a magnificent LIVE Review... MSC Magnifica... March 18, 2024 - March 22, 2024

[rrraydon]

Hey fellow cruisers! 

 

I was indecisive as to whether to attempt a live a review as I'm winging it I feel like on this cruise. I booked this cruise a few months ago when I decided I wanted to try cruising solo, as well as to try cruising a new to me cruise line. 

 

A little back information: 

 

 

I've sailed on over 40 cruises between Carnival (Platinum) and Royal (Diamond+). I usually sail with either my youngest daughter or one of my cruise buddy girlfriends. I've read so many wonderful solo reviews lately it's prompted me to want to start sailing solo myself.....no longer having to check with another regarding ships, cabins, ports, dinner times, excursions, attire, etc...sounds great! I'm super excited to start this new way of cruising. 🙂 

 

I started a new job about 8 months ago that is perfect for my plan of taking short cruises once per month. I work 7p to 7a Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Yep, you guessed it...I plan on getting off of work on Monday mornings, driving straight to the airport, flying to whatever my next destination is and climbing onboard ship! I suspect some of my cruises I may run into flight problems, but it'll be what it'll be. Hopefully I make it back on time to get to work on Friday evenings by 7p! lol

 

This week, since it's my first booking cruising this way, I took off tonight (Sunday night which is the night before the cruise) to get the gist of everything. My flight leaves Monday morning at 8a to Miami, I should get there a bit after 11a. I plan to Uber to the Port of Miami, my check in isn't until 12:30p. (fingers crossed) 😆 All of the forthcoming solos I've booked thus far over the last few weeks are under these same circumstances. (same day flights)

 

Here they are: 

March: MSC Magnifica (4 night)

April: Liberty of the Seas (4 night)

May: Celebrity Reflection (4 night)

June: Liberty of the Seas (4 night)

 

Here, I had to take a break because I've had this Med cruise planned for over a year and I need to replenish funds.

 

September: Voyager of the Seas (7 nights Greece plus 9 days of visiting other countries while I'm there)

 

 October: I just made Prime last week in RC casino and I will get a free cruise certificate next month and I plan to use it here.

 

November: Oasis of the Seas (6 night...not a solo..cruising with my daughter)

January 2025: Celebrity Reflection (4 night)

February 2025: Rhapsody of the Seas 10 nights--not a solo-- (when I made Prime last week on RC I got a free 10 night)

September 2025: Symphony of the Seas 7 night with my son

 

I'm not going to start filling in the spots for next year until I see how I like all of the solo sailing and to see if I'm not too exhausted to cruise anymore!!! 😆 

 

So, here we are the day before my first solo. I'm working tonight, going to sleep a few hours this morning and getting up before noon to do one more load of laundry. Although I have my bag packed already, I still have 2 more shirts I want to bring. I am packing one small duffle that fits under the seat in front of me on the airplane. I also need to go get gas and draw out some more cash for gambling in the casino. After that's all done, I'm meeting some friends for a St. Paddy's Day bash at the restaurant in our community. I hope to be in bed by 8pm for a few more hours sleep before it's time to head out. 

 

Since I'm still at work, I have a few things to do and will come back in about an hour and give more information on my MSC cruise package I booked, the crappy room I'm assigned (that's what happens when your sailing cheapo), our planned stops and some of the excursions I'm looking at.....

 

 

Edited March 17 by rrraydon
sp

[rrraydon]

Ok, so I found this cruise on the website, "cruiseplum"... I'm pretty sure it was on here that I read about the site. I knew nothing about MSC at all when I was trying to decide whether to choose the "plain cruise" package (no bells and whistles) or one of the others. I chose the " Bella" package and for a couple of hundred more than the base cruise price I get the internet package, $25 OBC and the Easy Plus drink package. Also, they pick my inside cabin. I don't mind an inside cabin at all...as long as it's not all the way forward in the bow and all the way up on the top deck. (and what are the chances of that happening, right? I mean all those inside cabins they can pick on that ship) Yeah, right...that's exactly what I got! So I called to see if maybe I could switch...I mean not an upgrade but make a lateral move to a cabin in the same category... maybe aft and a few decks down. Nope, nothing available. A few days ago I got the email to bid on an upgrade so I bid on an OV cabin but haven't heard anything back yet. Oh, well...I'm not going to die being forward and up top and I'm not going to let it bug me either. 

