Meraviglia May 21 live

[Brighton Line]

Am I just showing my age? Does anyone remember movie theaters before showing advertisements before a movie would make an announcement "Crying babies should be taken to the lobby" and theaters even had closed in with glass rooms to watch with kids?

 

Back then no issue to leave the littles alone while you took the baby to the lobby, now of course there is a child molestor behind every seat.

 

I digress and hope we get back to the review of the cruise and way from screaming babies or comments of same.

[skipsaur]

I've never seen or heard of glass rooms in theaters. Can't remember the last time I've seen a baby in a movie theater either though. It sounds like childrearing and the world was very different back then. 

 

I'm not sure how this whole tangent kept circling back to complaining about kids. My original concern was about staff behavior, not kids or parents. And I'm glad OP mentioned a more recent example of staff handling things better.

Edited May 25, 2023 by skipsaur

[MsTabbyKats]

@Brighton LineI don't remember "glass rooms" but I do remember "Cry Baby Matinees"....where lights were only dimmed and kids could make all the noise they want.

 

My YC experience was excellent.  But...different sailing; different passengers....and different expectations.

 

@JoiseymomI found YC food better than other "cruise dining room food"....but they have to cater to the lowest common denominator.  That means.....not too spicy, not too "authentic cuisine"....basically bland and lacking in pizazz.  Kind of like vanilla ice cream;  I like mine with chocolate chips and syrup on top!

 

[Joiseymom]

Day 4

Slept in. Grabbed breakfast after 9:30 at deck 19 grill. Waived to the directors in a corner table. Put our things at the only available table, right next to that lovely family, lol. The directors came over and stated they were leaving, and asked if we wanted their table! We thanked them and, OMG, they moved our belongings.

 

We ate and hung out for awhile, but it was very windy. Couldn’t find my scrunchie, which I put into my pocket to make it easier to find, lol.

 

We looked at the dinner menu and decided to try to get Hola reservations. It’s frustrating, but it seems, to us at least, all they do is say no. We were told there were no more specialty reservations available for the rest of the cruise. That doesn’t sound right. She didn’t try to call, just said no. DH wasn’t happy. We went back to our room, saw our butler and he said he would find out for us. We said we would take anytime. We also told him, we haven’t received our newspaper at all. He said he will look into it. Our bottle of Belvedere Vodka was there.

 

We decided to check out the Horizon pool, deck 16, adults only. I was very nice and quiet. Weather was very overcast and we stayed there for a bit watching the captain maneuver us into Nassau. We watched to pilot get on the ship. Wow, he did an amazing job backing us into port between Independence OTS and the very tiny and old Carnival Legend.

 

We then decided to see what the MP buffet had. Tried some Asian chicken stir fry with veggies and rice. It was pretty good. DH didn’t like it. Also tried the sliced brisket from the carving section, which was good as well. DH was checking out agenda and saw we had two reservations for Hola!! Our Butler came through. He also found us in the buffet. Lol. We asked if he was tracking us! He joked yes, but said he had been looking and this was the last place. He told us about the reservation and asked which one we wanted, we said the early one.

 

Later on, another YV guest was told the same thing as us, but others said they went to the restaurants and got reservations. Turned out Butchers Cut and Teppanyaki are sold out.

 

We went back to the room, DH was getting warm. I left him in the room and went to deck 19. It was overcast and not bad to sit outside. Grabbed a sunset beach and second lunch. I’m a sucker for baby lamb chops. Had a few and some green beans and fresh hot fries. Grabbed pics of the pool deck of the Legend and had another Sunset beach. Then the clouds left and the sun was hot, so went back to the cool room to decide if I wanted to swim.

I decided to nap and cuddle with dh. We got up, I started reading my kindle. To Kill A Mockingbird. I’m reading banned books! We got dressed for dinner at Hola. I wore my white outfit since it’s white night! Our butler escorted us and my newspapers were delivered. Well, one was right, one was not. But I need birdcage liner and the NY Post is perfect for that, 😂.

 

We called our butler who escorted us to Hola. We looked at the menu and decided on the all can you eat to sample. We ordered: guacamole, queso fundido, steak taco, al pastor taco, carnitas taco, cheese quesadilla, steak quesadilla, tamale and more fundido and tasted the desserts. Unfortunately as posted by others the frozen margaritas and another frozen drink are not allowed under any drink package. I had two passion fruit margaritas with rim of wild berry sugar. DH had 2 lavender ones. Very happy with food and service and non frozen margaritas. DH will be back for margaritas!

