First time MSC and YC - Give me your best advice!

[L1211]

I’m an experienced cruiser and avid planner, but did not do my research in advance on this cruise. I “grabbed” it by process of elimination based on very specific date needs and very limited availability on our go-to lines.  I am excited to try something new and I am a “make the most of it” cruiser (I had emergency surgery in St Thomas while on a cruise. I was discharged from the hospital and made sailaway at 7pm! That was NCL and a story for another day…).  But, I have found the negative Mera reviews daunting.  They are here, on my Facebook group, and on YouTube.  
 

I have taken your advice and upgraded to Yacht Club!  We’re traveling with DD who is 22 and her bestie and our second cabin is an Aurea Suite on 11.  I realize that creates logistics problems but they really want to travel alone and are not interested in the YC upgrade (they don’t want to lose the suite with hot tub on the balcony!).  We are more along for the ride (and payment…). We expect we’ll do dinner a couple of times with them in the Aurea dining room and visit their incredible sun deck.  Maybe take ins a show or two, but they will have most of their time without us (on purpose).

 

Our cruise is just a 4 night with stops in Nassau (have not left the ship on the last several stops) and Ocean Cay- super excited to visit!  
 

Answer any or all of the below and thank you in advance! 
 

My ask- how do we maximize our short time in YC?  
What are your favorite experiences and tips?  

We’ve never had a butter on a cruise, your advice?  

Do you tip along the way or at the end?  We’ve always had a drink package and always tipped per drink.  Also tipped at dinner in the past. Suggestions? 

How about appetizers and drinks in your cabin - possible?  
Not finding hours for YC dining room or lounge- open late? 

Is the YC similar across the fleet (reviews from other ships relevant to the Mera?) 

Any MUST TRY food - total foodies and love nice wine.  Will there be wine options with the premium pkg?

Online it states 40% off pre-purchased spa pkgs- any idea how to do that??

Not considering speciality dining although that has been our go to on RCL and NCL- advice?? 

Any other areas of Mera that are not miss?Advice for Ocean Cay?

Disembarking - only time we’ll really need to coordinate with the girls- thoughts?? 
 

Ha!  Really, any advice you have to share is appreciated!  

 

 

[DCGuy64]

On 1/29/2023 at 1:13 PM, L1211 said:

I’m an experienced cruiser and avid planner, but did not do my research in advance on this cruise. I “grabbed” it by process of elimination based on very specific date needs and very limited availability on our go-to lines.  I am excited to try something new and I am a “make the most of it” cruiser (I had emergency surgery in St Thomas while on a cruise. I was discharged from the hospital and made sailaway at 7pm! That was NCL and a story for another day…).  But, I have found the negative Mera reviews daunting.  They are here, on my Facebook group, and on YouTube.  
 

I have taken your advice and upgraded to Yacht Club!  We’re traveling with DD who is 22 and her bestie and our second cabin is an Aurea Suite on 11.  I realize that creates logistics problems but they really want to travel alone and are not interested in the YC upgrade (they don’t want to lose the suite with hot tub on the balcony!).  We are more along for the ride (and payment…). We expect we’ll do dinner a couple of times with them in the Aurea dining room and visit their incredible sun deck.  Maybe take ins a show or two, but they will have most of their time without us (on purpose).

 

Our cruise is just a 4 night with stops in Nassau (have not left the ship on the last several stops) and Ocean Cay- super excited to visit!  
 

Answer any or all of the below and thank you in advance! 
 

My ask- how do we maximize our short time in YC?  
What are your favorite experiences and tips?  

We’ve never had a butter on a cruise, your advice?  

Do you tip along the way or at the end?  We’ve always had a drink package and always tipped per drink.  Also tipped at dinner in the past. Suggestions? 

How about appetizers and drinks in your cabin - possible?  
Not finding hours for YC dining room or lounge- open late? 

Is the YC similar across the fleet (reviews from other ships relevant to the Mera?) 

Any MUST TRY food - total foodies and love nice wine.  Will there be wine options with the premium pkg?

Online it states 40% off pre-purchased spa pkgs- any idea how to do that??

Not considering speciality dining although that has been our go to on RCL and NCL- advice?? 

Any other areas of Mera that are not miss?Advice for Ocean Cay?

Disembarking - only time we’ll really need to coordinate with the girls- thoughts?? 
 

Ha!  Really, any advice you have to share is appreciated!  

 

 

Hi from a fellow Louisvillian (well formerly, I now live in VA). We sailed Meraviglia in December 2019 in the Yacht Club. It was fantastic. We had an absolutely wonderful time, so wonderful that we stayed until we were told "you have to leave." 😂

I'll try to address as many of your questions as I can.

