OceansOfTravels

7 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

In the US, it is required that all passengers leave the ship so that it can be 'zeroed down' before any new passengers can begin to board.  I have not done a B2B on MSC, but the procedure for my previous B2B cruises on Celebrity, Carnival, HAL, Princess is that you receive a letter in your cabin the day before you return to port.  Maybe earlier.  It will detail the procedure.  It will tell you the time and place to meet, and when all other guests have departed they will walk you off and through immigration (not customs) and then you can return to the ship.  If you have booked as one continuous cruise, you will keep your same cruise card.  If you booked as two separate cruises B2B, they may give you your new card in that letter, or when you meet the next morning.  They should also give you an In Transit pass so that if you choose to leave the ship and go on an excursion or shopping, you can bypass the lines when returning.  On your return you would need to go through security but not checkin.  I'm sure someone will be along shortly to give you any differences with MSC.  EM

To "Bollinge" - This is all true, unless your cruise is like mine, where Key West is your last day. If Key West is the last day of the cruise, then all passengers are required to go through immigration in Key West (regardless of their intentions for the day, so even if you are using Key West as an empty ship day, you will need to go through immigration). Immigration will be onboard, and for us, they used the theatre for Americans and Canadians, and the main restaurant for all other passport holders. If you do want to disembark in Key West, you will not be able to until you go through immigration. But, upon your return to Miami, you'll just be able to disembark and literally walk off the ship, because you went from the USA to the USA and had already cleared immigration. So, if you're a B2B passenger, you'll be able to just walk off and spend the day in Miami if you'd like, or just be required to do the standard walk-off, walk-on as they transition the ship for new passengers.

However, if your last port is not Key West, disregard everything I just said 🙂

Anyone know the drydock schedule?

I am really enjoying your photo review! This has been an itinerary I have wanted to try for a while. Thanks for putting in the time both on and after your vacation to put this all together for us!

22 hours ago, tigger54 said:

That sounds fine to me. Will there be theatre shows in the evening and live music around the ship? I do like the quaintness of a small ship.

Yes, there is a show every single night in the theatre, plus there is live music all around the boat. You'll find a variety of live music types, from piano soloists to quartets with a vocal soloist, plus the signature passenger karaoke. As you know with cruising MSC before, you know many people (to me, it seems like more than other lines) like to sit and listen to live music, so you'll still find it all over the ship all throughout the day.

Enjoy your cruise!

I remember them opening up the WJ late at night for a snack buffet, plus they always seemed to have things like cookies or fruit hanging around if you just wanted a quick bite. Go ahead and book!

I had cruised the Divina and the Seaview before the Armonia, so the exact same understanding of MSC as I boarded the Armonia.

I enjoyed my cruise on the Armonia. I liked how the ship still retained the very international clientele and great food that I had come to love about MSC, and the decor still seemed to be modern where appropriate (ie staterooms and stateroom hallways), but contrastingly reflective of its age in other areas (ie lounges). I also loved the price I paid for the cruise, as I really just wanted a relaxing week away in the Caribbean to celebrate my graduation.

The con, though, will be the lack of luxury. The Divina and Seaview/Seaside boast glass staircases, modern fixtures everywhere, and a very luxuriously modern feeling, the kind of feeling MSC is trying to capitalize on and brand itself with. If that's something you really like about MSC, you'll have to go without it this cruise. Also, being a small ship, it lacks a lot of activities. However, with two pools and four whirlpools, if you're just looking for a cheap, relaxing beach cruise, this may be a great option. 

Let me know if you have any questions, or want any more information!

Enjoy it! I cruises Christmas 2016 and 2018 and loved them both, it's certainly a special time of year to be on a ship.

34 minutes ago, kidless said:

Casino is non-smoking? I thought I read on line it was smoking. 

 

Thanks for for your reply. We are Nervous about trying MSC there are a lot of bad reviews on cruise critic about this ship. 

