Bluewake

We have sailed on a number of different lines, including multiple cruises on MSC. Please don’t be dissuaded by a few negative reviews about MSC on cruise critic. When you consider how many thousands of people cruise each year, a handful of negative reviews on CC doesn’t constitute a critical mass of opinion upon which you can rely. Similarly, condescending posts on cruise critic which imply that unless you’re in the yacht club, you are somehow sailing in a garbage scow or are of lesser social status are equally insipid. We’ve sailed in the yacht club on MSC as well as outside the yacht club. I don’t doubt there are cruisers who are very much drawn to the milieu of the yacht club and/or the individualized attention and services. However, because what is offered by the yacht club is not of particular importance to us, we simply don’t see the advantage in paying the additional cost. In fact, we actually have found some aspects of the yacht club experience not to be to our liking. In my opinion, it’s about objectively deciding what is important to you and then doing your research to determine whether or not a particular cruise line or ship is a match for those expectations. For some, that certainly will mean the yacht club is the only viable option. For others, not so much.

I greatly appreciated your description of Cartagena. We will be on this same MSC Divina cruise in April and it will be our first time visiting Cartagena. We've read about the relentless vendors in Old Town, including "rappers" who supposedly come up and loudly "rap" in your face until you give them money to go away. Not sure if that is a myth or not! Although we often book private tours, we decided to go with a cruiseline excursion in Cartagena that spends only part of the time in the Old Town so that might help to mitigate the stress for our first visit.

A description of the two piers can be read at: https://www.iqcruising.com/ports/caribbean/jamaica/ocho-rios/overview-ocho-rios-cruise-port.html

We are new to Princess and are looking at a cruise on the Island Princess. We are trying to decide whether to go with the standard option or the plus option which would give us two “casual meals” during our cruise. This brings up the question of what are the casual dining venues aboard the Island Princess? And are the casual dining venues the same thing as “pop ups” or are those two entirely different things? Advice is much appreciated.

We also were there on the Grandeur in 2005. The port area was very different...much smaller than today. We went to the village of Mahajual and had coconut shrimp at the Cat's Meow. Then, we spent some time on the beach. It was such a relaxing port experience. We went back in 2006 and took the Native Choice tour with Ivan and David to Chacchoben before heading to the village for a while. Another great time. In the years since, we've been back several times. In fact, we were just there last week. Unfortunately, the village of Mahajual is very different from our initial visits. After two or three experiences involving vendors lined up and relentlessly coming one-after-another to sell you the same souvenir items, asking to braid your hair, or to give you a massage, we stopped going to the village. Yes, I know they are just trying to make a living and a polite "no thanks" was usually sufficient but we found we had to do that about once every 3-4 minutes while at the beach or walking along the malecon and it became onerous. Our next couple of trips, we either took an excursion or just stayed at the port area which was less intense. However, it wasn't long before the port area involved dealing with vendor after vendor who wanted to put some sort of lotion on you and pull you into their store. We tired of their lines (e.g. "are you a movie star"? because I was wearing sunglasses). So, when we were there last week, we went to Maya Chan, a private beach oasis about 4 miles below Mahajual. It was wonderful! Okay, the water is a bit more murky than the blue water by the port and the beach isn't anything to brag about but the overall experience of having our own private cabana set between palm trees and tropical plants, limitless food and drinks, no vendors, and the most polite staff we've encountered in the Caribbean was great.

Yes. We just returned yesterday from the Constellation's Jan 3rd New Orleans & Western Caribbean cruise. I heard there 70+ cases of Norovirus but I don't know the actual numbers. The Captain alerted passengers to the outbreak about 2/3 of the way through the cruise and addressed it a couple of additional times in subsequent announcements, hand sanitizer dispensers popped-up all over the ship, and the buffet switched to where all serving was done by staff members...there were no stations with self-service, including beverages. It really gets you thinking just how easy it is to touch something that another passenger or crew member just touched such as stairway railings, elevator buttons, drinks handed to you by a waiter, grasping a chair to pull it up to the table, the table itself, menus, etc. It's impossible for the crew to disinfect everything before another person comes along! A friend who was aboard was stricken with Noro - pretty serious symptoms - and had to remain in their cabin for 2 days. And, it wasn't only Noro. Two other acquaintances aboard came down with some sort of respiratory virus and had to be treated by the ship medical staff. One said it was covid but the other said it was something different. We were fortunate and managed to avoid getting ill. I have to think that is because we were very careful about what we touched, washed and sanitized regularly, and avoided close crowds such as in the casino which looked like a virtual germ distribution center to us!

