cruiseguyinorl

Think I mentioned it on another thread, but per my dinner conversation with the Captain of the Divina recently, the decision to stop relies on three factors. Wind, current and phase of the moon (which I thought weird but read on). Maximum winds can be about 25 mph but the sea current can not be more than 3 kts and both of those depend on moon phase. When the moon is full or new, the high tides are very high and the low tides are very low. Any one of those three affects the numbers of the others. That's why they know ahead of time when there is a full or new moon and strong winds are predicted, it's only going to be a maybe. Considering Ocean Cay is very near to the Gulf Stream as well, which already has a current of almost 5 kts, any deviation in that stream caused by other factors will cause the port to be cancelled. Surprisingly the Divina is the hardest one to bring in according to him. I was surprised to learn that she is the longest. Seaside and Meraviglia are wider and taller but not as long.

So to sum it up, if you're trying to guess if you'll make it in, look at the moon phase, currents and projected winds. I made it on January 27th even with winds and full moon. Guess the current was with us.

Bret

While having dinner with the Captain on the Divina two sailings ago, I asked about this very situation. He has to take into account three things: wind (no more than 21 kts), current (no more than 3 kts) and tide (based on the phase of the moon). Because of the channel depth and width combined with the extremely tight turning basin, all of those factors have to be just right.

So just because the winds are lighter (which you can feel), doesn't mean the current (which you can't feel) isn't more than 3 kts. Especially with Ocean Cay being at the edge of the Gulf Stream. And I personally never thought about the moon phase which can drastically effect the tide and depth of water. It all fits into a formula which might include slightly higher winds if less of a current, but it is a very narrow window none the less.

Hope this provides enlightenment for some.

Bret

You can not stack a Voyager Club discount with a civil service discount.

*Up to a 10% discount can be applied to the prevailing market and/or promotional rates based on ship sailing date chosen. 10% off is applicable on select Balcony, Suites and YC1 staterooms; 5% discount is applicable on select Interior and Ocean View staterooms. Discount rates apply to all active and retired U.S. and Canadian employed eligible guests, their spouses, parents, parents-in-law and dependent children. Discount applies to all types of government employees, not limited to the list above. Qualifying guests must present an I.D. badge from their respective organization at the time of booking. This discount does not apply to Government Employee Rates issued through a dedicated promotional rate notice. Offer cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion and may be withdrawn without notice. Offer is capacity controlled, subject to availability and restrictions may apply. Not combinable with MSC Club Discount.

Bret

1 hour ago, mistertoaster said:

We are on the Divina on the 31st and I am wondering if I should change embarkation/disembarkation plans.

Your embarkation should be fine. If you are only on a seven night you will be fine for debarkation as well. Any time the ship stops in Colombia, embarkation/debarkation is severely delayed.

3 minutes ago, QueenofEverything said:

I see from the port webcam it is still there.  Was supposed to sail an hour and a half ago.  Would be interesting to know whats up

This sailing starting now is a charter for the Jam Cruise (https://jamcruise.com/). With all the special equipment they have to load and the late debarkation, sailing late doesn't surprise me.

Bret

I was just in 13352 which is the same as 13255. Unfortunately the deck 13 balconies are not much bigger than regular balconies. Slightly but not much. You have to be down on deck 10, 11 or 12 to get the greatly expanded balcony. As for the bunk beds, the couch opens out into bunk beds. Yes, I know it sounds weird but that's a real thing. You can see it here:

https://youtu.be/jiAdMqyuvQ8

Hope this helps.

Bret

49 minutes ago, sfaaa said:

I may be wrong but I believe $50 abc  applies to Voyager 5+5% and up selected discount sailings only. Regular 5% discount sailings don't qualify.

You are correct.

Bret

6 hours ago, WAMarathoner said:

Just want to know if anyone has done it and whether it was a PITA or not.  Thanks.

I guess it depends on how much much of a pain you're willing to accept. Though I have never even considered removing tips because I consider it taking money out of the pockets of the hardworking staff all over the ship trying to provide you an excellent vacation, I have had clients that had them removed. Depending on the staff onboard, you may have to have a meeting with the Guest Relations Manager to explain your dissatisfaction so they can try and make it right. Another set of staff made it simpler by just filling out a form. The catch? You had to get it from your stateroom attendant. So you are basically looking them in the eye and letting them you know you plan on screwing them over. And no, they don't believe "I'll give you cash at the end" line either (even if you really are going to). Kinda like "The check's in the mail" thing.

