markwfpb

That's great to hear. We're not overly concerned about cross contamination but it's great to know that's even on their radar!

Very good point - and a good reminder that was the reason we booked in the first place pre-covid! We'll be off the ship a good part of the time. And this cruise isn't about the ship, it's about seeing so many islands with relative ease. Thank you!

We've sailed our fair share of the Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda and various cruise lines' private islands. So we have a good idea of which ports and excursions to hit or miss. And which are a "one and done". Now that we're planning our first European cruise, we're lost to say the least. I've been reading many "Live" threads, destination boards, etc. There are definite trends but the more I read, the more confused I get. Looking for general advice on which airport(s) are best for embark/debark (proximity to port), ports that are "don't bother" at least for first timers, that kind of thing. We've sailed Divina many times as well as Seascape but really looking forward to MSC in Europe instead of the Americanized MSC. We're leaning towards itineraries that include Italy and Spain but open to anything and we realize we'll be getting just a taste of each port. That happened on our first cruise that stopped in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We loved it so much we did a ten day vacation there the next year. Thanks for any cheatsheet advice you can offer!

Whoa, thanks for all this info, It came through just as I was responding to DCGuy. I will check out the menus you linked to - it's good to know that some of the food is made off ship and not to order (like on an airplane?!). So the idea of making substitutions really isn't an option for those dishes. We can certainly pick around things we don't eat. It's enlightening that this ship in particular wasn't up for special needs as much as the others - at least in your experience. I guess PoA isn't "have it your way" Burger King! Thanks again.

Thanks, the cruise is March 2025, but I'm questioning if I should even keep the booking rather than roll the dice on what we may wind up with every meal!

Hello, After numerous cancellations of our Pride of America bookings throughout covid and life getting in the way after they started sailing again, we're considering them for this once-in-a-lifetime cruise. We are plant based and can usually maneuver our way around restaurant menus - with mixed results. Haven't sailed NCL in years so wondering if they have taken a step in the veggie direction at all, on this ship in particular. Is it the same old "talk to them on the first day to see what they can pull together routine"? I'm hoping given the price of this itinerary (plus flights!) that their chefs are competent and can deliver something besides pasta with red sauce every night. Not looking for any breakthroughs and would be happy with Asian/Indian options. But since this is an American crew I may be expecting too much! Thanks for any insights you may have.

Thanks all - sounds like we will not be disappointed. And since she'll be in drydock for a few weeks in early 2025, there's even more reason to book it!

Thank you - that's great that the balcony is even deeper especially with the Panama Canal itinerary - to get out of the sun OR rain like we had last trip. Thanks for all the info regarding the room size, the TV, the food and the overall smaller ship advantages. Concierge story - On our other trip through the canal, a guest forgot his belt and asked Hector in the Neptune Suite where he could get one - Hector took off his own and handed it to the guy without a thought!

Maybe they'd get more traction if they used clear plexi on the top so people can see what they're putting their hands into. 🧐 On day three when the novelty wears off, add some disco lighting in there to keep the interest going.

Oh, thank you for that info. We'd rather have more of the space in the main part of the cabin and balcony(!) than the bath area anyway - tho a separate shower is always a luxury. And that little dressing area with closets was great. In my mind, the best bathroom at sea is on NCL's jewel class ships in the haven - really large with double sinks plus separate shower and tub with ocean views when at sea. But possibly seeing eye to eye with neighbors when in port!

Thanks very much for all the useful information. Sounds like it's a bit different (which will be fun to explore) with unique pluses of its own. It's great to hear there are nice music options - we don't have much at home so we love to enjoy them on cruises. I didn't know about the taco bar or the current pop-ups. And I guess I need to refresh my memory on Exploration Cafe vs Explorer's Lounge!

My partner and I had a great time celebrating a "big" birthday on a 17-day Panama Canal cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam in October 2021 (San Diego to Ft Lauderdale). We're considering doing another (in the reverse direction) in Spring 2025 for another "big" bday on Zaandam We had SUCH an amazing time, I've been researching to be sure the things we enjoyed will be on this one as well. (Yep, I know all cruises vary - I'm not trying to relive the last one - and a bad day at sea beats a good day on land, etc.!) The first big question is the Neptune Suite. From the videos I've seen, the cabin setup looks similar. The couch/chair setup seem different (smaller?) but no big deal. The bathroom/dressing area doesn't seem as large overall but spacious enough. One thing - it looks like the TV is on a stand sitting on the cabinetry not mounted on the opposite wall. I know it seems minor, but every few nights, we liked to stay in and watch movies. Ridiculous with a whole ship to explore but we like it! Is the Explorer's Lounge just as nice on both ships - with the great view, fantastic coffees and puzzles I can never finish? Lincoln Center is gone so that's a major bummer. And doesn't look like BB Kings is on this ship. Any suitable venues you enjoy to fill in those blank spaces? It doesn't look like NY Pizza is on this ship, but I assume pizza is avail on the buffet or through room service - same quality? And looks like no Tamarind or sushi. Hmm, maybe I'm starting to answer my own question. Or maybe, HOPEFULLY, there are some really great pluses to this ship that I'm missing! Thanks for any info you wish to share.