I worded that wrong, I'm sorry. One of the small smoking areas is inside the casino, but the entire casino is non-smoking if that makes sense. It's not like the Carnival ships, for example, where walking past the casino is a massive whiff of tobacco you have to just learn to deal with. While there is smoking in the casino on the Armonia, it is nowhere near as prominent or heavy.

As for the ship, yes it is smaller and older, but it is a very great option if you're looking for a more low-key, relaxing and personalized vacation. If you're looking for a ship with tons of things to do, and a vacation where everything is sort of planned out for you, you may dislike the Armonia. Given its small size and low passenger count, you kind of have to take the reins and do whatever you like to amuse yourself. Some people, like myself, enjoy vacations like this, thus I ended up having a really good time on the Armonia. It was the relaxing week I needed. I think you may end up enjoying it a lot as well.

It's definitely doable. Wake up earlier, get off no later than 7:30, and spend the day at the beach. Most planes won't start landing until 10:30-11 though, and you'll wanna head back around 12:30 at the absolute latest. So, you could definitely spend your day at Maho Beach.

However, would you want to? You won't see very many planes, especially the larger flights from faraway destinations. Plus, you have to worry about leaving early, it truly would end up being just a regular beach day with a few planes. Why not go to Mullet instead? You'll see the same planes at Mullet that you'll see from Maho, it's around the corner. Or, if it just ends up being a beach day, why not just go to Great Bay Beach near the ship? I just don't wanna see you get all the way over to Maho and be disappointed with a glorified beach day!

What kind of info do you need? I went for the day in December 2018 and I can try to answer any questions you have.

It'll probably be the best choice of all the MSC ships, the Seaside and her sisters. The ship has so many pools, plus a ropes course, a zip line, and a large international clientele, so she'll have any fun nights around the ship with other teens from all over the world. This is definitely an amazing option for her, and equals that of all of the other big and new ships from the American lines. I hope y'all choose it, and I wish you the best trip!

6 hours ago, Touringmom said:

How many formal nights? How dressy do people get? 

Sorry! I completely answered people who had a similar questions as you and didn't even see this question .... scroll up and read my response to DeckLDO and kidless, I should have answered your questions in there! 

1 hour ago, kidless said:

I’m looking at cruise on this ship end of September. Never sailed MSC. 

 

How many smoking areas and how smokie do areas get especially casino. I know that can vary by how many smokers are on board. 

 

Is there a dress code for dinner? 

 

 

 

I only recall seeing maybe two or three smoking areas, and they were always small. They never seemed to be packed either, so maybe that's indicative of smokers choosing other lines with more lenient policies. I personally don't like smoke, and I really like how MSC doesn't allow smoking in their casinos. I enjoy that aspect of cruising with them. So if you're looking for a ship with little smokers, and those that do smoke being pretty well contained, this is a good option.

Two of the nights onboard a 7 night cruise will be formal nights. Those are the nights that you are suggested to dress up. There will also be a night where they host a "white party", where everyone wears white. On this night, you'll see many people wearing their white outfits to dinner to consolidate on outfits, so that may be another good idea. I can't think of any other clothes-related special nights!

10 hours ago, DeckLDO said:

Can you tell me about the dress code?  Are they strict about it?   I am booked on the Armonia on 05 Aug and want to know what to pack.  I normally Cruise Holland America and am comfortable with their dress code.  

I also read that shorts are not allowed in public areas at night, is this correct?

 

Thanks
Paul

 

Hello Paul,

I hate to be the bearer of this news, but in my opinion, MSC has one of the most lenient of dress codes of the three lines I've sailed. With that being said, it also has the highest level of diversity. I have seen people show up to formal night in full tuxedos and gowns, with their complete antithesis at the table next to them, in cargo shorts and maybe a polo. The best suggestion I could give regarding dress on MSC is to just wear whatever you would want to wear for your own photos or taste, and just try to align it with whatever the theme is that night. Therefore, if you want to get formal photos done, or you want a night where you wear shirts, ties and dresses, choose the assigned formal night as your family's night to do that. That is my best suggestion, because I promise you, you may end up being shocked at what you find some people classifying as formal. 

