docboy

23 hours ago, saxkid said:

We are on your cruise on Monday...

 

In Honduras we are using Victor Bodden tours, they have monkeys, sloths etc, but our cruise ship docks after the time period they allow people to hold sloths. They have lots of options available.

 

Costa Maya - we are using Native Choice for a trip to Chaccoben ruins

 

Cozumel - I have done Nachi Cocom all inclusive beach resort several times. Always good all drinks unlimited and a four course lunch for each person.  You need to book ahead of time on their website.  This time we are doing a chocolate factory tour instead.

 

George Town - we splurged and are taking a jetski tour to stingray city, booked ahead with fatfish adventures.

 

I almost never book excursions from the ship anymore as there are better/cheaper ones available third party. The only time I would book with the ship is if it was a very long excursion and I was risking not being back in time.

 

Hope to meet you on board!

Thanks for the posts everyone.  Good to see there are a few companies repeatedly mentioned, so that's a good thing 🙂

I was really hoping to hold a few sloths, oh well.  May try for the monkeys instead.  We still have the $400 per cabin credit due to Cuban fiasco, so we may try to utilize this credit to the fullest extent.  Also hoping to meet you on board.  I'm traveling with my wife and kid, and also meeting up with my parents. 

Hey everyone,

Our upcoming cruise on the Armonia leaving Miami is coming up in 2 days.  Ports of call are now Honduras, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and George Town.  No more Cuba, but oh well, that time has passed...

Can any offer any insights if there are excursions for sale at the ports of call?  Not really wanting to pay ship prices by being fear mongered of not buying "cruise approved excursions."

In particular are there some sort of sloth, iguana, or capuchin monkeys tour in Honduras?

Also, I've read somewhere on here the Costa Maya is pretty dirty.  Which place would one recommend?

Thanks.

On 7/15/2019 at 11:34 AM, JAGR said:

Yes, and it is the same process as at the airport.  There is a line and someone who hails your cab for you.  Have agreat cruise!

Thanks!

6 hours ago, JAGR said:

Wouldn't normally recommend a taxi, but MIA to Port of Miami has a flat rate of $27 + tip (no per passenger charge).  For a group of five, it may be the cheapest.  Go to the taxi stand and tell the starter/assigner you want a van.  May have to wait a few minutes, but should work.

 

That's good to know, thanks. 

Would there then be taxi vans lined up at the Cruise terminal  when we disembark?

1 hour ago, Toofarfromthesea said:

 

There is an insurance forum that you should repost your question on.  There are a couple of cruise insurance brokers that a lot of folks like and recommend.  You will be advised to call one and discuss your situation to see what fits best.  It's good advice.  Here is the link:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/499-cruisetravel-insurance/

Thanks for the link!  From your posted link I saw this post below in a recent thread under said forum.  Will contact them since primary health emergency is due to a preexisting condition.   Appreciate the heads up by everyone here re: preexisting condition coverage.

On 7/11/2019 at 10:51 AM, Suzanne123 said:

Geoblue Voyager and Trekker Choice plans do have a pre existing condition waiver even at the last minute.

https://www.geobluetravelinsurance.com/products/single-trip/voyager-5-overview.cfm

12 minutes ago, April42749 said:

I always get travel insurance for me and my husband.  It's generally less than $100 for a week for the two of us.  I had to use it....had $3500 worth of medical care on NCL Escape.

If the coast guard airlifts, it's no charge.  But if you're not in US waters or too far out at sea it could be a very costly experience.

Even if his policy covers "out of the country" (I don't think they do....and the foreign hospitals want payment upfront........for the small price it's worth having).

Thanks for sharing.

Mind me asking, what is the name of the travel insurance you and your husband used?  I would like to call the company and get a quote. Thanks.

Found out from looking at the e-ticket the August 2019 Miami sailing will be from Cruise terminal F.

Any suggestions on transportation would be appreciated, thanks!

Seeing if I can get some feedback for my parents.  My dad's health is not the greatest, and he'll be traveling with my family and I this August from Miami on the MSC Armonia.

He is already insured and current health insurance through his employer.  My question is, if he is in need of medical emergency services while at sea or at one of the ports, will his medical insurance cover needed health services?  What if he has severe medical emergency and requires transport back to the states for care?  I suppose the US Coast Guard will come and air lift him to closest hospital; if so, is this airlift fee covered by his insurance, or will it be an expensive helicopter ride?