 

I read a Nassau review a few days ago and the lady had some beautiful pictures of Graycliff Hotel/Mansion in Nassau and they offer day passes. As well as wine tastings, chocolate making classes and cigar rolling. Next to their hotel (within walking distance) is their chocolate making factory that has tours and you sample and make chocolate. Also, they have a cigar making factory too. The day pass for the hotel, that includes a drink and lunch, is about $160...more than I want to spend. I'm not much on cigars but I do like me some chocolate!! I also noticed in some review pics the street that these places are located on has many cute little shops. All of this is within walking distance from the port. Maybe about the same distance from the port to Junkanoo Beach which I've walked plenty of times in the past (that's what it's looking like to me on the map). I'm thinking of walking to the Graycliff Hotel, having a cocktail at their bar or out in their outside pool area and checking the place out (the pics show beautiful gardens all around the place--great for picture taking). Taking a walk over to the candy factory to sample and purchase some of their chocolates (I probably won't purchase the factory tour and chocolate making ticket). Then checking out a few of the shops and grabbing a bite to eat from one of the lesser priced establishments along the route. 

 

The one other stop we're doing on this cruise is MSC's private island, Ocean Cay. It's not as nice as Royal's private island, but it does have some beautiful water at their beaches. I've been checking out the pics on various reviews. I think I may snorkel here instead of purchasing one of the many excursions they offer. I plan to get off the ship early and get some sun and snorkel for half the day and head back to the ship to eat at which point I'll probably just lay out at the pool. They food choices on their island is limited to hot dogs and hamburgers and I'm not interested in eating that. 

 

These are some things I'm still tossing around...as said, I'm winging it! lol

[rrraydon]

I forgot to mention my 2 girls..my fur babies. They usually go to the kennel when I cruise but since I’m going to cruise more frequently I have to trust that my two granddaughters who live with me will take good care of them. I just finished writing down their schedules for the week and plan to put them on the refrigerator when I get home today. 
 

Here are a couple of pics of my girls:

[rrraydon]

I put Millie's couch there in the window so she'd have her own little oasis. Plus, she's very nosey and likes to watch all the neighbors!! 😂

[rrraydon]

Winnifred, Winnie, is a catdog. We found her when she was just a baby kitten last year and these two are best buds. Millie has always treated Winnie like she was a dog. When they rough house Winnie bites Millie just like a dog does, poor girl doesn't know how to be a cat since she grew up with this big doggie as her momma. That's why we call her catdog.😄

Edited March 17 by rrraydon

[rrraydon]

Another thing I forgot to mention about MSC is they status match..I love this!!

 

As a Royal D+, I match to their Gold level. Now, their loyalty program is not as good as Royal's.. none of the other lines are... but, they do have some nice perks. 

One thing I'm looking forward to as one of their Gold perks is one hour in their thermal spa area...complimentary. They also give a complimentary gift and a complimentary photo as well as a few additional perks. 

[rrraydon]

I’m ready…woohoo!!

[rrraydon]

I just checked in for my flight. I’m leaving here at 2am tonight. Well, I guess it’s tomorrow. I never know whether to say tonight or tomorrow when it’s in the middle of the night! 😂 

 

This is my first time flying out of NJ also. First time on MSC, first solo cruise and first time flying out of this airport. I’m packing a small bag that fits under the seat in front of me to avoid paying luggage fees. I’ll let you know how that works out for me. 
 

Once the cruise starts I plan to post lots of pics of everything. I know I enjoyed reading the reviews with lots of pics of this ship!

 

Happy St. Paddy’s Day to all! I’m going to get ready for the dinner with my neighbors at the clubhouse restaurant…and some tasty St. Paddy’s Day cocktails! ☘️ 🍻 

Edited March 17 by rrraydon

[CruiseIreland]

Looking forward to following along! Millie and Winnie are very cute! Safe travels and Happy Saint Patrick's Day to you and your friends! ☘️☘️☘️

[rrraydon]

I just got back from dinner, I hope everyone had a fantastic St. Paddy’s Day!

 

Taking a nap now because I need to get up at 1a so I can leave at 2a for the airport. 
 

