7 Nights Northern European City Escape Cruise

Trip of a lifetime!!

We absolutely loved our trip! We stayed in the MSC Yacht Club and it was amazing. The food, the service, the decor, the pool, room service, the private island, the theater, the yacht club dance party, and the spa were all amazing. We highly recommend Yacht Club. From the moment we arrived in the port, we were escorted from security to the lounge, greeted with drinks, set up with WiFi, and then taken to our suite. The butler service was unmatched- we were so blessed with Kier and Joseph. The yacht club pool area had delicious food and drinks along with cabanas and comfy pool chairs. Jayson was the man always providing us with pina coladas and kindness. Room service was quick and delicious. The private island on Ocean Cay was absolutely beautiful. We were escorted off the ship and provided transportation to the yacht club area with beach chairs and butler service. The food on the island was just as good as the ship. The Yacht Club Dining head waiter ensured that my allergy was taken care of every single meal. We also went shopping and to many other bars on the ship. We also got massages that were wonderful. I cannot recommend this experience more.

Good Cruise on a Budget

MSC is becoming more competitive with the other major cruise lines in America. This was my 6th MSC cruise, my 2nd on the Seashore. The ship is a beauty. Ocean Cay is my Zen place. We take inflatable rafts and float. This was the first time we sailed as Aurea cIass. The biggest difference between Fantastica Balcony and Aurea extended balcony was the SIZE of the balcony. It was almost as large as the stateroom. We were in an extended balcony cabin that has 2 lounge chairs, 2 regular chairs and a footstool. It was great on shady days with a breeze. Note that other cabins on decks 10-15 could see most of our balcony except right by the door, and there was a cleaning track right outside the plexi-glass so not a direct sea view, with a slight obstruction. Nonetheless we enjoyed the extra space. Aurea also has a dedicated area on deck 19 with more loungers, a bar, and some canopies. We only used that area once. Area guests can use the thermal suite in the spa but only on sea days and only with an appointment. We made appointments on day 1. I enjoyed the salt room and whirlpool the most, The stateroom was basically the same as a Fantistca balcony, but we were given a welcome bottle of champagne, chocolates, a diffuser, and MSC sling bags during our stay. There were white robes to use and disposable slippers as well. Aurea has a dedicated dining room (5th Avenue) with flex time dining, which we loved. We noted the same top notch service in the dining room each night. We also enjoyed the Brooklyn Lounge which served specialty coffees and bar drinks, with live performers at night. The entertainment in the theater was very good with talented singers and dancers and a good comedian. TIP: You should reserve your spots for shows on the MSC for Me app on day one as they book up quickly with almost 5000 people on the ship. We also had the deluxe drink package and 2 devices on wi-fi. There were a couple changes I noticed and didn't particularly like. I love the homemade Sangria they make but they excluded it from my deluxe drink package so if I wanted it, it was $11 per glass. They also excluded Limoncello shots, also $11 each. WHY? If my drink package is good for any drink up to $16...except those? Made no sense. Can you tell I was disappointed?...and no, I would not pay extra for them with a drink package in place. In the HOLA Cantina, (deck 8) you could get any of the 3 flavors of frozen margaritas --- up to $16. This was a flip from last time when you could only get the lime flavor. They have them spinning in machines like an ICEE machine, and add the alcohol. Spoiler alert, lime is by far the best. I tipped our cabin steward cash on day 1 to get some extra pillows and 4 towels and washcloths daily. I also asked him to fill the ice bucket at night. He did a decent job with the room but was hit and miss on ice unless you left him a note each night. The deck 8 adult pool is only 2-3 feet deep and has loungers in the pool that you can sit on in the water. I loved that. A year ago they had dueling pianos, this time they did not...also a bummer. Overall it was a nice get-away for my husband and I. Yes I would sail MSC again for price and itinerary.

First Cruise - Not Our Last

This was our first cruise and it definitely did not disappoint. Embarkation and disembarkation were smooth and quick. The boat is huge, beautiful, clean, with plenty to see and do. We had an inside cabin. There was lots of room, bed was comfy, shower was hot and the AC was cold. Our attendant checked in with us a few times each day and made sure we had everything we needed. Food and drink was plentiful, always had lots of choice, and was very good. The daily schedule was great and there was a full range of entertainment and activities to suit all tastes. The private island was fantastic and offered lots of beach/swimming options and water activities. The crew were very kind and courteous and worked very very hard to make sure all your needs were met and that you enjoyed your vacation. Port stops in San Juan and Taino Bay were fun and we enjoyed both places. Would definitely do another MSC cruise on this boat again.