These two scenarios were only on the Divina in the Caribbean. Can't speak for what has been done elsewhere. And no, I'm not trying to judge anyone. To each their own on tipping. I personally like the auto-grats so I don't have to worry about cash, but I realize others do not and as you said, like to choose where the tips go.

Bret 

Not sure it was a Happy Hour, but there was one night with free cocktails (their selection) at all bars between 5:15 and 6:15 a couple of weeks ago on the Meraviglia. Called it something like Captain's cocktail hour. Guess their version of the old Captain's Cocktail Party.

Bret

4 hours ago, hbe30 said:

You will have your luggage with you.

Actually with the Brightline service, your bags show up in your cabin onboard. You simply hand them to the Brightline folks and the rest is taken care of. It is a little scary losing that control but I haven't heard from anyone who has used the MSC service, only regular Brightline for another cruise line.
https://www.gobrightline.com/traintoport/msc

It's actually a really good deal when you consider cost of parking in Miami.

Bret

@mafig I can't answer that one. Maybe someone else on here could. I had never even thought about sharks until I saw it on the info (non-public) for Ocean Cay. Glad to know they are there though. Can't imagine the publicity if one came in close to the beach. 😮

Bret

On 11/20/2019 at 11:49 AM, BermudaBound2014 said:

Apparently, because of the location of Ocean Cay there is a belief that the netting is needed.

Yes, "shark barriers" have been installed surrounding all the beaches as well as the lagoon entrances.

Bret

The scheduled times for the Seeker's Food Pavilion (buffet) is from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM. There will be two food trucks in the area that will be open at night but I don't have specific info on times. And the Lighthouse Bar is still showing open 11:00 AM to All Aboard time. Oh the Smiling Fish will be open late (10:30) as well but that is basically an ice cream menu.

Hope this helps.

Bret

P.S. The whole Yacht Club area will be closed down after dark which I imagine will cause some controversy.

6 hours ago, CruiserBruce said:

Additionally, worldwide, lifeboat drill must be completed prior to sailing.

Not quite true. Actual regulations require it to be held within 24 hours of sailing. That's why MSC holds a second life boat drill the next morning for those cruisers that boarded at or after the life boat drill at 5. Still falls within the 24 hour regulation. I'm guessing Patterzone will be a second morning person (if he makes it at all) unless he gives up his plan. 😀

1 minute ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

I am suggesting that throwing more money at the project would have opened the island sooner,

Unfortunately, this is a completely incorrect statement. As I mentioned in a post early this year, the reasons for the delays were beyond the control of MSC. When MSC purchased (well, technically leased) the island way back, they thought they were purchasing a nice little island to turn Ocean Cay into a reality within the time frame projected. What they weren't aware, was that they were purchasing to some degree an environmental toxic waste dump from the mining that had been going on. After doing the environmental studies, only then did they discover the mess. Now, as with all toxic clean up, they knew this was going to be a long term project. They had to invest millions of unforeseen dollars into the clean-up and the clean-up alone was nearly a two year project. That doesn't count construction and turning Ocean Cay into what it is today (or will be).

I for one am thankful that a company could be so environmentally conscious as to the take the extra time (and money) to make it a perfectly safe place for their guests even if it did generate bad press for the delays. I can only assume that they thought the announcement of "construction delays" sounded way better than toxic clean-up. I certainly would bet there are other lines that would have thrown extra sand over everything and said they were good to go. Thanks, MSC for actually caring not only about your guests but the environment also.

That's just my two cents. Definitely not trying to put anyone's opinion down and they are certainly entitled to disagree with this assesment.

Bret

Yes, your TA was correct.

Bret

If you are speaking of Caribbean cruises, yes, you can get the government taxes back. However, you have to call and ask for them, it's not automatic. And no, you will not get credit for the sailing for Voyagers Club.

Bret

No real problem with noise but you will have a steel balcony railing, not the see through plexiglass. As for the charter, it usually is almost half the ship. Don't know for sure about the coming year.

