MSC vs Celebrity...

[At Sea At Peace]

7 minutes ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

I did say I could only afford an inside on an older X ship, didn't I?

 

However, I expect a steerage class X apple to be somewhat better even on an older ship than a steerage class MSC apple on a newer ship. Hence, the comparison. I am certainly not comparing an older X apple with a new Princess or RCI one.

 

Not a problem, perfectly subjective.

 

However, you might be unique? 

 

With thousands of passengers per ship selecting and pricing cruise options - demand and supply - it would seem reasonable that most potential cruisers would look more enticed by and at a newer ship in a new Class than a much older ship in a discontinued (building) Class. 

 

As a result, it would also seem reasonable that such market factors would generate completely different price levels.

 

Again, no problem.

[perakcruiser]

24 minutes ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

well, good luck to us all finding that price during the holidays. I haven't paid this kind of price in many years.... I wish, but the reality is quite different.

I know nothing about holiday slots in USA, but the main thing is to avoid the European summer holidays. Deals can be made at the edge of these. And apart from summer and the two weeks christmas holidays the others are not so overpriced. You don´t need to wish me luck, so far I could find that price every year. But yes, I have recognized that it was never harder than in 2024 and so far I was not successful. OK, this year I need some luck or I will have to break the budget 😄 

[deliver42]

We've sailed the Beyond and The Seascape's sister, the Seashore. The Seashore was in the YC, and the Beyond just a regular balcony cabin. The YC offers a great value for what you get, especially the service. The Beyond is by far our favorite ship after 25 cruises. The entertainment was fantastic, and the food very good, including the buffet. You can also get a late night snack. We're booked on the new Ascent, again in a regular balcony, and on the Seascape in t6he YC. I would never sail MSCX outside the YC again. To me it's on a level with Carnival. Much too crowded.

[Itchy&Scratchy]

2 hours ago, At Sea At Peace said:

it would seem reasonable that most potential cruisers would look more enticed by and at a newer ship in a new Class than a much older ship in a discontinued (building) Class. 

yes, it would. We tried out a new MSC ship, found it to be just ok outside of YC. Now we are going to try an older X ship, and we'll see how we find it. Sometimes it's not just the ship age and class (MSC Seascape SHIP itself was fine), but what you get for your money on that ship. Crowds, disorganization, nickel and diming, and long lines for everything is not something that we look for on a cruise.

Edited January 18 by Itchy&Scratchy

[At Sea At Peace]

5 hours ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

yes, it would. We tried out a new MSC ship, found it to be just ok outside of YC. Now we are going to try an older X ship, and we'll see how we find it. Sometimes it's not just the ship age and class (MSC Seascape SHIP itself was fine), but what you get for your money on that ship. Crowds, disorganization, nickel and diming, and long lines for everything is not something that we look for on a cruise.

 

Of course.  Again, you're doing your own planning.

 

"Crowds, disorganization, nickel and diming, and long lines" are major issues noted on CruiseCritic on every major sea ship cruise line. "Nickel and diming" being the most commented, even on Celebrity and even on Solstice class ships.  Heck, even on the newest Celebrity with 'Retreat drink upcharges' and the like.

 

Good luck.  Planning does pay off.  You know your preferences.

 

[Itchy&Scratchy]

35 minutes ago, At Sea At Peace said:

"Crowds, disorganization, nickel and diming, and long lines" are major issues noted on CruiseCritic on every major sea ship cruise line

nowhere near the level of MSC Seascape.... They charge for the soft serve and additional MDR entrees, for goodness sake. And over an hour long line to get back on the ship with people fainting from the heat? We'd never experienced this before, and I hope to never experience it again.

 

When I booked MSC Seascape, none of this was apparent, present or discussed.

[At Sea At Peace]

31 minutes ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

nowhere near the level of MSC Seascape.... They charge for the soft serve and additional MDR entrees, for goodness sake. And over an hour long line to get back on the ship with people fainting from the heat? We'd never experienced this before, and I hope to never experience it again.