 

We came back to the room to unwind and see what else we will do tonight and walked into the most romantic surprise in our room. I told DH not to turn on the lights. We were just floored. Our bed had faux rose petals in shape of a heart, with different colored tea lights, plus a strobe type light. It was beautiful ❤️.

 

We also had a bowl of fresh fruit! Yay, bananas! I’ve been asking for them since we boarded. I need potassium when I cruise!

 

Our Butler came to tell us about our Ocean Cay day. He told us to turn off our phones from the ship wifi and Connect to the OC wifi once off the ship. He told us to go to the lounge to be escorted off and wait for the buggy (golf cart) to drive us to the YC.

We went to the Rock Circus show at the Carousel theater. It’s $12 if you prepaid before you embark, $18 if you pay onboard, or $5 if you purchased the 3 night dining package.

We really enjoyed the show, the singers were great and the acrobatics were WOW.

 

We went to Top Sail lounge after for more drinks, yummy chocolate from the shop downstairs and friendly conversation.

Ocean Cay tomorrow!

 

 

 

 

[awatt]

Really enjoying your TR, thank you. Enjoy Ocean Cay, it wonderful, I'm jealous!

[Illbcruzn4life]

On 5/24/2023 at 5:00 PM, KnicksChick said:

I’m currently on this sailing in a Fantastica balcony and I’ve pretty much decided that this is a one and done with this cruise line.

Thats what I’m afraid of. I have 2 other bookings on MSC besides our Meraviglia cruise next month.

 

I keep reading that it’s a crapshoot if you aren't in yacht club.

 

Any details you can provide as to why?

Edited May 26, 2023 by Illbcruzn4life

[1025cruise]

Thank you for the live report. I'm considering booking the Meraviglia last minute and only YC is available at this point. Just waiting for my status match confirmation to come back. Picking this cruise because I can easily take the train to NYC.

[Joiseymom]

Day 5

Ocean Cay Day. Slept in, DH wasn’t feeling great, a cold coming on and last night and today, no voice! Tea and honey! The incoming YC director suggested honey and lemon. Our butler had it in our room tonight.

 

We slept in. Got dressed for the island, had enough time to grab breakfast on deck 19. It was hot up there. Finished and went to deck 16 to be escorted off the ship. We were the only ones there for a bit as we waited. At least six more people joined us.

 

We turned off our wifi, got off the ship and was escorted to the waiting area. Not enough seats for everyone to sit. I was hoping the cart would be there soon. Between my back and my knee..my body hated me, lol. The cart was coming, she said there is only room for 7. 😞 Counted the people sitting, there had been two others there before we got there. And we were left out. Not happy. I have to say prior to this most people were hi..you were here first go ahead, etc. Not here. At least I was able to sit once they left. A non yacht person came over to get some water and was told sorry, YC only.

 

The cart comes we get on with some others and we head to the YC section. YC has almost 200 people this cruise, we are full. We get to Ocean House, I’m looking at the beach and no chairs or umbrellas are available. Now, I’m not a beach person. Not a fan of sand. The one beach I've lived was in Destin Florida. OMG, the sand us like powder. It's amazing!

 

Our butler offered to get us lounge chairs and to place us near a tree with shade. Honestly, I didn’t see a spot the could do that. There were tables in the shade at Ocean House, we went sat at a comfy couch and chair, under a fan, ordered drinks and relaxed. Lunch wouldn’t be served until noon.

 

We ordered lunch at noon. I had the lobster roll but ignored the roll. Ordered another one and had them keep the roll. DH had the carne asada which the menu said was skirt steak. Nope, looked like London broil. They need to update their menu. The app also didn’t have all the drink options. 

 

1 ½ frozen margaritas and two tropical traders later we decided to walk a bit, take pics, look at the nicer less rocky beach across the road. Made a pit stop, and went to wait for the cart back to the ship. The crew member told us to sit on the couches/chairs to wait. The crew member was not at the Podium when the cart showed up, but others were also waiting, but near the road boarded and we were again left. 

DH, not happy. It’s frustrating to be told to sit here and then others get on first. A butler went to get a small cart for us and another couple and drove us to the ship. Lots of these little issues add up.

 

We got back and walked to the stores, one sold very expensive water bottles and magnets. We then walked into the MSC store, which had more economical prices. We were getting hot so we went to the ship.

 

I went to 19 to swim, DH went to the room first. When he came to the pool, too many people for him, plus too hot, he went back to the room.

