Priced out

[Love2Cruz]

I had originally booked a suite on the NCL Star last year for a Northern Europe cruise in July 2016, and canceled after a number of negative changes. When they added the room service fee and banned people from taking food out of the buffet I gave up. Now we are doing the Baltic on Disney in 2017, and I think we will be happier. Following the cc NCL board during that time left a very bad taste in my mouth.

Yes, I too had a cruise booked on the Getaway that I cancelled after the uproar on CC about all the new changes, especially the 7.95 room service fee. And Frank DelRio telling shareholders he's going to squeeze his customers..lol

 

[Love2Cruz]

I love booking events and dining ahead of time and having a full schedule for my vacation so I will most likely enjoy RCCL and NCL.

Yup, everyone is different. I liked MSC too for the reason that nothing had to be scheduled ahead of time, you just show up to the shows, same as Carnival and Disney...however, the shows on MSC far out performed Carnival's.

 

[RedSox68]

I had originally booked a suite on the NCL Star last year for a Northern Europe cruise in July 2016, and canceled after a number of negative changes. When they added the room service fee and banned people from taking food out of the buffet I gave up. Now we are doing the Baltic on Disney in 2017, and I think we will be happier. Following the cc NCL board during that time left a very bad taste in my mouth.

They have since rescinded the decision to ban food out of the buffet because of the huge backlash. Question why didn't they just remove the service fee instead? We actually didn't find out about all this backlash and ridiculous fees until the news about the water ban broke -- and then I saw articles and posts about everything else that's been going on. Unfortunately, by then it was past our cancellation with no penalties date!

 

[Ofinn]

Ofinn, you booked a second Vista? Woohoo! I am on another June itinerary too for next year. Carnival is like Disney in that you don't have to pre-book shows or dinner (well maybe the steak house)...on the Oasis class ship, everything needs to be booked ahead of time or you don't get in...same with NCL, but add dining to that...I like to wing things on my vacation, and I don't like the idea of having to be on a timeline...I do that all year long at work...I don't want to do it on my vacations.
Carnival is very free, more free than the "freestyle" cruise line as you do what you please....They also offer any time dining now...Did that once, but I'm going back to assigned as I like to have the same wait staff. You and your family will love the food, many options. As for changing, they charge $50 pp if you have to reschedule so you don't lose your deposit, unless you cancel an early saver rate....I had to move my original Vista as I booked Europe originally but decided to go with MSC instead. I moved it to December of this year so I got charged...but still, I got a Family Harbor OV for 1800 for 2 people for 7 nights....not too shabby.
Also, with the new CEO of NCL adding more and more fees and pissing off their most loyal customers also gives me pause about booking with them.

Yeah I like to wing things on vacation. I like to wing things when it comes to booking vacations. In all our DCL cruises I only went to one show. I'm not that into kid themed shows or movies. The shows aren't a big deal to me. I'm more into the ports, and relaxing with a good book. A good gym and running track is also important. Like you I like having the same server. The cruises I'm interested in on RCI and NCL are port intensive and I'm specifically interested in them for the ports so I'll deal with all the other stuff.

I booked the second Vista cruise for my husbands birthday. He's not going to make the first Vista cruise. He just got a job transfer and big raise. Woo Hoo. Great news bad timing. He has to be in training. We thought it might happen in June and he would miss the last cruise, but it got delayed, and we thought it wasn't going to happen at all. Now it's official. The penalty to take him off the reservation was only 219.00. Gotta love Carnival prices. If he would have missed the June cruise on DCL the penalty would have been well over a thousand.

 

[DnA2010]

Ofinn, you booked a second Vista? Woohoo! I am on another June itinerary too for next year. Carnival is like Disney in that you don't have to pre-book shows or dinner (well maybe the steak house)...on the Oasis class ship, everything needs to be booked ahead of time or you don't get in...same with NCL, but add dining to that...I like to wing things on my vacation, and I don't like the idea of having to be on a timeline...I do that all year long at work...I don't want to do it on my vacations.
Carnival is very free, more free than the "freestyle" cruise line as you do what you please....They also offer any time dining now...Did that once, but I'm going back to assigned as I like to have the same wait staff. You and your family will love the food, many options. As for changing, they charge $50 pp if you have to reschedule so you don't lose your deposit, unless you cancel an early saver rate....I had to move my original Vista as I booked Europe originally but decided to go with MSC instead. I moved it to December of this year so I got charged...but still, I got a Family Harbor OV for 1800 for 2 people for 7 nights....not too shabby.
Also, with the new CEO of NCL adding more and more fees and pissing off their most loyal customers also gives me pause about booking with them.

