akba15

Thank you for the reviews!  I am traveling "through you" and so enjoy the trip write ups!  Thank you!  I can't wait to cruise again!  Now I need to consider a land vacation!

What type of supervision is there for the 12-14 year old group? Do they still do organized activities like crafts, etc. Or are you just on your own with the living room meeting place?

Thanks for the info - ours will be a 9 night sailing; I keep checking the cruise planner and it has only been at $249; haven't seen it go lower.

Do photos get taken on ifly? If so are they included in the full usb package too?

Interesting.....are different ships charging different prices for the same package? Or does the price drop closer to sailing explaining why yours is only $199 (and my Anthem 9 nt is currently $249)? Or is it all just "random"?

Thank you for taking the time to write these wonderful reviews and all of the pictures! I feel like I was there! I rarely post but have read your reviews (and taken notes) and have gone to some of the port places you have recommended and had a great time! I look forward to reading more of your reviews!

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I just saw this option come in my cruise planner.

Can someone clarify for me please -- does this also include embarkation photos, photos taken when you get off at ports, characters, etc. Or does it only include photos on ship (like in dining room)? I have never purchased a package before so am unclear and want to see if it is worth the $249.

Thank you!

Can anyone point me to any menu's or dailies from this spring/summer? I have looked here but not seen any posted - thanks!

Thank you for the explanations!

A few years ago when we cruised from Boston there was parking garage very near the cruise terminal where we parked for the week (no reservations required). Is the parking garage still there and available for parking?

I see on the cruise terminal website they are directing people to an "open air lot" with a shuttle back.

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Remember that the kids can order off of the adult menu - mine did each day for dinner (ages 8 & 10); it was a great way for them to try new foods.

I have to comment on the kids club - we cruised on the Divina this summer and my daughters both went to the kids club a couple of times. (ages 8 & 10). They said the kids club was "OK" and that a couple of times the counselors actually screamed at some of the kids who weren't listening and doing what they were told.

The activities on the Divina were very "loosely" run (they actually colored a lot which for 8 & 10 year old is not exciting). You only had to write their names in a book and sign when you dropped them off and picked them up. The "doremi chef" was a joke --- there were about 100 kids crammed around tables in a lounge rolling pre-made dough into gnocchi - not even any mixing. That was one of the most chaotic things I have ever seen!

For comparison-we have been on the NCL Breakaway and NCL Dawn and, in my opinion, their kids programs are FAR superior in both structure, type of activities, counselor attitude, and with their drop off and pick up procedures. (my kids actually cried when we left and begged to go every day)

All kids are different.............

Going to answer my own questions in case they help others:

1. There was a window for "priority boarding" in the Miami terminal--they did not give us a boarding number but told us just to listed for the announcement for "priority boarding"

2. Children's cooking classes--"doremi chef" came with our Aurora experience--it was a joke; it was a chaotic mess off at least 75 children in the black & white lounge and all they did as have the children roll premade dough into gnocchi. VERY disappointing.

3. My choice dining-we just showed up at the same time each evening and sat at the same table.

Just off Divina - my daughter, age 8, had no problem going on the water slide although neither of my kids thought it was very good -- very "flat" and they had to actually help push themselves through (they have been to indoor water parks, etc so that may have influenced their opinion as the slide on Divina did not even compare); the ages stated were listed as 8 in one place and 9 in another.

With a MSC cruise stop from 8-4 hoping for a low key day to hit a close by beach---I came upon Escambron Beach.

Is it an easy walk from the cruise port? or taxi necessary? Are their facilities there (bathrooms, food, etc.)

Any information would be helpful - having never been there I would love to hear thoughts! Thank you!

Enjoy the trip! Look forward to hearing more about it!

First cruise with MSC (Divina) in Aurea cruising from Miami - any insight would be helpful!

--How does the Aurea priority boarding work? Is there a special place we go at the terminal (we've never been to POM before)?

- Children's cooking classes -- Has anyone taken advantage of this? How did you sign up?

--With the "My Choice Dining", does this mean we set a time to come each evening or just show up?

Thank you!

Last summer my 7 & 9 year old girls LOVED IT - they cried when we left! They had plenty of varied activities to keep them busy - they often had painted faces when we picked them up. We also did a port lunch while in Bermuda---one day we had planned a beach day but it rained, so, the kids went to splash academy (including the port day lunch) and the grown ups took a taxi tour of the island. When you sign them up you will get a schedule for the week and the activities for each day.

What also worked for us was that we often took the kids to the buffet for dinner early, they would go to splash academy, and the grown ups would go to the main dining room for a leisurely dinner. (our kids would much rather go play then sit through a long leisurely dinner - they find that boring)

Loving your thorough review! We went on the Dawn 2 years ago and would love to go again!

Thank you Pete! I am getting excited for our trip - you are a wealth of knowledge.

You have put SO MUCH time into this thread - thank you! I have read through it all! Our first time on MSC - any information on Divina cabin 12028? (excited to try a new line)

THANKS IN ADVANCE!

Does anyone use Project Life / pocket scrapbooking supplies to scrapbook their cruise? I have been searching for a kit or cards to use for my PL book for our cruise last summer -- and having no luck. I have spent way too much time on pinterest without luck. I do NOT want digital scrapbooking supplies (which seems to be mostly what I am seeing)

Anyone have a "cruise" kit they use? Any suggestions?

as will be on the Divina in a few months - getting excited already! Enjoy!

Thank you for writing these very detailed and picture filled reviews. It is so helpful when investigating future cruises and destinations! You have a great writing style! Hope you feel back to normal real soon!