 

When I got out of the pool I got another tropical teaser and started reading. My phone and my kindle got way to warm so I went down to the room. DH was napping. I feel bad he’s not feeling great. I showered, relaxed and read. He woke up, we dressed for dinner at the YC DR.

 

We went about 6:30. They were first going to seat us on the right, but that is where they seat that other family, who were not there yet. Instead they seated us at a four top by the window on the left side. There were two families with littles on that side. At one point one started to whine and mom of the year ( not being sarcastic) immediately said to stop or we'd be leaving. I think they did leave for awhile and dad took care of their other little. They came back and you would never know they were there. Great parents and great littles. If drinks weren't free, I'd have bought them a round!

 

Dinner was, well, ok. Not a fan of the options. I requested an off menu Caesar salad. I hoped the dressing would be better in YC. Nope. I ordered the chicken Kiev. It was bland. Very little filling and like the veal I had previously, no flavor in the breadcrumbs. It wasn’t bad, but disappointing. I expected more from what I’m constantly told is the best restaurant on board. DH had the plain grilled chicken. He had cheesecake for dessert, I requested the chocolate souffle and the rice pudding. The souffle was eh. Two bites was enough for me. Never received the pudding and we wanted to see the magician, so we left.

 

Magician aka comedian would not have passed the AGT audition. Thankfully it was short. We caught most of the first lighthouse show. It was pretty.

 

DH wanted to check out Sky Lounge. Headed there, and we listened to the saxophonist, who was very good, even though it’s not my type of music. I requested a water, DH requested a n Mai Tai and a shot of Jaeger. After awhile it came and she said she’d bring nuts and chips. Well, we left before it did (we had waited a while before we left). I’ve found service on the slow side, even in YC. Our water was never refilled during dinner. They usually come back for more drinks and bread. Sorry, not sorry, I expected more for the YC experience. The little things keep happening and they add up.

 

The adult comedian show, ATrain started at 10 in the carousel theater. I said it’s early, but let’s go, since the venue is small. There was a long line already. We went up front to ask where the YC should wait. We said told the empty queue next to the long one. We were joined by others in the YC. Then we saw one of the butlers with other guests and she had us join them. They did have a section reserved for us. The show was SRO, and very funny.

 

It was over at 11, and we decided to go to the MPB. Burgers again had sauce. I requested one without and was told there was nothing on it. I was like yes, there is sauce on it. He said we had to wait for the chef to come back. Went to sit down. A crew member came over and said it’s just ketchup and mayo. Ok..it’s sauce, I want a plain cheese burger. Not sure why it’s so difficult, lol. I don’t mind waiting, but geez.

 

Really wish we could order room service. I’d get wings etc. It honestly is frustrating and the logistics doesn’t make sense. I don’t think the butlers are going to the buffet to pick it up, I could be wrong. But it makes more sense that others are bringing it to the YC for the butlers to deliver it to us. If that can happen why can’t it happen with the other food?? I’ll pay the freaking fee. No logical sense. I’m sure others will disagree and say I’m being too picky, feel free. 😂

I didn’t set the expectations, MSC did. Little things add up.

 

[OmegaSeamaster]

I understand the frustration especially given you've paid (probably double) the cost to be YC.

 

I think, and you said it yourself, and it's true for everything in life, it's not as much about the experience  as it is about your expectations. If the reality is above your expectations - you'll be happy, if the reality is below your expectations - you'll be disappointed. 

 

The other thing I would say, is not let the small issues spoil your experience. I get it, they add up, but only if you let them, it's all in the mind. Try to let things slide, especially if they're not huge issues.  Relax a little and block out the negative things that are going on. You've paid a lot of money for this well deserved vacation, please make sure you don't let things outside of your control spoil it in any way. 

 

[mackfam]

Concerned to hear about all your negative experiences especially as you are in YC. We board on June 4th and our previous experience in the YC on the Meraviglia last November was excellent. Of course the ship was only half full at that time.
We’ve also convinced friends who are loyal Celebrity cruisers to join us in YC this November. Hope we’re not all going to be disappointed. 🙁

[lovemycruisetoo]

We were just off Meraviglia two weeks ago and reboarding Sunday and had no issues at all in the YC. It was our third time on Meraviglia. Everything was perfect, but then again, everyone’s experience is a personal thing.  We are also booked YC July, October, November and January on Meraviglia. Only way we would go and we wouldn’t spend that kind of money if we had a bad time. I wouldn’t be concerned about negative reviews especially that you had already experienced the YC and found it excellent. Go and enjoy yourselves😊

[MsTabbyKats]

1 hour ago, mackfam said:

Concerned to hear about all your negative experiences especially as you are in YC. We board on June 4th and our previous experience in the YC on the Meraviglia last November was excellent. Of course the ship was only half full at that time.
We’ve also convinced friends who are loyal Celebrity cruisers to join us in YC this November. Hope we’re not all going to be disappointed. 🙁

We were in the YC on the 4/29 sailing.  The ship was at full capacity but YC never felt full.  The service was wonderful....everyone went above and beyond.  As they say, it was the GOAT.