We did Oasis during a sold out week and although I or evoked all the shows, they were never full other than maybe the diving show, but even that one I think they let standby people in...we did the Fantasy during May last year and honestly the Fantasy, especially the shows felt much more packed.

 

[Love2Cruz]

We did Oasis during a sold out week and although I or evoked all the shows, they were never full other than maybe the diving show, but even that one I think they let standby people in...we did the Fantasy during May last year and honestly the Fantasy, especially the shows felt much more packed.

Yes, I heard about "standby" people getting in if seats were available. Did you enjoy your Oasis cruise? Would you sail on an Oasis class ship again?

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

We did Oasis during a sold out week and although I or evoked all the shows, they were never full other than maybe the diving show, but even that one I think they let standby people in...we did the Fantasy during May last year and honestly the Fantasy, especially the shows felt much more packed.

Overall how would you compare Oasis to Fantasy? We have a Liberty of the Seas booked for October 2017 and I'm really pushing for Harmony in 2018, (if we don't do the new Carnival Horizon), dang there are just too many really cool ships out there! And now, thanks to @Love2Cruz, I'm interested in the new MSC Seaside, she looks like an amazing ship too! I know, first world problems.

 

[Love2Cruz]

Overall how would you compare Oasis to Fantasy? We have a Liberty of the Seas booked for October 2017 and I'm really pushing for Harmony in 2018, (if we don't do the new Carnival Horizon), dang there are just too many really cool ships out there! And now, thanks to @Love2Cruz, I'm interested in the new MSC Seaside, she looks like an amazing ship too! I know, first world problems.

Yes, I have the same "problem" I can only take so many vacation days and I have so many on my "radar" Meraviglia, Seaside (MSC); Horizon (Carnival) and even an RCCL ship...swaying towards the Freedom class. I also am not sure whether I want to stick with stateside cruises or go European again. I am already booked on 4 more cruises this year and 2017 so I am now looking at '18 and '19 ideas.

Chandler, I loved the Orchestra and that was an older ship, I can't imagine how nice the newer Seaside (Miami based ship) and the Meraviglia (Euro) will be. Also they have partnered with Cirque du Soleil on the Meraviglia...something that will probably roll out fleet wide. The MSC shows are amazing...truly better than Carnival.

 

[DnA2010]

Yes, I heard about "standby" people getting in if seats were available. Did you enjoy your Oasis cruise? Would you sail on an Oasis class ship again?

Overall how would you compare Oasis to Fantasy? We have a Liberty of the Seas booked for October 2017 and I'm really pushing for Harmony in 2018, (if we don't do the new Carnival Horizon), dang there are just too many really cool ships out there! And now, thanks to @Love2Cruz, I'm interested in the new MSC Seaside, she looks like an amazing ship too! I know, first world problems.

Oasis was our first cruise- a big family trip of 15 I think there was- DHs siblings, their families and his parents. We were skeptical about cruising- we LOVED our trip! We loved all the activities in the ship, we had excellent service and food in the MDR, excellent room attendant, enjoyed drink package, Labadee, parade, DD loved the club, the water show, ice show commedien, and hairspray were all great- the ship was so big that it didn't feel crowded, and DD loved all the pools. We will absolutely sail Oasis class again.

We also loved the Fantasy, for other reasons- it was super clean, we loved Palo brunch, CC, Fish Extenders, shows, Mixology, officer pin trading, a lovely magic moment actually to me (I was sent a lovely bottle of wine from an officer I got to know) however we did miss the pools, our dining room service wasn't great, we found the food just ok, I think maybe we were over-hyped, but to us, it wasn't worth double the cost of Oasis (which it basically was, even though we got an good off season VGT rate) we may cruise Disney again, but the Canadian dollar has to recover more and would have to be a GT rate again too.