Bret

Yes, a free or at least reduced price laundry package was offered back in the "olden days". It's one of the perks I actually used. 🙄

Bret

26 minutes ago, Tagsalong said:

As of today everything is still a go for next week's arrival on November 15th.

That's the tentative information I have as well from MSC Operations. Supposedly only the 9th is effected so far. But as I like to remind everyone, MSC can stand for Most Surely Changes. 😀

Bret

3 minutes ago, Motegi said:

 

That all sounds great!  I'll take one of each.  Much better than hamburgers, hot dogs, and pizza at the buffet.

The buffet will have much more than hamburgers and hot dogs too.

Appetizers and Salads

Trumpet Pasta Salad
Trumpet Shells, BBQ Chicken, Chorizo and Sun Dried Tomatoes, Citrus Garlic Dressing

*Bahamian Ginger and Lime Couscous
Black Beans, Cherry Tomatoes, Golden Pineapple, Shredded Greens, Ginger Dressing

*Caribbean Yucca Salad
Marinated Yucca, Peppers, Mango, Pineapple, Lime Rum Dressing

* Island Spiced Corn and Bean Salad
Pinto Kidney, Lima Beans Tossed, Sweet Corn, Jalapefio, Cilantro Dressing

*Herb Vegetable Salad
Cucumber, Onion, Peppers Lightly Tossed in Fresh Oregano, Cumin Seeds Vinaigrette

*Tropical Red Cabbage Slaw
Mandarin, Raisins, Red Wine Vinaigrette

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
Arugula, Pecans, Bacon, Goat Cheese and Honey Lemon Dressing

Fruit
Carving Station: Pineapple, Watermelon, Seasonal Selection of Tropical Fruit

Island BBQ Menu

Main Courses

Freshly Grilled Island Signature Burger

signature blend of fresh angus chunk, short ribs, brisket meat patty grilled, red onion jam,

monterrey cheese, sweet fries

* Portobello Mushroom Burger
Crispy Plantains, Key West Lime, Avocado, Garlicky Aioli

Pork Ribs
Slow Roasted Ribs, Sweet Tamarind BBQ sauce

Beef Brisket
Special Brisket Rub, Slow Smoked For 12 Hours with Apple Woods

Bahamas Style Jerk Chicken
Sweet Plantains, Island Favorite

Veracruz-Style Red Snapper
Garlic, Lime Rice

*Green Plantains & French Fries

*BBQ Beans
Southern Style BBQ Beans

*Corn Lollipops
Dusted Smoked Peppers Seasoning

*Vegetarian Options

Dessert

Creamy Caramel Flan
Tres Leches
Rum Cake
Coconut Macaroon
Guava Duff with butter rum sauce
Spicy Chocolate Cake

Kids Menu

Buttermilk Chicken Tenders
Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

Smiling Fish Bites
Tater Tots
Bahamas Mac 'n' Cheese

On 10/29/2019 at 9:14 PM, cruisingnewtoit said:

Most likely the food trucks will have nothing I can eat, my husband will like the variety. But will pass if it's standard hotdog & fries fare (Maybe).

Thought I had posted this before but maybe it was another thread. Here's the tentative menu for the food trucks:

Cold Food
Bahamian Ceviche
Shrimp Ceviche
Lobster Roll
Quinoa & Avocado Tropical Salad

Hot Food
Beef, Chicken, Vegetable Bahama Patties
Wings 6 Pieces
Tacos - Chicken or Vegetable
Conch Fritters

Not a hot dog to be seen! 🙂

Bret

PortMiami

Terminal F

1103 N. Cruise Blvd

Miami, FL 33132

Bret

14 hours ago, Nymich said:

Ok.   Can you guarantee they open OC on November 9th?

Nope. I only have info on what's planned for the island not when. But remember my mantra - MSC stands for Most Surely Changes. 😀

Bret

2 hours ago, Fogfog said:

Any updates from you side?

Nothing of significance really. The Yacht Club Ocean House (bar/restaurant) looks like it will be amazing when completed in Phase 2. They have added additional Food Trucks and are now up to six last I looked. Started with only three. If you have specific questions about anything on the island, I can certainly try to answer them.

Bret

2 hours ago, aprilF said:

Are the scanners for carry-on luggage at Miami cruise port, TSA people or MSC people?

They are a private security firm hired by MSC/PortMiami.

Bret