MSC vs. RCL: Which Cruise Line is Right for You?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 พ.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 72

  • @dionline88
    @dionline88 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    We've been talking about trying an MSC cruise so this video is super helpful! I'll be making sure hubby watches this - some of their cruises are unbelievably inexpensive... I think it's time to give this line a try! Thanks Brandon!!

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      My pleasure Diane! Yes, saving money is one of their biggest selling points. Makes a lower experience MUCH easier to manage. I can't get enough of the cheap weekend cruises lol

  • @brentshuffler1234
    @brentshuffler1234 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Agreed! A proper, comfortable chair with back-support is vital for good posture and for health and safety, including good alignment of back, neck, hands, and wrists for all the reading, writing, and computer-based activities that most of us do nowadays, including lots of screen-time during vacations.

  • @angelsmilkyway4352
    @angelsmilkyway4352 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love the darker rooms you showed. I love the dark room

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      haha, I can't tell if this is a double entendre or not..😂 Well done.

  • @tillyortiz8942
    @tillyortiz8942 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts!!! I sooo agree have to have back on my chair!! I don't like Dark Rooms either..need LIGHT!!!

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      My pleasure Tilly!! You and me both! Love nice and bright rooms!

  • @annaspjs
    @annaspjs ปีที่แล้ว

    I LOVE Ocean Cay!!! It’s so relaxing but I agree not a lot for kids

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      I have been really impressed. It's been very nice!

  • @donnamanitu8673
    @donnamanitu8673 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Brandon ! We just got off the Liberty of the Seas because of your great suggestion. We only cruise a minimum 7 day cruise because we have to fly from Ohio. I love Coco Cay and you suggested booking a 4 followed by a 3 day cruise. It was such a nice cruise as we have been on several of the larger ships but I prefer the spontaneity of seeing shows when we want instead of having to make reservations. Willy was a great concierge and we felt so spoiled. I mentioned to Willy that we only booked the back-to-back cruise because of you and he said you are just as nice in person.
    I told other cruisers to watch your channel for the information and you reply to comments unlike other you tubers. I also told them about your tip of booking back-to-back to turn shorter cruises into a 7 or 10 day cruise. Sorry we didn't get a chance to meet you so I guess we'll have to book one of your group cruises !

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      Hey Donna and Willy is an amazing Concierge and takes great care of everyone! Glad you decided to do a B2B cruise as they are an excellent alternative! I too enjoy the smaller ships but will see how I like Oasis class starting to do the weekend cruises. Next group cruise is Nov 3, 2023 on Allure out of Port Canaveral if you are interested. Would love to have you! 🤗

  • @live2skide1
    @live2skide1 ปีที่แล้ว

    One sailing on MSC Meriviliga and I loved the food on MSC, both dining room and buffet. OMG the pizza😊❤😊. Shows on MSC were great. I will be looking at their price point again for solos

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      If solo Mary, you have to look at their price point! It's practically a buy a cruise, get one free on any other cruise line 😂

  • @mitchellbarnow1709
    @mitchellbarnow1709 ปีที่แล้ว

    Brando O Smith, I really enjoyed watching this comparison of the two cruise lines as it kept my interest. Thank you so much 😊

  • @gailgohrick5836
    @gailgohrick5836 ปีที่แล้ว

    We will be on MSC’s Poesia this fall, curious to experience their European sailing. Thanks for the info!

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      Hey Gail, hope you two are doing well! Let me know what you think of MSC in the Med!

  • @brenttuckertravel3859
    @brenttuckertravel3859 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey Brandon, thank you for the comparison and the differences between these lines.

  • @LetsAllCruise
    @LetsAllCruise ปีที่แล้ว

    Good comparison thank you! I have cruises booked on both these lines and I'm looking forward to trying them both out

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      With that attitude, you are going to love it! Let us know how it goes!

  • @tominator3
    @tominator3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I wish all cruise lines would do a status match like MSC! Just made it to D+, which probably makes me more loyal to Royal in order to reap those benefits. Would be more open to try others regularly if I knew I was getting some higher tier perks from a status match. Wishful thinking... I know

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I am just grateful for the ones that do! Made the decision to shop around a little bit easier...

  • @michaeltoma1023
    @michaeltoma1023 ปีที่แล้ว

    I never thought having a proper desk chair would be a game changer but having to catch up on some work on that box-style chair just doesn't cut it in today's world.

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      Ha, sometimes, small things go a long way. For most folks, I don't see them ever using this cushion. It will be more of a foot rest when on the couch. 😂

  • @bluscorpion
    @bluscorpion ปีที่แล้ว

    Damm, before you started taking, I thought you were a model or actor doing commercial. Then you started talking, I was like Oh, that's the blogger! Your hair and face are on point- what's your routine?