Also not sure where you read that shorts weren't allowed in public areas, because if that was an area, I broke it many times on three different MSC ships. You should be okay in that regard. Maybe try to avoid shorts on formal night because you may get some angry glares from formally-dressed French or British people, but other than that, you should be good. 

Let me know if you have any more questions or want any more verification!

On 7/2/2019 at 9:18 AM, Essiesmom said:

This is my second attempt at this question...

We like a nightlight in the bathroom.  On our previous MSC cruises (Divina & Seaside) the outlet in the bathroom was not 'live' unless the lights were turned on. (This is true of Carnival ships also).  Is this also true for Armonia?  We are booked for August 26.   EM

Sorry I am just now getting around to answering your question! The Armonia is not like other ships where you need to have the room key in the slot with the lights on in order to get things to light up or charge. It's an older ship so I'm sure if you plug in your nightlight in the bathroom, it will stay on all night. My cell phone and portable charger always charged through the night even with the lights off, so I doubt they would bug the bathroom and not the entire room. Hope that helped!

On 7/22/2019 at 3:46 PM, CTurtlelvr said:

Oh good, someone to ask questions, I didn't see this before posting my latest thread.

1. Is there a texting app to stay in touch with other family members on the ship without the data plan?

 

2. Did your tickets state that you received the 'All in' drink package? We were told when we booked that we would receive it, but it doesn't state it anywhere on our tickets or invoice and I cannot get my TA to answer the question. We have 2-oceanviews Fantastica. 

 

TIA!!

Can't answer either of these with full confidence - sorry! I did not use any sort of texting app, and I don't remember seeing one advertised. Maybe someone else will chime in. Also, I had a basic Bella interior, so no drink packages for me! Sorry I could not be of much help, and like I said, maybe someone else will chime in.

On 7/8/2019 at 5:23 PM, SailBreakaway said:

What can you share about the ship itself? We enjoy smaller ships and have sailed the Sun and Gem on NCL as well as Enchantment with Royal, enjoying all three alot. Armonia seems very basic, old in decor and interior design, and without much beauty, from the few videos and pictures we’ve seen. It seems without any modernization or features? Could be my perception, so love to hear about your opinion of the above? Thanks for being so generous in your info share!!

Funny you ask this, because right before the Armonia, I was on the MSC Seaview. So I know all about modern ships with all the bells and whistles. However, I still enjoyed the Armonia. Sure, she's not fitted with the newest of appliances or the most modern decor, but the decor the ship does have matches its overall style and I was pleasantly surprised to be enjoying an older ship a much as I did. I really enjoyed the Armonia for its size, as we seemed to never wait long for an elevator or for food, and I already knew my way around the whole ship by the second morning. I definitely would give it a chance, it may surprise you! Especially if you're cruising for a nice, relaxing beach vacation, this ship will be perfect for that. 

Just now, AerynSun_JohnCrighton said:

Any good liquor sales on the ship? Any activities that are not to miss? How many Beatles themed shows or music did they have? We leave Sun to drive down... 

Couldn't tell ya about liquor sales, I'm not a big drinker. I did take advantage of a 2 for 1 cocktail deal in Cozumel though :)

I actually really enjoyed Karaoke on this ship, I would definitely suggest going to at least one night of that. The Love/Marriage Gameshow (already forgot the exact name of it) was also very funny and I wouldn't miss that. Oh, and don't forget the White Party! I loved how the one on the Armonia was international themed, as each song went to a new country. A unique spin in comparison to the ones I went to on the Divina and Seaview.

Couldn't answer you on the Beatles in particular, I think just one? Maybe more, I know some of the performers played their songs at night, but there were multiple songs played, the show wasn't Beatles-themed. Most likely just one all-Beatles, I think. 

