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We are planning on a shorter Florida cruise to see if we like things before making a bigger commitment. Probably the Magnifica for 3 or 4 days. We also like NCL, but can’t ignore the price difference so giving it a shot.

I’ve been on many cruises and now want to try MSC. One specific question: does iMessage work without the WiFi plan? Also looking for advice and recommendations from past travelers.

Would like to hear about experiences with the new Wheel of Fortune game show. Is it worth buying cards?

Yes. It worked with no issue last month. Try booking a cancellable room and then you can cancel if it doesn’t work for some reason.

This was the taxes and the hotel service charge in total.

It states you have to own the shares of NCLH. If they’re in a fund, I don’t know how you’d prove ownership of a specific number is shares.

If you’re new to NCL, you might consider getting 100 shares of stock. If you’re taking a long cruise like this, you’d get $250 in onboard credit just for being a shareholder. That can cover some of your meals. https://www.nclhltd.com/investors/shareholder-benefits/shareholder-benefit-faqs

How’d it go for you?

Just go to the front desk. They will direct you to a hallway and when you exit, you’re basically at Atlantis. In there, walk through the casino to the front desk area and downstairs to the desk for your wristbands. Only advice is to go early, best to get off the ship quickly so you can maximize your time at the hotel.

No trouble at all. There was another family doing the pre-checkin at the same time. Literally checked in and out at the same time, got the passes and walked to Atlantis.

It was $102 in total taxes for 2 people last week.

For anyone still doubting, this worked great for us last week. Real easy to get a taxi to the hotel, do the pre-checkin and check out at the same time. Quick walk to the Atlantis for wristbands and then enjoying the water park. One word of caution, some of the rides were malfunctioning during our visit and had to be closed for short periods. They all reopened, but there was uncertainty about how long the repair would take and customer service was minimal.

What time will they let you “check in”? Did you book the hotel for the night you’re in port or the night before?

Can you share how it was and what was open when you went? Also, how was the water for swimming/snorkeling?

They do list biosteel as an option on the FAS+ menu https://www.ncl.com/sites/default/files/790164-BEV_Package_Flyer_UOBP_PPBP Update_V7_no_crops.pdf I have not been on the Epic in a while though.