Thank you. Perhaps I didn't word it correctly but, by no means, was I suggesting "no cell phones whatsover" on the ship. All I meant to suggest was whether people might support designating 2-3 small areas of the ship [such as a particular lounge, the library, an area of chairs on the Promenade Deck...just like the smoking area is set up, etc. as "Quiet" areas where cell phone conversations, facetiming, playing music or videos by speaker, etc. would not be allowed...and I suppose loud conversations could be included. This simply would afford those who want to read or relax to have some places to do so without being subjected to another passenger's very loud phone conversations, videos, and other noise producing actions. Nothing would prevent a person from using their phone to text or watch videos with earphones or even to receive an incoming call in these areas provided they took that call to another location. They would have the majority of the ship to do that.

At the risk of sounding petty... We just returned from a short Celebrity cruise that was wonderful in most ways other than one exception. In four days, we encountered 6-7 situations in which we found a quiet place to relax but, within a few minutes, someone a few chairs away was on their cell phone engaging in one or more of three behaviors: (1) talking very loudly...really loudly; (2) using the speaker on the cell phone to hear the other party...many such exchanges seemed to involved "facetiming"; (3) watching videos on their phone with the speaker at max setting. These were not emergencies in any way. I know that because the entire conversation from both parties was clearly audible to everyone within a 10-20 foot radius. And, at no time, did the party on the ship seem to be concerned that they might be bothering anyone. It's hard to believe we are the only cruisers who find this somewhat disturbing but I have to acknowledge the possibility that others simply aren't bothered by it. If so, it's my problem. However, it got me thinking. If cruise lines can have smoking and non-smoking areas, why not have certain areas where cell phone conversations are not permitted and videos/music can only be watched with earphones? Of course, nobody cares if someone is texting...it's the noise polution that is the issue for some of us. So...am I being a curmudgeon and unreasonable?

I've sailed out of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Tampa and drive to all of those ports so flights are not a factor for us. In my opinion, there are four main considerations: 1. Getting there - If you are flying, hardly matters, I suppose. If you are driving, I've found getting into Port Canaveral very easy. Fort Lauderdale is pretty much a straight shot from the Turnpike and fairly easy access. Tampa is a little bit tricky due to some recent construction taking place and getting through Miami can be a pain in the neck because of the traffic and people darting in and out of lanes depending on when you travel. 2. Baggage Drop and Parking - Once again, baggage drop and parking at Port Canaveral has always been painless. The main garages are pretty near the terminal. Fort Lauderdale isn't too bad for the same reasons...the terminal staff seem organized and parking is fairly close. Because of so many ships boarding at once, Miami can be quite congested and we've ended up parking quite a distance away from our ship. Tampa isn't bad..not too far from the terminal to the garage. Of course, you always have the option of parking off-site and taking a shuttle. It can make a difference to have someone else do the driving! 3. The onboarding process - I can't say we've noticed a difference among the various terminal staffs. I tend to like Ft Lauderdale's organization. Same for Port Canaveral. Our longest waits have been in Miami and Tampa. 4. Disembarking and Getting out of the port - Port Canaveral wins this one "hands down". Getting out of the port and on the way is easy. Now, Miami - at least for us - is a totally different story. I'll bet we've missed the signs to get out of the port at least 3 times (which says a lot about our ability to read overhead signs I suppose!) and had to circle back into the line of those coming into the port for the next cruise. For some reason, we are baffled by the roadways there. Tampa and Ft Lauderdale are about equal for us...although I think I'd give the edge to Ft Lauderdale. Of course, all this is totally subjective and those with greater navigational acumen might have very different ideas!

Good to know about sticky buns in Baccio! I won't be on Equinox again for a while but will soon be on the Silhouette and, in January, the Constellation. I absolutely will try to track some down. Maybe it will bring back memories of State College.

Not quite like going to the Phyrst to hear the Physt Family or hanging out at the Corner Room! (Couldn't help but notice your CC "name" - Pennstatedj) Wouldn't it be great if Celebrity offered "sticky buns" in the Buffet?

