Just off September 25th, 7 night MERAVIGLIA - ask away!

[CampNCruise74]

Just thought I would open up if anyone has questions because I think that experiences on MSC ships right now are very unique to ship and even sail date right now.  I also have been on Seaside cruises in 2018 and 2019 of the same length out of Miami, so I  have a decent frame of reference to compare to.    We had ports of Ocean Cay 2x, Ocho Rios, and Nassau.  Cheers,

[abqkjh]

Thank you, I am doing this same sailing this Saturday and have quite a few questions (both about the ship in general and about what might be different right now).

• How full was the ship?
• How soon were the cabins available on the first day? / What time was the "Muster Drill"? 
• My favorite thing to do on a cruise is sit and stare at the wake, do you have a recommendation for the best place to do that? / Any other recommendations for great places to sit and have a good view? / Where was the best place to hang out if you would like to take your mask off for awhile?
• Were they showing any movies on the deck (movies under the stars is another favorite of mine)?
• I'm not really planning to do much in Nassau, do you know if the waterpark and other activities on the ship will be available in port?
• Is the gym open? / Are there any fitness classes? / Or, which is the best deck for walking all the way around the ship?
• How early is breakfast available? / Is the buffet self-serve or do they serve you? / Is the free soft-serve ice cream available?
• What time did dis-embarkation start? And what was the last disembarkation time (my flight is kind of late, so I don't mind getting off a bit later)? / Were there any changes to the usual disembarkation process (to reduce crowding)?

Sorry to inundate you, but I haven't been anywhere in a year (and I got Covid on that trip) so I would really like to have a good vacation this time.☺️

[CampNCruise74]

22 minutes ago, abqkjh said:

Thank you, I am doing this same sailing this Saturday and have quite a few questions (both about the ship in general and about what might be different right now).

• How full was the ship?
• How soon were the cabins available on the first day? / What time was the "Muster Drill"? 
• My favorite thing to do on a cruise is sit and stare at the wake, do you have a recommendation for the best place to do that? / Any other recommendations for great places to sit and have a good view? / Where was the best place to hang out if you would like to take your mask off for awhile?
• Were they showing any movies on the deck (movies under the stars is another favorite of mine)?
• I'm not really planning to do much in Nassau, do you know if the waterpark and other activities on the ship will be available in port?
• Is the gym open? / Are there any fitness classes? / Or, which is the best deck for walking all the way around the ship?
• How early is breakfast available? / Is the buffet self-serve or do they serve you? / Is the free soft-serve ice cream available?
• What time did dis-embarkation start? And what was the last disembarkation time (my flight is kind of late, so I don't mind getting off a bit later)? / Were there any changes to the usual disembarkation process (to reduce crowding)?

Sorry to inundate you, but I haven't been anywhere in a year (and I got Covid on that trip) so I would really like to have a good vacation this time.☺️

>It went from 2000, to 1800, to a little over 1500 people.  I suppose people either no-showed, tested positive, or didn't bring their correct documents.

 

>We had an a check in time with our minor, unvaccinated child of 10 am.  We actually go on about 11:40. Our room was ready by 1 PM.   The muster was about 4 PM.   We had left early as soon as they were announcing it to the carousel lounge and checked in with a scan of our card and left.  Everyone else waited until the actual call.   No hanging around in whatever area your supposed to be in.  Just check in and return.

 

> Go to the back of the buffet on 15, its outdoors and shaded.   The back pool on 16 is a good place if you are getting  sun and want a lounger.   The cruise probably won't be crowded so there will be plenty of good places to chill with no mask.  Many people found some shaded tables near the main pool in the middle on deck 15.  If you were inside though, you should have a mask on and they will ask you politely to put one on .  Sky lounge at night on 16 was great for relaxing low key chilling and music. 

 

> Yes they showed movies a few nights, we didn't catch them.  One was an animated movie, but appealing for all.   One movie was by Pixar, Soul. They re-arrange the pool area tables to bring them close to the pool at night and pick up all the loungers.  Bar is open and drinks can be delivered. 