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      hahaha best compliment I have gotten on here in a while! Thank you! It is pretty basic from avoiding sun, good cleanser, and good moisturizer after the shower. Nothing over the top.

  • @brentshuffler1234
    @brentshuffler1234 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Tip: quay or cay is correctly pronounced KEY, regardless of spelling. That is why the cays off Florida are helpfully named and spelled Key West. Likewise, Quayside Mall in Barbados's tourism South Coast sector is pronounced KEY-side mall.

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      Funny, I posted a video on the Tiktok account about this and the debate was intense! I was even more confused and concerned with colonialism than I ever had been 😂

  • @Dave-cv8yb
    @Dave-cv8yb ปีที่แล้ว

    Been on the Seaside, Seashore, and Meriviglia and had wonderful experiances on all three. Their pricing is much cheaper than the other major lines. On all three we were able to cruise with Aurea experience, wifi, and drink package for cheaper than every other cruise line's basic cruise price. The one problem with the Seashore and the Meriviglia is the lack of grab and go options, combined with those ships only having one buffet. Seaside has 2 buffets and that separates the people more. Sailing Royal in October of this year, but will be back on MSC again in the next year or two.

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      Great Feedback Dave! Sea Side has some 3 nights leaving on Thursdays out of Port Canaveral next year you might see me on! Want to try one of their newer ships!

    • @Dave-cv8yb
      @Dave-cv8yb ปีที่แล้ว

      @The Weekend Cruiser Thanks! Wouldn't mind trying a three day cruise, but by the time we pay for airfare from the mid-west, it wouldn't be financially worth it.

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Dave-cv8yb Totally get that. For people flying in, I always encourage them to use the weekend cruise to start or book-end a vacation. Go to Disney, stay at the beach, or book the weekend and stay for the mid-week 4 night!

  • @brentpanter5689
    @brentpanter5689 ปีที่แล้ว

    Should have added 340 C&A point single supplement reduction when you talked about the programs. On my first MSC Mediterranean late this Oct. I've been worried so this made me feel better. Thank you!

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      I thought about that Brent but most solo cruisers are not at 340 cruise points with RCL to get the discount. It's also one heck of a premium to pay to get to 340 point mark when MSC offers it front the 0 point mark. For me, I love the 340 point mark just wasn't sure how many folks it would resonate with. What ship are you going on in the Med? I will need a full report! 😂

  • @susanc6367
    @susanc6367 ปีที่แล้ว

    MSC coming to Galveston in 2025 might be a game changer for a whole lot of Texas/Louisiana/Oklahoma cruisers

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      It very well could be! If they keep their price point as competitive as they have, I imagine they will do very well! Esp, if they send over a newer ship!

  • @lexa_power
    @lexa_power ปีที่แล้ว

    Brandon you know as a fellow solo cruiser that I also love MSC! I know I’m going to love Royal, but I think I’m still a few years (or maybe quite a few years) away from being in a place where I can financially afford to cruise on Royal. So for now, I am going to just enjoy what I can afford, which is MSC! 🚢 not every MSC cruise waives the solo supplement, but plenty of them do! I enjoyed my back to back on the Divina so much and can’t wait to go back!
    You made me feel homesick for Ocean Cay! (which, I guess I am just a super basic ***** because I pronounce it Ocean “K” with absolutely zero shame lol) I think it’s time to book my next MSC cruise 😂 As a solo cruiser with a very stressful life, I have no issues at all just relaxing on the beach all day! I know I will love Perfect Day at Coco Cay when I get to go there, but no complaints about Ocean Cay! I didn’t really like the food options since there’s nothing vegetarian, but now that I know that, I just eat a huge breakfast before heading out, and fill up my water containers with heavy drinks like rock lobster and snack on stuff like bread. I know the buffet will be open with plenty of pizza for me in the evening! 😂 as solo cruisers, I think it’s so fun that we love to just have a private island to myself. We love Ocean Cay for the same reason!
    I just think it’s wonderful that you review the solo cruising experience for those of us at all different price and budget levels and videos like this are so appreciated! I am so glad whenever I see positive MSC content, and hope other lower income solo cruisers such as myself can realize that they might be able to try a cruise after all without breaking the bank 😊🚢

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Aww thanks Lexa and my pleasure! Yes, so far I have had good experiences on MSC and have no needed to stay in the Yach Club to make that happen. Love solo travel and am glad you have found the joy of it too! Makes it a bit more expensive sometimes but we don't mind getting creative!

