shipgeeks

It is for reasons like that that we've always used the cruiseline transfers for something as important as getting to the airport while overseas. Same in Montreal, where our cruise terminated downstream of the port. Our airport bus was there, but no taxis or private shuttles in sight.

If we are talking about Carib and Bahamas, the only port in which we will always get off is MSC's private island, Ocean Cay. Apart from that, we are staying on the ship more than getting off.

We are 79 and 80, in good health for our age, but definitely not as hardy as we were 50 years ago. When cruises resumed from the Port of Baltimore, our preferred departure port, we booked one of the first cruises, in February, 2022. We had to have vax, tests, and wear masks. It was still a wonderful cruise, with no ill effects. We cruised again in June, with testing again required. No problems. Sailed again in September, November, and March of this year, with no requirements, and no problems for us. Overall, I think a ship is cleaner than many of the other public places we could go to. That said, of course, the final decision is up to you. We're really glad we jumped back in, and are booked for three more in the months to come. I might add that we are not ready to fly yet, though, for reasons mostly unrelated to covid.

Except that MSC pools are known for being the deepest in the industry. People have complained that they are too deep to just stand in them all day and drink.

If I were aboard I'd be thrilled to be going to Freeport instead of Labadee! We frequenly get a sea day instead of a replacement port. Last cruise, we had four sea days in a row, after two ports were cancelled due to weather.

Any more details on what areas scored low on the inspection?

I am grateful every day for the life I have, with cruises as a wonderful bonus. A year+ ago, when we took our first cruise after the lockdown, I remember thinking "cherish this time with a partially-filled ship, because it will never happen again". We passengers, and the crew who finally had jobs again, were just so happy to be there. We've done four cruises since then, on full ships. I always think "will I burst into tears the moment I'm aboard?". No, I never have, but there is always some moment when I think "this is so perfect, and I am so fortunate to be here".

I do wear gowns (long, dressy dresses) on cruises, because they are elegant and dressed up, and sometimes because if seas are rough and the Captain announces "due to rough weather I ask the ladies please to not wear the high heels", I can wear flats and no one will notice. My husband would not go on a cruise without his tuxedo, so I always need to make the effort to match his formality. Most of my gowns, over the years, have come from consignment or thrift stores. Back when we had a car, making the rounds of thrift stores was one of our weekly activities. Probably worn once, if that, and all of very high quality. I just wish I had more in colors other than black! The idea of nightgowns never occurred to me, or I would not have even read this post!

Round trip transatlantics; that sounds like heaven. All the sea days are just so festive, with a real sense of community. Relaxed meals with conversation, hours of looking at the sky and sea. I just love it.

More sea days, please. The best, to me, is a transatlantic crossing. We do stay onboard while in many ports now; however, being in motion at sea is still much better than sitting still in a port. Arriving, and moreso departing from a port, are second to sailing with no land in sight.

We've always enjoyed our daylight times in Saint John. In September we will be there overnight, on a Monday through Tuesday, 18th - 19th. Anything special going on, or any ideas for nightime things to do?

M2ice, You mentioned the security getting back on the ship at Ocean Cay as being overly invasive. I'm curious what the situation was. Presumably you were not patted down nor made to strip. The only other thing I can think of is passengers being asked to open backpacks. On both MSC and RC recently, we have witnessed passengers trying to take large amounts of shells and coral onto the ship, and being denied, primarily for hygiene reasons. Was that what you saw, or was there another issue?

davy, if you get a dining time you don't like, just go to the dining room on the afternoon you board, and see the head waiter there to request a change. We sail as Bella, and we were able to easily get re-assigned. If there are a lot of non-Americans aboard, early should be easy to get, as many of them will want to eat as late as possible. I wouldn't worry about it at all.

Presumably, as they are free on Enchantment and Grandeur. Little sandwiches, too.

Sometimes I wonder what these people do if they travel to Europe/South America/Asia....and don't get ketchup/oatmeal/toast.

On MSC you can book one of four "experiences": Bella, Fantastica, Aurea, Yacht Club. Each will give you certain benefits. For example, if anytime dining is important to you, book Aurea, as the first two have set dining times. The main differences we notice on MSC are the European style of service and amenities. Service is more formal and less friendly/gushy. Foods might not always be exactly what we have on RC. And many of the passengers will probably be non-Americans. We like that, as it feels more like being away on vacation; others might find that a negative, to not be able to talk with everyone around them. We sail Bella, and have never bought drink/wifi/dining packages. Our experiences were excellent. If you have a good loyalty level with RC, apply for a status match with MSC. That will give you some additional benefits.

mosiegirl, Please don't be unduly alarmed by the post after yours, warning of all the things that could go wrong. That poster seems to be a magnet for mishaps, perhaps sparing most of the rest of us any negative experiences. When is your friend's cruise, and on what ship? If you, or friend, have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

Thank you. One more imperfection for us.

We did, it was easy.

And don't forget a pound of butter, a loaf of sliced white bread, and optional toaster. Otherwise we might be doomed to eating fresh Italian rolls and bread, croissants, Danish, breakfast pizzas, or sticky buns for breakfast. ('m sorry, this was mean.)

Or not.

Could it have been a crew drill? We witnessed one like that, while in a port, with a dummy thrown overboard, and all departments responding, with lifeboats, medical staff on standby, etc. No evidence of anything happening on Nassau webcam.

At Saint John, NB (not St. Johns) there is a HOHO bus which I believe includes some views of Bay of Fundy, as well as sights around the city and beyond. If not available through the cruiseline, you can purchase tickets right at the cruise terminal. They have a website (Saint John, NB, Pink Bus?) which might give you an idea of where they go.

Ketsup being hard to come by is a really serious issue?? Somebody needs to go back to RoyalNorwegianCarnival.

Try Trinity Reservations for info on various hotels and their amenities. You might also find it useful to post your question on East Coast Departures.