan the QR code, hopefully check you off as good to go. At that point, YC guests should look for a designated YC check in area. It is to the right as you face the general check in area. It is quite well marked and YC wearing personnel should direct you. This line was short and this is the “official” check-in. You get your bracelet, boarding card and so on. From there we were escorted by actual butlers on the ship and to the YC.  Lovely to see ones we have sailed with before!

 

We found the process pretty easy to follow. it wasn’t the A to Z YC escort of yore (bypassing many lines) which is why I said won’t necessarily be faster but certainly the bag drop off and the dedicated actual check in remain significant benefits. 
 

And once you enter the sanctuary - all is well 😀

 

LMK if you have any questions. 

Edited February 8, 2022 by TrinaLC

[seapad]

5 hours ago, TrinaLC said:

Yes, go to the YC tent to drop off your luggage, (IMO) tip the porter, and “check in”. It isn’t really a check in, more a screening. They will want to see your test results and Vax card. They will issue you a red paper bracelet (like concerts).  You will get a strip of QR codes with your name and cabin. They will attach one to the bracelet and give you to hold on to the rest with your vax card and test results.
 

 A land-based “butler” will escort you inside the new terminal to the next step which is a more rigorous review of your test results and vax card. Then you are directed to the medical test. You go there un-escorted. A quick swab and as I recall that medical person takes hold of your QR strip. You are given a paper number (eg, ‘Station 12”) with adhesive you wear like a badge. You go up the escalator unescorted and find the station which is well marked with seating. You may or may not be with other YC guests.  I think they keep families together for testing and therefor the same waiting station area. (They did for us.)
 

There is an attendant dedicated to each station who has an iPad and a walkie-talkie. When she gets results she will identify the guest(s), scan the QR code, hopefully check you off as good to go. At that point, YC guests should look for a designated YC check in area. It is to the right as you face the general check in area. It is quite well marked and YC wearing personnel should direct you. This line was short and this is the “official” check-in. You get your bracelet, boarding card and so on. From there we were escorted by actual butlers on the ship and to the YC.  Lovely to see ones we have sailed with before!

 

We found the process pretty easy to follow. it wasn’t the A to Z YC escort of yore (bypassing many lines) which is why I said won’t necessarily be faster but certainly the bag drop off and the dedicated actual check in remain significant benefits. 
 

And once you enter the sanctuary - all is well 😀

 

LMK if you have any questions. 

Thanks so much for the detail information! Please enjoy your cruise. 

Were you able to get in the cabin when you board, or at least drop off luggage?

We usually do  that and then go to restaurant for lunch. Is it the same process now?

[morpheusofthesea]

11 hours ago, TrinaLC said:

 

LMK if you have any questions

Is MSC testing passengers while on board  for  a one week cruise?

[TrinaLC]

- I forgot to mention that you go through security/x-ray after the medical swab just before heading up the escalator (as I recall). 

- YC rooms were ready but they always ask you to wait in the lounge for your butler to escort you … a bit silly. Certainly drop your bags in the cabin and have lunch either by the pool or in the restaurant. I think even non-YC rooms were ready by 12:30.

 

- No two day test. This may be because we didn’t port anywhere that required it (we only went to Ocean Cay, Nassau and Puerta Plata (DR)), and/or the reality of lot of pop-up symptomless cases bringing needless quarantine misery … given the vaxxed and presumably mostly boostered population

 

 

Edited February 9, 2022 by TrinaLC

[JAGR]

59 minutes ago, TrinaLC said:

- I forgot to mention that you go through security/x-ray after the medical swab just before heading up the escalator (as I recall). 

- YC rooms were ready but they always ask you to wait in the lounge for your butler to escort you … a bit silly. Certainly drop your bags in the cabin and have lunch either by the pool or in the restaurant. I think even non-YC rooms were ready by 12:30.

 

- No two day test. This may be because we didn’t port anywhere that required it (we only went to Ocean Cay, Nassau and Puerta Plata (DR)), and/or the reality of lot of pop-up symptomless cases bringing needless quarantine misery … given the vaxxed and presumably mostly boostered population

 

 

No San Juan?  Still shows for us in March.  But, then again, still shows Grand Cayman for us the week before!

[seapad]

5 hours ago, TrinaLC said:

- I forgot to mention that you go through security/x-ray after the medical swab just before heading up the escalator (as I recall). 

- YC rooms were ready but they always ask you to wait in the lounge for your butler to escort you … a bit silly. Certainly drop your bags in the cabin and have lunch either by the pool or in the restaurant. I think even non-YC rooms were ready by 12:30.

