Seascape Review. The Bad, the Ugly, the Bad, Some more Bad, actually a little bit of Good.

[morpheusofthesea]

3 minutes ago, LMaxwell said:

Well, ours certainly was not $100 per person per day; significantly more. 

Of course, that is what so frustrating. We experienced the same "unsophisticated" on RCCL  and Celebrity. Traveling in suite class on those ships was quite the same. Many returning to the "exclusivity" of the Coastal Kitchen and Retreat, would recount their 'battle' stories while outside in 'genpop'. One father on holiday with his daughter smiled upon return to quietude of the suite lounge and exclaimed he wasn't leaving the suite enclave until they disembark. Another older couple in the Coastal Kitchen on tip night was tipping the chef and we overheard the chef say "Hope to see you again soon." She replied "Not on this ship !" These are seasoned cruisers with loyalty status that are seeking alternatives. Equinox is a favorite of ours, but we can no longer make the trek UP the stairs from deck 3 the Luminae restaurant to deck 12 our suite, because of the elevators too busy. On MSC Seaships suite guests get elevator overrides, but if the frustrated , drunken"unsophisticates" keep breaking them as they are the glass foot walks, we have doubts as well. At least our restaurant is now within a couple of decks.

[morpheusofthesea]

17 minutes ago, LMaxwell said:

MSC has extended an offer of 10% FCC of cabin fare paid for this cruise to all cabins; letter on our door final morning

Just think, what are the chances of the same 'unsophisticates' using their FCC on your new cruise? Sounds like a nostalgic 'reunion cruise'.

Edited July 3, 2023 by morpheusofthesea

[Ocean Boy]

@LMaxwellI am just curious as to whether you have sailed on an RCI Q class ship and, if so, was it to your liking?

[morpheusofthesea]

4 minutes ago, schooner_Drinker said:

I just asked our friends who were in yacht club and they did not receive any letter or mention of a FCC for 10% off 

Yacht Club were not subjected to the same level of mismanagement.

Edited July 3, 2023 by morpheusofthesea

[morpheusofthesea]

6 minutes ago, schooner_Drinker said:

Didnt you recently stay in 19016 inside YC on Seascape 

16026

[morpheusofthesea]

10 minutes ago, schooner_Drinker said:

So you had ZERO noise from deck 20

Deck 16 and 18 are insulated from the pool deck noise. We had that noise problem on another ship and learned never to book a cabin that does not have cabins above and below. Of course one time while residing in #16026 we had kids above us on 18 jumping off the beds slamming the floor creating a racket, but that was short lived when the parents returned to the cabin.

Have been in #19001 and are rebooked in #19001 and #19004 later this year. So far no noise problems.

Edited July 3, 2023 by morpheusofthesea

[jules815]

16 minutes ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Deck 16 and 18 are insulated from the pool deck noise. We had that noise problem on another ship and learned never to book a cabin that does not have cabins above and below. Of course one time while residing in #16026 we had kids above us on 18 jumping off the beds slamming the floor creating a racket, but that was short lived when the parents returned to the cabin.

Have been in #19001 and are rebooked in #19001 and #19004 later this year. So far no noise problems.

I was just looking at the Seascape deck plans to try to get an idea of what's directly above us. We're in 19003 for a B2B in September and hoping that far forward location right next to the Owner's Suite is helpful. We were on Seaside a few years ago in 18009 and honestly some early mornings would hear dragging of chairs, but we knew exactly what it was and it never really bothered us. It certainly didn't stop us from booking deck 19 on Seascape. (I'm really looking forward to that walk-in closet!)

 

[lcpagejr]

1 hour ago, schooner_Drinker said:

I just asked our friends who were in yacht club and they did not receive any letter or mention of a FCC for 10% off 

Good luck with that... On our last MSC cruise in 2019 we were told we would be compensated for missing Ocean Cay (delayed opening). I called  and sent several emails  and never got a straight answer or the amount of the FCC. We were in YC 

[morpheusofthesea]

15 minutes ago, jules815 said:

B2B in September

what dates ?

[jules815]

Just now, morpheusofthesea said:

what dates ?

9/10 and 9/17

[morpheusofthesea]

12 minutes ago, lcpagejr said:

Good luck with that... On our last MSC cruise in 2019 we were told we would be compensated for missing Ocean Cay (delayed opening). I called  and sent several emails  and never got a straight answer or the amount of the FCC. We were in YC 

Yeah, similar something happened on our cruise and the Captain came over the PA and said we would all get $50 obc or FCC. Never materialized. Lesson: get it in writing.