    • @lexa_power
      @lexa_power ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheWeekendCruiser absolutely! I cherish your videos because there’s so little MSC content and even less solo cruiser MSC content on TH-cam and you always show so much of the ship and explain things so well! I’m also dreaming of being able to afford Royal one day thanks to all your content and hope to maybe be able to join you on a group cruise one of these days! Definitely would love to know what MSC sailings you have coming up as I’m going to try to do a few quick getaways over the summer! I was going to try to do Margaritaville at Sea for my birthday cruise in June but I guess they’re closing it for renovations so I’ll be looking into a budget MSC sailing!

  • @Bum_Hip
    @Bum_Hip ปีที่แล้ว

    Do you normally cruise alone? I’ve been thinking about going solo. Not sure about it. Thanks for your informative videos!

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hey there, I sure do cruise solo 90% of the time. Though, I go very frequently and have a floating family of friends at sea. Here is a great video where I talked about the benefits and joys of solo cruising (I really love it). th-cam.com/video/HjI2xfz7MbU/w-d-xo.html

  • @ducheau100
    @ducheau100 ปีที่แล้ว

    I am looking forward to trying MSC Seaside out of Port Canaveral for a 3 night. I notice it docks overnight at Ocean Cay, but leaves the next day by noon which is kind of a bummer. I'd prefer a later departure. From price perspective MSC is the cheapest.

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      I have a few of these marked on my calendar! It is a Thursday to Sunday which isn't ideal but I am trying to make one of them work!

    • @ducheau100
      @ducheau100 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheWeekendCruiser how did the wifi compare? i see it is a lot cheaper than RCL

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ducheau100 slow to non-existent wifi on the Divina. Funny, the WIFI help desk told me not to mention the wifi in my videos 🤣

  • @grannyoffive1313
    @grannyoffive1313 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much for this great video… Regarding the loyalty perks… You were comparing Royal's pinnacle perks and in my opinion, the perks you should have been comparing the perks on MSC diamond to Royal Caribbean diamond not pinnacle… We are diamond on royal Caribbean and have definitely enjoyed the perks on MSC being their diamond status… One thing that I think wasn't mentioned on MSC is that very often they have free drinks and free Wi-Fi promotions… But I really enjoyed this video and comparisons… Thank you for your honest opinion, comparing both🚢

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you! They do seem to have good discounts on their drinks and wifis from the bookings I have done!! Good thought on the apples to apples comparison of their loyalty program. My logic was simply I took the highest tier of each to compare. I also thought Diamond on RCL transferred over as a lower status with MSC and only Pinnacle transferred as Diamond but could be wrong on that one. It would really help if everyone wouldn't use the same names for their teirs 😂

    • @grannyoffive1313
      @grannyoffive1313 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheWeekendCruiser I totally agree with you… Confusing when the names of the tiers are the same… You might be right on the MSC tier level comparison… When we first started cruising on MSC in 2017, they status matched our diamond status on Royal and gave us black status on MSC, which at the time was their highest level and we still have that level but I don't know now if it's their highest. Things might have totally changed… I'm not sure. But I definitely enjoyed your video .... I just googled tier levels on MSC… This is what I found
      There are four tiers to the MSC Voyagers Club program:
      Classic (1-2,199 points).
      Silver (2,200-4,299 points).
      Gold (4,300 to 9,999 points).
      Diamond (10,000 or more points).

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@grannyoffive1313 Thanks and this makes sense! You are right about the change from black. I had forgotten they used to call their top tier that!

    • @grannyoffive1313
      @grannyoffive1313 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheWeekendCruiser one thing I do like about being diamond on MSC is the free specialty dining… You may not know this or you may… But back in 2017 when we cruised on MSC for the first time we got two specialty dining one for me and one for my husband, since we were both diamond… and it was dinner for two… So that has changed… And MSC used to give a delicious huge replica made of chocolate of the ship you were cruising on… And boy was it delicious to eat, and to bake with… In those few short years, perks have changed, but some of the changes that they made were pretty nice… Guess we just all have to go with the flow!!🚢

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@grannyoffive1313 I believe the chocolate ship is still on the list of benefits! Though, for my short sailings, they restrict many of these benefits to the longer voyages. Glad I still get specialty for one of he 3 nights.

  • @brentshuffler1234
    @brentshuffler1234 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Tip: Meraviglia = MAY=ruh=VEE-glee=uh [polyglot at your service] No doubt, it is marvelous how cheaply MSC prices cruises for solo passengers....yes, sooo lowww...[wink]

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      hahaha love the humor! took me a second but I got it! I joked in the premiere that I think one of the new "sticks" of my channel will be me miss pronouncing names! On this one 8 times next year, will have to get it right!

  • @ScottLara
    @ScottLara ปีที่แล้ว

    Gotta love Virgin Voyages!!

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      Ha, they are quickly becoming one of my favorites. Heading back there in 3 weeks to give them another try!