 

- No two day test. This may be because we didn’t port anywhere that required it (we only went to Ocean Cay, Nassau and Puerta Plata (DR)), and/or the reality of lot of pop-up symptomless cases bringing needless quarantine misery … given the vaxxed and presumably mostly boostered population

 

 

Oh, I was referring to the requirement to do the self proctored covid test 2 days before boarding the ship. That still applies, right? Thanks! 

[morpheusofthesea]

That is great news. Thank you.

Edited February 9, 2022 by morpheusofthesea

[Hobby3333]

Does MSC still replenish the mini fridge in your stateroom as they have in the past?   Or, do they charge to restock the fridge?

[TrinaLC]

6 hours ago, JAGR said:

No San Juan?  Still shows for us in March.  But, then again, still shows Grand Cayman for us the week before!

Unfortunately not! And that is one of my faves. 
 

When you board look for Arnold (“Arnie”) Castro, a marvelous attendant/server in the YC. He’s as wonderful as the legendary Arthur!  Tell Arnie Mark and Kathy say hi!  (Mark = NY(heart)Chapp))

 

Arnie devised the most wonderful “Jamaican Pina Colada” made with Myers rum that he would instruct the bar tenders to make for us. 
 

Edited February 9, 2022 by TrinaLC

[TrinaLC]

2 hours ago, seapad said:

Oh, I was referring to the requirement to do the self proctored covid test 2 days before boarding the ship. That still applies, right? Thanks! 

Pre-boarding test is needed but NOT self-proctored. Must be proctored!  There is a good thread on this a few days old. 

[Cruiser Bruiser]

32 minutes ago, Hobby3333 said:

Does MSC still replenish the mini fridge in your stateroom as they have in the past?   Or, do they charge to restock the fridge?

I was in YC on Meraviglia in January and there was a charge for minibar items aside for the first item on a short list that was told to be and I immediately ignored as I didn't want to risk a minibar charge. So, I would expect replenished items to come with a charge if you consume them.

[TrinaLC]

36 minutes ago, Hobby3333 said:

Does MSC still replenish the mini fridge in your stateroom as they have in the past?   Or, do they charge to restock the fridge?

I believe they may restock items like soda but they do not restock the toblerone or the nuts. Not sure about the beer or juices.  (But check on the soda too.)
 

Instead of mini bottles of alcohol (that used to be restocked) they provide a one liter bottle of alcohol that isn’t restocked. I think that is a good outcome.  There are limited types - maybe vodka or rum or bourbon - but we talked them into a bottle of scotch instead 🙂

 

Edited February 9, 2022 by TrinaLC

[ready2cruzagain]

1 hour ago, TrinaLC said:

Unfortunately not! And that is one of my faves. 
 

When you board look for Arnold (“Arnie”) Castro, a marvelous attendant/server in the YC. He’s as wonderful as the legendary Arthur!  Tell Arnie Mark and Kathy say hi!  (Mark = NY(heart)Chapp))

 

Arnie devised the most wonderful “Jamaican Pina Colada” made with Myers rum that he would instruct the bar tenders to make for us. 
 

What is the reason they are giving for not going to San Juan?  We are scheduled on the Feb. 26th cruise and was suppose to go to St. Thomas but changed that to Nassau but they did give us $50pp.  We are scheduled to also go to San Juan and Grand Caymans.  I doubt we will be going to Grand Caymans but I would hate to add another sea day by missing San Juan also. 

 

I prefer port days when everyone is off the ship and can be alone.🤣

[TrinaLC]

No reason given for port changes, or at least none that came to my attention The change was before we sailed so not due to Covid counts. 
 

 

An interesting observation as I walked around today - All of 13 is blocked off. I opened one door that did not have any “no entry” or other warning and observed a table outside of the cabin door (balcony side) opposite.  Empty food left on it so obviously a quarantine floor. Have not heard of any Covid cases and could well be an employee quarantining on arrival. But clearly many balcony rooms available which is good to know.  

 

Maybe should have picked a different  floor than 13 😛

Edited February 9, 2022 by TrinaLC

[JAGR]

21 hours ago, TrinaLC said:

Unfortunately not! And that is one of my faves. 
 

When you board look for Arnold (“Arnie”) Castro, a marvelous attendant/server in the YC. He’s as wonderful as the legendary Arthur!  Tell Arnie Mark and Kathy say hi!  (Mark = NY(heart)Chapp))

 

Arnie devised the most wonderful “Jamaican Pina Colada” made with Myers rum that he would instruct the bar tenders to make for us. 
 

We are hoping to get to Marmalade or Cocina Abierta!  Probably Marmalade in your honor!  Glad you two are having a great time!  We''ll definitely look up Arnold and try and capture him for two weeks!  And, I'll drink the Pina Colada.  Chris will stay with her Malbec!

 

Have you done any shows, or the Le Caberet Rouge?

Edited February 10, 2022 by JAGR