Edited July 3, 2023 by morpheusofthesea

[PTC DAWG]

2 hours ago, thistimeplease said:

 I think the cruise started poorly due to the accident at the port and a lot of people couldn't get past it.  

My exact thoughts. 

[morpheusofthesea]

2 minutes ago, jules815 said:

9/10 and 9/17

9/24. I think we will have CC covered for that month.

[lcpagejr]

2 hours ago, LMaxwell said:

It was not just a matter of a few hundred dollars. There was several thousand dollar delta to Royal Caribbean, and this MSC cruise was not what I would call bargain basement either.  Over $2500 per cabin for a standard category balcony. 

 

Our last few cruises were Virgin (amazing, adult only experience, worth it!), Holland America (good food and service, but super boring with few activities, lack of entertainment), and Celebrity (very nice overall but that was 2022 and their recent cut backs are a bit too much to reconcile with price increases, plus with young kids this time we wanted a few more attractions for them to enjoy (slides, bigger kids club, a private beach day).  I purposely said NO Carnival because I believe they only keep their latest and greatest ships maintained/cleaned well but I had no desire to be on a Carnival ship with 6000 guests.  

 

I think I'm just not a mega-mega ship type. The ships don't really get longer or wider (in fact the new trend is narrower hotel section with more decks stacked like layer cake) so newer ships are only getting more and more densely packed - all the mass market lines.  We are not high end luxury types, and $10K a week cabins are beyond our means.  4000+, 5000+, 6000+ pax ships simply can not deliver high levels of service to everyone on board. I've been on a lot of megaships and find the gimmicky attractions aren't of much value to me personally, nor do they have the space and bandwidth to truly move people around and keep it "flowing".  

 

I don't pine for the days of 1st and 2nd seating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; strict dress codes and forced fake formality; but I am coming to understand my sweet spot is probably the midsize ships from Celebrity, Virgin Voyages, Holland America (I would return for specific itineraries, wife will not, until they add some entertainment and I can't really blame her - Read a lot of books on holland america!) that hold 2500-3500 guests.  I've been on the older Divina numerous times and although I recognized it was a value proposition, it never felt as chintzy or like a cattle call like Seascape did. 

 

I am reluctant on YC because it is significantly more money and I'm not sure how much of the problem areas MSC can really improve on in the YC enclave.  Being in YC won't fix the obnoxious guest behavior in shows, bluetooth speakers in the thermal suite, ridiculous lines for a slice of pizza, or elevator situation (unless YC cards somehow override other elevator requests as I have seen on older ships - I am unsure about this). 

 

Standard Balcony to Standard Balcony, with all Virgin Voyages includes, and MSC does not include - I am not even sure there was an actual per person, per day costs savings on MSC (although again, this was an all ages family cruise, not possible on VV). 

 

 

" am reluctant on YC because it is significantly more money and I'm not sure how much of the problem areas MSC can really improve on in the YC enclave.  Being in YC won't fix the obnoxious guest behavior in shows, bluetooth speakers in the thermal suite, ridiculous lines for a slice of pizza, or elevator situation (unless YC cards somehow override other elevator requests as I have seen on older ships - I am unsure about this)."

 

If your traveling with family and not all of you can stay in YC...valid points. However...from my past experience in YC there are many advantages such as 1) Concierge (so you don't have to deal with that Customer Relations fiasco) 2) Escorts to shows and reserved seating section 3) Butler escorting you entrance way when leaving ship on port days 4)Seperate line for tendering back to ship 5) All the food options you want/need without leaving YC 6) Wonderful Top sail lounge for casual drinks.... I could go on. Yes they have override on Elevators..although they do not always work.   I do realize you want to see and enjoy other areas of the ship.... We cruised with our preteen grandson both times and he of course wanted to go to the Jungle Pool, Sports deck, slides etc    I accompanied him and was able to put up with the language barriers, some rude behavior, crowds, etc....but always knowing the solitude of YC wasn't far away.   Its been almost 4 years since we last sailed MSC...We will be in YC, on Seascape, over Thanksgiving. Ive read of some cutbacks even in YC since our last cruise in 2019. Ill be inetrested in comparing...but wife and I aren't needy and I am 100% certain my wife wont leave YC except for perhaps the Gym and early morning deck walks. I will continue to roam the ship during days and evenings to people watch and hit Casino and Sports Bar. 

Edited July 3, 2023 by lcpagejr
typos

[MsTabbyKats]

@schooner_DrinkerThanks for the link!