Should he try to secure additional international health insurance? 

Any insight recommended, thanks!

Hi Everyone,

Our cruise departing from Miami this August leaves from Port Miami.  Which cruise terminal does the MSC Armonia typically dock at?  I can't seem to find it online, and Super Shuttle is asking for it.

For a party of 5, from a cost effective point of view, would you guys/gals recommend Super Shuttle for roundtrip transportation from Miami International Airport to the cruise terminal?

Thanks!

So it sounds like the $400 credit is just enough for tips/gratuities, and maybe a little bit extra.

OP, how was the food quality?  Were there lobsters and fillet Mignon nights?  What about drinks, was there free ice tea and water for all?  Did you also notice if the buffet is open until 11pm?

33 minutes ago, travelingtink said:

 

Master Chef was a show in the main theater, there is no charge. They call 6 people on stage, 3 teams of 2, and they have to create a dish using the mystery ingredients. They are judged by 2 of the MSC chefs. I believe the winners get MSC swag if I recall correctly. No actual cooking involved, just cutting, prepping and presenting a dish. 

This event sounds pretty fun. Thanks for sharing. I will look forward to this show!

52 minutes ago, travelingtink said:

There are a few premade sandwiches on the late night buffet. You'll probably be better off making your own as there were always cold cuts out. Personally my late night was a carb load with pizza.

 

Carbs overload make for a good night's sleep!

39 minutes ago, rwdtgb said:

No 24 hour self serve ice cream, you can get Gelato by  the pool everyday and soft serve. I think they stop serving around 6pm I never looked for it after that. The White lion pub you can watch sports depending on the satellite. for music go to the Rum bar or Bar Duomo. I think the buffet is open like 19 hours a day but as far as sandwiches none are available like on Carnival(and carnival it is not available 24 hours). We really enjoyed the Armonia the service and the food. We had some of the best bar service on any cruise. The ship was beautiful and we are actually going back on her in October.

Thanks for the info and good to hear you had a good time on the Armonia. Part of my nightly ritual on Carnival was to always get a hot pastrami on whole wheat after my evening I work out in the gym. Rack up the protein! I stand corrected on the sandwich bar, does it close around 11pm?

2 hours ago, NCTribeFan said:

Since we didn't have a drink package, I drank way more beer than I usually do when sailing.  I'm most a beer & wine gal, and try to avoid a lot of beer when I'm cruising simply because I'm eating so much more!  But I discovered on Divina that I quite liked the Heineken draft.  Not a fan of the bottled beer but the draft was quite refreshing.

 

DD probably didn't even have a drink a day but did try a few of the frozen drinks.  IMO, they're "too" tasty and go down way too easily.  I stay away from them (except for the occasional blue margarita).

 

We did spend some time in the Pub.  Had a couple Dark-and-Stormies there and a Cuba Libra now and then.

 

There was a Master Chef thing.  Unfortunately, that was on our only sea day when we were totally out-of-whack because of the time change.  If the CD announced during the first day that we had to change our clocks that night, I missed it and missed the little notice on the daily sheet, so we were off by an hour until late afternoon.

 

I rarely even stroll through the shops on ships.  About every 3 years, I buy a watch.  I used to lust after the yellow diamonds and finally just stopped looking at them because I was never going to spend the funds so why tempt myself!

 

More than once, we found ourselves not where we were expecting to be (like I said - the two mid-ship stairwells threw us off) and had to walk through the dining room a couple of times to get where we wanted to go.  And I kept mixing up which venues were on 5 and which were on 6.  I recommend making good use of the maps that are located by each stairwell/elevator!

What is this Master Chef thing?  Is it a paid on board "excursion" activity where chefs teach how to cook?

On the Armonia, did you notice if there is a 24 hour self serve ice cream station, 24hr sandwich cafe, library, a bar to watch sports, and an atrium like setting where people drink and listen to live music?   I usually travel Carnival or RCCL (my first with MSC this Aug).  Though I never been on any of the gigantic ships, I guess I got spoiled to Carnival's amenities 🙂

37 minutes ago, EngIceDave said:

Honestly, it's a small ship

It's doesn't really feel small due to design, but you basically have 4 decks to peruse

 

Totally from memory....