 

When I booked MSC Seascape, none of this was apparent, present or discussed.

 

I continue to defer to your own preferences.

 

Just pointing out that, unless you've cruise all of the other ships in the RCCL, CEL, MSC, NCL and CLL cruise lines, it's just hard to support the supposition (which is all it is) that not one other ship is near the (lowest) level of MSC Seascape. 

 

31 minutes ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

When I booked MSC Seascape, none of this was apparent, present or discussed.

 

Which, when compared to Reflection has 75% higher passenger capacity and has hosted almost 300,000 passengers and is 'pretty much booked for quite a while.  You note 'none of this (being charged for soft serve, additional MDR entrees***) was apparent, present or discussed.  So, I guess, it doesn't appear to have been consequential to the other 299,996?

 

***  You do know Celebrity Reflection has MDR upcharges for numerous MDR entrees?

 

So, it just seems like you had a bad experience.  It happens and it's unfortunate. We sincerely hope that you have a better experience on Reflection or whatever ship you choose.

 

Many will still sail Seascape.

 

 

[Itchy&Scratchy]

10 minutes ago, At Sea At Peace said:

***  You do know Celebrity Reflection has MDR upcharges for numerous MDR entrees?

Are you telling me that Celebrity Reflection charges $5 per additional entree after the first?

 

10 minutes ago, At Sea At Peace said:

You note 'none of this (being charged for soft serve, additional MDR entrees***) was apparent, present or discussed.  So, I guess, it doesn't appear to have been consequential to the other 299,996?

you didn't quote the entire sentence:

 

55 minutes ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

When I booked MSC Seascape, none of this was apparent, present or discussed.

 

You do realize that the charges for the additional MDR entrees and soft serve ice cream were introduced long after I booked Seascape? Consequently, they didn't effect all 299,995 people who may have sailed on Seascape since its first sailing and they were NOT discussed or present at the time of my booking.

Edited January 18 by Itchy&Scratchy

[morpheusofthesea]

It is worth mentioning again that the gelato is $4 for one scoop and $6 for two scoops. The third soft serve ice cream machine was not working out at the adult only Infinity Pool. The one outside of the Market Place buffet at the Jungle Pool gelato station works and opens at 1pm. One morning at the Long Island pool I saw the soft serve ice cream machines filled and ready to serve (7 am). I inquired. The cones of soft serve are $5, Pina Colada or Strawberry Daiquiri ...Or a blend of both called a "Miami Vice". All non alcoholic. The soft serve ice cream is included in the non-alcoholic and kid's beverage packages. Ice cream sundaes are complimentary for dessert every lunch and dinner in all the MDRs.

Soft Serve ice cream machine is moved out most every afternoon inside the Market Place buffet starboard side Bread Station for complimentary cones 3:30 to 4:30 (however since this one is on wheels it can be moved to the back of the Market Place buffet next to the bar instead)..

P.S. NCL is charging $5 extra for soda in cans vs fountain drinks and 3% extra for using credit card in casino. Not on MSC, yet. One must just make a list of preferences and go with that cruise line that best fits ones wants and needs.

[morpheusofthesea]

"People that pay for things never complain. It's the guy you give something to that you can't please." Will Rogers

[morpheusofthesea]

Found a cruise on Celebrity Reflection for $249 for 4 days and MSC Magnifica  $369 for 7 days. 

 

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, a person experiencing chronic homelessness costs the taxpayer an average of $35,000 a year (2016) That comes out to $673 for 7 days for municipalities to pay to house and feed the homeless. It would be more cost effective for the cities of this country to just buy our homeless a cruise and still throw in a kid's package for some complimentary soft serve ?