DH and I also did Freedom (unplanned, totally last minute booking as we were suppose to go to Big Island of Hawaii but our flight was cancelled due to hurricanes and we rebooked our aeroplan flights to Orlando and booked the cruise 2 days before) and had a really nice time also

 

[Ofinn]

I have a co- worker who has been on 45 cruises all different lines except Disney. He is in his 60's. The Oasis is his favorite ship despite the blah itinerary's. If it ever goes some place interesting I wouldn't hesitate to try it.

 

[Love2Cruz]

Oasis was our first cruise- a big family trip of 15 I think there was- DHs siblings, their families and his parents. We were skeptical about cruising- we LOVED our trip! We loved all the activities in the ship, we had excellent service and food in the MDR, excellent room attendant, enjoyed drink package, Labadee, parade, DD loved the club, the water show, ice show commedien, and hairspray were all great- the ship was so big that it didn't feel crowded, and DD loved all the pools. We will absolutely sail Oasis class again.

We also loved the Fantasy, for other reasons- it was super clean, we loved Palo brunch, CC, Fish Extenders, shows, Mixology, officer pin trading, a lovely magic moment actually to me (I was sent a lovely bottle of wine from an officer I got to know) however we did miss the pools, our dining room service wasn't great, we found the food just ok, I think maybe we were over-hyped, but to us, it wasn't worth double the cost of Oasis (which it basically was, even though we got an good off season VGT rate) we may cruise Disney again, but the Canadian dollar has to recover more and would have to be a GT rate again too.

DH and I also did Freedom (unplanned, totally last minute booking as we were suppose to go to Big Island of Hawaii but our flight was cancelled due to hurricanes and we rebooked our aeroplan flights to Orlando and booked the cruise 2 days before) and had a really nice time also

Thanks for your comments...I do hear over and over again that the crowds are spread out very well and other than embarkation and debarkation, it doesn't feel crowded. That's a big plus. The Oasis is currently in Port Canaveral and priced well, compared to Allure and Harmony so I am going to include it in my options when I eventually decided what to do. How is the food? I agree Disney's food is so so, other than some musts for me, stone crabs and Mickey waffles and soft serve....but I don't sail Disney for the food.

 

[tinkerone]

Thanks for your comments...I do hear over and over again that the crowds are spread out very well and other than embarkation and debarkation, it doesn't feel crowded. That's a big plus. The Oasis is currently in Port Canaveral and priced well, compared to Allure and Harmony so I am going to include it in my options when I eventually decided what to do. How is the food? I agree Disney's food is so so, other than some musts for me, stone crabs and Mickey waffles and soft serve....but I don't sail Disney for the food.

Oasis doesn't start sailing out of pc until November 5th which, by the way, is a 8 night sailing. We are booked on it and I can't wait. I'll certainly post back once we have sailed on her. It will be our first non DCL so I'm pretty excited.
I have been paying attention to your posts and am thinking about trying something else due to your reviews as well. Thanks for your information, I'm finding it very useful.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

Yes, I have the same "problem" I can only take so many vacation days and I have so many on my "radar" Meraviglia, Seaside (MSC); Horizon (Carnival) and even an RCCL ship...swaying towards the Freedom class. I also am not sure whether I want to stick with stateside cruises or go European again. I am already booked on 4 more cruises this year and 2017 so I am now looking at '18 and '19 ideas.

Chandler, I loved the Orchestra and that was an older ship, I can't imagine how nice the newer Seaside (Miami based ship) and the Meraviglia (Euro) will be. Also they have partnered with Cirque du Soleil on the Meraviglia...something that will probably roll out fleet wide. The MSC shows are amazing...truly better than Carnival.

I looked into the Seaside today and for the last week of May 2018, we could do their 2 bedroom/2 bath suite including beverage package and upgraded restaurants for $5600 for the 4 of us. Unfortunately, that's the week our son graduates so we have to sail in June or July, but what a great price that is!