 

>I believe the waterpark is always open in port, it mostly seemed like 9-4 or 5 PMish.  The park is closed the last fifteen minutes of every hour for sanitation.  The sky trail ropes course thing is there well.  One of the attendants seemed to indicate sometimes the propulsion and water features in the park don't work as well when the boat is still versus moving.   Master chef using audience members was done one day in the afternoon which was fun as a good different afternoon activity in the theater.   Also Nassau is open for vaccinated people wherever you want to go. A Celebrrity and 2 carnival ships were there at the same time.  In Ocho Rios, you can't go anywhere but the little port area to get hassled by vendors unless you are on an msc shore excursion.  

 

>  The Gym is great.  I went everyday around 7 to 7:30.  Ask for Eegan, he's from south Africa.  Tell him Brian recommend him from a prior cruise.  He does personal training and leads stretching biking and some other classes for low or free fees.  It was never too crowded.  You can take your mask of in there if you wish, because they don't want people suffocating and dying of heart attacks while working out.  Around the gym on 16 is an outdoor walking track.  It's .2 miles and goes around the gym.  The gym overlooks the main pool area with glass in the front.

 

>  Breakfast is open at 7 I think, maybe a little earlier for coffee.   They had a smooth operation there.  One way in, one way out.  Temp checks at lunch and dinner along with a card scan and always an usher to have you wash hands. I liked being  served food.  I didn't eat as much I think and they were quick and attentive.  They plated it and handed it over top.   The beverage station also had an attendant to get your coffee and juice and water.   Tables were spaced out.   Food on msc is fine for me. Others its not.   They didn't have breakfast pizza but one day which on seaside it was all the time.  For those who haven't seen, they used to one of these with an egg over easy on it.  It was good.    Soft serve ice cream is outside the buffet near the pool, runs roughly noon to dinner, chocolate and vanilla, cup or cone, sprinkles or not. 

 

> Disembarking started at maybe 7 if people wanted, then orderly by deck low to high between 8 and about 9:15.  The buffet was dead with people at 9 when we went down.   They want people off because they take sanitation seriously before the next cruise boards just a few hours after. 

 

a few other notes, I went to the three restaurants and bought the package prior to boarding.  They were all very good. Also, I have personally loved the multi-cultural experience MSC has had in the past on the US Seaside.  In the fall of 2021 its not so much because all cruisers are Americans for the most part.  This is most evident in the theater shows.  Everyone is talented there, but themes are too strongly for American audiences.  i.e.  (Don't expect Andre Bocelli's Time to Say Goodbye or Ave Maria to be sung...   The acrobatics are gone as well. No  Michael Jackson show either which kicked A$$ on the Seaside in 2019)  Watch it here:  

 

[phillibl]

Great info, do you know anything about the kids clubs?  Were they operating normally?

[CampNCruise74]

44 minutes ago, phillibl said:

Great info, do you know anything about the kids clubs?  Were they operating normally?

They were operating, but my kids didn't go in them.  They did do a MasterChef kids at sea program I sat in on in the theater.   That MasterChef kids had I would say about 30 participants under the age of 12.  I did see kids running around the gym as well some.  The arcades and F1 simulator areas were pretty dead.

[dmccadden]

We are going on the meravilgia this Saturday too.  Did you have a good time?  It sounds like it will be nice to be on a ship with such a small amount of passengers.

 

Don’t know if you hung out by the pools but wonder if they were crowded on sea days?

 

You said you enjoyed the food did you do the hibachi restaurant were they cook your food in front of you.  What did you enjoy the most as far as the food, that was not a specialty restaurant?

 

Did you enjoy the new private island?  What stood out to you, anything not to miss?

 

thank you

[abqkjh]

5 hours ago, CampNCruise74 said:

>It went from 2000, to 1800, to a little over 1500 people.  I suppose people either no-showed, tested positive, or didn't bring their correct documents.

 

Thank you for such thorough answers, I really appreciate it.

[Cruiser21]

Hi, Can you tell me if the casino was open? Not sure if they have scaled back the hours with fewer passengers on the ship

[CampNCruise74]

3 minutes ago, Cruiser21 said:

Hi, Can you tell me if the casino was open? Not sure if they have scaled back the hours with fewer passengers on the ship

Yes the casino was definitely open; table games and electronic machines.  They had spacing, and were hungry for guests.   The casino is in the hallway leading to the carousel lounge that used to house Cirque.  They had another act in there instead now, a band, but it didn't look crowded in there when I peeked in, but really It wasn't crowded anywhere at anytime overall.