On our last cruise (which was on Royal Caribbean), I had a chance to ask the Cruise Director why no educational, cultural, or information programs such as "Beyond the Podium" were offered. He very politely responded that it was because there just wasn't any interest. I found that surprising. Okay, such sessions might not pack the theater but we had an opportunity to attend a couple of sessions (one was famous sea disasters...somewhat of an interesting choice for a cruise!) last year on Celebrity and there were 50 or more in attendance. In 2018 we were on a Carnival cruise that stopped overnight in Havana and an enthusiastic speaker did multiple sessions on Cuban culture, etc. that were very well attended. We will be on Constellation in January and I'd love to see something similar.

We really liked Taino Bay. As C4HCG wrote, TB has bars, shopping, and a nice swimming pool area...however, no true ocean beach access when we were there. Here is a video from Youtube that shows what it's like: Amber Cover is similar but we liked TB better. Lots of shopping and a pool area but not as nice as TB...at least we didn't think so. Here is another video that shows AC.

Totally understand. If someone had told me what you were told, I'd have done just what you did. You probably are correct that he had a bad experience that colored his view and he passed it on. I suppose we all have a story about a port where we felt "ripped off" or unsafe. I once had such a "moment" on an excursion in Falmouth, Jamaica that left me nervous about that particular port. However, I'll bet others would find my concern totally misplaced! I hope you can give Puerto Plata another chance. It's not my favorite port but I didn't find it to be as that other cruiser portrayed it to be. With that said, however, any port can present criminals with opportunities so it's always wise to be cautious.

We've been in Puerto Plata three times in the last 12 months - docked twice at Taino Bay and once at Amber Cove - and went to the historic downtown area all three times. We also never felt unsafe. Our second time at TB, we walked from the port to the historic downtown area, along the beach near the fort, and back. Other than being approached right at the port exit by mildly persistent people trying to get us to take their taxi or a private tour, we had no issues whatsoever. We went in several stores in the downtown area and were never "pressured" to buy anything. Can't believe someone told the OP that they were "locking people in shops until they bought something"! In fact, I've actually felt more pressure at the straw market in Nassau and from the guys standing outside the jewelry stores in Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas) and Phillipsburg (St. Maarten). On just about every corner along the way from the port to the downtown area in Puerto Plata, there are "Tourist Police" who stop traffic to allow tourists to cross and do a good job making tourists feel comfortable. Of course, maybe there is a need for such police but, if so, we didn't see it.

We've been in St Maarten quite a few times so when we once had a particularly long day in St Maarten, we decided to do something different by taking a ferry to St. Barths. It's about 45 minutes each way. We were there long enough to hire a taxi to give us a 90 minute tour of St. Barths and a bit of souvenir shopping before returning. We'd not been there before and quite enjoyed it. Of course, it all depends on how long your ship is docked and your tolerance of the risk about not getting back to the ship on time but as long as your ship is there long enough, it's something to consider. Also, I agree with others that Bernard's does a good job. We've taken 2-3 tours with them and were very pleased.

To each his own. However, I am currently in a deck 8 Promenade view room on Mariner and don't believe I will ever again book another Promenade room. I happen to have sensitive hearing and the thud of the bass and drums from the band playing below - not to mention the singer - is very distracting. It went on for a couple of hours this afternoon and I expect it will go on until about 11 pm as it did last night. Someone who tends to be out late in the bars or other activities, doesn't spend a lot of time in the cabin, and doesn't mind the music will not have a problem. However, I often go to the early show and head back to the cabin to read or watch TV and it's very distracting. Right now, the music is absolutely blaring from the 70's party ( I think). The loudest it's been so far. No way I'd book another Promenade view.

Same here. We have tried the "Butler thing" and - for the most part - it just didn't work for us. Admittedly, we've appreciated priority boarding and debarking with a Butler escort but that's about it. I am a "do it myself" person and actually sometimes find having to work through an intermediary to be a challenge or a disadvantage. For example, a Butler once asked us to wait for a group to assemble to take us all to an excursion meeting point. The Butler had the entire group wait for the late-comers to meander in and by the time we arrived at the excursion area, we were at the far end of the line...got the worst seats, etc. That was the last time we used a Butler for excursions. Like you, we prefer a different seating area in the theater so we go on our own. In fact, on the cruises on which we've had access to a Butler, we've used the Butler so infrequently that we feel guilty about not using them when we pass ours in the hallway....and then we struggle about how much to tip someone we've seen only once or twice and whose services we haven't utilized. I do understand that some people see the Butler as a great advantage. It's just not for us.