My two cents having sailed Divina YC three times and Seascape YC once - I don't mind the walk to and from Le Muse now that we figured out how to avoid the smoking bar just outside. The service seemed more personal too. But the downside is the cabins - they are dark and small - definitely not a step up from a standard balcony cabin. The Seascape restaurant and Lounge are bright and airy. Sometime too bright (sun in your eyes) if you're having dinner on the west side before sunset! But the servers seemed frazzled - not as relaxing an experience for us. The cabins are a big step up - bright, spacious, decorated well.

I've had soy milk on the Divina and Seascape, so maybe it's a fleetwide thing. FYI, they refer to it as soya so ask for that! On Holland America last year, they also had almond milk and oatmilk. Definitely insist on a dairy alternative - taking lactaid seems like a ridiculous way to go for something as simple as milk for your coffee! Save that for a banana split or shake!

Wow! You have it dialed in - that makes sense. But you'd think the drivers would have figured it out by now especially at the airports. Thanks for the info - and all your fantastic "live" posts!

That's happened to us every time we're in Miami and Ft Lauderdale - at the airport and the cruise terminal with both Uber and Lyft! Usually it's just "poof" they're gone and another car is ordered. This past trip, they were supposedly right there and "the meter is running" but we were in the exact spot they were but no car matching its description or plate number. Of course you can't review them when you don't actually ride with them. So their 5-star review remains untarnished!!

We're leaving saturday on the Seascape in YC so this is timely. When/where do we request the bottle of liquor - precruise or onboard? Having been in Divina YC three times, it's never even been brought up - although I'm thinking there's been a bottle of sparkling in the fridge. Was THAT It?! We'd prefer a good cabernet or even a bottle of mediocre tequila!

I've always wondered how big a spender you must be to get these offers, no matter the cruise line. It would certainly be fun to gamble away the money with a "free" cabin than just spend the money up front to book the cabin!

Was the wine offered to you as a (complimentary) pour or did you buy the bottle? I ask because we're about to go on Divina for the fourth time (all YC). One year, the sommelier basically hounded me with the wine list ("30% off just for you") and we bought a few bottles that trip - wines I knew were good and definitely nicer than the standard wine list. But it would be nice to just have decent wines selected and poured throughout the meal and not have an extra few hundred dollars on my account!

We'll be on Seascape in a few weeks, first time and looking forward to it! During our three trips on Divina YC over the years, we've asked for wines by the glass of whatever's included. One year we bought a few bottles for the table over the course of the week (wines we knew well and that were a step or three above the wines by the glass, many of which were iffy). Is there a "trick" to getting the "nice pours" and not spend $$ on by the bottle?! (we treat the crew well and tip nicely, usually at the end of the cruise) One Sommelier kept hitting me up with the wine list and a "30% discount just for you" which got a little annoying in front of our tablemates!

Do you think there was actually something going on at the port or just the usual?! Seems like that's the case whenever we've been through there - I think to myself this can't ALWAYS be how it is - an hour to get just a few miles! Wish there was a high speed rail option or express lane for a bus or something! We always end up tipping our Lyft drivers too - seems like the right thing to do in that situation! Happy cruising from here on out!

Thanks for all the details and pics - Carnival has never been on my radar but we'll definitely consider it now. We've had mixed results with vegan meals on NCL and Holland America after talking to the maitre D and servers. Lots of pasta, fake beef and cobbling together salads and sides - you know the story. What determines when Carnival offers the vegan menu - meal time, sea days vs port days or something else? Thanks again!

Yeah I wouldn't eat that either. Back off.

I drilled down to your two excursion options on the msc site. https://www.msccruises.co.za/our-cruises/destinations/united-states-canada/united-states/new-york Your original "Land and Sea" choice looks much more exciting than "NY Highlights" which focuses on the 9/11 Memorial. I know you'll have just been at sea for a week or more, but seeing the city from the water never gets old.

I lived in Manhattan for years and go back to the city now and then. I know the ins and outs of the various public transit options. And (assuming they guarantee your airport arrival time) I'd jump at the chance to see the city and not worry about luggage. If nothing else, you'll get a sense of whether you'd like to spend a few days there before or after your cruise next time. If you want to do it on your own, there are various spots you can store luggage for several hours - you can find them online (but check reviews, of course!). If you decide to go that route, research what part of the city you'd like to explore and head there. You probably won't have time to go to multiple spots dragging luggage. If you're flying out of JFK or La Guardia, you may want to just stay in Brooklyn to see the sights or hit lower Manhattan. Going to midtown or further uptown would eat up more transit time and add to the travel expense. If you're flying out of EWR, you'd still probably wouldn't want to venture more uptown than the Village. Just my opinion, of course! A totally different option is pushing your flight back a day (or more) and head directly there when you disembark. Spend the day and night then head to the airport for your flight. The hotel bellman can hold your bag before check-in and after checkout!