I was also on this ship with you, and I have many of the same sentiments. I was pleasantly surprised with how professional, clean, and overall enjoyable the Armonia was. I had an amazing time and truly enjoyed myself, and I'm glad to hear that y'all did as well!

1 hour ago, Nicksmom333 said:

I hope you had a great cruise! Where was your cabin? Was lunch in the pub on embarkation day or only the buffet? Was there an opera as a show? What was the best show?

Hello! My cabin was 8142, an interior on deck 8, midship. Amazing cabin, very quiet, and it was actually a handicap room so I was not used to having that much space in a room on a ship!

On embarkation day, I had lunch in the buffet. However, I cannot tell you much else, as I boarded at 4PM due to a very late flight (never chancing that again lol). So, if the actual restaurant was open, I wouldn't be able to confirm. Maybe a previous cruiser will chime in.

During the Italian show, you will get to hear a lot of opera. It's a great show! I personally liked that show or the Addams Family show the most. 

Hello all,

I just returned home from a great week onboard the MSC Armonia, and yes, I was on a rerouted cruise originally intended for Havana. But, I started this thread to answer questions anyone has about the ship, MSC in general, the ports (I went to Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Key West), and whatever else may be on your minds. Ask away, and Happy cruising! 😄

Baie Rouge is not only extremely secluded, but is one of the most scenic on the island. When I went, I was spending 10 days on the island in an AirBnB, and there were four ships in port, two of which were the MSC Seaside and the Harmony. My aunt and I and one other family from the Harmony were the only people on the beach .... it's very quiet and very picturesque, but shhhh, don't tell anyone about it, keep it our secret! 😉

But, jokes aside, it's an amazing beach and I most certainly would recommend going to it. They'll get the picturesque Caribbean beach without the crowds, most definitely a good time. And there are bathrooms with a nice beach bar right there as well. Further, if they wanted to see the planes landing at Maho Beach, have your taxi driver drop you off at Maho on the return, and either just ask them to wait with you for 10 minutes while you watch a plane or two, or pick up another taxi, or use one of the public buses back to Phillipsburg. That way, you've now gone to a calm and picturesque beach, as well as seen the main sight on the island. 

Since you have a car of your own, go over to Grand Case. It's, IMO, the best beach on the island, and they could really use some money to help rebuild after the storm. The area is the island's culinary district, so the beautiful beach strip is just lined with amazing, high-class French restaurants, as well as your typical beach cafe. It's buried on the french side though, so you'll really experience a European style of beach/vacation. The beach itself is gorgeous, and the food is good.

From there, you can head south into Marigot, where you can climb to the top of the fort for some amazing views, as well as get some pastries at some of the many French bakeries. Marigot is like Phillipsburg, except very French and a lot less crowded, so I find it to be more charming. Lots of pretty yachts over that way as well.

There are a lot of beautiful houses down in the direction of Baie Rouge, so it's worth heading down that point as well. If you want a secluded beach, Baie Rouge is very overlooked on the island and is totally worth a stop. It's my second favorite, only to Grand Case of course. 

9 minutes ago, Jayhawk said:

FYI, NBA championship game was being played on every TV in every location, including casino the other night. You couldn't have missed it 🙂 .

Do you have any information on my original question that this poster was responding to, which was whether or not they were showcasing Fifa WWC games? The games usually start around 9AM, 12PM and 3PM, so did you notice any women's soccer matches on while walking past the sports bar or casino or? It's okay if you don't remember, I'm just asking! :)

Reviving this in hopes that someone just off of the Seaside or currently on the Armonia can tell me if they are showing the games ...

Is there a person at MSC I could email, or put in a request for? I know I sent in a request on a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2016 because they did not plan on showing the Olympic opening ceremony, so I'm wondering if MSC has a similar contact method. Thanks in advance to anyone that can help!