Did MSC have good kids food options? Both my kids are very basic in food, was there basics like mac n cheese, burgers, chicken strips and the like? And the most important question, free soft serve "ice cream?"

 

[Love2Cruz]

I looked into the Seaside today and for the last week of May 2018, we could do their 2 bedroom/2 bath suite including beverage package and upgraded restaurants for $5600 for the 4 of us. Unfortunately, that's the week our son graduates so we have to sail in June or July, but what a great price that is!

Did MSC have good kids food options? Both my kids are very basic in food, was there basics like mac n cheese, burgers, chicken strips and the like? And the most important question, free soft serve "ice cream?"

Wow...Seaside has a lot of new cabin categories...we are sailing her in June...those prices haven't been released yet. How old are your kids, I think teens, right? They have a very active kids program...my DD loved it. As for food, yes, they have a whole area dedicated just for kids at the buffet, and they also have kids menus at dinner...they also have 3 or 4 different types of pizza daily as well as lots of different pasta dishes...I think their menus appeal to kids...my DD who is slender build gained weight on that cruise..lol Their pizza is AMAZING.

 

[Love2Cruz]

BTW....adults can go to their children's section and do all the time...they have the simpler pasta dishes, veggies, mashed potatoes, mac n cheese and all you can eat fried calamari.

 

[Love2Cruz]

And these little critters...still hot. MSC makes all their pastries and breads on board....

One of my DD's meals...but she mainly had the pasta, pizza, desserts and fruit....

Gelato bar...REAL italian gelato

Basically, if you love Italian food, you will be in Heaven on an MSC cruise. I have more pics on my TR on CC of this cruise...which was an Eastern Mediterranean itinerary that I took in June of this year...It went to Italy, Athens and Greek Islands, Montenegro.

 

[kaseyC]

We have the Seaside booked for Spring Break 2018. We are trying out their Yacht Club which seems very similar to NCL's Haven which we love but the prices on MSC are much better.

@Club Disney Chandler, if you are interested MSC, make sure you do your status match for the Voyager's Club. I'm platinum on NCL and DCL and MSC matched it with their highest level which is Black. Black level includes 5% off your cruise price, so I called after I got my club number and they adjusted the price.

 

[Love2Cruz]

I looked into the Seaside today and for the last week of May 2018, we could do their 2 bedroom/2 bath suite including beverage package and upgraded restaurants for $5600 for the 4 of us. Unfortunately, that's the week our son graduates so we have to sail in June or July, but what a great price that is!

Did MSC have good kids food options? Both my kids are very basic in food, was there basics like mac n cheese, burgers, chicken strips and the like? And the most important question, free soft serve "ice cream?"

They have gelato, I don't think I recall seeing soft serve....it's not free, but in expensive and worth every penny (unless you get the drink package, then it's included) They have about 10 different flavors every day and it's at the coffee "bar" on the pool deck.
Oh and their cappucino....

 

[Love2Cruz]

We have the Seaside booked for Spring Break 2018. We are trying out their Yacht Club which seems very similar to NCL's Haven which we love but the prices on MSC are much better.

@Club Disney Chandler, if you are interested MSC, make sure you do your status match for the Voyager's Club. I'm platinum on NCL and DCL and MSC matched it with their highest level which is Black. Black level includes 5% off your cruise price, so I called after I got my club number and they adjusted the price.

All previous customers get 5% off not just Black...but black has extra perks...priority boarding, specialty dinner..free laundry...and some other things. I reach Platinum on Carnival next year, but I think that just gets me MSC Gold. I intend on sailing the MSC fleet. BTW...lots of Kids sail free specials on MSC...I think up until 11 years old.

 

[kaseyC]

All previous customers get 5% off not just Black...but black has extra perks...priority boarding, specialty dinner..free laundry...and some other things. I reach Platinum on Carnival next year, but I think that just gets me MSC Gold. I intend on sailing the MSC fleet. BTW...lots of Kids sail free specials on MSC...I think up until 11 years old.

Didn't know it was all levels. That's even better. I also noticed that they have some sailings that past customers can get even a higher percentage off. The Divina has some great prices for early summer 2017.