funji1

1 hour ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

My opinion.... I do not believe this ship will sail. I would not recommend making final payment. My advise from the start has been not to accept FCC and, instead, take cash back. You should be able to receive cash back for your deposit if MSC cancels. However; MSC may not cancel this cruise until after your final payment so be sure to know the penalties (if any) for you canceling vs MSC canceling. Again, just my opinion. Best to you.

Thanks Bermuda !  If I cancel after final payment, I will get FCC of 125 % or can get a full refund.  If MSC cancels, I get a full refund or the same FCC if I chose.  At least that is what they told me when we booked, many moons ago.  I need to discuss this more with our friends.  Thanks again!  

We are scheduled to sail on the Seaside out of Port Canaveral Feb. 28, 2021 with another couple.

Final payment is due this week

Do you think I should pay the balance ?  If I do not pay, I think I automatically

forfeit my cruise. 

With all the cancellations so far,  I am hesitant that  our cruise will sail.  But,

many seem to think the Seaside would be the perfect "trial ship" for MSC because of all the open

areas.

I would love to hear your opinions and suggestions. TIA

We took our refillable water bottles without any problems.  There were enough lounge chairs on all beaches and umbrellas too. I wanted to snorkel so we went to the beach near the wedding chapel but the water was too rough.  Even the ship cancelled their snorkel excursion.  We did lounge on that beach and it was beautiful with soft sand, turquoise water and no noise.  We watched the light show at the light house from the ship.  Great day all around.

3 hours ago, MJC said:

I snorkeled at Paradise Sands (adult only, very nice and quiet) and at Sunset Beach (more people plus food truck and bar).

 

At PS if you swim out to the sea grass you may see some barracuda and tiny fish, but not a whole lot to see there.

 

At SB the surf made the water a tad murky, but I did see a small ray, more barracuda, a lobster, some schools, and lots of smaller fish near the bits of coral. It's not the best snorkeling ever, but there are things to see.

 

It is not possible to swim to the wreck from shore. Later we heard that one of the beaches (I think the family cove) was closed because of a lemon shark. The lagoon area was the busiest with all the water sports and activities. Bimini Beach looked lightly populated from what we could see from PS.

 

I dont remember seeing any of the cabanas rented on PS or the section of SB we we snorkeled from (the far end).

 

If you choose a beach away from the buffet area, and you don't have a beverage package, I suggest you bring a filled water bottle with you. Getting something other than adult beverages was a bit of a hike from where we were.

Thanks MJC !  i packed my snorkel, mask and vest  but leaving the fins home.  Thank you for the description of the beaches where you snorkeled.  I live in Florida and having sharks swimming with me is not something I enjoy.   Will find out on Thursday what I can see at OC.

2 minutes ago, cellfree said:

I hope the "winds" will cooperate and all will go well.  It is very nice.  Trees need to grow yet and there is still some construction going on (where you see the equipment is apparently going to be a second buffet section) but we felt they did very good at planning everything out.  The walkways are really nice throughout the island.  Don't miss the Lighthouse Bar if you want to relax in comfortable chairs/couches, have a beverage, and watch the waves and the ocean.  

Thanks!  With the forecast of rain (which can change) the lighthouse bar may be our only activity possible.  I hope not!

Thanks Cellfree !  I looked at the map of Ocean Cay and found the spa area.

Also, the sunken ship can only be seen via an excursion from the ship.  It is a boat ride away 

and then 1 hour of snorkeling followed by rum punch.  No price is listed.  I think  I am going to play this

one by ear.  We are on the Divina one of the larger ships and it seems there have been problems docking

the larger ships at the cay.  I will find out next Thursday !🏖️

2 hours ago, cruiseathon said:

When doing some research on snorkeling opportunities at Ocean Cay, I noticed that there's a partly sunken wreck off the North tip of the island (past the wedding cabana). You can see it in the official MSC video at 2.10.  Does anyone know if it's accessible and a good snorkeling destination?