 

It's all about attitude.  You'll have a great time, again!

[sbcs5390]

11 hours ago, 1025cruise said:

Thank you for the live report. I'm considering booking the Meraviglia last minute and only YC is available at this point. Just waiting for my status match confirmation to come back. Picking this cruise because I can easily take the train to NYC.

They are usually pretty quick. Because you're within final payment, it's a good idea to wait for the 5% as you'd probably only get it as OBC if you make payment. You'll have an awesome time - I did YC on 4/22 - the NYC debut - and was blown away. 

[Joiseymom]

11 hours ago, MsTabbyKats said:

We were in the YC on the 4/29 sailing.  The ship was at full capacity but YC never felt full.  The service was wonderful....everyone went above and beyond.  As they say, it was the GOAT.

 

It's all about attitude.  You'll have a great time, again!

YC only felt full at Ocean Cay, since everyone was there. Biggest issue is we aren't fans of the food. Every one is like the YC MDR is the best restaurant on the ship. I'm not a foodie, I like good food. I had one ravioli dish at lunch that was fantastic. Last night's dinner was very good, my DH favorite in the YC as far as options for him. The YC stateroom is gorgeous. The pool deck is nice, but needs a shaded area. Pool is very nice as well.

 

I'm relaxing, reading and until yesterday enjoying the weather. 😂 Ship is a rocking. I've read that the Oasis is behind us and going slower and avoiding much of this. Not sure why our ship isn't doing the same. 

[mackfam]

13 minutes ago, Joiseymom said:

The pool deck is nice, but needs a shaded area.

100% agree with this ^^.

[Joiseymom]

Day 6

Slept in, again. So nice. I woke up around 7 ish.. didn’t expect to fall back to sleep. Woke up at 10! Had enough time to get dressed to go up and grab breakfast on 19. DH wasn’t going to make it. Still tired, no voice.

 

Deck 19 was not hot in the shade and had a nice breeze. Grabbed a table in the shade and ordered an omelet, and a slice of toast. Tried the bacon again.. nope. Had a few potatoes, they are just ok, and ordered a mocha latte with almond milk. Forgot to say iced. It was very good though.

 

Ordered an omelet for dh, grabbed that and a sugar free red bull and brought him breakfast .

I sat on the balcony finishing yesterdays post. Today they had the welcome back party, the diamond party and a tea in the YC. We missed the welcome back. We will be going to the tea, not sure about the diamond.

 

Received the correct two newspapers today. The Washington Post and USA today. Out Butler said they still printed the NY post, did we want it. I was like no thanks.

 

Once DH was dressed, we went to see if the store had Mucinex. Nope. Not sure what they had, as nothing was in English and the prices were ridiculous. I’ve been on other cruises, but these prices are insane. I feel bad as I thought I had packed all the meds we usually take .

We have Sudafed, Tylenol, naproxen, Advil. But he needs something for his cough .

 

We looked at the shops but the crowds set my anxiety on edge. The prices again, are you kidding me? I might try some gelato before we leave as the flavors look amazing.

 

We went to the lounge, I downloaded the menus. We won’t go to the YC restaurant for lunch, but dinner, I think Dh will like. I heard the MPB has a seafood buffet today. I might check that out. FYI, they didn't.

 

DH went to check out the casino. I’m going to find a shady quiet place to read and relax. Not sure I want to swim today.

 

Ok..deck 19. Found the ladies room. I need to mention this. All the public bathrooms I have been to on this ship have been really nice sized. They need that in the staterooms onboard!

 

Buffet lunch looks like the norm. Not hungry but might go back before they close. Sadly no shaded areas on deck 19. It’s very hot to just sit and relax. Plus my fave family is there, kids in the pool and their grandma screaming at them. Couldn’t leave fast enough. 😂 If I swim I might go to the adult pool. I went back to the room, my balcony is shady with a nice breeze. I apologized to the room steward cleaning. Told him I’m just going be reading on the balcony out of his way, and I’m sorry for interrupting.

