funinthsun

Just now, funinthsun said:

 

Thank you EatonDoolittle,

Do you happen to know if there is any way other than taxi or how expensive taxis are? 
Any tips on can't misses for AC?

On 6/9/2023 at 9:54 AM, EatonDoolittle said:

Both ports are near the city of Puerto Plata, along the same road. Amber Cove is further out, approx 8 miles. Carnival family of ships stop here.

You would pass Taino Bay going into town from AC, but not sure why you would stop, it is not open to the public.  RC family of ships stop here. 

 

If you are meeting friends on another ship, have them meet you in town at the square, by the cathedral. Everybody knows where that is, and it is central. 

 

 

 

Is it easy to get to Taino Bay from Amber Cove Cruise port?  Has anyone done this and if so how would you recommend going.  Are the taxis reliable and how much?  
Thanks in advance. 

On 3/2/2023 at 11:53 AM, bafinegan said:

Our extended family of 12 ( 6 adults and 6 kids-ages 2-12) will be on this ship April 9-16.  Looking forward to your review!

 

I'm on that sailing as well! 

https://www.facebook.com/CrewCenter1/posts/pfbid02pSyfYmAbT2pfR8XbfVuW7G5FjVjeFWKFrnYuCKdZ3YgjzA121QpEg7289axyt4B3l

It appears to be true. 😢  So so sad

11 hours ago, jimmymed3 said:

Hi Everyone!

Does anyone know if you can buy just one internet package for your phone, and then use your phone as a hotspot to get internet to your laptop for email? Im sure they may have found a way to prevent people from doing this, but thought id ask. 

Thanks!

I don't think you can, because of I remember correctly, you need to be in airplane mode with the ships WiFi, right? 

Has anyone done this tour recently from cruise ship port.  Can you tell me about how long the bus ride is to and from?

Thank you in advance.

Does anyone have any ideas if and when these Meet and Mingles will be resuming.  I am especially wondering about the MSC  Seashore (11/20 US inaugural sailing). 
 

23 hours ago, mlbdude said:

It also depends on the date of your cruise and which Easy package you are talking about.  I believe Oct 31 2021 + most cruises sold come with Easy Plus as well as Aurea.

I don't believe that is correct... Aurea and packages come with easy package,  (you can upgrade to the ez plus if you want, on my Aurea 7 day, the up grade is $77.00  (so 11 per day for the xtrax... (htis is for the new after Nov 1 packages)

EASY PLUS PACKAGE

All drinks priced up to € 8 / $ 9!*

Includes:

• Variety of frozen and classic cocktails
• Well spirits
• Liqueurs and cordials
• Selection of wines by the glass
• 10% discount on bottles of wine purchased on board
• Variety of draught and bottled beers
• Non-alcoholic cocktails
• Soft drinks
• Mineral water
• Coffee drinks (latte, espresso, cappuccino, etc.)
• Hot chocolate and hot teas

• AUREA EXPERIENCE FEATURES
• All benefits of Bella & Fantastica Experience
• Superior sea view staterooms on the upper decks
• Easy Package for drinks*
   

On 9/20/2021 at 2:37 PM, hummer2407 said:

My las 2 cruises with MSC I had the easy package.  For some odd reason they wouldnt make a frozen drink with alcohol.  I would have to order a virgin drink plus a shot and mix it myself. Is this still the policy?  Im not talking anything fancy, just a daiquiri or a margarita.   

Not anymore.  With the new packages, I believe you are only allowed one drink at a time per person.  The easy plus package includes frozen, not the easy package.

On 9/17/2021 at 7:19 PM, cruiseguyinorl said:

The two day inaugural sailing (invited guests only) in the US has been changed to Nov 17-19. Though not officially announced. MSC US Operations is currently waiting to hear if they will have to do a test cruise upon her arrival here. That is probably what is the determining factor for changes to the TA sailing.

Bret

So, do you think the 17-19 would be considered the test sailing, if one is required?

On 9/9/2021 at 4:53 PM, codeyell0 said:

People were saying how there is not salt or pepper on the tables.
Then someone mentioned they bring their own Pepper mill.  
 

Do you have to ask for this in the MDR and most places like the buffet? what about ketchup and mustard and what not?
Should I bring a cheap set for my room?  

 

Just tell them what you want on it.... They put it on for you; or on the side. Whatever you need. No need to bring your own. 

Great pictures. Thanks.  It brought back lots of memories of this ship...my last cruise before it all it the fan. (11/2019)  We are on 9/10/21 for the same reason as you.  Couldn't pass up the price for a weekend getaway to Bahamas, plus we STILL have not been to Ocean Cay.  Do you know how much the cabanas cost, by any chance?    
What are they using the Cirque Theater for?