We never tipped anyone. Not necessary or expected.

Butler was great-looked after us so incredibly well, including escorting us to the show we attended at the very last minute, and to our own YC section of the theater. Brought me an Italian newspaper every day, on the house. Restocked the minibar every day.

Food phenomenal, they will make just about anything you want, provided they have the ingredients. Special orders no problem. Don't remember how late the restaurant is open, though.

When we went to Ocean Cay, it had only been open for a few days and we were only the 2nd MSC ship to call there. It was still under development. The Yacht Club area is located somewhat far from the dock and we took chauffeured golf carts to get there. The food and drinks were nice, but it was clear they had barely opened up. I'm sure someone who's been there more recently can provide a fresh perspective. We LOVED the Yacht Club and will never go back to the regular experience. One of my favorites about MSC is the champagne bar, which I visited almost every day. It's not within the YC. Also of note: your YC Premium Drink package works all over the ship. And you get free access to the Aurea Spa.

 

[L1211]

3 minutes ago, DCGuy64 said:

Hi from a fellow Louisvillian (well formerly, I now live in VA). We sailed Meraviglia in December 2019 in the Yacht Club. It was fantastic. We had an absolutely wonderful time, so wonderful that we stayed until we were told "you have to leave." 😂

I'll try to address as many of your questions as I can.

We never tipped anyone. Not necessary or expected.

Butler was great-looked after us so incredibly well, including escorting us to the show we attended at the very last minute, and to our own YC section of the theater. Brought me an Italian newspaper every day, on the house. Restocked the minibar every day.

Food phenomenal, they will make just about anything you want, provided they have the ingredients. Special orders no problem. Don't remember how late the restaurant is open, though.

When we went to Ocean Cay, it had only been open for a few days and we were only the 2nd MSC ship to call there. It was still under development. The Yacht Club area is located somewhat far from the dock and we took chauffeured golf carts to get there. The food and drinks were nice, but it was clear they had barely opened up. I'm sure someone who's been there more recently can provide a fresh perspective. We LOVED the Yacht Club and will never go back to the regular experience. One of my favorites about MSC is the champagne bar, which I visited almost every day. It's not within the YC. Also of note: your YC Premium Drink package works all over the ship. And you get free access to the Aurea Spa.

 

Yay!  Love this!  It’s soooo nice to read something positive.  Can’t wait to try the champagne bar- some place we can meet the girls outside of YC.  I’m a huge seafood fan and it looks like they have offerings at most meals.  Will be sure and let them know!  Thanks for the tips!!  

[Raj.K]

Hi L1211,

 

please my answers on my own experience below:

 

My ask- how do we maximize our short time in YC? Use all of the privileges that come with YC (Top Sail lounge and One Pool deck are exclusive to YC along with the restaurant). As your drinks package includes drinks at all venues throughout the ship, do feel free to explore the ship at leisure. You can also use the buffet restaurant, perhaps for snakes or variety of choice.
What are your favorite experiences and tips? We like the high tea in the afternoons. The variety and choice lately has been a bit disappointing though.

We’ve never had a butter on a cruise, your advice?  I assume you mean butler. Butlers are particularly great when you need to get on or off the ship as they escort you without the need for queueing.

Do you tip along the way or at the end?  We’ve always had a drink package and always tipped per drink.  Also tipped at dinner in the past. Suggestions? Tipping is a personal matter and you can tip as and when you like. I normally tip towards the end of our cruise. Gratuities are included in the fare in some parts of the world. In YC in particular you'll normally have the same waiters, butler and room attenders throughout your cruise. The bars of course will have a rota where you will be serviced by the same team of YC staff.

How about appetizers and drinks in your cabin - possible? The mini bar seem not to be replenished like they used to be pre-pandemic. But the Top Sail Lounge is within easy reach where you can order a drink or get room service which comes free with YC. 
Not finding hours for YC dining room or lounge- open late? The YC dinning room has opening hours for service (breakfast, lunch and dinner). But the Top Sail Lounge (and bar) is open almost 24/7. You can order room service anytime too.

Is the YC similar across the fleet (reviews from other ships relevant to the Mera?) Though the structure and deco of YC areas change between those classes of ships with YC, the service is great across the fleet.

Any MUST TRY food - total foodies and love nice wine.  Will there be wine options with the premium pkg? Yes.