 

 

Thanks for the info.  I do see the sunken ship on the video but wonder if you need to be on an excursion from the ship to get there or if it accessible from the beach.

27 minutes ago, cellfree said:

We snorkeled at the (what seemed to be) calmer and quieter beach just beyond the Spa area.  We did see a few varieties of fish but not too much else.  I would suggest only taking snorkeling gear if you have room.  What ship are you on?  The Armonia has made it into Ocean Cay every time but apparently (according to the Officer we talked to while strolling on the Cay) the larger ships have missed a time or two due to the higher than usual January seas.

Thanks for the info.  We are on the Divina leaving on Tuesday.  I wonder if the only way to snorkel the sunken ship is to take an excursion from the ship.  I am confused as to where the "northern" end of the island is.  I see the spa though.  Is the beach you went to right by the spa or behind it?

Thanks to all who discussed snorkeling at Ocean Cay !!

Since I am only taking a carry on for the 4 day trip, I will throw in my snorkel & mask if I have room.

I will pass on bringing my fins though.

On 1/21/2020 at 10:25 AM, Anita Latte said:

I also was at the beach near the spa. The water temperature is the kind where you just have to get in...and it isn't easy to get in. But once you do, it's fine. It's not necessarily the kind where you have to keep moving constantly to not shiver, but if you stay too long in the water, the chill will set in. I went snorkeling off the snorkeling beach on the other side of the island from the spa area beach...spent about 90 minutes in the water and got out because the cool water was finally getting to be too much.

How was the snorkeling?  Worthwhile to bring my snorkle etc. Where is the beach you snorkeled from ?  Near the Lighthouse or all the way to the other side of the island.  I am going this Monday but have not gotten much good feedback re: snorkeling.

Thanks for all you info !!

Thanks for the info.  I am flying with just a carry on bag and am not sure if I should take up space with my snorkel stuff if there is not much to see.   I will need to rethink this after your report.

5 minutes ago, lifeasme123 said:

We brought and used our own snorkel on our cruise last month.

Thanks!

Where did you snorkel on Ocean Cay?  Was it good? 

I have my own equipment too.

Can you snorkel from the beach on Ocean Cay or must you take an excursion?

If you can snorkel from  the beach on your own, which is the best area ?

Going in 2 weeks !  First time on MSC.

5 hours ago, Greek Boss said:

There were three of us, and it was $20 per person round trip. For a 30 minute or so ride each way and the fact that he waited there to take us back whenever we were ready, it was totally worth it. A hidden gem in Tortola. There were maybe 6 or 7 people total on the beach. A woman had a small stand there and was selling basic snacks such as potato chips and pretzels, and drinks such as water and even a few alcoholic beverages. We were there for about 3 hours. We didn't snorkel, however the water was crystal clear. Can't remember seeing bathroom facilities there. I think there was one but not entirely sure. I will post pictures here from my phone in a bit. Highly recommend for a beach day away from the tourists!

Thank you !  That sounds like a good day to me!!

2 hours ago, Greek Boss said:

We opted to take a cab to Smugglers Cove. It was about a 30 minute or so drive but it was worth it. The beach was stunning and secluded. The taxi driver even waited there until we were ready to leave! Highly recommend if you're looking for a nice beach escape without any of the crowds.

How much was the taxi per person ?   How long did you spend there and if you snorkeled there, how was it.

Were there any restaurants or bathroom facilities there?    

Thanks in advance for your help !

SInce Carnival owns HAL, can you combine your status for MSC reconition?

What does one have to do to transfer to MSC?
Thanks!

GREEK BOSS, thank you for your response.  I feel better getting info from someone who has been on the Breakaway recently.  Many posts about the negative views of a cruise can make you wonder if you booked the right cruise. We have been cruising for at leats 35 years and are cruise ship savvy.  We have dinner reservation at Manhattan and Taste the nights before the main theater shows.     I feel more positive with all these responses !!
Thank you !