My first MSC trip was on the Divina, 12/2015: The second trip, Meraviglia,10/2019.  I was "with the mases" both times, and loved those sailings.  I found my co-travelers to be non-American, and for the most part sophisticated.  The "non-American atmosphere' was what made the trip great.  I have no problem with "a million languages" (I live in NYC...I'm used to being spoken to in many tongues).  According the your link,,,,the issue was with the Americans (rude, only wanting hamburgers etc).

 

So, @LMaxwell With the risk of being politically incorrect, were "those people of whom you speak" residents of the United States?

 

We were in the YC in April...and when we ventured out, we found it to be very heavily a "non-American crowd" from a culture where pushing is a way of life.

 

For us it's YC or nothing.   And here's the thing: YC interiors are so reasonably priced for what you get, I'm concerned that the "exclusivity" of the YC may become watered down.

[MsTabbyKats]

@schooner_DrinkerLOL...I didn't say "you said it".  I meant that it was in the thread...Americans want their burgers.  For the record...I only eat about 2 meatballs a year!

Edited July 3, 2023 by MsTabbyKats

[cruisetraveler2]

I appreciate the OP sharing their experience.  I sailed on this ship in May.  For comparison, I've sailed Disney, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity, and Carnival. I never never experienced crowds like on this ship.  This cruise was booked last minute because I needed a getaway after the death of a family member and they had a balcony room for a reasonable price. 

 

I went into this with very low expectations but prepared to have a great time and I did. I ate more meals in the dining room to avoid the crowded buffet area.  On this cruise you could go hours without hearing any English spoken.  This didn't bother me but it is a different experience.  I love meeting and making new friends.  They did usually try to seat me with English speaking people in the dining room which was very nice. 

 

I spoke to a woman that was in the YC.   This was her first experience with cruising and it was very negative.  I suggested she might be better suited to Celebrity.  I would hate for someone to be completely turned off of cruising because of this experience.  Many people I talked to on this ship were disappointed. 

 

Cruising overall is very different post Covid.   Those of us who have been cruising for years can't help but compare to how things used to be.   For myself, I will continue to cruise and have a great time even if the food and entertainment is not what it used to be.  Going into things with a positive attitude goes a long way.  I would not be afraid to cruise MSC again in the future. 

 

[lcpagejr]

3 hours ago, schooner_Drinker said:

Woosh

your quoting me about hamburgers and Americans complaining 🤣

 

I think you are getting yourself confused 

with someone else or me with someone who likes burgers 🍔 , I’m vegetarian 

 

All I did was post a link to another thread stating the bad experience 

 

You know when someone writes an honest review and it is not of the standard of the cheerleaders 

All of a sudden 5 star reviews and people pop up with the “never happened to me” 

And how can this be 

 

@LMaxwell

From what our friends on board have told us , everything lMaxwelll has posted is 💯 FACT and the truth 

 

Why can’t people believe the truth and not everything is rosy and shiny 

I wobble my head when people have to defend an experience they didn’t even experience 

 

it’s like being at a crime scene a month earlier before the crime was committed.

Saying it was impossible 

(Not true and not factual and impossible )

 

Ship happens, believe it

MSC seascape out of MIAMI is BAD .

Not sure if you are on the offense Defence or fence  😎

Bad past couple weeks doesn't necissarily mean bad later this month and onward. All you can do is report your experiences and future feedback will tell the story....but remember....its usually those with a beef who report back....some will say they didn't see anything like that and were on same cruise.

[lcpagejr]

3 hours ago, MsTabbyKats said:

@schooner_DrinkerThanks for the link!

My first MSC trip was on the Divina, 12/2015: The second trip, Meraviglia,10/2019.  I was "with the mases" both times, and loved those sailings.  I found my co-travelers to be non-American, and for the most part sophisticated.  The "non-American atmosphere' was what made the trip great.  I have no problem with "a million languages" (I live in NYC...I'm used to being spoken to in many tongues).  According the your link,,,,the issue was with the Americans (rude, only wanting hamburgers etc).

 

So, @LMaxwell With the risk of being politically incorrect, were "those people of whom you speak" residents of the United States?

 

We were in the YC in April...and when we ventured out, we found it to be very heavily a "non-American crowd" from a culture where pushing is a way of life.

 

For us it's YC or nothing.   And here's the thing: YC interiors are so reasonably priced for what you get, I'm concerned that the "exclusivity" of the YC may become watered down.

"We were in the YC in April...and when we ventured out, we found it to be very heavily a "non-American crowd" from a culture where pushing is a way of life."