Online it states 40% off pre-purchased spa pkgs- any idea how to do that?? Access to the spa area is free for YC. Should you like any treatments or massages these need to be paid for. It may be cheaper to pre-purchase, but there are also offers from time to time on board.

Not considering speciality dining although that has been our go to on RCL and NCL- advice?? With a short cruise, you may easily find the variety you are looking for. Should you like something not on the menu just ask and I am sure they will be willing to assist where possible. Do also visit the speciality restaurant to check the menu and pricing and then decide.

Disembarking - only time we’ll really need to coordinate with the girls- thoughts?? YC means you have greater flexibility, even if this means you vacating the room by a certain time but you can be in the Top Sail Lounge or the One Pool areas enjoying the service for a few extra hours. Yes, it may be that you agree to meet the girls who may have to vacate the room sooner and meet in another public area of the ship (not sure if they will serve drinks etc. on non YC areas though).

 

Hope the above helps.

[L1211]

50 minutes ago, Raj.K said:

Hi L1211,

 

please my answers on my own experience below:

 

My ask- how do we maximize our short time in YC? Use all of the privileges that come with YC (Top Sail lounge and One Pool deck are exclusive to YC along with the restaurant). As your drinks package includes drinks at all venues throughout the ship, do feel free to explore the ship at leisure. You can also use the buffet restaurant, perhaps for snakes or variety of choice.
What are your favorite experiences and tips? We like the high tea in the afternoons. The variety and choice lately has been a bit disappointing though.

We’ve never had a butter on a cruise, your advice?  I assume you mean butler. Butlers are particularly great when you need to get on or off the ship as they escort you without the need for queueing.

Do you tip along the way or at the end?  We’ve always had a drink package and always tipped per drink.  Also tipped at dinner in the past. Suggestions? Tipping is a personal matter and you can tip as and when you like. I normally tip towards the end of our cruise. Gratuities are included in the fare in some parts of the world. In YC in particular you'll normally have the same waiters, butler and room attenders throughout your cruise. The bars of course will have a rota where you will be serviced by the same team of YC staff.

How about appetizers and drinks in your cabin - possible? The mini bar seem not to be replenished like they used to be pre-pandemic. But the Top Sail Lounge is within easy reach where you can order a drink or get room service which comes free with YC. 
Not finding hours for YC dining room or lounge- open late? The YC dinning room has opening hours for service (breakfast, lunch and dinner). But the Top Sail Lounge (and bar) is open almost 24/7. You can order room service anytime too.

Is the YC similar across the fleet (reviews from other ships relevant to the Mera?) Though the structure and deco of YC areas change between those classes of ships with YC, the service is great across the fleet.

Any MUST TRY food - total foodies and love nice wine.  Will there be wine options with the premium pkg? Yes.

Online it states 40% off pre-purchased spa pkgs- any idea how to do that?? Access to the spa area is free for YC. Should you like any treatments or massages these need to be paid for. It may be cheaper to pre-purchase, but there are also offers from time to time on board.

Not considering speciality dining although that has been our go to on RCL and NCL- advice?? With a short cruise, you may easily find the variety you are looking for. Should you like something not on the menu just ask and I am sure they will be willing to assist where possible. Do also visit the speciality restaurant to check the menu and pricing and then decide.

Disembarking - only time we’ll really need to coordinate with the girls- thoughts?? YC means you have greater flexibility, even if this means you vacating the room by a certain time but you can be in the Top Sail Lounge or the One Pool areas enjoying the service for a few extra hours. Yes, it may be that you agree to meet the girls who may have to vacate the room sooner and meet in another public area of the ship (not sure if they will serve drinks etc. on non YC areas though).

 

Hope the above helps.

Hey Raj K, super helpful!  Love that you’ve had a great experience!!!  Ha on my “butter” comment- you are correct, it is my first butler experience.  Will have to try breakfast in the room - never done that but love the idea.  I love sit down meals on cruise ships so will use the dining room for sure!  I’m also a late nighter so will enjoy the lounge.  Thanks again!  I will report back- we sail in a few weeks!! 

[lcpagejr]

I ve cruised on Seaside class ships... You could wave to people  through the dividing glass to Aurea sun deck which abutted the YC. There was a door you could enter YC from Aurea sun deck. Not sure where Aurea is on Meravaglia.... But don't sell your self short on the benefits, comfort and service of YC and their wonderful Pool deck. 

[L1211]

14 minutes ago, lcpagejr said:

I ve cruised on Seaside class ships... You could wave to people  through the dividing glass to Aurea sun deck which abutted the YC. There was a door you could enter YC from Aurea sun deck. Not sure where Aurea is on Meravaglia.... But don't sell your self short on the benefits, comfort and service of YC and their wonderful Pool deck. 

