mets07

We just did our first MSC cruise. It was quite an adventure ha.... we were supposed to be doing a 6 night to Bermuda and found out enroute to the port (Brooklyn, NY) that we were going to Port Canaveral and Bahamas instead due to "adverse" weather conditions expected in Bermuda area. We were not very upset because we have been to Bermuda many times on cruises and although we have been to the other ports, we figured out some different things to do this time around. The ship, Meraviglia, is beautiful. Also has lots of fun bars and a diversity of excellent musical entertainment. MSC is a different animal when you are figuring out what to book ... they have various levels they call "experiences." The main negative was the buffet, which was basically a large rectangle which forced a linear progression and was a zoo, particularly at breakfast. We actually started going to the MDR for breakfast, which we never do. Although the weather was a bit wacky (somewhat expected in November), we had fun and would consider MSC again. We did miss our Crown & Anchor drinks! Best to all. Happy Thanksgiving.

@Jimbo Your Christmas trees are beautiful!

Even though I know you said it lightly, getting married to a US citizen does not change the situation quickly. Still have to go thru same green card approval process and it is not necessarily fast. Keep all kinds of documentation (receipts) of any wedding celebration, photos past and present of the couple, cards received, etc. I speak from personal family experience. The best short-term solution is a passport from her actual country of birth. All best wishes. ☘️

You can call Royal if you have not already and specify your preference e.g. toiletry bag. See details at this link: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/dam/royal/resources/pdf/crown-and-anchor-society-benefit-grid.pdf

I have no interest in a patch. Bonine once a day while on a cruise works well for us, rough seas or not. My husband is seasickness-prone, and this seems to make a big difference for him.

Not a big fan of Wonderland. Once and done. I would go for CP150 as well. I think you need to look at the MDR menus once onboard and determine which is the most unappealing to you.

We only get one tree. A real one. We buy it a few weeks before Christmas and bring it inside a few days before Christmas. Get it set up physically and then decorate it the following day. But then again our house is about 95 years old and we don't have a lot of space. Whatever you do, enjoy. 😉🎄

He (GWB) threw the ball from directly in front of the mound. It bounced before home plate, however he is 77 years old. And most of us remember his beautiful throw after 9/11, so we cut him some slack. 😉 💙 ⚾

I don't like any during dinner and decline all of those now. However, if we are not rushing anywhere, we almost always stop and get a pic or two taken. I have a beautiful collection of family photos from when my sons were teenagers and now some great ones of my husband and me. Would never have them otherwise. I have always found it easy to say "no, thanks" ...

Beautifully restored and a great place for a concert.

All this talk about NYC and look where we were last night... First we had drinks and dinner at The Smith (Broadway at 63rd Street). Then we went to Lady A concert at the Beacon Theatre. Fun!

NYC things that have not been mentioned: Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge back and forth from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Take the Staten Island Ferry from lower Manhattan (it is free) back and forth .... nice views of the Statue of Liberty. Don't be scammed by anyone selling tickets. If you need a good burger etc. restaurant on the West side on 42nd Street... Kings of Kobe. 650 W.42 St. Another restaurant we like is The Smith (we go to Lincoln Square location - near Lincoln Center, but there are other locations). Typically a very lively, busy place. Enjoy.

Does Carnival offer multiple night specialty dining packages? Royal has these and they allow you to dine for a discount at for example 3 specialty restaurants. You can order in your cruise planner and then work out the details (specific restaurants and times) once on the ship. Thank you.

Walked around the bike trail at Rockland Lake NY today. It is a pretty spot. Some pics...

We cruised on Oasis from Cape Liberty with our son and 3 of his children. His wife could not come as she was home with their one month old child. Nothing extra was required or requested. He had their passports. Bring those if you have them or birth certificates. Happy cruising.

Thinking of you and your husband. Best wishes for his quick recovery. 💙

We have sailed many times out of Cape Liberty, including the itinerary you are on. We almost never have rough seas. We do take one Bonine (over-the-counter) daily, simply just in case. That has always helped us if there are any swells / movement. Enjoy your cruise!

My husband and I like Houston's in Pompano Beach (on the intracoastal), however I am not sure how appealing it would be for kids. My parents had a condo in Pompano for many years, but I have forgotten most of the eateries at this point .... or in some cases, they no longer exist. Enjoy your time there.

Yes, I did find some of my answers here. As well as on the MSC website. I was not used to the concept of "my time dining" not being available to everyone on the ship. So my advice to the OP who is also new to MSC is to ensure they understand some of these basic differences. Happy cruising to all.

We recently booked our first MSC cruise. What I found most confusing as someone who has mostly cruised on RC was the various levels or "experiences" .... I recommend you review these carefully as to what implications they have relative to dining options/timing and room location. I wish the MSC rep had been a bit more clear about the whole thing.

We found several bars smelly on same Jewel cruise as yours (I think they leave the smelly cleaning rags around or ?). In addition, the barstools at VCL/Vortex were so far apart and tremendously wobbly, it was ridiculous. We normally love the VCL/Vortex, but it was not comfortable. We therefore frequented other bars.

Hi, is there any other included dining other than main dining room and buffet? Still trying to get a grasp on MSC. Staying in balcony, not YC. Thanks!

I have seen the 210 Clinton Wharf address in several places, including under Embarkation info in the App (click Profile, then My Cruise, then look under Embarkation info.). When your eTicket becomes available it is on the page that says "Main Steps for Embarkation" .... it was page 16 for me.

Oldest: Empress Newest: Harmony Favorite: probably Oasis class.... honestly it is hard to pick a favorite 😉

Photo would not work for me at all in app on phone (Samsung). Camera started and showed my face but would not take the photo. Worked for me on the computer but whew what a photo! Ha. I was able to enter the credit card info on the app. Lots of 500 errors when using the computer. It will all work out, but not a positive experience.