AmbitionatBay

We just got off the Meraviglia today. Previous to this cruise we have been Norwegian loyalists but wanted to try something new and also a new itinerary. Meraviglia and Bahamas checked both those boxes. The price was definitely better too. I won’t duplicate what everyone has posted here but will say everything was excellent. We did the Aurea experience because the one thing we really liked about NCL was the free style dining and wanted to eat on this cruise whenever the moment hit. The staff in the dining room were fabulous and always got us in right away with the same waiter each night. Food I feel was a step above NCL ( except the baked chicken breast - lol. No seasoning breading or anything). We did not do any specialty dinners - just lunch at Holas. We feel the staff on this ship from room stewards to bar tenders to wait staff were WAY friendlier and more accommodating than the NCL staff. Not that I ask for anything special. We do prefer to sail out of Manhattan but it’s not really a deal breaker for us. Just a few extra miles down the road. Embarkation and debarkation were very smooth. We did have priority for both. We will def sail with MSC again. Obviously, each sailing has many variables which can affect the outcome - weather, mechanical issues, traffic, etc but we feel it’s how you handle all of those situations that can make or break your trip.

Where do I make reservations for the thermal spa? We are Aurea and have access but figured on sea days I should make reservation. Is the reservation by the day or hour?

We are on the 17th sailing also. Hope weather allows us to get to Ocean Cay - looks like a great day can be had there weather permitting. Weather for Port Canaveral on Tuesday is showing only 68 degrees - previous day 80 degrees. Geez…

Everything I just read said they are allowed. Just regular irons are not allowed.

I really hope hair straighteners and curling irons are allowed. I am bringing both on our upcoming sailing. Better to be in carryon or dropped off luggage?

@Hydrotx - How was embarkation today? What time did you arrive? We sail next Sunday the 17th and have only sailed out of Manhattan.

Thanks - I will def try once on board. Forgot to say we are on Meraviglia.

How large is the Carousel Lounge? I tried to get 2 tickets for the Rock Show and they told me it was sold out. We sail in 2 weeks.

All booked and documents printed!! Fingers crossed all goes well. Definitely beats being at work - lol

Wow- thanks for such thorough information! You are making me feel better about trying MSC. We have never sailed in colder weather either. We have only sailed in summer to Bermuda on NCL out of NYC. Yes, we did status match and got gold. I did read about the “gifts” in the room. Very nice touch. Private island looks amazing. Will take your advice and walk around a bit. I also read to make reservations at thermal spa only on sea days. I think we are going to book it tomorrow. We aren’t usually last minute with this stuff but we are looking for some fun in the sun during this dreary month of March in upstate NY. I will let you know if I think of anything else. Thanks again!

Thanks for the reply! We are Platinum on NCL and love the any time dining which is why we are looking at Aurea. Glad to hear dining was not a hassle and we also want a table for 2. How was the food? We will def try Holas- love Mexican food. will also skip the specialty dining most likely. Thermal suite will be nice on first sea day till we get to the warmer climate. We also enjoy music at various venues. Def think we will love priority embarkation. I have read horror stories about the lines. What was your check in time and how long did it take to get on board? How was disembarkation? We usually do self assist. Thanks so much for sharing your experience!

@Pamelanj - I am interested in how your cruise went. Did you have another thread that I could get the link to where you posted about the trip? We are contemplating going on the Meraviglia doing Aurea on March 17 to the Bahamas. Wanted YC interior but they were sold out. Dining and check in has me stressed. Hoping to hear good news from you!

How many days prior to sailing does web check in become available?

We arrived in Manhattan this morning on the Getaway. We got into NY harbor in the early morning so we cleared the ship early as well. We did self assist at 7:00 when they announced it and were in the car driving by 7:35.

Thank goodness! Never want to hear that code either.