[CampNCruise74]

1 hour ago, abqkjh said:

 

Thank you for such thorough answers, I really appreciate it.

No worries, your welcome.  Everything is very different right now.  We had a good time.  I did notice a lot of people had sailed on Royal Caribbean Holland america, and others based on bags and lanyards I saw.  I know a lot of people are trying MSC out right now, one thing I don't think they're up to par with against most other lines though is with the food though, but like I said, that's fine with us.  Overall I still say it's good.  

 

 

[Cruiser21]

11 minutes ago, CampNCruise74 said:

Yes the casino was definitely open; table games and electronic machines.  They had spacing, and were hungry for guests.   The casino is in the hallway leading to the carousel lounge that used to house Cirque.  They had another act in there instead now, a band, but it didn't look crowded in there when I peeked in, but really It wasn't crowded anywhere at anytime overall.

Thanks for the Info

[CampNCruise74]

3 hours ago, dmccadden said:

We are going on the meravilgia this Saturday too.  Did you have a good time?  It sounds like it will be nice to be on a ship with such a small amount of passengers.

 

Don’t know if you hung out by the pools but wonder if they were crowded on sea days?

 

You said you enjoyed the food did you do the hibachi restaurant were they cook your food in front of you.  What did you enjoy the most as far as the food, that was not a specialty restaurant?

 

Did you enjoy the new private island?  What stood out to you, anything not to miss?

 

thank you

We had a great time and so much of cruising is what you make of it.  I spent a lot of time hanging out at the pool just relaxing on the cushioned flat pedestal things near the water of the pool.  During the day they would be playing steel drums or doing dance classes or trivia.   Waiters were abundant to take drink orders.  Not far from the pool area is the ice cream and they also have a hamburger hot dog and pizza french fry area too for a quick something to eat.

 

Having not many passengers was pretty cool, but kind of surreal in some senses you know say for it to be 10:00 and your in the main hallway on 6 and there's hardly anyone there.

 

Outside of the specialty restaurants, my wife really liked the pasta which is kind of a natural fit being an Italian cruise line. We also liked the desserts overall when we went to the included dining. I always ordered two appetizers and two desserts with just one entree to get a little taste of everything cuz they can be sort of small plates.   

 

Oddly enough one day in the main buffet for dinner, because we would usually go check it out after we had regular dinner, we noticed they had snow crab legs which was crazy!  The main buffet also had some different roasts turkey, prime rib, pork on offering for dinner time.  Snow crab legs was one night only.  In the included dining restaurant  I had stuffed salmon with a surrounded puff pastry which was a unique item.   I will say in the regular dining option that if you wanted to get a strip steak you would pay 10 bucks for it, which I never did, because I was content with things like salmon or some lamb or pork tenderloin on the regular menu.

 

We've done the hibachi on the seaside twice in the past and it was great. This time I bought the tryptic which is ocean cay seafood, butcher cut steaks, and the sushi bar.  

 

These restaurants were all excellent and we enjoyed them thoroughly.  Request a seat near the railing to watch the changing ceiling of the main hall.

 

The Private Island was great, and we Seakers is the main eatery that's turquoise colored in the middle of the island.   They had a good lunch with fish, jerk chicken, and some other things, one thing that both my wife and I liked was they had a arugula with feta cheese and sweet potato salad with a lime dressing that was awesome.  A strange combination I know but yummy.

 

We had two days at Ocean Cay, with one not departing until 11:00 p.m.   the first day we hung out near the lagoon, and you'll want to rent an umbrella for 15 bucks as you walk by the buffet, because it's hot and shade is not readily abundant.   

 

The second day we went to the beach closest to the ship with a multicolored umbrellas and chairs which was free, but further from the main buffet.  However throughout the island they have food trucks that have quick eats hamburgers hot dogs vegetarian burgers fries.  They also have some scattered bars.

