Benzbuddy87

I also looked at the 2016 Car. cruises. Was looking for 10+ days and nothing really floats my boat.(pardon the pun)

December 6th:

Cartagena, Columbia

Oranjstad, Aruba

Willemstad, Curacao

(oh, and Nassau)

The comment about Nassau is accurate, but EVERY big ship goes there (or so it seems) so you can't blame MSC.

The Disney Dream is one of only four Disney cruise ships which regularly calls on Nassau ... which sails 3 & 4 night cruises out of Port Canaveral. The Fantasy sails alternating Eastern / Western Caribbean sans Nassau.

The ship is the destination.

The ship looks VERY promising! I also like the concept of the private island (albeit, a very small island) ... especially being there until midnight. I could be wrong, but I understand it is "supposed" to be a party atmosphere ... would guess it could relate to Key West, Mardi Gras, or Carnivale (not the cruise line)?

I am still trying to learn and figure out MSC. Can't wait to book. My status was matched, so I'm Black on MSC ...

We've sailed 17 cruises on another cruise line ... hoping we get BLACK on MSC.

I'm also thinking of booking the Divinia for something prior to the Seaside.

We booked the Divina for December 6th as a pre-cursor to the Seaside (April 2018). The Divina cruise is a 10 night to Columbia, Aruba, Curacao, and Nassau. We love the unique itinerary and extra sea days!

We would really like to try MSC, but the air prices to MIA or FLL are ridiculous from Nashville or Knoxville.

 

Any suggestions?

We would really like to try MSC, but the air prices to MIA or FLL are ridiculous from Nashville or Knoxville.

 

Any suggestions?

Try flying to MCO / Orlando ... then rent a car ... especially if you are flying in the day before, or want to check out a bit of Miami. The prices to MCO are almost always lower, and there are far more flights available.

We just got off the Divina a week ago, out of Miami. Lots of announcements were in 5 languages, most of them were just in English. ...

I read that "safety" announcements are made in multiple languages ... could that have been the case?

The food was very good, in the dining room there was escargot, lobster, steak, several fish dishes - and pasta too. ...

Does the menu change nightly? We sailed Royal Caribbean in 2014 ... disappointed to see the appetizer, soup and salad menu did not change for the entire week. Interestingly enough, just because there was something on the menu did not mean it was available. At dinner on embarkation day, I selected escargot - only to be told it was not available and that there was "none on the ship." Within 48 hours, escargot suddenly became available - without the ship having to take on provisions.

The desert choices on the buffet were actually better than in the main dining room, but all tasted delicious.

More choices, better tasting, or both? Were any of the Main Dining Room desserts also served at the evening buffet?

Oh and it's a minor thing but really did get on my nerves - always signing for drinks, even if the total was $0. One of the perks to a drink package for me on Celebrity was not having to deal with the paper.

I'm guessing there are two main reasons for signing ...

1) Provide the guest with the opportunity to leave an additional gratuity

2) Quality Control ... to make sure a bar tender is not scanning your card to give another guest a drink on your package

We have only sailed on the MSC Preziosa which has the Vertigo water slide. There was no charge. My kids went on it. The minimum height was 120cm. They made you sign some form for your kids. I went on it too. This is my video.

 

[YOUTUBE]Ns1ynVRQ7js[/YOUTUBE]

(Divina waterslide)

Screaming is half the fun ... it adds to an exhilarating experience! :D

Thanks! That's what I figured ... but thought I'd check since the boarding & sailing times are later than normal (for me). :)

What is MSC'S policy on bringing a bottle of wine on board?

I'd be interested to know about bringing bottled water aboard, as well.

Does anyone know if the Divina serves a lunch upon embarkation in Miami?

On last cruise in February on the Triumph sat next to 4 "ladies" in their mid twenties that came to the MDR drunk EVERY night! On elegant night one of the girls was so drunk she ate the whole lobster with her hands! Checked twice to see if she had silverware...yep she did! And one of the other girls fell asleep while she was eating! Priceless:eek:

I'm guessing CARNIVAL Triumph (again) ... Oy!

A very drunk scantily clad thong bikini girl twerking in the face of a matronly indian fully covered lady on the lido deck. It was disgusting

... time to change cruise lines!

Steven

Triumph spring break cruise 2012...I heard a noise in the middle of the night on our balcony. Went to check and there was a very drunk college student standing on my balcony grabbing a chair. He had busted down the divider and was trying to steal our chairs!!! I went out and screamed at him. He started to climb over the side of the balcony to get back to his. Then I screamed that he was going to fall. I called security and they didn't do much. Crazy kids!

Let me guess ... CARNIVAL Triumph?

Steven

A few years back on the Carnival Triumph, there was a family of four and every night their DS (who appeared to be about 4-5 yo) threw a piece of glassware on the floor and broke it. The parents would do nothing about it at all. we did over hear them tell the waiter that this is nothing, he keeps breaking glasses in our room to and the steward keeps putting them back. It became a nightly trivia time for us to guess what he would break. It is sad that his family allowed this behavior.

