xcell

what Level did you book? Bella, Fantastica, Aurea or YC? If YC -- you will be fine. The rest, I think it is subjective.

I'm really thinking about joining this vacation -- I have two more certificates to burn through and then I'm free of NCL (not that it is a bad thing). But the money spent on this, I could use for my Christmas cruise. Well, if I do not go, make sure to have a great report of what I was missing.

thanks -- didn't know that.

I counted about 60 balcony cabins left.

Thanks for the info about this cruise -- I checked -- it's weird -- they are not charging double occupancy rates for solo travellers and a solo traveller in a guaranteed balcony is cheaper than a solo room, insider or outside cabin. I really want to go but DW says no (I guess I could go by myself)... side note: Haven sold out

On my recent trip, I cashed out the OBC from the casino and the slots were no fees (just played a couple of pulls, printed out the receipt and then cashed it in the next day). I also did it at the table but didn't notice a service charge (though I heard it was 3% for some). The MSC Me app is useless, but on other lines (NCL -- they do inform you before you asked for credit from the casino that there will be a 3% charge). I hope that helps.

Go for it... If you are on the mindset, "at least I am on vacation" you will be fine. Food always subjective -- you can always order something else if you don't like the first, second or third dish Service -- where are you going to rush off too? Drinks -- you said you don't drink alcohol -- and for that "meh: review -- I believe, all lines require everyone in the room to purchase the drink package Entertainment -- sit in the back and walk out or enjoy the 30-45 min performance to see what you are missing (to be honest, they are the same sets, just different themes...but its singing, dancing, some acrobats and rinse and repeat). I find the smaller shows more entertaining than the main ones. If you can pick a ship that stops at their private island -- that's a must. Have fun cruising!!!!

OK is this a trick question -- I had one in Jan 2022 so that's more than 6 months but that is my 3rd booster...I think I'm over thinking this...

I was able to do it in 2019..flew into FLL, rented a car there and drove and dropped off at Miami airport and shuttled to the port.

Thansk for the review. I'm going on the seashore in two weeks. The stops in San Juan and st Thomas are quite short but sounds like you still found something to do.

My friend said Covid test is no longer free, so it might be better to do it in Toronto before you leave (costs less).

I think during Covid I read that the free shuttle for the car rentals at Miami airports were shut down. Any one know if they are back up and running?

This sheraton is located at the airport... https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Review-g154996-d183134-Reviews-Sheraton_Gateway_Hotel_in_Toronto_International_Airport-Mississauga_Ontario.html

It's only for Canadians... Please note that all Guests over 2 years old will need to follow one of these requirements to be allowed on board. - Must provide a certificate of a negative RT-PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours before embarkation. Guests must bring the valid negative test certificate with them to the terminal. https://www.msccruises.ca/health-and-safety-measures/mediterranean

the 48 hour thing is for mediterranean cruises.... ones that go from the USA are based on days, not hours, as bac513 and cruiseguyinorl said.

Funny - I'm in Toronto and we avoid any flight that connects through Montreal. I don't think any airline is perfect, I favored WJ but then had a bad experience, so went to AC< then lost all my aeroplan and was annoyed with AC, so back to WJ... Currently, I am flying to Miami with AC but they cancelled my flight and DW only wants direct (not through Montreal), so let's see how AC does this time, might be jumping back to WJ.

have you tried an e-sim?

I thought Canada does not require a negative covid test to return -- so if they are asymptomatic or can fake it (like most do), what stops them from going on the plane and not moved to housing on shore?

Don't forget to bring fever meds (advil, tylenol, etc...), lozenges and anything you think you might need. My wife brings a minipharmacy which we hardly use (jinx for our next cruise) but usually our cruisemates need...it's a running joke that they just need to fill their prescription with her. As per the handwashing -- funny, we are adults, should we really need to be reminded? Yes, some do, especially after they go to the washroom (water hitting your hands does not count as washing them -- you know who you are). Most ships have the quarantine cabins on the lower deck -- MSC must like giving prime rooms out to Covid -- good for you MSC (I'm being sarcastic, just in case no one gets this and starts hating). Sorry to hear about your experience OP. How long was your cruise? Did you have to quarantine before flying home (if you had to fly home)?

I was thinking of renting a hotel at the airport (Sheraton), so that I can just walk across in the morning but the hotel is $300, so I think I'd rahter just pay for the taxi/uber/limo service. I'm travelling with my wife and two teenage daughters -- I can't see them waking up but on the flip side they can crash. Thanks for all your advice.

thanks I will look them up -- what do you normally tip? per person? cost/percentage? I think I am more worried about flights and luggage than Covid (covid was my worry in Dec 2022 cruise)

Ever since I started cruising, I follow the CC board advice, "the best insurance, is to go ahead a day." I fly in the day before but originally, I was to leave at 6 pm at night (which was first rescheduled to 7pm and now completely cancelled). I thought then I would do first in the morning, in case my flight was delayed, cancelled, etc... Now the other problem is how am I going to get to the airport so early? Normally I take the Union Express but they don't start until 4:55 am and my flight is at 6:30 am. Any one in Toronto use a car service to get to the airport?

So I have been getting emails about a flight change for my upcoming August cruise. I called my TA a few days ago because I couldn't find the flight in the system and was concerned it would be cancelled. They said it was there but probably fully booked. I did have at that time a chance to change the flight from late evening to early morning (only wanted direct to Miami) but didn't. Fast forward to today, email at midnight saying that my flight was cancelled. Called to rebook to early morning, they only had one seat, so then I had to change the airport to FLL and even earlier. Any ways, if they offer a change -- just take it and don't think about your options otherwise, you might not have any. Now just hoping I can get on that cruise....

Rules might be different for Canadians... Look how Covid rules were for us...

trying to figure it all out -- I read that some can do voice/text/data. I'm curious if it is only data, how do I shut off the voice/text, so that I don't get charged roaming...just remove the physical sim?