 

  If you have a late night at the island they will have a lighthouse show I think at 9:00 and 10:00 p.m.  Word to the wise is the island bars will stop serving drinks at 8:30, so if you go to the show get your drink on quick because you won't be able to buy drinks much later!   The show is pretty neat probably about 10 or 15 minutes long, and the fire pits are gas fueled.  You'll get an awesome picture of the ship at night all lit up which is neat.

Edited September 28, 2021 by CampNCruise74

[FOXYDEBBY]

2 hours ago, CampNCruise74 said:

However throughout the island they have food trucks that have quick eats hamburgers hot dogs vegetarian burgers fries.  They also have some scattered bars

Were the food trucks included or did you have to pay?

[CampNCruise74]

13 minutes ago, FOXYDEBBY said:

Were the food trucks included or did you have to pay?

Yes they were included.  When I got food there I was able to bring it back to my place on the beach where my umbrella was.  I don't know if that is what they want you to do or not, but I definitely cleaned up after myself and didn't leave anything for the birds to eat.   They also had a guy playing acoustic guitar at the lighthouse if anyone is interested in walking over there.   

 

 

 

 

[maureencruiser]

2 hours ago, CampNCruise74 said:

We had two days at Ocean Cay, with one not departing until 11:00 p.m.   the first day we hung out near the lagoon, and you'll want to rent an umbrella for 15 bucks as you walk by the buffet, because it's hot and shade is not readily abundant.   

 

The second day we went to the beach closest to the ship with a multicolored umbrellas and chairs which was free, but further from the main buffet.  

 

  If you have a late night at the island they will have a lighthouse show I think at 9:00 and 10:00 p.m.  Word to the wise is the island bars will stop serving drinks at 8:30, 

 

Hi, I was at Ocean Cay on September 20 and 21.  Just a few notes.  If you buy your umbrella in advance, on the website, it's $12.  The beach closest to the ship with the colorful bean bag chairs, etc is Lighthouse Beach.  I can't speak for any other bars, but the bar and the food truck there were still serving after the second lighthouse show at 10pm.  Between the 2 shows, there was a party on the beach which you could hear the music at Lighthouse Beach.   The lagoon was delightful for me as I struggle to walk in the sand and the rolling tide, etc.  Loved Ocean Cay.

[CampNCruise74]

41 minutes ago, maureencruiser said:

 

Hi, I was at Ocean Cay on September 20 and 21.  Just a few notes.  If you buy your umbrella in advance, on the website, it's $12.  The beach closest to the ship with the colorful bean bag chairs, etc is Lighthouse Beach.  I can't speak for any other bars, but the bar and the food truck there were still serving after the second lighthouse show at 10pm.  Between the 2 shows, there was a party on the beach which you could hear the music at Lighthouse Beach.   The lagoon was delightful for me as I struggle to walk in the sand and the rolling tide, etc.  Loved Ocean Cay.

That's interesting to hear.  What time was your all aboard?  Ours was 10:30.  They are obviously inconsistent.  My wife tried to get frozen drinks at 8:45 but they said no, then I got H20 at 9 and they were packing most everything up.   How many people did you sail with?  The food truck stayed open.  They did have a dance party after the first show, but we headed back to the ship instead.   

[jcolley]

Hi, glad to hear you had a great time! Thanks for making the effort to answer questions.

 

1) Do you know what brand the house wines are, included in the Easy package? Trying to decide on a beverage package. Also, did they offer deals on drink packages on the ship?

 

2) Do you have any MDR menus?

 

3) Any experience with Internet service, specifically the browse and stream option? I (unfortunately) have a work call on a sea day that requires streaming.

 

Thanks in advance!

[DFMW]

Was the Chef's Table offered?

 

Are life jackets available on Ocean Cay?

[maureencruiser]

11 hours ago, CampNCruise74 said:

That's interesting to hear.  What time was your all aboard?  Ours was 10:30.  They are obviously inconsistent.  My wife tried to get frozen drinks at 8:45 but they said no, then I got H20 at 9 and they were packing most everything up.   How many people did you sail with?  The food truck stayed open.  They did have a dance party after the first show, but we headed back to the ship instead.   

