So Far Carnival is Winning vs NCL

[BlerkOne]

8 minutes ago, KKB said:

I decided I'd rather pay a bit more for other lines.

There are a lot of entitled jerks, too.

 

 

[KKB]

28 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

There are a lot of entitled jerks, too.

 

For sure.

 

But MSC took it to a new level.

I observed SO SO many self-absorbed people with no regard for others (common courtesy)

Happens at all price points.

 

But I’ve never seen it this extensive—slamming trays in others’ backs in buffet (on purpose), walking down stairs 2 at a time when others wanted to walk up, walking into elevators without allowing others off, ignoring safety protocols on tenders even when reprimanded by crew, physically moving other peoples’ children aside.

 

These things happen.

But these were the NORM. 
Observed these behaviors (and many others) OVER & OVER

.As I said, I was astounded.

 

Not worth the cheap fare for me.

I’d rather pay a bit more & travel a bit less.

[jimbo5544]

56 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

My philosophy is if you see a cruise you like, book it. Don't sweat the small stuff.

Edited March 13 by jimbo5544

[jimbo5544]

Just now, jimbo5544 said:

 

meant to say amen

 

’

[BlerkOne]

9 minutes ago, KKB said:

For sure.

 

But MSC took it to a new level.

I observed SO SO many self-absorbed people with no regard for others (common courtesy)

Happens at all price points.

 

But I’ve never seen it this extensive—slamming trays in others’ backs in buffet (on purpose), walking down stairs 2 at a time when others wanted to walk up, walking into elevators without allowing others off, ignoring safety protocols on tenders even when reprimanded by crew, physically moving other peoples’ children aside.

 

These things happen.

But these were the NORM. 
Observed these behaviors (and many others) OVER & OVER

.As I said, I was astounded.

 

Not worth the cheap fare for me.

I’d rather pay a bit more & travel a bit less.

Never been on MSC but never was attracted to it in the first place. Price was irrelevant.

[Illbcruzn4life]

16 minutes ago, KKB said:

For sure.

 

But MSC took it to a new level.

I observed SO SO many self-absorbed people with no regard for others (common courtesy)

Happens at all price points.

 

But I’ve never seen it this extensive—slamming trays in others’ backs in buffet (on purpose), walking down stairs 2 at a time when others wanted to walk up, walking into elevators without allowing others off, ignoring safety protocols on tenders even when reprimanded by crew, physically moving other peoples’ children aside.

 

These things happen.

But these were the NORM. 
Observed these behaviors (and many others) OVER & OVER

.As I said, I was astounded.

 

Not worth the cheap fare for me.

I’d rather pay a bit more & travel a bit less.

We went on MSC Meraviglia out of Brooklyn and it was the same as you described. People bumping into with no regard, no excuse me, basically laughed in our faces when we said something to them. We had a family group of 9 and we weren't even seated together for dinner. Maitre'd said ship is full nothing he can do. We all booked early and had all reservations linked together.

Edited March 13 by Illbcruzn4life

[firefly333]

2 hours ago, KKB said:

Fair. I very much attempt to squeeze every penny out of every dollar we make.

I've just learned as I've gotten older there are things I don't mind paying for.

Helps that my budget allows a little more wiggle room than 20 years ago.

 

Actually the Joy isn't an older ship--just 7 years old, Breakaway Plus class.

I dont even think it's that. I dont eat italian food so havent booked msc no matter what it cost, though I was tempted on a thru the canal crossing super cheap. 

 

After covid you could book $500 or $600. I saw a week miracle for $300 ish, not a casino comp, basically just fees and taxes. Now I can barely find anything for 1k more $1500 and $1600. I havent yet cracked the 2k price but more and more getting close. 

 

There is a nice carnival journey cruise I'd do but I woukdnt pay over $2500 and it's about $3500 for the bare minimum I'd want. And its venizua the italian ship. Blerk says if you see something you like just book it. Money doesnt grow on trees. If I booked every cruise I see I like I'd be spending so much more. I'll watch for a sale. I already got people saying I cruise too much. Imo I could cruise even more! Some pick expensive cruises and cruise fewer times a year, I try to pick cheaper cruise and cruise more often. 

[Stick93]

2 hours ago, firefly333 said:

I dont even think it's that. I dont eat italian food so havent booked msc no matter what it cost, though I was tempted on a thru the canal crossing super cheap. 

 

After covid you could book $500 or $600. I saw a week miracle for $300 ish, not a casino comp, basically just fees and taxes. Now I can barely find anything for 1k more $1500 and $1600. I havent yet cracked the 2k price but more and more getting close. 

 

There is a nice carnival journey cruise I'd do but I woukdnt pay over $2500 and it's about $3500 for the bare minimum I'd want. And its venizua the italian ship. Blerk says if you see something you like just book it. Money doesnt grow on trees. If I booked every cruise I see I like I'd be spending so much more. I'll watch for a sale. I already got people saying I cruise too much. Imo I could cruise even more! Some pick expensive cruises and cruise fewer times a year, I try to pick cheaper cruise and cruise more often. 

