KINGBOBOFTHENORTH

Thanks for the report. What were "all the extras fees" that you paid for that you wouldn't have paid for on the major cruise lines? I recall they charge for pizza.

The Versailles Restaurant at 3555 SW 8th St in the Little Havana section of Miami is an institution. It's Cuban food at its finest. Head there directly from the airport because lunch service begins at 11am. Just ask for a table somewhere along a wall so you can keep your luggage nearby. Head to the port afterwards.

"Get there when you get there" is always my response to this question. I've had numerous MSC cruises since they implemented check-in times and not once has anyone asked to see the paperwork with the time on it. However and whenever you get to the cruise terminal, just drop your luggage and get in the line. No one is going to ask for your time slot.

If the aquarium has luggage storage, then that's the place to go! It's right there at the port.

I recommend the aquarium there as well but it's right next to the cruise terminals so again, luggage is an issue, it seems.

Go back to the MSC website and request your docs be emailed to you again. Awhile back I had to request my docs 3 times and each time there was a different check-in time. Worth a try!

I had the drink package on my most recent MSC cruise but I kept a stash of $5 bills in my pocket. I'd watch how a bartender mixed my drinks and if they poured an amount that was equal to a "double", I'd hand him a $5 bill. Poured me a regular drink, nothing extra. I always tip extra for my (non-yacht club) room steward. For a 7-nt cruise, likely $50-$60. For the recent 3-nt cruise, just an extra $20 since I was only 1X per day servicing of the cabin.

There is talk of putting a station in Melbourne or Cocoa so one or the other is likely to happen. Melbourne is larger and more central but Cocoa would allow shuttles to operate between that station and the port, an option a LOT of Orlando International Airport passengers would opt for.

As you noticed, there is no airline service between PBI and MCO. Amtrak is not practical because it's too slow and arrives Orlando station, if it's on time, at 1:22PM. And then you'd need a taxi or rideshare from there to the port = $$. Unless she can rent a car, the best plan is definitely Brightline. From WPB it will run nonstop to MCO where there are numerous shuttle options to choose from including one likely offered by the cruiseline.

After over 100 cruises including 9 others on MSC, I had my (what we call) power strip confiscated by Security at Port Canaveral while entering the terminal for MSC Seaside. Supposedly they're not allowed. I did not try to hide it; it was in the inside zipper part of my carry-on suitcase but it was noticed going through the x-ray machine. They told me I could get it back after clearing Customs on the final morning of the cruise but my room steward brought it to me on the final night. Again, I've taken this same cord on 9 other MSC cruises before this one. Perhaps you can hide yours better.

Quattrohead, I don't know how to get in touch with DJ Burn. I've become Facebook friends with a lot of the cruise ship DJ's over the years (https://www.facebook.com/king.bob.7505) but Burn wasn't one of them. There is zero chance of any DJ anywhere letting you use your USB stick on their equipment. You could write down some of your favorites and see if they can play any of them but that would be it.

OMG yes! There were a couple places where mirrors blocked the passageway!

As I've mentioned on here previously, just show up when you show up. I've never had anyone ask to see your assigned check-in time and that includes MSC cruises in the U.S., Europe and Middle East. Just get there when you get there and don't be waiting around for a later time that no one cares about.

Right? I felt the same way! On Day 3 I was starting to get the hang of it, lol.

Fla Mike, I was on this same 3-night sailing. Because it went over Labor Day weekend, I think a lot of younger people were already back in school and not on this ship. Overall, other than toddler age, I did not notice a lot of kids on the ship. The nightclub activities were well-attended though so there was no shortage of partiers but they did not go screaming down the hallways at 2AM like you might find on Carnival. If interested, I posted the parties on my Orlando-based nightlife Blog: Night 1/2: 70's Night & Others: https://www.orlandoentertainmentnews.com/?p=23598 Night 3: White Party: https://www.orlandoentertainmentnews.com/?p=23639

With a 4-night (or any even number) sailing, the ship would return on the day the original ship is over in Freeport.

I was on this sailing! Fun times!!

As you approach the terminal, there will be signs directing drivers to parking in the garage or to dropoff.

Host Jazzbeau, I'm not privy to their financials so this is just an opinion based on observations. Post-covid they were quick to be rid of one of their ships. I think if the current model works they'll stick with it and if anything, get a newer ship that still fits into Port of Palm Beach.

Essiesmom, I keep meaning to ask you. Does Essie sail with you?

Well that's what they did as Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line and it was tough for them to sell out two ships day after day. Under the current format they only have to try to sell out a ship every other day. Also, the Resort is in Nassau so one ship would have to sail there overnight and back the next night. It's feasible but requires much more fuel to make it there versus Grand Bahama which is a very close sail away from Palm Beach.

The order of themed nights will be determined by the Cruise Director and can vary depending on the sailing. You really won't know which parties will be on your sailing until the night before when the next Daily Program is delivered. However, you can ask the C.D. if you see him/her or even some of the Animation Team (Entertainment Staff) members might know. The night names' also can vary by ship. My recent Seaside sailing the 70's/80's Night was called the "Sunshine Party" the Latin Night was called the "Tropical Party" and the White Night party was called just the "White Party".

If I recall correctly, the AmeriSuites chain of hotels were rebranded as Hyatt Place hotels while Hyatt House hotels have kitchens and are designed more for longer stays. (This is in general, not specifically the Dania locations.)

The Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood is NOT near the pier but is an impressive entertainment complex including Daer Nightclub. It's home to the famed guitar shaped hotel building. Closer to the port, the Las Olas area along the Intracoastal Waterway has hotels and lots of bars and restaurants.Everywhere will be expensive in January.

Drink package for two for 17 nights............OUCH!!