  • @brentshuffler1234
    @brentshuffler1234 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    By the way, speaking about fleets, I was noticing in this video that YOU have an impressive fleet behind you. Never mind "Arr Matey!" I think that it is more like Pinnacle Admiral. Crystal blocks instead of colonial cannon-balls, but oh what a flotilla....Are you running out of space to hold this ever growing collection? This every-weekend thing is getting out of hand....I mean, harbour [wink]

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      haha love my ships! It is the only thing I collect from my trip is one ship model for all the ships I have been on. I am going to be running out of room soon but not a lot of new ships coming up, so I have some time!

  • @tedcoates402
    @tedcoates402 ปีที่แล้ว

    You're at the point now you'll make someone mad! There's an English cruiser named Emma and if I recall correctly she moves MSC for the savings. We like the ice skating too. Wonder why you didnt mention the water show? It's neat and nothing I know of like it. I really like watching the crew work with people on Flowrider. I thiknkt he RC ships are neat and fun to wonder around. I enjoy their design. How would you compare MSC in that arena?

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      Hey Ted, love Emma and she has joined a few of the live feeds on the weekends! Good catch! I left out Oasis and newer ship builds because I wanted to do more apples to apples. I have only been on the Divina and wanted to compare to a similar class and date of ship. With fleets so large, its a tough one to do a good comparisson if you don't narrow it down. Will think through if a better way to do this in the future.

  • @krisnyc9134
    @krisnyc9134 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    In my opinion the water and beaches are better at Ocean Cay than Coco Cay

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      100% agree on this one.

    • @krisnyc9134
      @krisnyc9134 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheWeekendCruiser I just got off the seaside today and I really wanted one of those model ships you have behind you but they only had the metal ones at the shop.

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@krisnyc9134 Being a collector, this would have annoyed me to not end! I have not broken down and booked a cruise just to get a ship model but I am not above it!

  • @debbiebrown7665
    @debbiebrown7665 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have sailed on many many ships and I went on the MSC Meriviglia last christmas and it was the worst cruise I ever taken. The food wasnt the best and the entertainment sucked. There was 2 shows to watch but you had to pay to watch them. No cafe to sit and get food or drinks without paying for them on the promenade. I will never try them again. Cheaper cruise fare is not always better.

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      Cheaper is definitly not always better! That doesn't sound like a great experience at all!

  • @brobinson767
    @brobinson767 ปีที่แล้ว

    As a TA and there are many out like me, we cringe at the idea of MSC because of the extremely poor service we get from them and the idiotic policy's that they have. I have clients who tell me how great MSC who are Pinnacle but the only real feedback they ever give me is how much money they are saving over Royal. Not the food, service, entertainment or anything else - only how much they are saving. That isn't enough for me to consider MSC. Their pricing is similar to Carnival.
    Interesting fact, MSC has been voted worst cruise line in Europe for 3 or 5 years in a row and this is a cruise line based in Europe.
    I do enjoy other cruise lines like Celebrity, Virgin Voyages, Princess and will try HAL in Alaska this year. But Royal is where it feels like my home truly is after exploring other lines.
    MSC had a ship out of Port Canaveral who failed the health inspection with 100+ violation stemming from 18 page report. Some of the items was minor like empty soap dispenser and some was more major violations.
    Royal isn't perfect by any means and have their fair share of challenges. Took crew 3 days to get me medical fridge that I requested on Vision...

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      This is good feedback! That might be video idea on "Price isn't Everything" or something to that effect.

  • @brantthompson199
    @brantthompson199 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey Brandon, a very good comparison video as we have been on both lines recently, the Liberty of the Seas and the Divina, as well as the Meraviglia last year. We much preferred the Meraviglia to the Divina. Your opinions are inline with ours. Royal had better service and food but gonna pay more for it. MSC’s price point is amazing as the price with drinks (yes we def use this 😊) and WiFi included is hard to beat. We like both private islands, however Coco Cay is more of a party atmosphere, especially at the pool but def more activities for the kids. The surrounding waters at Ocean Cay can’t be beat and we like the relaxed atmosphere. We sail on the Independence in Sept and the Seascape in December so will have more comparison opportunities. 🛳️

    • @TheWeekendCruiser
      @TheWeekendCruiser  ปีที่แล้ว

      Good to hear on the Meraviglia as I have her down for 8 cruises first of next year! She is an older and smaller ship than Divina I believe. Indy is my 2nd favorite ship in Royal's fleet. Great ship! SeaScape or one of those has a few 3 night cruises leaving on a Thursday I might try to get on next year too. Would love to try one of their newer ships.

    • @brantthompson199
      @brantthompson199 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheWeekendCruiser actually Mera is bigger and newer than Divina. Also they have a nice promenade and an LED ceiling that runs the length of it and changes at times