Edited January 19 by morpheusofthesea

[perakcruiser]

16 hours ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

They charge for the soft serve and additional MDR entrees, for goodness sake. And over an hour long line to get back on the ship with people fainting from the heat? We'd never experienced this before, and I hope to never experience it again

I don´t know where your soft serve trauma comes from, but don´t you think it is a little bit ridiculous? This fake ice cream is not available on any MSC ship outside the US and also Celebrity did not offer, paid or free. For a good reason, it has nothing to do with ice cream, it is made from vegetable oil and a thing that you know from IKEA or McDonalds, where it costs close to nothing, no matter which country. Parents hate it 😄 

 

It looks like there is a demand at cruises from US, so MSC bought some machines and sells it. So what? 

 

Sorry, but there is ZERO "nickel and diming" on board of both MSC and Celebrity. I wonder if the people who assume this have ever made a holiday on land where they will find a lot of and much more nickel and diming, no matter where. 

 

Edited January 19 by perakcruiser

[nferr]

I don't understand the crying over paying $5 for a second entree. If you do it every single night on a seven night cruise it's $35.  MSC fares are way less than Celebrity on almost every single cruise you can price for the same itinerary and the same dates in the same cabin category. Yes I know googling like crazy you'll find an exception, but overall you can't compare Celebrity and MSC pricing. Especially when MSC tosses in the drink package and WIFI for about $40 a day on the specials which are very common. You pick your preferences and what's important to you. And at least on the Maraviglia free ice cream is available on the pool deck and sometimes in the buffet. You pay for fancy Gelato in the extra cost venue but that's your choice.

Edited January 20 by nferr

[At Sea At Peace]

So, from reading other posts, it appears soft serve ice cream is, in fact, available and free on Seascape if one simply goes to the right location?  Also found the same on YT videos of such. So is that solved?

 

With regard to the "over an hour long line to get back on the ship with people fainting from the heat" appears to be a timing issue by the passengers that disembarked.  Like the buffet, if everyone goes during the 'rush hour' there will be lines at the buffet, less tables, less cleaned for turnover, etc.  If approaching ship and a really long line is observed it would appear wise to make a couple stops at the closest shops and 'cool off' so to speak.  There are only so many re-entry points on the ship, a fixed number of processing equipment and security scans, etc. so it would appear, again, the issue is timing of return?  Possible, if they didn't, set up an area with a tent for shade for some and also water and cool face cloths?

 

With regard to the $5 per extra entree in the MDR is unique to MSC.  Personally observing a very high percentage of passengers eat and drink from sun up to sun down (and after) it's worth wondering if needing more than one entree is a reasonable expectation (once, twice or every night; one person, two, a table for four)?  I don't know, but if MSC determined that there was a lot of these requests I guess they decided that they had to do something.  I don't have a problem with MSC providing a 2nd entree for free.  I also do not have a problem with paying $5 for the 2nd entree.  

 

For us, none of the above items would influence our decision to sail MSC.

 

[morpheusofthesea]

2 hours ago, At Sea At Peace said:

So, from reading other posts, it appears soft serve ice cream is, in fact, available and free on Seascape if one simply goes to the right location?  Also found the same on YT videos of such. So is that solved?

 

With regard to the "over an hour long line to get back on the ship with people fainting from the heat" appears to be a timing issue by the passengers that disembarked.  Like the buffet, if everyone goes during the 'rush hour' there will be lines at the buffet, less tables, less cleaned for turnover, etc.  If approaching ship and a really long line is observed it would appear wise to make a couple stops at the closest shops and 'cool off' so to speak.  There are only so many re-entry points on the ship, a fixed number of processing equipment and security scans, etc. so it would appear, again, the issue is timing of return?  Possible, if they didn't, set up an area with a tent for shade for some and also water and cool face cloths?

 

With regard to the $5 per extra entree in the MDR is unique to MSC.  Personally observing a very high percentage of passengers eat and drink from sun up to sun down (and after) it's worth wondering if needing more than one entree is a reasonable expectation (once, twice or every night; one person, two, a table for four)?  I don't know, but if MSC determined that there was a lot of these requests I guess they decided that they had to do something.  I don't have a problem with MSC providing a 2nd entree for free.  I also do not have a problem with paying $5 for the 2nd entree.  

