I had never heard of MSC but I will definitely book another cruise with them. Our experience was great.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We had a 1030-11 slot. We got there at 1050. Walked right in the front door. Line from front door to desk was approximately 15 minutes. You then get a number and when your group is called you then board the ship. That was about 10 minutes wait.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
We had breakfast most days at the buffet. All lunches at the buffet and 2 dinners at the buffet due to missing our time slot as we were off ship. There is a big variety. Something to note the food is much better fresh. If there is something low wait til they bring a fresh pan out. You won’t wait more then 2 minutes. They are very expedient. The main dining room most meals were good to very good. One night a meal was horrible but honestly it’s not like I couldn’t afford to miss a meal. They did offer to exchange it. My husband felt the portions were small, he’s a big guy so starting the 2nd night he just ordered 2 appetizers to make up for it.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
You can be as busy as you want or relaxed. There was always something planned. I do miss the paper itinerary that use to be left in your room the night before. They are trying to get away from that and have you use their app.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
It was ok. Something to do for 30 minutes. There were a few standout singers and dancers. If you missed it , not a big deal. I do recommend you book your entertainment the first day as they have limited seating. Get there 15/20 minutes before the show so you get your seat of choice. We did not see the 2 shows you had to pay extra for.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The best staff and service I have ever experienced on a cruise. Always greeted, inquired how your meal was, eager to help. First time I have seen a presence of officers. It was a nice touch. I have a food allergy and the dining room worked to make sure my meals were safe. Our room steward was fantastic and attentive. Really can’t say enough positive about the service and people.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
The ship was easy to navigate and intuitive. Most areas were extremely clean. There were days around the main pool ( atmosphere) where there was more trash then I was use to seeing but we chose not to hang at that pool often.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Great balcony with an unobstructed view. Spacious with a couch. As long as you push the button for cleaning service which is near the light switch your steward will come. There is also a do not disturb switch. Picking an even number balcony room will allow you to be portside most of the time and let you watch the 7 minute light house show on ocean cay from your room. I would recommend that.
Ship tip
I would register your credit card from home online before you leave. It saved us a lot of time from what I heard others say. I would book your specialty dining and shows the first day you get on the ship. Most rooms aren’t ready before 130 they inform you. I think ours was about 1. We loved the horizon pool as it was adults only. It’s a smaller area but much more quieter and relaxing, which is what we were looking for. Rent an umbrella on ocean cay as the sun is strong and worth the $29. Bimini beach is worth the 5 minute walk or their is transportation they provide. If you don’t have an excursion for cape canaveral it’s not worth getting off the ship as there is a gated area and nothing in walking distance. Did see a bunch of dolphins from our balcony!! We booked the bridge tour as it stated it was for Monday the first day at sea for something to do. That is not accurate information. It is the first day you dock which is cape canaveral and it’s their discretion what time that will be at. It makes sense for safety reasons but they don’t tell you this information.
Fantastic island. It’s under a bit of construction but nothing that takes away from your experience. Lots of food trucks spread out if you don’t want to eat at the main dining area. All the beaches close 530. The water is so beautiful and it’s just a relaxing day. Rent an umbrella $29 if you don’t have one as that sun is hot! Wish we had another day there.
I’m glad I did it, we had a great driver for our excursion. I would never drive on this island. No lights, no stops signs as our driver stated whoever is the biggest bully wins lol. We arrived and hour late on this island due to mechanic issues with the ship so that impacted our full excursion experience. That being said I have no desire to return to Nassau. Island mentality where the natives hound you , expect you to pay if you ask a question etc.
Waste of port. It would be much better spent an extra day at their private island. We also arrived 30 minutes late due to wether the previous evening and that messed up some people’s excursions.
You are given a number and wait til it is called. It really wasn’t that long of a wait from the time you arrived. You need to be out of your room by 730 am so we had breakfast at the buffet and walked a bit. From the time our number was called and we left the ship to picking up our luggage , your bags are in the clearly marked section of your number, to the from door I would say 25 minutes. But it moved right along.
Cape Canaveral is America...its safe and a taxi can get you to RonJons for fun shopping, the Pier, but i agree, its not exciting as a foreign port would be, yet better than Nassau which i never get off ship there. Too dangerous.
Thanks for sharing your well detailed review. Glad you had a great cruise experience on the MSC Meraviglia & Ocean Cay. I usually take the $7 ferry across to Paradise Island & do my own self excursion. For the views alone it’s worth it. And self excursion @ Cape Canaveral as well, hassle free. Thanks for sharing & happy cruising 😎⚓️🤩❣️‼️
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