Good philosophy! Go often and cheap! There are still deals out there but you have to know where to find them.  

[Saint Greg]

7 hours ago, firefly333 said:

Blerk says if you see something you like just book it. Money doesnt grow on trees. 

He’s not one of the cheapest people though…

[BlerkOne]

He doesn't worry about perks, bribes, shops, or other nonsense and knows tomorrow is promised to no one. He has heard too many people say some day they are going to do this or that, only to check out before that day comes. Money does grow on trees - where do you think paper comes from?

[CruizinSusan70]

12 hours ago, firefly333 said:

Maybe I'll do more last minute cruises. I'm assuming ncl joy is older from the price.

NCL Joy was built in 2017 and has recently come out of it's second dry dock. It's the second Breakaway Plus Class ship in it's fleet and is about 167 K tons.   Was originally built for the Asian market and after a short lived time there, it started sailing the Caribbean.  It also sails Alaska out of Seattle, Bermuda & Canada out of NYC, the Caribbean out of Miami and does the Panama Canal twice a year.

[CruizinSusan70]

10 hours ago, KKB said:

Then I tried MSC...

I decided I'd rather pay a bit more for other lines.

We came to the same conclusion after sailing on the Seaside back in 2018 out of Miami and the Meraviglia in 2023 out of Brooklyn.  They are now permanently in our rear view mirror, just like Celebrity is, but we cruised on X nine times over the years.

[CruizinSusan70]

10 hours ago, Illbcruzn4life said:

We went on MSC Meraviglia out of Brooklyn and it was the same as you described. People bumping into with no regard, no excuse me, basically laughed in our faces when we said something to them. We had a family group of 9 and we weren't even seated together for dinner. Maitre'd said ship is full nothing he can do. We all booked early and had all reservations linked together.

If you had such a bad experience on the Meraviglia, then why are you cruising on the Seashore next month and the World America in April of 2025?

[KKB]

8 hours ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

If you had such a bad experience on the Meraviglia, then why are you cruising on the Seashore next month and the World America in April of 2025?

I think it was the out of NYC thing--heard lots of bad experiences on MSC out of there; Carnival Venezia too. Again, not sure why. We sailed RCCL out of NYC & not strange issues.

 

8 hours ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

We came to the same conclusion after sailing on the Seaside back in 2018 out of Miami and the Meraviglia in 2023 out of Brooklyn.  They are now permanently in our rear view mirror, just like Celebrity is, but we cruised on X nine times over the years.

Why is Celebrity in your rear view? Eclass ships are our fav for sure.

Tho generally these days Princess & NCL are winning--with Princess Plus & free at Sea, the others just can't compare once you add perks.

Celebrity I watch for good deals...

 

Edited March 14 by KKB

[KKB]

18 hours ago, firefly333 said:

I dont even think it's that. I dont eat italian food so havent booked msc no matter what it cost, though I was tempted on a thru the canal crossing super cheap. 

 

 I didn't find the menu anymore Italian focused than other lines.

It DOES have the best pizza at sea!

[Illbcruzn4life]

11 hours ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

If you had such a bad experience on the Meraviglia, then why are you cruising on the Seashore next month and the World America in April of 2025?

to be honest because it was cheap. Figured I would give them a second chance and see if it's any different out of Florida opposed to Brooklyn. Also going when school is still in so hopefully the kids won't be as plentiful. 14 day cruise for $1500. I also have had the World America booked for a long time. If this doesn't pan out I'll cancel that the day I get back and wait 2-3 months for my refund.

[LatinaInTexas]

15 minutes ago, Illbcruzn4life said:

to be honest because it was cheap. Figured I would give them a second chance and see if it's any different out of Florida opposed to Brooklyn. Also going when school is still in so hopefully the kids won't be as plentiful. 14 day cruise for $1500. I also have had the World America booked for a long time. If this doesn't pan out I'll cancel that the day I get back and wait 2-3 months for my refund.

Honestly I thought MSC Seashore was one of my best cruises. I know a lot of reviews talk about how bad people are but I didn't have any problems.

I said it when I got back from that cruise and I will say it again. My fellow passengers were the most polite, well mannered, beautiful, well dressed, fit people I have ever cruised with.

Food was excellent and ship was new and gorgeous. Yes there were little things, it wasn't perfect but darn close. Hope you have a good experience.

[Saint Greg]

19 minutes ago, LatinaInTexas said:

Honestly I thought MSC Seashore was one of my best cruises. I know a lot of reviews talk about how bad people are but I didn't have any problems.

I said it when I got back from that cruise and I will say it again. My fellow passengers were the most polite, well mannered, beautiful, well dressed, fit people I have ever cruised with.

Food was excellent and ship was new and gorgeous. Yes there were little things, it wasn't perfect but darn close. Hope you have a good experience.