Parents are trash ... the apple does not fall from the tree ... especially when they learn from the apple tree!

Steven

Leaving port, pulling out beside another ship, many of us were out on our balconies waving at those on the other ship.two young men on there balcony in robes dropped their robes and something obviously had "excited" them!

 

In the lido I watched a toddler lick the salt and pepper shakers for several minutes while the parents ate. They left them on the table and then when the next occupants reached for them I ran over and stopped them. Didn't use the salt or pepper all cruise!

1) I am guessing the were excited to be naked, on the verandah, with each other. This stuff happens on a regular basis.

2) Mom and Dad should have been tossed overboard. I wonder whether the servers saw any of the licking?

Steven

A adult woman who.cut in front of me at breakfast buffet ..In a bikini she shouldn't have been wearing....picking her nose....then licking her finger....then picking up the sausage spoon with the same hand!

Bikini at the buffet? That would not be permitted in the uSA ... time to change cruise lines!

Steven

After reading your posts on Almaplena, I am left with many questions:

1) How do you get to Almaplena? Do you take the $2 bus from Costa Maya ... is alternate transportation required?

2) How far away is Almaplena located, as compared to Tropicante and/or Maya Chan?

3) I found very little information in your posts about Almaplena, itself. Please let us know if the beach is a private or public beach (likely public), and whether there are other facilities next to, or near Almaplena. As is the case with other Tropicante, the beach is public, and the "reserved" area directlyin front of Tropicante is indeed not an expansive area, but all guests have access to the beaches.

4) If you have contact with the owner, would you be able to inquire as to whether the "drop-off" of the sand (near the tide) was an anomaly, or whether is it present most of the time. If the latter, I would think that would be a deficit.

5) As is the case with Tropicante and Maya Chan, the eating area appears to be covered and offers a nice view (albeit, the view at Tropciante is filtered with tables and chairs on the beach). How large is the eating area at Almaplena? Are guests able to eat on the beach (ie: tables)?

6) Does Almaplena offer massages? If so, would you know the length of the massage, and price?

7) Does Almaplena take or require reservations?

8) What is the cost, if anything, to stay at Almaplena? How and when is payment made?

9) With regard to palapas ... most would agree ... a palapa is an open-sided dwelling (or bedding) with a thatched roof. In your pictures, we see what looks like a thatched roof umbrella (of sorts). While I understand the idea is for sun protection, it isn't really a dwelling. Does Almaplena have other covered structures on the beach? As an example, a thatched roof umbrella would indeed shield guests from sun, but if there is no seating or tables under these areas ... it would appear the only resort would be to huddle (stand) underneath the umbrella(s).

10) Based upon the pictures, there does not seem to be many guests at Almaplena ...nor does there seem to be tables and chairs. Are there chairs, loungers, or tables in the beach area ... or is that restricted to the eating area? If there are tables, chairs and/or loungers on the beach, are any offered in an area protected from the sun (either naturally protected, or man made)?

Steven

I was on the Liberty last year cabin 8434 Veranda deck. Right below pizzaria and Versailles pool and bar aft. The deck cleaning with chair and table banging and scraping was so loud I thought the ceiling was going to fall in.

This started at midnight and lasted until 3:30am. And I am a heavy sleeper.

I got dressed and went down to file a complaint at 5am. They said that this would be checked into. I asked to be moved but was a full ship.

Next day I got an apology letter, then a phone call the next day.

The last day another letter stating that they will credit my sign and sail acct.

400.00 per person. That was very nice. Was it because I complained LOUDLY, or maybe because there was a group of hundreds of travel agents on board and didn't know if I was one and could give Carnival a bad name to future guests.:confused:

Carnival does not need Travel Agents to give them a bad name ... Carnival does well at that all on their own!

How about a thread telling cruisers where not to stay. I was just on the Carnival Triumph, room 8410, below the back of the lido - pool deck. I didn't think it would be too bad, as usually the rear pool bar closes early at night. My room was near the 24 hour pizzeria. DON'T STAY IN THIS AREA. Due to the wooden deck, you will hear chairs and tables being moved between 11 pm and 5 am while you are attempting to sleep. It's constant. It seemed at 4:45 AM the staff was cleaning this area. One night they had a private party at the rear pool area, a dj started at 11 pm and it went until 3 am. BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM you get the picture. On the other hand, being just one deck below the pools and buffet was nice. Just take a sleeping pill like I did every night.

Where are other places to avoid?

You didn't think it would be too bad? You were on CARNIVAL!

Tropicante is ok, but certainly not a resort. It's a small beach with chairs etc and can be very crowded. It's in a section with lots of other beach areas. It was too crowded and small for my taste. The bathroom, while clean, was third world. It's ok, but not great.

Actually, it is a LARGE, public beach ... though Tropicante has limited frontage. No matter where you go, you either have a small beach, mid-size beach, or a large beach. Saying it's a small beach near other beaches seems awkward ... about the same as saying it's a large beach (which, it is).