Thanks once again for your input.  Over the years we have arrived at the port around 10-11 am .  We check in and  get our boarding group number (or not) and then just wait until they start boarding.  It has always been very organized regardless of the cruiseline.   A few times someone has thrown a beachball around and everyone joins in and the party vibe kicks in.   At 72 and 76, we participate in whatever occurs.   I cannot wait to feel the thrill of cruising again in 21 days!

1 hour ago, cruisinmeme said:

Did you make any reservations for shows or dinning.  We sailed the breakaway 

June 2 out of miami. 

Thanks Cruisinmeme!  It is good to her a postive review.  We have reservations for the two main show, Six and Burn the Floor .

Having been cruising for over 40 years, needing reservations for the shows is new to me.  The third show must be reserved once we are on board.   We have dinner reservations for 2 of the 3 complimentary restaurants and then will decide for the rest of the cruise.  I find it hard to have to pay the rather large surcharge for the Specialty restaurants on top of the cost of the cruise. Just my opinion.

 Thanks for your feedback HuliHuli and KPJB !   I usually think that people who have a positive experience are less likely to post than those who did not enjoy themselves.   But, everyone has different opinions.

I would love to hear your report on the Breakaway after your cruise KPJB !

We have not cruised NCL in almost 20 years but decided to book last minute for December.  (We have cruised many other cruiselines in that time)

 What is the earliest time we can arrive at Port Canaveral ?  We are scheduled for a 10 am shuttle from our car parked in Cocoa.

Is the MDR food that bad that we should upgrade and pay for specialty dining?

Are there nightly shows in the main theater in addition to Six and Burn the Floor?

We are hoping to find a few bars with live music besides Howl with the moon.  Is that possible?

Thanks in advance for all your help !!   I LOVE CC and all the advice.

On 10/9/2019 at 8:24 AM, jdvmd said:

Thanks, so no Diet Coke? Only Coke Zero?

I believe Coke Zero is diet coke without caffeine which is what I drink since I am decaffeinated.

Maybe you were looking for the caffeine diet coke. Sorry.

I am sailing from Miami on a 3 night Bahamas cruise in January.  The only beverage package I can find is for a week long cruise.

How do they sell a package for 3 nights?  If it is per day, how much is the charge?

Thanks for your help!

On 2/2/2019 at 5:44 PM, RTR08 said:

Much of what you have discussed is exactly what my questions are too. 

Our trip is Oct. 2019. 

Will you please update on  how your day went and how the agenda worked out for you. 

As far as seeing the villages, is there much to see walking around Peggys Cove? I’m thinking if I had to choose “quaint” I’d prefer Lunenburg. 

Paul McNeil is booked already, I’d be looking to reserve another tour operated. 

Thank you !

chris 

Hi Chris!

I highly recommend Halifax Tour Guys for your day trip.  We went to Lunenburg first.  It is a quaint town however, the weather did not cooperate so it was very foggy and we were unable to get any memorable photos.   Peggy's Cove is picturesque and a must see if you are in Halifax.  As Halifax Tour Guys recommended we went there on our way back to the cruise ship so it was less crowded and the weather had improved for photos!  We walked from the lighthouse down the slight hill through the little town, went into gift shops and bought great Lobster Rolls to eat in the car.  It is an easy walk. We had requested Lem but he was unable to be our guide so we had AL for the day.  It was a great trip and would highly recommend this tour.  We were on a cruise and had plenty of time to see what we wanted plus more and still got back to the ship with plenty of time to spare. Good luck and enjoy your trip !

32 minutes ago, davekathy said:

We avoid any cabin (no matter the type) that has a public area above or below it and any connecting cabins. We don't mind walking so we also choose staterooms away from stairs and elevators. And this is why we never book guarantee categories.   

We follow the same guidelines.  If we have a choice in location, we choose midship first, then aft and lastly forward due to motion.  We sailed the Equinox on its second cruising and loved everything about it !  Enjoy your trip.