 

I will probably try Seascape when it comes to Galveston. They have status match and matched me up to gold which is their equivalent of platinum. Hopefully they'll match me again up to Diamond when I get there. 

 

But I will never book one of the solo cabins like they have on that ship out of Brooklyn. Where there is no real bed. Just a couch that folds out. Never. I need a real bed. It doesn't look like Seascape has those fortunately.

[LatinaInTexas]

6 minutes ago, Saint Greg said:

 

I will probably try Seascape when it comes to Galveston. They have status match and matched me up to gold which is their equivalent of platinum. Hopefully they'll match me again up to Diamond when I get there. 

 

But I will never book one of the solo cabins like they have on that ship out of Brooklyn. Where there is no real bed. Just a couch that folds out. Never. I need a real bed. It doesn't look like Seascape has those fortunately.

I will sail them again when they come to Galveston. My biggest letdown was the lack of comedy on my ship but the other entertainment made up for it.

[Illbcruzn4life]

1 hour ago, LatinaInTexas said:

Honestly I thought MSC Seashore was one of my best cruises. I know a lot of reviews talk about how bad people are but I didn't have any problems.

I said it when I got back from that cruise and I will say it again. My fellow passengers were the most polite, well mannered, beautiful, well dressed, fit people I have ever cruised with.

Food was excellent and ship was new and gorgeous. Yes there were little things, it wasn't perfect but darn close. Hope you have a good experience.

I hope that's the case when we cruise because we are on there for 2 weeks. I must say that there is a certain group on people on the Brooklyn cruises who cause most of the commotion. At least that seems to be the common denominator on most of the negative reviews from Brooklyn. I read that people come on the ship with tupperware containers and bags and when they put the bowls out they empty them into their bags and tupperware. smh

[CruizinSusan70]

6 hours ago, KKB said:

I think it was the out of NYC thing--heard lots of bad experiences on MSC out of there; Carnival Venezia too. Again, not sure why. We sailed RCCL out of NYC & not strange issues.

 

Why is Celebrity in your rear view? Eclass ships are our fav for sure.

Tho generally these days Princess & NCL are winning--with Princess Plus & free at Sea, the others just can't compare once you add perks.

Celebrity I watch for good deals...

 

Celebrity is in our rearview mirror because of their changes with their drinks packages.  I'm ok with the classic but my DH likes to upgrade to the premium.  Until our 18 day B2B on them last year, the charge to upgrade was 10 + 2 for grats per day.  It's now 20 + 4 and both occupants need to do it.  So what was 12 bucks a day for 1 is now 48 a day for 2.  The removal of gratuities in their package also costs an extra 250 or so to a 7 day sailing.  We usually stay in an inside HC cabin and like to keep the costs as low as possible.  Comparing X to Princess price wise is a joke.  Because of this and the way that we've enjoyed our previous two B2B's on Princess, we currently have 11 cruises booked on them over the next two years consisting of 28 on Sun, 28 on Star and 35 on Enchanted.

Edited March 14 by CruizinSusan70

[CruizinSusan70]

2 hours ago, Saint Greg said:

 

I will probably try Seascape when it comes to Galveston. They have status match and matched me up to gold which is their equivalent of platinum. Hopefully they'll match me again up to Diamond when I get there. 

 

But I will never book one of the solo cabins like they have on that ship out of Brooklyn. Where there is no real bed. Just a couch that folds out. Never. I need a real bed. It doesn't look like Seascape has those fortunately.

The match is a one time thing.  So hitting Diamond on Carnival won't get you Black with MSC.

[CruizinSusan70]

2 hours ago, LatinaInTexas said:

I will sail them again when they come to Galveston. My biggest letdown was the lack of comedy on my ship but the other entertainment made up for it.

No comedy and no piano bar combined with too much European skewed stuff is what turned us off to MSC.

[CruizinSusan70]

1 hour ago, Illbcruzn4life said:

 I read that people come on the ship with tupperware containers and bags and when they put the bowls out they empty them into their bags and tupperware. smh

We never witnessed that on our Meraviglia sailing, but if it's indeed true, that would be even lower than the Loyal Royals calling Carnival the Walmart of the Seas.

[LatinaInTexas]

1 hour ago, Illbcruzn4life said:

I hope that's the case when we cruise because we are on there for 2 weeks. I must say that there is a certain group on people on the Brooklyn cruises who cause most of the commotion. At least that seems to be the common denominator on most of the negative reviews from Brooklyn. I read that people come on the ship with tupperware containers and bags and when they put the bowls out they empty them into their bags and tupperware. smh

That's crazy! We sailed out of Florida. One thing I noticed about the passengers was that they were quiet. They mostly kept to themselves. Polite, maybe a bit reserved and so were the crew. Not like on Carnival where no matter where you are or what you are doing someone will strike up a conversation with you lol.

We aren't social butterflies so it was ok for us.