 

For us, none of the above items would influence our decision to sail MSC.

 

You’re too logical.

[Stockjock]

On 1/15/2024 at 7:39 AM, RonanandAlex said:

Hey! 

 

Myself and a friend will be looking at cruising round the Carribean in May of this year, we are currently looking at wither the MSC Seascape from MIA or the Celebrity Beyond from FLL.

 

In 2023 I did my first cruise with MSC on the Euribia from Hamburg and did enjoy it, this though was with my Mother. 

 

I just have a few questions for those who have cruised both lines;

 

• What ships offers the best evening/late night entertainment? (DJ, Disco etc) 
• If looking at general atmosphere what is the crowd like on MSC vs Celebrity? 
• What ship offers the better cocktails and drinking atmosphere? 

 

If you had to pick either ship what would you prefer and why? 

 

ps. We will not be booking Yacht Club or the Celebrity Equviliant but will have the premium drinks package. 

 

Thanks in advance!

I mostly sail on MSC or Celebrity, so I have some experience in this area.

In my view, Celebrity has the best entertainment in the theater.  But in terms of discos and such, MSC tends to be more lively with people staying up later & more audience participation.  Celebrity can be a bit sleepy, in terms of late night entertainment.  But MSC's announcements in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, and Brazilian Portuguese can grow tedious, at times.

MSC has a younger demographic, although there are passengers of all ages.

Celebrity offers the better cocktails and far more interesting bars, such as the Martini Bar and World Class Bar.  MSC is trying to do some bars w/craft cocktails on their World Class ships, such as World Europa, but they are sometimes not included in your drink package and generally Celebrity's drinks are a lot better.  That said, MSC's drink package is typically much better priced.

I've been on Seascape's sister ship, Seaside, and enjoyed it.  We'll be on Celebrity Ascent (newest Edge-class) this summer.  Both seem like good choices.  Not sure I can pick one at this time.  Generally, I'd expect Seascape to be more affordable.  If the pricing was the same (it's usually not), I'd take Celebrity, but MSC typically offers a better value, imo.

You didn't ask about food, but...

In terms of the buffet, Celebrity's is usually better, but MSC is solid.

In terms of MDR, MSC is "pretty good" and seems to be holding steady in terms of quality.  Celebrity is also pretty good, but I've noted a sharp decline in food quality over the past few years (cost cutting).  MSC seems better organized in terms of dining room waits and such.  I've encountered some frustration and long lines waiting for dinner on Celebrity, and generally, that's not the case on MSC.

Both have very good specialty restaurants.  I'd probably give Celebrity the slight nod, but MSC's are generally very good and tend to be much better priced, especially if you book a dining package pre-cruise.

Edited January 22 by Stockjock

[TrinaLC]

I believe the MSC $5 entree charge is for a third entree, but I am not positive …

 

Carnival now charges $5 for a third entree. This is positioned as to reduce food waste as people were ordering 3 or more entrees just to “taste” them, resulting in incredible waste. And yes of course a cost component. 
 

if that charge reduces ford waste and unnecessary wasteful costs (thus keeping pricing in check) I am all in favor of this particular “nickel and dime” charge. 
 

Frankly I would expect to see it happen in other lines. It is a charge that makes good sense. 

[perakcruiser]

14 hours ago, Stockjock said:

 I've encountered some frustration and long lines waiting for dinner on Celebrity, and generally, that's not the case on MSC.

Yes, the Anytime Dining on Celebrity did not work. On our cruise only 5:30 or 5:45 slot were available for reservation, all other times booked out. Some days all slots booked. Huge lines at 8 pm. To avoid this we ended up going very early before 6 pm which normally is too early for us.

 

Not a big thing as long as the food is good (it was), but the free Anytime Dining from Celebrity cannot be compared to the Aurea Anytime Dining from MSC. At the beginning of Meraviglia MSC also gave Anytime Dining to Fantastica, that ended up in total chaos and was discontinued after two cruises already. 