On 8/11/2021 at 1:21 PM, twangster said:

Ocean Cay

 

At last we step foot onto Ocean Cay.

 

 

Ocean Cay is a marine reserve.

 

 

 

 

 

One of the excursion boats waiting for guests.

 

 

 

Springer's Bar.  One of many on the Cay.

 

 

The island has nearly 200 live on employees.  This is where they live.  

 

 

Not bad for "crew quarters".

 

 

Lots of concrete walkways shared with trams and people.

 

 

One of the food venues that will serve lunch later today.

 

 

Parts of the island of sectioned off because there are just not enough guests visiting right now due to reduced capacity.

 

 

 

 

South beach at Ocean Cay Lagoon

 

 

Have I mentioned it's a great time to cruise with reduced capacity?  Plenty of loungers available.

 

 

 

Cabanas available at a cost.

 

Do you know how much they cost?

On 8/9/2021 at 12:18 PM, Shippy said:

  We are (hopefully) cruising on the Meraviglia next month.

We are fully vaccinated but know we must still get tested at the pier.

If you have no symptoms but test positive, what happens to you ?

    I have heard you get your cruise money back but then, what ??

Are you free to leave ??? Are you taken somewhere & forced to quarantine ?

If so, I would assume it would be a designated hotel.....probably at great expense.

Just trying to make contingency plans as we have to travel cross country.

Any first hand info would be appreciated.

thanks

 

MSC Cruises Travel & COVID-19 Reassurance For Fully Vaccinated Guests Only:  

Sailings on or before October 31, 2021 will be provided MSC Cruises COVID-19 Reassurance at no extra charge (with required proof of vaccination) as it relates to COVID-19 protection services. View description coverage/policy .

2 hours ago, thepla said:

No cirque.

Magic show, liar skit, rock and roll. All pretty good. Late show for rock and roll and magic were vaccinated only.

 

These three we saw in Broadway theatre.

.

There were typical karaoke and quiz type shows, some for all some in pub, which was vaccinated only 

What was the capacity/occupancy like? Are most people vaccinated? Masks required in Casino? Smoking allowed, in casino?

What was the entertainment onboard like?  Shows?  (did they have Cirque?)

2 hours ago, kelleherdl said:

For us the 10:40 train was fine. We had 8:00 YC escort to gangway. CBP was relatively fast.

take the 11:40...see my comments below...or take a cab to brighline station.  It's impossible for the LYFT drivers to get to you at that time.

4 hours ago, Kmkub said:

 

Thank you for the review. We are excited to try Brightline! One question - we booked the 9:40 a.m. train home. Is that enough time? I have some time left to change it to later if I need. Thanks.

I would make it later, if possible. The later the better. The port gets very crowded, and a five min. lyft ride takes much longer as the drive cannot get to you. they need to improve on that.  Will be moot when the station is built at the port next year.  We took 12:20 and got off ship at 10!  It was a breeze.

On 12/5/2019 at 8:19 AM, kelleherdl said:

Brightline (Virgin Trains).  Has anybody here used the Brightline train-to-ship service yet? We are using it Sunday. We have used Brightline before and love the train ride, but have not used the to-ship service. We are most concerned about the baggage handling. Since we are YC, will our bags arrive as we expect with white tent drop-off?

 

Dennis

WE LOVED it.  Will never drive again.  I was a little worried about the bags, but it was great.  We got texts when they were onboard, and they were delivered right to our cabin.  I will use this again, in heartbeat. Great.

My daughter and sister are on rssc Navigator of the Seas  (they are the small ship that is there! )   Had a really rough and scary night...All are ok...Itineray was changed and waiting it out. Expected to port in Portland, tomorrow morning...

On 9/4/2019 at 4:54 PM, Skier52 said:

 

Similar balconies on Divina are 124 squ. ft as against 42 squ. ft. for a  standard balcony.

the overhang will block out most direct sunlight ,( I would say it was a pretty private balcony). and the field of view will at best 90 degrees because of the hump wall on the right

Thanks!  for the input
That is sort of what I was thinking but for that size balcony; it is worth it!  

Hi There....

I posted this on Meriviglia page but was suggested to post here...Can you help??

I am seeing on the deck plans that the F2 balcony cabins on the "slant" seem to have a huge balcony.  Has anyone experienced this..this cabin 

14168 in particular. Also, if you have stayed there; is the overhang from deck 15th an "obstruction or extra privacy?  Do you know the actual balcony size. 

Thanks i advance.  Looking forward to this new ship.....soon.

Thanks!! I will 

I am seeing on the deck plans that the F2 balcony cabins on the "slant" seem to have a huge balcony.  Has anyone experienced this..this cabin 

14168 in particular. Also, if you have stayed there; is the overhang from deck 15th an "obstruction or extra privacy?  

Thanks i advance.  Looking forward to this new ship.....soon.