 

When we cruised MSC in 2018 and 2019 ...we saw the exact same thing. The concept of " give me some space" was non existent....lol

[cruisetraveler2]

19 minutes ago, schooner_Drinker said:

I like your comments 🤯

 

You went into the Cruise with very low expectations (some people are happy with Sub Par service )

 

To me that is not a positive attitude, that’s going in with a negative attitude 

 

To me LOW is negative 

HIGH is positive 

Basic Logic and math 

 

If you expect nothing, then nothing can disappoint you

Thats why you never have a bad experience, because you did not expect anything to be better than LOW

(The mantra of a cheerleader)

 

I went into this cruise with lower expectations because there was no planning involved other than being on a ship.  It was very last minute and I had read the comments and reviews.  I think it is good for people to go and experience things for themselves.  Super high expectations will usually lead to disappointments. 

[lcpagejr]

7 minutes ago, schooner_Drinker said:

The past cannot be changed and these recent reports are from known MSC fans of past 

With quite a few positive MSC sailings under their belts.

The future can be different I agree with you

Why is it so hard for some people to grab the concept that things can be bad and not looking for it, it’s just bad regardless of expectations before boarding 

 

I guess I’ll continue to enjoy honest factual reports and reviews from seasoned cruisers who I actually believe go cruising with a Positive attitude, but are not afraid to post when a cruise ship or line is really bad 

@PompeySailor @LMaxwell

Keep up the good work 

and sometimes you’ll just have to shake your heads in the disbelief or the non believers 

 

Totally agree … but I don’t go on a cruise looking for something bad to happen. I don’t nit pick… I/we pretty much stay to ourselves and expect little in return. I can’t imagine having a poor experience in YC unless your expectations are off the chart and your comparing to Haven and Reflections. Yes there may be issues n main area of ship… but I don’t feel he same inconsistency in YC. To each their own. 

[morpheusofthesea]

Is this still the case ? "In 1849, French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr wrote “plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose “ – the more things change, the more they stay the same." Before him, Dr. Samuel Johnson wrote "Being in a ship is being in jail, with the chance of being drowned.... a man in jail has more room, better food, and commonly better company." He continued ""The pleasure of expecting enjoyment is often greater than that of obtaining it. And the completion of almost every wish is found a disappointment." 

 What else can explain every second post on social media expounding excitement and count-downs and later very few positive reviews ?

[Cruiselovey]

I cruise 3 to 4 times a year, usually Royal.  We were on Seascape on the June 4th sailing.  I am a little puzzled by all

the posts.  The service and food in the Mdr was very good. After the first day learned the layout of the buffet and never had an issue with crowds or missing items.  Ate there for breakfast and lunch. Easy to run

down one flight of stairs from the pool to

the buffet.  The only crowd was the late night buffet the first night, but the other nights was no Issue.  We made our show reservations, the night before and would

get there about 30 minutes early to get the seats we wanted.  For the pool, we would

get there around 8 to get loungers in

the shade.  Never saw any sign of soot, although the deck floor did get very hot.  The issue was not many chairs in

the shade.  Getting on and off, not bad, kind of a long line but moved once it started.  The only issue we really had was lack of entertainment. The shows became very repetitive with the same singers and dancers.  After the main

shows there were not a lot of options, other than just different music.   One other thing, the elevators.  We usually would get one

one in a minute or 2.
              I much prefer Royal, because of all the different activities and alternate free food options.  But would not hesitate to book Msc again, in fact going on Seashore in Nov.  The ships are beautiful and found the crew to be very friendly!!’

[morpheusofthesea]

Do not know if these 15 second videos will upload. But I did a deck 'smootch' test with a clean white paper towel of the soot on the deck furniture on Seascape. Please ignore my DW saying I was "insane", and to dispose of the evidence immediately.

[LMaxwell]

2 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Do not know if these 15 second videos will upload. But I did a deck 'smootch' test with a clean white paper towel of the soot on the deck furniture on Seascape. Please ignore my DW saying I was "insane", and to dispose of the evidence immediately.

IMG_2626.MOV IMG_2627.MOV IMG_2628 2.MOV

Looks like that's in the morning after they just power washed everything.  I've got soot on my hat, my swim shirt, and my book still after just 20 minutes. Dry wiping the soot does nothing. If you have a solvent it quickly turns back to "goo".  Anyways, that's a design issue that can't be overcome because of the location of the pool. 

 

Leave a towel on a chair by the Marina pool for 20 minutes then show us all the speckles on it. 

Edited July 4, 2023 by LMaxwell