With reference to the bathrooms ... you are indeed in a third world ... that area has specific restrictions on development. The bathrooms were not what I am used to on a cruise ship, but they are better than what I have seen at various public beaches in the Caribbean.

That aside, perhaps the biggest difference is that the beach at Tropicante is CLEAN. The pictures used by Maya Chan clearly are not as clear as Tropicante.

Steven

there are a range of activities (free!) to do -- or not do, if you prefer lying around in hammocks or lounging under a palapa or floating in a chair with a beverage. I don't understand how anyone could not have a wonderful time there -- which is why Maya Chan consistently is rated #1 by all kinds of groups.

 

We found that there may be other resorts in the area that are less expensive -- but there is a reason for that. For example, Maya Chan uses only top-shelf alcohol in its drinks. My husband drinks straight shots and appreciates that Maya Chan offers only high quality brands.

 

The main downside of Maya Chan is getting a space reserved. They indeed restrict the number of guests and it you don't reserve early, you can be disappointed.

-Uhhh ... nothing is free in life ... not even in the Caribbean. You pay an advance deposit, plus the balance of the fee when you arrive ... regardless of whether you sit on a chair, play in the sand, dip our toes in the water (etc).

-To suggest people cite MC as #1 MERELY because of the liquor they use is a joke! Think about it ... who cites Carnival as the premier cruise line, because they serve "x" brand alcohol? Who cites "x" restaurant as a fine restaurant, because they serve "x" brand alcohol? Who cites "x" as a premier theme park, because they serve "x" brand alcohol. On the other hand, you do have a point. Those who like to drink, will likely select an all inclusive facility, especially if they plan to drink a lot. Personally, I do not drink much on the ship, or on excursions (I can drink at home). I can see how someone would appreciate a flat rate of "x" versus $6 or $8 per drink on the ship, but that does not equate any facility as being good, better or great. For the short time most ships spend in port ... and after taking the commute into consideration, many people deem 5 - 10 drinks as the break even portion of the cover charge. I'd think most people with a choice ~ would rather stay away from a climate of people who are there to consume 5 - 10 drinks within a short time frame (but again, I can see how it would be a good financial *deal* for those with hefty bar bills on the ships).

- Reservations are not uncommon for facilities which are restricted by the number of guests they are able to serve.

Regarding the water color at Maya Chan, there is a “river” that flows from the mangrove just south of the resort that occasionally discharges a red nutrient from the plants, called “Bermejo” locally, making the water red. It is rare but does happen a few times a year and can last for several days. Occasionally it will cause discoloration of the water even as far away as Mayan Chan, making the water green. The chances of that happening while you are there are actually very low. Most days the water is typical Caribbean blue. Probably a much better chance of rain than discolored water.

Incorrect! Heck, even the owner will tell you NOT to expect clear water. It's more than the discharge of which you speak ... there is floating vegetation, as well as growing vegetation.

A T/A friend of mine wrote a review (as have many others) ... most cite the facility for excellent service and good food. Others cite having fun in the water ... (usually on a tube, or merely floating with a drink). I cannot personally recall a single review citing clear blue water ... though I see at least HALF of the reviews cite murky water ... and near the same amount citing a giant social event. If the water was only RARELY *yucky* (similar to a rainy day, as you suggest), then I'd think the vast majority of the pictures would show clear water ... and NO vegetation. Granted, I am not expert on MC ... but given the comments by the owner ... the numerous pictures and reviews ... I would not count on clear blue water. All things aside, it's near impossible to disprove something, especially when it is spoken by the owner, and repeated throughout in reviews and pictures.

Steven

Heard back from Maya Chan and invoice from paypal. Wants half now and the rest 14 days before arrival. Didn't expect the full payment beforehand, but I guess with a limited number of guests they have to be more careful. Hoping the day will be sunny and warm.

Last month, I was told (by Maya Chan) it was $11 deposit, and balance paid in cash, upon arrival. The pricing may vary, depending on how long your ship is in port.

Maya Chan sent an information sheet about how they respect the mangrove swamps and do not participate in dredging for the sake of making the water pretty. I followed up with some online research about how cutting the mangrove swamps is really endangering the ecosystem there, and it's quite true. I respect Maya Chan even more after reading this and feel great about our choice to spend time there. They seem to really strive to be a "low environmental impact" destination.

I am well aware of the laws and mandates of Costa Maya ... that was never an issue. For your own edification, it's not necessarily up to Maya Chan to respect the environment ... rather ... it's the law. That being said, as I noted previously, if someone posts a picture suggesting the sights are lovely ... and a quick glimpse shows the grounds and waters to be otherwise ... I believe it defeats the purpose of posting the pictures. Anyone can visit any facility for whatever reason they prefer ... BUT ... to suggest something is BLUE, when it is GREEN is misleading. It would be one thing if someone said it was a relaxing atmosphere ... a facility with excellent food ... a facility with quality service ... but to suggest the pictures are some sort of decisive factor is laudable ... especially given the beaches readily available to most anyone on a cruise ship.

Steven