Don’t really get what all the negative reviews are about. Besides minor gripes like no free movies available on the cabin TV, only ones to rent for $10, no movies played on the big screen on the pool deck, and some of the bartenders that were in no hurry to take your order, I have nothing bad to say about the Jan 8th sailing. There may have been particular issues with other’s embark and debark because of things out of MSCs control, but this particular sailing was great all around from food to service to the whole experience. I wouldn’t hesitate to book with MSC again.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
35 mins after we were dropped off by the GoPort shuttle, we were walking onto the ship.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Pizza was great. Lunch and dinner buffet always had a good variety. Breakfast buffet had the same items everyday, but there are only so many breakfast options. Always tasty and much better than the 3 Carnival cruises I went on last year. Main dining room was super fast. In and out in 45 mins or less every night. The items I had were moderate to good, but nothing to write home about.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Didn’t really participate in any onboard activities but there always seemed to be something going on for those who were interested. Pools and hot tubs closed at 8pm. Heard a variety of music genres throughout the ship from country to pop to hip hop to rock. Also didn’t use the fitness center, but it had a nice view overlooking the pool deck and big screen.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Most of the staff was very eager to please. There were only a handful that didn’t give off that vibe, mostly at the bars. Our room steward, Lawrence, was great and our waiter, Ryan, was as well. Went to our assigned dining room right after getting on to request a table for 2, and lo and behold, we already had one.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Was in cabin 9233, a deluxe balcony with larger angled balcony. Very little closet and storage space. Really only enough room for 2 people’s stuff for 7 nights and even that’s a tight squeeze. Had to ask for extra hangers. There were washcloths but no tissues or top sheet on the bed. Should have asked for one as the heavy comforter was very warm. Requested service only in the evening. The Make Up Room and Do Not Disturb buttons were nice. Lawrence kept the cabin clean and made sure we had everything requested. No mint on the pillow or towel animals, but not a big deal to me. Nice to have the balcony to escape to. Would try to get a starboard side balcony next time to have view of Ocean Cay when docked.
Ship tip
During embarkation, pay attention to multiple available lines to go through security. Everyone just seemed to follow whoever was in front of them when there were other lines that were much shorter. Pick a mid ship to aft cabin to be close to everything, but avoid aft cabin if you have mobility issues as there are no aft passenger elevators.
Ocean Cay is a beautiful island, with plenty of space to find your own little piece of heaven. Didn’t make it to the buffet as the spot we originally chose as home base was too far. My advice if you want the buffet is to camp out nearby until you eat and then roam to your selected spot afterwards. If not, you’ll end up too far away and will only have the food trucks when you get hungry. Also, if you don’t have a drink package to get drinks from the bar, BYOB as there are no free drinks outside of the buffet area.
Was expecting to dock at the Punta Langosta pier but ended up at International pier so my plans were messed up. Ended up walking the 3 miles into town but got to see a lot along the way and there were plenty of places to stop and sit by the ocean. No sandy beaches between the 2 piers except at the Grand Park Royal Resort which had a $60/person all inclusive package. Picked up my only souvenir from a store on the terminal side of the road, a lamp handmade in Mexico.
Walked around the port to see the dolphins, flamingos, and check out the shops, then took a taxi to and from the Malecon (boardwalk) in Mahahual for $4/person each way. Lots of vendors but a few with handmade offerings. Walked a long way down the Malecon then found a beach area that wasn’t set up with loungers that you had to pay for. Got in the calm water and floated around. Was very refreshing.
Been to Nassau many times. Usually walk to the far end of Junkanoo beach where it’s less crowded. Was rainy this visit, so didn’t get off the boat until around 4:30. Just walked around a bit outside of the port. Most vendors were closing up shop at 5pm so didn’t see a lot.
Great debarkation process. Had to be out of the cabin by 8am. They were already calling for Express Debark passengers at that time. Not required to wait at particular locations so there was not an onslaught of people coming from the same places. You could get off at your leisure. There were no winding lines to wait in to get off. Just had to show your passport or birth certificate and ID one last time in the terminal and that was it. No stop at customs. Was off in less than 30 mins.
Loved the detailed review! We sailed on the Maraviligia last year and had a similar great experience. I wish the pools were open late but we loved the private island and the buffet there was really good.
Thank you for your positive yet balanced review. MSC is very "European" and relatively new to the US market. They will make appropriate adjustments at some point I am sure.
Glad you had a good time on MSC. You can read all the negative reviews to see many reasons people do not like them. Food is subjective and we'll never get everyone to agree what is good or bad. For me, MSC's biggest problem is just dumb rules like closing the pools at 8pm or not serving food on the Lido till 12:30. Also, when you have a problem, and if you sail enough with them you will, they treat you like you are ignorant and a bother. I just always felt unwelcome. I want to give them another try though.
Glad you enjoyed it. I had a great experience on the Meraviglia in January 2022 and on the Divina in October. The only thing I can come up with as to why so many don’t like MSC is that it isn’t a carbon copy of other lines. Slight differences don’t necessarily mean horrible. The no washcloths, top sheet, etc. are typical of a European company / hotel (do a Google search), but they will usually bring those items if you ask. Those in our group on the Divina that drank alcohol found that tipping $ 1.00 - $ 2.00 every few rounds improved the service immensely.
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