seldovia

Wow-- wife is pretty nervous about this one, much less putting it all through the app (including passports and birthdates.  I assume we'd be doing the same in the long line at the port for embarkation.  I had the app almost complete for both of us -- just needed pictures and radiqal authorization... ended up editing out what i could and removing passports -- any possible damage may have been done anyway!  I agree that bank card would cover fraud.

thanks for the quick replies -- will rest easier now and look into Arrive Can for the Victoria stop

Traveling 5/15 on Princess Discovery out of Seattle.  I can't find consistent (or existent) testing rules that include information on the stop in Victoria.  Embarkation sounds sort of clear with fully vaccinated and one of two covid tests before departure.  But Canada seems to require one day test as well as the embarkation tests.  Still can't find much about disembarkation except Princess says there is testing at exit from port terminal (after customs) or on board with symptoms (free).  Nothing about required tests on reentry to US.  Anyone with access to more information on these items?

Thanks again for the additional info, G!  Now, if I can just find the speedo that embarasses my sons...

Thanks for the video -- loading up on information for first Seaside Cruise 3/23.  Roll call not too busy (3/16 seems more involved).  Was Bella balcony guarantee and upgraded to Fantastica balcony on 13th floor.  Looking forward to new (for us) ports on Western Caribbean itinerary.  Boys are 17 and 20:  still thinking about the slides (even for us elders).  Forgot to check if they are extra cost:  will check on that next.

Thanks so much for this review/post (and all the replies as well!)  We are Western Caribbean March 23 with first stop Jamaica.  After a lot of research I think we (two boys, wife and I) are hoping to hit the Irie Blue Hole and maybe a beach/snorkel lunch spot after.  Inclined to do a private taxi, but there is a tour (I think it was Dr. Fun) that had this for about $50 each.  Still working on Georgetown, Cozumel and Nassau:  wife really likes to snorkel (West Beach Roatan was a dream for her) so will be looking for those kind of beaches at all the ports.

You are all from such interesting "homelands".  We're doing a March Western Caribbean -- don't remember a lot of themes when we went on Divina, but we sure had a great cruise.

.... some kind of magic formula I assume!  We were guarantee Bella Balcony and got Fantastica Balcony last month -- hope your transatlantic goes well.

Took the excursion from Celebrity to West Bay Roatan with lunch and lounge chairs:  it was really spectacular!  Lots of slow swimming schools of colorful fish.  Couldn't get my wife out of the water... now she compares all snorkeling to this experience.  The condo resort next door (Infinity Bay, I think) looked like a great place to spend a week.

This time we're MSC Seaside with Jamaica, George Town, Cozumel and Nassau -- trying to build a port plan to include the better snorkeling and top notch sights (hopefully not as crowded as Dunns River Falls).

Thanks, Beamafar -- that clears it up a bit.  Was continental room service breakfast still free with Bella?

Got upgraded to Fantastica Experience with "OBS unlimited drinks" -- does anyone know what this includes?  Looking on MSC site it sounds like upgrades don't qualify for all Fantastica benefits -- our original booking was Bella balcony "classic cruise experience" with "490NW18 - free unlimited drinks".  Will try to de mystify with MSC, but perhaps someone here has a thought?  Sailing 3/23/2019

We are going on the Mar 23 Seaside -- started with a Bella balcony that somehow came with the (low end) "drinks on us" that I assume was a current promotion for Bella experience -- perhaps yours includes that? (heineken, wine, basic liquor choices, bottled water, but not the room fridge)  We were on the Divina and didn't have any real problem with dressing for dinner, but we had brought ties and coats for "formal" dinners that didn't seem strictly enforced.  Also read here somewhere that MDR may loan coats as necessary for these dinners. 

We are also concerned about the assigned dining times -- I understand the changes are made on board with the Maitre D.  If I read correctly, there are two dining times at one place and three at the other... possibly three at both (some cruisers said they felt a little rushed).

Have also heard the casino can be crowded -- I expect to spend a few "breaks" there, possibly with my 20yr son.  Wife and youngest son not interested.

We're looking forward to the Western Caribbean itinerary -- ports we haven't visited (Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Nassau).

Thought I read a post that a room steward had brought bar soap to a cruiser.

19 hours ago, susan1957 said:

$199 for a balcony?  How is that possible....

My True Love is always watching rates -- found this one when Divina entered the Caribbean market... couldn't resist!

First time on Seaside coming up March 23 in Bella!  We'll see how it goes -- still looking forward to shows and movies under the stars; and the ports are different than we've been before (Divina a few years ago, Norwegian and RCI as well).  Susan -- are you booked on Seaside?  Surely got spoiled on Divina with a ridiculous $199 balcony rate.  Even got connecting rooms with our teenage boys and it seems the room service was free all day.  We'd have to be in a much better financial position to go Yacht Club, like after the college expenses are through!

Same for us -- no problems (knock wood) on four cruises easily off and through customs within an hour (self-carry luggage).  Last time got a maniac (in a good way) cab driver that got us to airport in fifteen when we told him we'd like to get there quickly!  Don't remember any stressful TSA lines (also with carry-on only, no checked bags).  Most kiosk checkin for luggage goes pretty quickly.

Daily planner Seaside shows 24hr coffee/tea/water/ice in Marketplace Deck 8

Still trying to nail down information for ship and port questions. 

-Main dining -- one review said meals seemed to come out at temperature more in Ipanema.  Also, can't seem to find out if all dining times are assigned and only changeable on board with Maitre D

-basic drink package ("classic?") -- is it needed for self service beverages at buffet (beer/wine) and is there a service charge when using self service?

-is there a "free" food venue in the piazza/atrium -- thought I saw somewhere a.m. pastries, later small sandwiches -- is it 24 hour?

-best snorkeling (if any!)  on our cruise:  Ocho Rios, Georgetown, Cozumel and Nassau

-tips for getting drink package wine with main dining dinner (and coffee)

Thanks for any help!  See you meet and greet?  3/23 Seaside