Love that!  Don’t intend to feel limited by our daughter’s Choice.  Offered to upgrade them too, but they want the suite with hot tub.  Will be sure to wave! 

[Georgia_Peaches]

30 minutes ago, L1211 said:

.  Offered to upgrade them too, but they want the suite with hot tub.  Will be sure to wave! 

Haha you’re dodging a bullet. My dd wouldn’t eat filet mignon insisting she preferred sirloin. Then one day our entrees got switched and much to my wallet’s chagrin, she’s never looked back (regarding steak or any of the finer things in life!). 

[hamrag]

10 hours ago, lcpagejr said:

I ve cruised on Seaside class ships... You could wave to people  through the dividing glass to Aurea sun deck which abutted the YC. There was a door you could enter YC from Aurea sun deck. Not sure where Aurea is on Meravaglia.... But don't sell your self short on the benefits, comfort and service of YC and their wonderful Pool deck. 

Indeed, that is the case on the Seaside class....not on Meraviglia though, you'd need a huge flag to identify yourself and the other party would need strong binoculars!

[Nunagoras]

On 1/29/2023 at 6:13 PM, L1211 said:

I’m an experienced cruiser and avid planner, but did not do my research in advance on this cruise. I “grabbed” it by process of elimination based on very specific date needs and very limited availability on our go-to lines.  I am excited to try something new and I am a “make the most of it” cruiser (I had emergency surgery in St Thomas while on a cruise. I was discharged from the hospital and made sailaway at 7pm! That was NCL and a story for another day…).  But, I have found the negative Mera reviews daunting.  They are here, on my Facebook group, and on YouTube.  - Oh, this time it will be far better!... Have a nice sailing!...
 

I have taken your advice and upgraded to Yacht Club!  We’re traveling with DD who is 22 and her bestie and our second cabin is an Aurea Suite on 11.  I realize that creates logistics problems but they really want to travel alone and are not interested in the YC upgrade (they don’t want to lose the suite with hot tub on the balcony!).  We are more along for the ride (and payment…). We expect we’ll do dinner a couple of times with them in the Aurea dining room and visit their incredible sun deck.  Maybe take ins a show or two, but they will have most of their time without us (on purpose). - At embarkation day tell the concierge that you want to have dinner with them on Aurea restaurant. They'll to arrange it for you.

 

Our cruise is just a 4 night with stops in Nassau (have not left the ship on the last several stops) and Ocean Cay- super excited to visit!  
 

Answer any or all of the below and thank you in advance! 
 

My ask- how do we maximize our short time in YC?  - Well: Enjoy it the most; and don't forget that there is an exclusive YC area on the island and to make a picture by the Swarovsky stairs because they're wonderful!...
What are your favorite experiences and tips?  - Never gone on YC myself. Listening to the piano music on the atrium bar is my favorite activity onboard. They'll have it on TSL for you!

We’ve never had a butter on a cruise, your advice?  

Do you tip along the way or at the end?  We’ve always had a drink package and always tipped per drink.  Also tipped at dinner in the past. Suggestions? - MSC strongly discourages tipping above the automatic service charge onboard their ships. If, either way, you intend to exta tip, do it in a very discreet fashion, please, and always at the end.

How about appetizers and drinks in your cabin - possible?  - Yes for YC, but that may depend on your butler. Some better than others. in room mini fridge only free for some drinks and the first small snacks round. If you want restock they'll to come at a charge.
Not finding hours for YC dining room or lounge- open late? - It will depend on your cruise's itinerary and cruisers demographics, on a sailing by sailing base. For MSC it is open seating, but they'll ask you for preference if the YC is too full. Lounge open late with small snacks.

Is the YC similar across the fleet (reviews from other ships relevant to the Mera?) - No differences relevant to Mera once only the older ships have the restaurant separated from the enclave which is not the case of the Mera or newer, pretty much similar across the board.

Any MUST TRY food - total foodies and love nice wine.  Will there be wine options with the premium pkg?

Online it states 40% off pre-purchased spa pkgs- any idea how to do that?? - Have your TA to deal with those oddities with them. MSC IT and support can be challenging at times.

Not considering speciality dining although that has been our go to on RCL and NCL- advice?? - No need for it with YC.

Any other areas of Mera that are not miss?Advice for Ocean Cay? - They have a lighthouse show at evening and an YC area on Ocean Cay. Regarding the Mera don't miss the LED ceiling show in the Promenade if that is your sort of thing.