Wow! $1700 for a cabana. We've never purchased one but, while walking past them, we have wondered whether you can split the cost among 2-3 families or is there a limit on the number of people who can use the cabana? Does anything come with it such as drinks or food or are those extra?

These posts are concerning and certainly have prompted a reconsideration of the notion of exploring on our own. Our group cruised to Panama once before. The ship anchored in Lake Gatun and we did an excursion in which we took a small boat the remaining length of the canal to the Pacific, then a long bus ride back to Colon to meet the ship. We had no sense of safety issues because our only interaction with Panama was passing through it by ship, small boat, and bus.

Yes…Thank you. Primarily, our group wants to know if we’ll be a to explore a bit either on our own, or in some sort of guided way. I hadn’t thought about the term “scenic tour” making a difference, so I appreciate you bringing that to my attention. We very much enjoy MSC cruises, however, we’ve had some frustrations dealing with MSC’s shoreside operations.

I've posted a similar message on the Panama Canal forum but am thinking the general MSC forum might be more expedient. A small group of us sailing on the April 7, 2024 Divina (Ocho Rios, Aruba, Cartagena, Colon, Limon, Ocean Cay) are in the process of planning excursions. One of the places we are interested in visiting is Panama City - the historic section to be more precise - so we were pleased when we saw an excursion to the "Panama Old Quarter". However, the description of the excursion on the MSC website is somewhat vague. Essentially, it states that it's a trip to Casco Viejo or OId Quarter and mentions some things located there but doesn't note the mode of transportation (of course, we assume it's a bus), whether it includes an opportunity to get off and explore the city, etc. Since our group is hesitant to purchase it until we know more about what it involves, I decided to call MSC to ask for information about the excursion. However, that effort was futile. The rep said she knew nothing about the excursion and was unable to refer me to anyone who could provide information. She advised me to wait until we are aboard the ship and ask at the Shore Excursions desk. Thinking I might have better luck today, I tried again. While the rep I reached this morning was very nice, she also had no knowledge of the excursion. Her suggestion was to ask the driver (she said she assumed it's on a bus) where we are going when we board it for the excursion. I am not being facetious...that was her actual advice. Obviously, we don't want to wait until we are aboard the ship to start booking excursions and we certainly don't want to wait until we step onboard a bus to find out where we'll be going. My guess is that these reps are third party and don't work directly for MSC. We are hoping that there might be a dedicated number for some sort of MSC excursions office or adviser who would be more knowledgeable but, thus far, we've been unable to find anything. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Yes. That is what we are assuming. In 2019, we sailed into Lake Gatun where we boarded a small boat that went through the canal to the Pacific and then took a bus back to Colon. The traffic was bad and it took a couple of hours to get back to Colon. That is what makes us wonder if this "Panama Old Quarter"excursion will include any time in the historical section. Is 4 1/2 hours enough, time especially if it starts in Colon? I just wish MSC had someone with whom we could speak about the excursion.

Did you have time to get out and walk around or was it a "Drive By"?

I am hoping we can get some advice from someone who has taken the MSC "Panama Old Quarter" excursion. Four of us will be on MSC Divina in April 2024 and are looking at excursions. We all are interested in the Panama Old Quarter excursion which we believe is a tour of the historical part of Panama City. The excursion is 4 and 1/2 hrs. Our specific questions are: Does the ship stop at Colon or does it go on into Lake Gatun where passengers on excursions can disembark? We assume the excursion "Panama Old Quarter" involves taking a bus to the old section of Panama City...do we catch that bus in Colon or at Lake Gatun? Will we have any time to get off the bus and explore the old section of Panama City before we return? I called MSC and tried to ask these questions but the rep was unable to answer them. She had no idea if the ship goes into Lake Gatun. When I asked about the excursion, she just kept repeating the time the ship arrives and leaves and saying we needed to take an excursion that got us back to the ship on time. When I said it was a ship's excursion and I was aware of timing issue, she kept repeating the same thing. Then, she said I should ask my other questions when I get on the ship. Any info would be greatly appreciated