[perakcruiser]

22 hours ago, At Sea At Peace said:

With regard to the $5 per extra entree in the MDR is unique to MSC.  Personally observing a very high percentage of passengers eat and drink from sun up to sun down (and after) it's worth wondering if needing more than one entree is a reasonable expectation (once, twice or every night; one person, two, a table for four)?  I don't know, but if MSC determined that there was a lot of these requests I guess they decided that they had to do something. 

Actually if a cruise line adds this strange fee ONLY for cruises starting from my country then I would not ask "what is wrong with the cruise line", I would ask "what is wrong with my fellow countryman" 😉  

[bac513]

On 1/16/2024 at 6:16 PM, morpheusofthesea said:

You're too kind.

 

Celebrity does have the better 'steerage' class. MSC tops Celebrity with their Yacht Club over Celebrity's Retreat, in the "ship within a ship" suite concept at one half Celebrity prices. Theatre productions and over all entertainment, like the food, I found the same, except Celebrity has Cafe al Bacio with 12-14 complimentary pastries all day and night. You missed the Italian tenors on MSC. They garnered standing ovations every performance (we sat through both). Celebrity has "Starlink" which is better than MSC. So in conclusion, one gets more in steerage on Celebrity and one gets more in suite class on MSC. (Paid $18,493 for one week in a Royal Suite on Celebrity Beyond and got much, much more for $8,900 for one week in Royal Suite on MSC Seascape).

   

We can list now all the things to look out for when booking any cruise ship. MSC YC has all the below.

#1 E muster drill is better

#2 Two cabin cleanings per day

#3 No % charge for gambling if using credit card

#4 No extra charge for can sodas vs fountain drinks

#5 Reserved seating in the theatre for all shows

#6 Complimentary bottled water (not ship distilled with unsanitary reusable bottles)

#7 Reserved or ability to reserve pergola/cabanas on pool deck (avoiding chair hogs)

#8 'Cushioned' pool lounges

#9 Escorts on and off ship avoiding long lines

#10 First to use tenders off the ship at ports that tender

#11 Dedicated restaurant that is so good one need not book Specialty Restaurants

#12 Service that does not involve 2 hours to complete a meal

#13 An attentive butler not hard to find when needed

#14 Cabins ready upon embarkation/ key cards in hand at checkin

#15 Dedicated restaurant OPEN port days

#16 Dedicated buffet to only suite guests

#17 Dedicated pool and sun deck only for suite guests with ample lounges

# 18 All the advantages of a mega ship with the exclusivity of a gated community

#19 walk-in shower not low profile tub/shower combo

#20 No non-suite paying Pinnacle/Zenith/Diamond passengers taking up prime real estate in the Yacht Club

#21 Elevator over-ride key cards for suite guests

#22 Pristine out island with NO bugs crawling all over cabanas

#23 short distance between cabin and restaurant decks

#24 At least a 100 sq ft balcony accommodating a cushioned lounge chair

#25 A reserved table for 2 for all meals in a dedicated restaurant with the same waiters for 'most' every meal

Agreed.

 

We were Celebrity loyalists for over 20 years. After being priced out of the Retreat we tried YC 2 years ago.  This April will be our 5th YC cruise.  Our last Retreat cruise in December (booked 2 years ago largely with ship credit) was disappointing in just about every way, especially food quality and temperature.  The E class ships "in steerage" do not appeal to us due to infinite balconies.  However we do like S class Concierge cabins on deck 12 in which we have had 2 enjoyable cruises last year. We are booked in a C1 on Eclipse for a 9 day ABC island cruise in November. We are paying $2500 with no perks. The cheapest Retreat cabin for that cruise is over $10,000. We can take 2 YC Deluxe Grand Suites for the price of 1 Retreat Suite.

 

We have been converted to YC fans and said adieu to Retreat Suites.  Our only complaints with MSC are the lack of varied itineraries and the Ocean cay YC beach.