shipgeeks

A month or two ago, we dropped our provider, and got an antenna. That totally changed what stations we get, but Dream Cruises was one of the new benefits. (Plus, we are saving a lot of $$, to use on real cruises.)

JVes, The port we regularly sail from is a shell, too, with no character apart from a couple of travel posters on the wall. But it is functional, and probably easy to clean. I hope your cruise, from now on, goes fabulously well, and will again make you feel healthier and happier!

Thanks for the updates.

In case anyone is interested in watching, the explosion to separate the ship from the bridge, is planned for between 4-7pm today (Sunday), probably 4:30 or so.

Does anyone else watch Dream Cruises? We get it every evening at 7pm, on AWE Encore. It is a few years old, but gives an interesting look at the interiors and decks of each featured ship, and excursions in each of its ports.

I've heard of the Tutti, but have never seen it, even many years ago. How is it different from the large array of salad ingredients available in WJ and Park Cafe every day?

The pins are still nicer than the "diamond earrings" one can get for free by visiting Diamonds International. I think they had a touch of diamond dust glued on, but I'm not sure.

Harriet, I would highly recommend studying the four different "experiences" offered when booking MSC, as each provides different pros/cons. For example, we would not be happy with anytime dining, so we do not book Aurea, but book Bella as that gives us traditional dining. We do not want room service, so do not need Fantastica. Secondly, if you have a good loyalty status with one of the lines you've sailed, consider doing a status match, which could give you some nice benefits. We found MSC different from our other lines, but in a good way! I hope you will find the same.

And many 12-nighters.

That was one that got moved to Norfolk unexpectedly, and quite a few pax cancelled.

The Vision class ships based in Baltimore always sail full!

Another option is to not buy cruise insurance, or at least to know what might be covered. I'm always curious to read "my insurance didn't cover that, and I assumed it would cover everything". Many people apparently assume that insurance will cover anything that can go wrong. Hospitals in foreign countries frequently require cash or credit card upfront; proof of insurance might not be enough. Coast Guard evac is paid for by our taxes. Existing credit card might cover loss of luggage. Know what you are buying insurance for.

I agree, and not the size element, but the fact that on a Vision class ship, I can see the sea and sky from almost anywhere on the ship, but on a ship with a Royal Promenade, I would feel like I was in a mall/city/theme park. I can do that at home; I don't need to do it on a ship.

We saw that, too, but are wondering where she will dock, as the terminal is being used as command center.

OP, much good info above. My recommendation would be to study the four MSC "experiences", and to look into doing a status match with your X status. Re the experiences, which one you choose will determine not only your cabin, but your dining, and other factors. We were fine with Bella (the lowest) because it gave us set dining, which is a must for us. Aurea has anytime dining, access to the spa, etc. We loved our MSC cruises because they were a much more international experience (pax makeup, foods, shows, and more). I'm not sure that is the case so much any more, but I would have no hesitation in finding out!