legalangel

Booked on May 17th, too. Sailing with my husband celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary.

We drove our vehicle to the terminal and parked it within the outdoor parking lot.

Just returned from our first sailing aboard an MSC ship (Meraviglia); it sailed out of Brooklyn. This was also a first for us. The terminal is smaller than others we have utilized and so goes the longer lines to board. We arrived at 10:30 and arrived around 12:45 - mostly due to the long lines (security and actual check-in). Lunch on debarkation day was in the buffet; very difficult to find a table as I do not think there was any other venue to go. Booking shows ahead of time is a must. You are not allowed to bring any water or food in the Broadway Theater; buffet food was pretty much similar food each day for lunch and breakfast. Lunch and dinner at the buffet appeared to be duplicate of what you are offered in the MDR. MDR service was adequate but overall staff not as friendly as other cruise lines. Cruise director was not that interactive; she mainly introduced the acts each evening and that was it. Love & Marriage as well as Quest game show were "watered" down; contestants were pre-selected for Love & Marriage, and both were played in an "open" area along the "dome" path . Not too much in the way of musical entertainment in the evening; Jazz on Deck 18 and same guitar musician in the Brass Anchor Pub - playing the same set). A lot of Latin music was played. Enjoyed the many games around the pool deck. Ocean Cay (private island) was beautiful (except for Lighthouse Bay area - it appeared to be dirty with broken chairs and debris). Light show in the evening was nice to see as well as the "dome" shows each evening. No problem in finding chairs around the pool area. Debarkation was difficult as there was only one gangway operating resulting in longer lines. It appeared to run smoothly at first since clearance was provided a little after 7:00 a.m.; but, we did not leave the ship until 9:45 (though our departure time was 8:30). Overall, I would sail again on MSC from Brooklyn (if the price is right and the cruise itinerary included an overnight at Ocean Cay).

Hi Sammee… We are sailing Sunday 😎⚓️ just a few days away!! We live near Toms River.

We are driving to terminal - from NJ (Ocean County); crossing our fingers for parking !

Thanks for your review - here are my follow up questions: How was the Cruise Director? Was there a different show each evening? How as debarkation? Were there any "theme" nights and/or game shows similar to other cruise lines? What were some of the activities in the evening on the private island? Is it a tender or dock for the private island?