 

Casino and bars are on 6, incl the coffee bar

Deck 5 is more bars and interior public spaces

 

11 is food and pools

12 is pool upper (overlooking pool) and kids clubs/sports

 

That's it

Any areas for shopping?

So what IF and a big IF the current POTUS changes his mind and Cuba is okay again for cruise ships to travel to?

Will our itineraries change back to its original plan with Cuba as a port of call?

*wakes up from dream*

10 minutes ago, galatea27 said:

I called MSC and they are offering no refunds.  Cuba was the primary reason for this cruise.  Unfortunately our final payment was due last week.  Very very disappointed.

Sorry to hear. Cuba was also the primary reason for my family's and I cruise this August as well.  MSC has something to learn from NCL and RCCL in terms of customer service.

Keeping my fingers crossed Trump will change his fricking egotistical mind.

Otherwise this will be my first and last cruise with MSC. 

2 minutes ago, Erica@cruisecritic said:

Here's the press release we just received:

 

MSC Cruises updates Caribbean itineraries including Cuba following changes made by the U.S. administration

 

Geneva, Switzerland, June 6, 2019 - In connection with the U.S. Administration changes to regulations regarding travel to Cuba which eliminate as of June 5 the prior authorization permitting cruise ships to travel from the U.S. to Cuba, MSC Cruises will modify effective immediately all its cruise itineraries previously scheduled to call that country.

 

Due to these substantial changes in U.S. law and regulation, MSC Armonia is no longer authorized to call the port of Havana, Cuba, as part of her current Caribbean sailings. The alternative ports of either Key West, Florida; Costa Maya, Mexico; George Town, Cayman Islands; or Cozumel, Mexico will replace Havana, Cuba. The remainder of MSC Armonia’s itinerary will remain as originally planned.

 

Guests currently on board MSC Armonia and their travel agents have already been informed and have been offered the following options:

 

-        $400 USD per stateroom as onboard credit. If this credit is not fully used during the cruise, MSC Cruises will refund the difference upon check-out from the ship. Any shore excursions in Havana that were pre-purchased before the cruise, or which are included in the ticket, will be automatically refunded to the Guest’s onboard account.

 

-        The possibility to change ship and itinerary. MSC Cruises will waive cancellation fees and transfer already paid funds to the new booking.

How did you receive this info?  So far I have not receive any sort of email, call, or text from MSC re: my upcoming August 2019 "Cuba" cruise.

4 hours ago, AerynSun_JohnCrighton said:

Us as well. This is our first but between other issues with website and customer service... already got a bad taste. This all happened within the last month. If they give us nothing.... definetly lost some Americans. I would think with that new terminal in Miami they would be more careful to keep people happy.

Same here. Dreadful issues with website, booking, and customer service. Horrendous, and lots of wasted time and energy.

Will be my first and last cruise with MSC.

Really regret booking with MSC, should have really stayed with RCCL and Carnival.

That's outstanding customer service by RCCL.

Note to self: look at RCCL and Carnival next time.

3 minutes ago, AerynSun_JohnCrighton said:

Depends on what's offered. I've been to Nassau counless times and wouldn't care for that.

Agreed. I probably sound entitled, anything but Nassau or the Bahamas.  I wouldn't mind the Virgin Islands again, absolutely delicious fresh conch.

1 hour ago, AerynSun_JohnCrighton said:

Yes, but I understand they want to cater and get more Americans... maybe I'm wrong. I'm sure Americans aren't the only ones that booked Armonia for Cuba alone. It's in their best interest to offer some type of option like other lines. We shall see. 

Mind me asking, what options are other cruise lines offering?

56 minutes ago, DCGuy64 said:

Just saw this message on MSC's homepage. Apparently they won't be traveling to Havana for now and will announce the Armonia's updated itinerary by close of business tomorrow.

https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/About-MSC/News/Cuba-Update.aspx

Terrific. My parents and family booked this August's Armonia sailing specifically because of Cuba, and now politics have to get in the way of the American consumer.  Cruise tickets and flights all booked and paid for.  Ugh...

Wondering why I haven't gotten an email from MSC yet?

If MSC is smart, they would would reimburse us for the cruise and flight, or offer a port of call in lieu of Cuba that is second to none.

Sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Glad to hear MSC stepped up.

Thanks for responses so far.

Anyone else have experience with disembarking at Port of Miami and catching an 11am flight out of Miami International Airport?