Here are some pics from our dinner tonight…

 

 

Edited March 18 by rrraydon

[rrraydon]

I’m just waiting for my ear pods to charge and then I’m off. 
Here’s the bag I packed for under the seat on the plane. I’m practicing packing lite. I plan to pack this same bag for my 16 day European trip in September. 😁 

 

I have 5 blouses, 3 capris, 1 shorts, 3 dresses, 1 sweater, 1 slacks, my purse, metal hooks, door magnets,  1 wrap, 2 pairs of shoes, a bathing suit and cover, toiletries/makeup, a bag of meds, jewelry, snorkel gear and  undergarmets. Not bad….

Edited March 18 by rrraydon

[Essiesmom]

Not bad, but I would probably pack half that for a four day cruise…but you will figure it out.  EM

[Flnative9206]

15 hours ago, rrraydon said:

I’m ready…woohoo!!

Hey there! My wife and I will be on this same trip celebrating our 7th wedding anniversary. First time trying MSC… figured try a short trip for the first trip with them to see how it is. We usually sail Princess and NCL. Looking forward to something different! Have an awesome trip! 🙂. 

[rrraydon]

4 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

Not bad, but I would probably pack half that for a four day cruise…but you will figure it out.  EM

Last month I packed a large suitcase busting at the seems for 7 days. lol..Of course I only wore less than a third of what I packed. This time I packed this small bag busting at the seems and I will probably still only wear a third! 

[rrraydon]

8 minutes ago, Flnative9206 said:

Hey there! My wife and I will be on this same trip celebrating our 7th wedding anniversary. First time trying MSC… figured try a short trip for the first trip with them to see how it is. We usually sail Princess and NCL. Looking forward to something different! Have an awesome trip! 🙂. 

Happy Anniversary!!! You have a wonderful time also!

[rrraydon]

I arrived at the Motel 6 by EWR on time, 5:30am. I paid $53 to park my vehicle there. The shuttle to the airport was already there. It took me about 3 min to show I pre-paid. Then I parked my vehicle, handed over the keys, hopped in the shuttle and we were off..less than 10 min for the process. The ride from the parking to the Spirit terminal was 5 min, tops. 
 

I used the kiosk to check in, went through the security line, and walked down to the gate…30 min. 
 

Sitting here waiting for boarding now…should be an hour from now if all goes well. So far, everything is going as planned. 
 

Oh, no charge for the bag…woohoo!

 

Like I mentioned previously, my plan is to pack exactly the same things for my European trip in this same bag. For Europe, I fly out of JFK to London. Staying 2 nights and 3 days in London. Then hopping on a flight to Rome and staying 2 nights and 3 days there. Then, a flight to Athens for one night and hopping on the ship for a 7 day in Greece. This cruise ends in Italy where I’m hopping on yet another plane to Naples for 3 nights and 4 days. Finally, one last flight that has an 8 hour layover in Munich  (this I chose purposely because it will be Oktoberfest and Munich has the large brewery and large gardens right at the airport). 
 

With all of those flights, baggage fees add up and I’m trying to avoid that. Hence this test run of exactly the things I want to pack for Europe. 

Edited March 18 by rrraydon

[rrraydon]

I anticipated forgetting a few things, I normally do. I just realized one thing already. I forgot my book to read. I don’t care for reading on electronics, I like to have a book in my hand. I hope there are some books in the library on ship, fingers crossed. 

[Flnative9206]

6 minutes ago, rrraydon said:

I arrived at the Motel 6 by EWR on time, 5:30am. I paid $53 to park my vehicle there. The shuttle to the airport was already there. It took me about 3 min to show I pre-paid. Then I parked my vehicle, handed over the keys, hopped in the shuttle and we were off..less than 10 min for the process. The ride from the parking to the Spirit terminal was 5 min, tops. 
 

I used the kiosk to check in, went through the security line, and walked down to the gate…30 min. 
 

Sitting here waiting for boarding now…should be an hour from now if all goes well. So far, everything is going as planned. 
 

Oh, no charge for the bag…woohoo!

