neptuno

We often park off port at Premier Cruise Parking in the MET3 ramp a couple miles from port.  Shuttles returning from the ship can be a bit slow however.

If you drive, try to miss morning rush hour from Weston to POM, as a fellow poster noted, boarding will not start untill all pax are well off the ship.  You really would not need to leave Sarasota until 7am, no waiting to board and lunch will be served.

Yes, we were on a 4 night Magnifica recently and received Asian Restaurant invitation.  Cannot say I would recommend it or take it again, you may be able to request a different Specialty.

Well, having sailed MSC numerous times, the wifi has been spotty at best.  Last cruise on Magnifica one phone would connect, while my android would not.  Go Figure?  Spent several visits to desks in wifi area as well as customer service who took us to their best expert who could not solve the problem.  So beware, the package wifi is not always good.

Yes, you can park in the other ramps, just drop your bags first and walk a bit farther.

With all due respect, we do park off port in Miami at Premier Cruise Parking, nice ramp, OK shuttles sometimes slow to pickup at the port, so it is a cheap Lyft back to the MET3 ramp just a few miles away.  For shorter cruises like 3-4 days the POM ramps are worth the extra $$$.

Have sailed Magnifica and Seaside (as well as Poesia, Divina and Meraviglia), would recommend the newer ship when sailing the Caribbean, more outdoor spaces.  Magnifica was built for colder climates.  But Magnifica is usually much cheaper to sail being an older ship.

Short ribs, mussels.  Skip the long lines at Ocean Cay, much better food aboard.

Just off Magnifica out of Miami, always ordered two "mains", not charged. MSC used to serve seven courses, smaller servings, but many dishes over time.  Much more desireable than the current program.  Nonetheless, no $5 surcharge for the "extra" course (so far).

Would Magnifica qualify as an "older" ship?  Just disembarked in Miami, and she is still OK, except not very well designed for warm weather sailing, like the newer SeaSide(s).  We began MSC out of Miami on Poesia which was fabulous in comparison to Magnifica, a bit smaller but much more well managed.  Have also sailed Divina, SeaSide and Meravilia but cannot call them smaller/older ships.

Four days to Key West, good but not great.  Ocean Cay bars closed at 2pm, *****?  Had to leave for Key West early to clear surprise customs inspection.  Main dining room food first two nights was inedible, felt bad sending back fish and steak, way too overcooked, dry and tough.  Finally our excellent waiter advised us which meals to order.  Otherwise, great dance music trio on deck 6 aft of Tiger Bar.  Tiger Bar only had lip sync latin duo.  Solo piano and solo sax in three deck atrium, enjoyabe from decks five thru seven. Disco was jammin as usual.  Drink package price have increased, but good, Easy Plus had everything we needed.

Just returned from a four day cruise, used the POM parking for $88, 2pm thru 10am was four days, not five days like all the off site lots.  Would still try MET3 RAMP for seven days.

We have used Premier Cruise Parking in the MET3 ramp many times, very close to the port.  I costs about one third of what you will pay at A ramp at the port.  For some reason RCI parking costs quite a bit more than the other $22 ramps.  Last time I checked Premier was about $11. The shuttles can be slow so I drop off the bags then go park.  I have read that you can get stuck in line in the port ramps while waiting to pay to exit.  Flip a coin.

We have used Premier Cruise Parking at the MET3 garage for many years prior to covid.  Shuttles are slow and crowded at peak times. You may have to wait in line in the garage to board the shuttle.   It is very close to the cruise terminal.  We drop off the bags and family first at the ship and then one person parks and shuttles.  Ubers can be slow to pick up at disembarkation as well.

14 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

 

.... For me, dressing up makes me feel fake and uncomfortable. I just get grumpy and all I can think about is getting back into comfortable clothes....

No problem, that is why there is a buffet.

Anything goes cruising, elegants observe.  MSC still is the for the best dressed.

Having traveled with small children over the years we have seen both set ups on MSC.  It depends on the ship and cabin.  You have to look closely at the deck plan symbols, and confirm with the booking agent.  We preferred the bunks, they fold down from the ceiling and close up during the day.  The sofa set up was less desireable as it required a pull out trundle bed, quite inferior in mattress and comfort, and difficult to get in and out of the inside berth.  MSC previously offered a true "kids sail free", then changed to under 12 only.

OP,  a tux is certainly not required, but greatly appreciated.  For those who insist on "being on vacation" in tank tops and sandals, there is always the buffet.

Not sure about Med cruises, but American departures have added a third seating.  All dinners are now a bit rushed.  Lights up and get out vibe.  Not the old MSC anymore in the Carib.

If it is the Premier Parking at the Met3 ramp you will be OK, but last time I checked they were $15 and the port was $22.  We always park off site unless our cruise is a short 3 day.  Granted, we do not drive an expensive fancy new car.

Maybe AVIS if my memory is correct.  

I had read the expiration had been extended to four years due to covid, is this not correct?

Go for it.  Depends if you can get off the ship by 7am.  Wouldn't hurt to have a back up flight in mind. Try it and please report back to us.

Yes, we dress for dinner in the MDR, more so on formal nights.  There is always the buffet for those who choose not to dress.

Port of Miami parking for RCL is up to $28 for short cruises under six nights, otherwise $25.  Other POM terminals are $22 per night.  Premier Cruise Parking at the Met3 ramp off site is up to $12 now, and they charge eight days for a seven day cruise.