 

Hmm, I don't remember all aboard time, 11?  After the 10pm show ended, I hit the bathroom and left, as did most people.  There were still people sitting at the bar drinking.  I heard that we had 1007 passengers.   The second show is different music and designs, if anyone is curious.  I enjoyed sitting at my little table in the dark, eating fries and enjoying a cool one, singing my little heart out, knowing people couldn't hear me over the music.  

 

[zounds]

 

thanks, y'all for all the great info.  We're 1st timers with MSC sailing Oct. 9, but are experienced with HAL, NCL, RCI and Carnival, and I am really looking forward  to this cruise;  DW not so much, so I am trying to insure it's as stress-free as possible by getting as much info as possible.  We (I) made reser. at all-inclusive beach clubs at Coz. and Costa Maya although we are not really beach types, but I am sure we will enjoy them.  They were great rates and not thru MSC.  Thanks again and happy cruising  !!

[dmccadden]

Great info thanks 

[CampNCruise74]

3 hours ago, jcolley said:

Hi, glad to hear you had a great time! Thanks for making the effort to answer questions.

 

1) Do you know what brand the house wines are, included in the Easy package? Trying to decide on a beverage package. Also, did they offer deals on drink packages on the ship?

 

2) Do you have any MDR menus?

 

3) Any experience with Internet service, specifically the browse and stream option? I (unfortunately) have a work call on a sea day that requires streaming.

 

Thanks in advance!

>  Hmm.  I don't remember what the house brand was and I didn't get a drink package this time.  I did hang out with some that had it though and I have had Easy in the past.  It is plenty good.  Keep in mind all members in your cabin have get  a package if 1 does.   If you have minors they have to get the kid package too.   The best way is to get a package before on board because I think you can avoid additional service charges doing that.  For instance I bought the week thermal pass on a whim, but this time I had to pay an extra 17% on top because I bought it on the boat. 

 

> I am sorry I don't have the menu's scanned, although I just found one I will upload in a bit. I had trouble bringing up the QR code menus with my phone, but do try to bring your phone if you want, because that is the fastest way to see the menus when you sit down anywhere to eat.   They can find you a paper copy though, it will just take a few minutes.  

 

> I am not to familiar with the internet plans, because I don't get them. They have a kiosk off to the side on deck five starboard side that has an attendant the first day that can help you get set up.  Again, my experience is to try to buy stuff before embarkation for the best prices.  It's always the cheapest option.  Anybody have a different experience???   Even Maureen said earlier the umbrella was a few bucks cheaper if you are going to get one prior to cruise on Ocean Cay.  

[Mar1Mar]

Hello all, 

We are trying out MSC for the first time in a few weeks.  We were wondering how well the wifi signal held up? Also curious to know if you felt the need to dress up for dinner more than on other cruise lines?  We typically sail RC or Carnival, and even though we always dress nice, we don't ever break out the "prom" dresses because we are too lazy to pack it.   

[CampNCruise74]

8 hours ago, DFMW said:

Was the Chef's Table offered?

 

Are life jackets available on Ocean Cay?

I didn't hear anything about the Chef's table in butcher cut.  Honestly speaking it seems pretty empty most of the time.  I highly recommend if you go to butcher's cut though sit in the hallway outside the restaurant so you can people watch and ceiling watch.  

 

There were not any life jackets on Ocean Cay that I saw.  We brought one from home for my 6 year old though.   One thing I will say is all the beaches are pretty well protected and waves and undertow or rip currents are nothing to be concerned about.  They do have some nice quality rafts that are red in color that you can rent that are made of vinyl coated foam.   The water depth on the platforms on the lagoon ranges anywhere from probably 15 to 25 ft for your knowledge and depending on the tide.

[CampNCruise74]

8 hours ago, maureencruiser said:

 

Hmm, I don't remember all aboard time, 11?  After the 10pm show ended, I hit the bathroom and left, as did most people.  There were still people sitting at the bar drinking.  I heard that we had 1007 passengers.   The second show is different music and designs, if anyone is curious.  I enjoyed sitting at my little table in the dark, eating fries and enjoying a cool one, singing my little heart out, knowing people couldn't hear me over the music.  

 

That's great to know the second show is different!