 

Like I mentioned previously, my plan is to pack exactly the same things for my European trip in this same bag. For Europe, I fly out of JFK to London. Staying 2 nights and 3 days in London. Then hopping on a flight to Rome and staying 2 nights and 3 days there. Then, a flight to Athens for one night and hopping on the ship for a 7 day in Greece. This cruise ends in Italy where I’m hopping on yet another plane to Naples for 3 nights and 4 days. Finally, one last flight that has an 8 hour layover in Munich  (this I chose purposely because it will be Oktoberfest and Munich has the large brewery and large gardens right at the airport). 
 

With all of those flights, baggage fees add up and I’m trying to avoid that. Hence this test run of exactly the things I want to pack for Europe. 

You will have beautiful weather coming into South Florida this morning! I love flying…. But I also do like being only a 40 min drive from the Port 😂 Parking at PortMiami isn’t too bad either. I believe it is $20 or $22 per day.  Much cheaper than an Uber or car service from my address (at least for this particular trip). 

[Essiesmom]

4 hours ago, rrraydon said:

I arrived at the Motel 6 by EWR on time, 5:30am. I paid $53 to park my vehicle there. The shuttle to the airport was already there. It took me about 3 min to show I pre-paid. Then I parked my vehicle, handed over the keys, hopped in the shuttle and we were off..less than 10 min for the process. The ride from the parking to the Spirit terminal was 5 min, tops. 
 

I used the kiosk to check in, went through the security line, and walked down to the gate…30 min. 
 

Sitting here waiting for boarding now…should be an hour from now if all goes well. So far, everything is going as planned. 
 

Oh, no charge for the bag…woohoo!

 

Like I mentioned previously, my plan is to pack exactly the same things for my European trip in this same bag. For Europe, I fly out of JFK to London. Staying 2 nights and 3 days in London. Then hopping on a flight to Rome and staying 2 nights and 3 days there. Then, a flight to Athens for one night and hopping on the ship for a 7 day in Greece. This cruise ends in Italy where I’m hopping on yet another plane to Naples for 3 nights and 4 days. Finally, one last flight that has an 8 hour layover in Munich  (this I chose purposely because it will be Oktoberfest and Munich has the large brewery and large gardens right at the airport). 
 

With all of those flights, baggage fees add up and I’m trying to avoid that. Hence this test run of exactly the things I want to pack for Europe. 

I think for that itinerary I would pack/wear one pair long pants.  I think Munich will be cooler than the Med. cities/ports.  EM

[Essiesmom]

16 minutes ago, Essiesmom said:

I think for that itinerary I would pack/wear one pair long pants.  I think Munich will be cooler than the Med. cities/ports.  EM

Oops!  I see that you do have a pair of slacks in the bag.  You might need them in London, too.  I see you have a sweater…I might add a shawl to drape over your shoulders in the churches in Italy.  No bare knees or shoulders.  
 When in Spain and Italy churches are always on the tour…but I found it interesting that in Greece not one church was mentioned.  EM

[rrraydon]

Finally made it onboard!!!! 
 

We arrived in MIA on time. The Uber to the port was about $30, it took about 30 min. 
 

Check in went pretty quick, I arrived here about 11:45, went through checkin and right to the ship with minimal wait. I went directly to my cabin to change out of my long pants.. it’s HOT! Lol

This is an older ship and I knew that when I booked so my cabin is as I expected. It’ll do. 😁 

 

I came straight from the cabin up here to deck 13 for a drink, a smoke and then some food. 
I’m going to check the ship out after eating and muster is at 3:30 at the station…old school here! 😆 I’ll check back in later. 
 

CHEERS!!

[rrraydon]

Roast Beef was tasty… that’s about it. All of it was cold. The view is outstanding and there’s a nice wind blowing up out here. I’ll go back later for a hot dog. 🌭 There’s plenty of food on here, I won’t go hungry for sure!

Edited March 18 by rrraydon

[Lupush]

6 hours ago, Flnative9206 said:

You will have beautiful weather coming into South Florida this morning! I love flying…. But I also do like being only a 40 min drive from the Port 😂 Parking at PortMiami isn’t too bad either. I believe it is $20 or $22 per day.  Much cheaper than an Uber or car service from my address (at least for this particular trip). 

One of the many reasons why I love living in Florida.  Can be out the door and on vacation inside of an hour.  Nothing better.

[rrraydon]

Ok, so I didn’t make it far. This was coming out nice and hot!!! Yum!!

[rrraydon]

The packet of “stuff” that was in my cabin for today…