So because of Hurricane Ian our itinerary changed. One day at Ocean Cay, one at Nassau and 2 days at Taino Bay, Puerto Plata in the DR. That was our favorite port so we were not disappointed at all with the changes. It was our first time there and we had that best time at Puerto Plata.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Having the Aurea package was awesome. Arrived at port at 1130am, there was 2 terminal entrances, one for lower decks and one for higher decks. We were on deck 15, walked in, no line at security, looked for Aurea passengers sign where you check in, again no one in line, we received our room keys, went up to the waiting area and at 12pm they started boarding with Yatch Club and Aurea passengers, great VIP experience!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Excellent food all around. Our main dining room was Manhattan with your choice dining which was great because we showed up when we were actually hungry. Our waiter was Ortiz and he was very attentive. We also went to Butcher's Cut and Hola! but honestly you don't need to waste the extra cash when the main dining room was excellent 👌 There is one night where you get Filet Mignon with lobster tail. We found the buffet to be great too. Pizza is the best but don't be afraid to try new things. By the way if you want soft serve ice cream, go to the Jungle Pool bar by the Gelatos and ask for it, I love that they keep it behind the bar so the machine stays spotless.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
We didn't use the pools, water park or slides but we did use the Thermal Spa daily, the long hot tubs on deck 8 and the Top 19 Solarium where we had an exclusive Aurea Bar, hot tubs, beds and loungers.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
MSC is different and that's what we love, the shows are fantastic. Music, magic, acrobatics you name it it's in the shows. Throughout the ship you have different type of live music. We enjoyed at night the Cabaret and the Uptown Lounge. Silet Disco night was fun!
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our server Ortiz at Manhattan was excellent, the room steward was an older gentleman not very talkative but our room was spotless, the bar tenders knew you by name and what you wanted. Ana Lovo walks around the buffet in the morning making sure you have everything, she was a sweetheart. No attitude from anyone, they did everything to please you.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Spotless!! MSC is known for being shinny and mirrors every where. Every time they dock they are painting the outside of the ship, you see no rust. Seashore is huge I did look at the map everytime I went to take the elevators but who cares, take it easy you are on vacation!! 😁
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Clean, lots for storage areas.
Ship tip
Go with an open mind, enjoy the different cultures and get informed before hand to make sure you would like to try a different way of cruising 😉
We were in no rush, our flight was leaving the next day. Since we were on deck 15, our disembarkation time was set for 10:20 am, we walked out at 10:40 am.
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