 

Warning PSA: if you are in the YC. Eat lunch before 1:30 or go hungry or main buffet. Rain closed the grill on deck 19. Ok..well room service options suck it’s pizza again or cold sandwiches. Sorry, neither one is an option. I didn’t spend $$ for cold sandwiches or pizza everyday. The MPB had pasta, tried it.. sigh. Fried rice? Cold cuts ? The options are Friday and not very appetizing to us. I am tired of burgers and fries.

 

I’m on a cruise ship, food options should be better than this. I don’t usually do so many carbs, sigh . Not a happy camper. My frustration limit has been met. I’m looking forward to my own kitchen!

 

High tea on MSC. My comparisons are Viking and Virgin. Viking wins, Virgin a good runner up. The scones were ok and had raisins. We’ve been served both previously. The butter was good, but not the clotted cream I've had previously.  They had egg salad sandwiches, tuna I think, a macaroon, a tart, some other type of cookie, a chocolate chip cookie, a sandwich I wasn’t sure what it was, a coffee type cake, lots of options. The tea DH picked, I don’t remember the one, was tasty.

 

We went back to the room. The storm we were in was getting worse. DH went out to look, things were flying off the ship. He thinks he saw balloons, a life vest. If anyone had things on their balconies they went flying.

 

Dinner in the YC was rocky. Plus the forward view through the windows was wild. A decent menu, at least for us, tonight. DH had the steak tartare and veggie spring rolls, prime rib, and cheesecake. I had the crab cake, lobster ravioli and prime rib. Prime rib was soft and cooked perfectly. The crab cake was tasty on the inside, but again, breading lacked seasoning. The ravioli was tasty, sauce was really good with lots of flavor. Would like that sauce for the pasta in the main buffet! The ravioli from lunch a few days ago, was still the best thing I ate on this ship.

I had read that servings are small, I'm finding the similar to other lines.

 

 The carousel show for tonight was cancelled, the comedian is performing instead. Captain made an announcement to stay inside and off balconies.

 

I left DH in the stateroom and went to the show. Long line, and they were just letting them in and I was allowed without waiting on the queue. No reserved section tonight but no issues with finding a seat.  They had some scattered seats available for the show, but no SRO as the previous evening. Another great show, with new material.

 

Went to Topsail after and grabbed some of the chocolate they get from the downstairs shop.

Chatted with some lovely people for awhile and went to bed. These seas are rough.

 

[LImom]

Hi, I was wondering if you can tell me if you need to wear the  yacht club wrist band to get into your room or do they also give you a key card? And also if if know if you can get an extra key card for your childrens room next door? Thank you 

[mackfam]

35 minutes ago, LImom said:

I was wondering if you can tell me if you need to wear the  yacht club wrist band to get into your room or do they also give you a key card?

They give you a key card as well as the wrist band. The wrist band was hit and miss for us, sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t. Not sure about getting an extra key card for your kids room.

[1025cruise]

19 hours ago, sbcs5390 said:

They are usually pretty quick. Because you're within final payment, it's a good idea to wait for the 5% as you'd probably only get it as OBC if you make payment. You'll have an awesome time - I did YC on 4/22 - the NYC debut - and was blown away. 

Hmm. It’s been about a week already. No email about the match, but I did get a sale email.

[sbcs5390]

28 minutes ago, 1025cruise said:

Hmm. It’s been about a week already. No email about the match, but I did get a sale email.

Might not be worth it especially if waiting means you lose any Memorial Day sale advantage. Mine took about two days and my parents’ were  overnight. 

[Rosieresp]

On 5/26/2023 at 9:45 AM, 1025cruise said:

Thank you for the live report. I'm considering booking the Meraviglia last minute and only YC is available at this point. Just waiting for my status match confirmation to come back. Picking this cruise because I can easily take the train to NYC.

Remember that the Meraviglia leaves from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal not from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.  

[1025cruise]

1 hour ago, Rosieresp said:

Remember that the Meraviglia leaves from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal not from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.  

Yes, I’m aware. 

[meadowlander]

27 minutes ago, 1025cruise said:

Yes, I’m aware. 

I would wager that you also know Brooklyn is part of NYC, despite not living in NYC 😆

[Rosieresp]

16 minutes ago, meadowlander said:

I would wager that you also know Brooklyn is part of NYC, despite not living in NYC 😆

I’ll bet that you didn’t know that only one of the five boroughs is on the mainland and the rest of us live on three different islands. 

[RichYak]

2 hours ago, Rosieresp said:

I’ll bet that you didn’t know that only one of the five boroughs is on the mainland and the rest of us live on three different islands.