shipgeeks

A jacket that is similar to a suit jacket, but not matched to the trousers. Perhaps tweed. Perhaps a navy blue blazer.

I, too, would be interested in knowing which area is quietest. We went to the new Coco Cay a couple of weeks ago. Rode the tram around the circuit to see where we might like to spend some time. Every tram, and every area we traversed, had such loud music that we ended up going right back to the ship. Very disappointing. I want to give Coco Cay a second chance when we go there again in a few months, but I hope to find out if there are any quiet places.

One other point that was made to us there a few weeks ago: If your cruise is on a weekend day, you might be more likely to be processed faster. On weekdays (many RC cruises), there are fewer shoreside staff at the terminal, as many of them have fulltime jobs elsewhere. So the process could take a little longer, inside the terminal.

I can't answer your question directly, but we have walked into the heart of Boston from the ship. I'd say it might have been a mile each way, all sidewalks and other non-hazardous pathways.

How does this work for those without a smartphone?

Especially the MSC sticky buns! Can't wait to have those again someday.

I'm starting to get the impression that things might be different for Carnival or RC sailings. Our recent experiences only apply to RC. They have been quite strict about checkin times. So even the cars arriving, after dropping off luggage with the porters, should not have any significant wait to pay for parking, and then park. Then, upon arriving at the terminal to join the lines, we've been asked our time, and directed to the current line or the following line. All others, with a later time, will be asked to go somewhere else to wait. No separate line for Diamond and up, but once in the line, inching forward, staff have been good at flagging down the next person/family to assist in getting them processed. With the additional documents needed these days, things are a bit lengthier, but it does move along. Just be prepared for the x-ray security line, and then have documents ready to show at the counter.

For those without smartphones, what is the option re QR code?

We love the product, have never had any issues with IT, and had excellent customer service the few times we had a question.

We book Bella on MSC cruises because we want set dining, not anytime dining that comes with Aurea. When we last sailed, we were given an early time. After boarding, we went to the restaurant where changes were arranged. We were able to get changed to our preference of late seating. On the night that we would have found it inconvenient to show up at our scheduled time, we just went to the buffet. It was fine. We too just say "No thanks" if offered upsells on any cruise. Actually, we've found MSC to be less aggressive than some others, but I guess that depends on the crew and ship at any particular time.

I recall reading that MSC has been doing a turtle restoration program, apparently with good success. But I can't remember what area might be the best for seeing them.

Manhattan in the fall or winter. City lights start to go on as darkness falls and the ship prepares to leave. Quite magical.

We have TracFone, too. (Our old one, from working days, was recently replaced by them.) The only time we use it now is at the end of a cruise, to call for our ride home. Does yours have functions such as being able to show your vax records, covid test results, boarding passes, etc.? That is what we continue to do on paper.

I have seen passengers confined to inside cabin with 24-hour guard. I've heard of passengers being handed over to local police at a port. I've noticed that many of a ship's security personnel appear to be Israeli Special Forces, Ghurkas, or similar (hardly amateurs or sissies). I'd be interested to hear from a genuine expert, such as Cheng, re what options there are for incidents such as these.

The ship's tap water is excellent. Cabin, windjammer, MDR, bars; it's all good.

Can the muster drill requirement not be done shortly after boarding, to avoid any crowding? Must it be done only at a certain time and place? Our experience, elsewhere, has been to just do it right away, and it's done.

Just be aware that if you want to take any foods off the ship at a port, they must be in their sealed original packaging; no ziplocs from home, no bananas from the buffet, etc.

Documents, incl passport, vax card, drivers license for returning to ship from ports Clothing incl underwear and change of shoes Basic meds such as aspirin Cell phone for calling for ride home from return port Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush Sunscreen if going south

Enchantment is a Vision Class ship: lots of windows and open decks, good for viewing the outside world. To me, that would be the deciding factor in the decision.

Dark & Stormy for a Bermuda cruise. Mojito at Bolero's. Shipboard water all day; can't be beat!

I keep wondering if any passengers who witnessed these brawls picked up a phone and called Security. It's easy: 911 is the emergency number on ships.

Or go. We sailed twice in Bella (the lowest category), and loved it. No complaints. And we are used to small ships.

It has been 2+ years since we were at Ocean Cay, but at that time chairs and loungers were free. We saw trams running around to take people to various areas. We snorkeled at Snorkel Beach. We don't use fins. Saw a few fish; others said they saw a bit more. I think the sealife population is growing, as the turtle hatching program continues, etc. Ocean Cay is our all-time favorite destination. Can't wait to get back there again.

I didn't read the article, because I've never related to similar articles in the past. 50 items beyond the basics?? If I had to list 50 things, could I count each pair of socks as two things? I must have my documents, clothing, cash and credit card, a few basic meds such as aspirin. Toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush. Cell phone for calling for our local ride home. No smartphone. The ship will be my home away from home, but I don't want it to be like my house.

Additional tips; Ukrainian crew welfare fund if there are Ukrainian crew aboard.