Disembarking - only time we’ll really need to coordinate with the girls- thoughts?? - Unless both of your parties want to make self debarkation, better to arrange yourselves to group outside the port, once Aurea and YC debarkation will be done from different port building areas.
 

Ha!  Really, any advice you have to share is appreciated!  You're welcome, have a nice day!...

 

 

 

[DCGuy64]

21 hours ago, Raj.K said:

You can also use the buffet restaurant, perhaps for snakes or variety of choice.

They have snakes on the menu? Eeeeww... 😂 (I assume the word was supposed to be "snacks," but I needed a laugh today and I got it.)

[KennyFla]

On 1/29/2023 at 1:13 PM, L1211 said:

 

 

 

Any MUST TRY food - total foodies and love nice wine.  Will there be wine options with the premium pkg?

 

 

The Risotto.  We didn't try the risotto until the third night, and then kicked ourselves for waiting so long.  Fantastic.  We ordered a serving for the table to share every night.

 

We were on the Divina, where the YC restaurant is not connected to the rest of the Yacht Club.  They brought in a limited selection every night, but all the wines were very good.

 

I second one thing that was posted earlier about asking for something if you don't see it on the menu.  My wife can't have gluten, and they made special plates for her that were great.  We had the best restaurant service I have ever had, of course we had Arthur and Kunal.

[L1211]

55 minutes ago, KennyFla said:

The Risotto.  We didn't try the risotto until the third night, and then kicked ourselves for waiting so long.  Fantastic.  We ordered a serving for the table to share every night.

 

We were on the Divina, where the YC restaurant is not connected to the rest of the Yacht Club.  They brought in a limited selection every night, but all the wines were very good.

 

I second one thing that was posted earlier about asking for something if you don't see it on the menu.  My wife can't have gluten, and they made special plates for her that were great.  We had the best restaurant service I have ever had, of course we had Arthur and Kunal.

Omg, Risotto is one of my very favorite foods!  It’s so hard to find a great one - will be on the lookout for sure!!!  Thanks KennyFla

[L1211]

1 hour ago, DCGuy64 said:

They have snakes on the menu? Eeeeww... 😂 (I assume the word was supposed to be "snacks," but I needed a laugh today and I got it.)

Sounds like they’d be out of “snakes” if they had been on the menu!  Or served mostly raw without the waiter ever coming back to the table…. Getting in the spirit of the Mera! Ha!! 

[DCGuy64]

Just now, L1211 said:

Sounds like they’d be out of “snakes” if they had been on the menu!  Or served mostly raw without the waiter ever coming back to the table…. Getting in the spirit of the Mera! Ha!! 

I mean, Japanese people eat eel, so..... 😂😜😝

[Raj.K]

On 2/1/2023 at 5:21 PM, DCGuy64 said:

They have snakes on the menu? Eeeeww... 😂 (I assume the word was supposed to be "snacks," but I needed a laugh today and I got it.)

Apologies. It was indeed meant to be "snacks".  However, if I remember correctly they do have eels, snails and other choices from time to time which some may find disgusting.😃

[DCGuy64]

6 minutes ago, Raj.K said:

Apologies. It was indeed meant to be "snacks".  However, if I remember correctly they do have eels, snails and other choices from time to time which some may find disgusting.😃

Yes, and there are some people who eat raw fish-on purpose! I'm not much of a fish fan, and definitely not raw. But variety is the spice of life, so if others like that stuff, have at it!

[Lupush]

Are kids allowed in the YC pool area?

[defbref]

10 minutes ago, Lupush said:

Are kids allowed in the YC pool area?

Yes if the kids are YC guests then they are allowed anywhere in the YC area, there's no adult only areas within YC.

[L1211]

4 hours ago, defbref said:

Yes if the kids are YC guests then they are allowed anywhere in the YC area, there's no adult only areas within YC.

Do you know of the Aurea area (top 19??) is adult only?  Thanks!

[defbref]

Just now, L1211 said:

Do you know of the Aurea area (top 19??) is adult only?  Thanks!

 

That is more unclear, its supposed to be Adult only, but have seen plenty of kids in there who were Aurea Guests.

 

Personally I think if they are Aurea guests then you should be allowed in, but others may disagree.

 

Aurea Top 18 Solarium....still adults only? - MSC Cruises - Cruise Critic Community

[xcell]

17 hours ago, Lupush said:

Are kids allowed in the YC pool area?

Pool is small -- it is like an oversize hot tub...

[Markanddonna]

When is your trip?  That matters.