Notch8

OOOH YEAH!

I’m not in Yacht Club so can’t comment on whether you should or shouldn’t. Reports I hear are the Yacht Club lunch is excellent. As for beaches, it really depends on what you want to do. We wanted to see fish while snorkeling. Bimini Beach didn’t disappoint… if you snorkel near the rocks.

You’ll have a great time here. Except for the buffet. Unless you’re Yacht Club! 🙂 Jim

Dredging the marina.

One caution: some of the balconies are inset. (Look at a deck plan and you’ll see what I mean.). I don’t think the view from those will be sufficient to see the lighthouse.

Anyone know if these shades are new or were they there before?

Here’s a photo from my deck 9 balcony cabin, starboard side. You get a clear view of the lighthouse.

@Beamafar : I am sure that you’ll have a different take on the island than I did. I am eager to hear your observations!

You are correct. Lots of construction fences. Looks like the living quarters for the staff is getting the bulk of the improvements. Other than general maintenance and rearranging of bars/food trucks, it didn’t feel like there was any meaningful change. Having said that, I am glad to say that they are maintaining the island to world-class standards, with the exception of the lunch buffet, which keeps its “worst-in-class” spot. (Heaven help the passengers off World America during high season. Two buffet lines isn’t enough for MSC Meraviglia, let alone another thousand passengers that World America will bring…)

OK…. Well… First of all, there’s still a lot of construction going on. Looks like they’re expanding the facilities for the staff that lives on the island. There are some new paths and a couple of bars/food trucks moved around. As far as the rest of the facility, it looks like nothing more was done than general maintenance. Not sure if the pathway shades were there in July, but they seemed new. No meaningful improvements to Seakers that I noticed. Still only two buffet lines. And you still have to stand in the entire line for anything other than a hamburger or hot dog. In my view, NOTHING of value to the passengers. Beaches were still nice! We spent most of our time at Bimini Beach and used snorkel gear we brought. (Near the rocks is best.) Despite there being little change, it’s nice that it’s being maintained to a world-class standard. Other than the worst-in-class buffet, it’s a terrific private island.

We have arrived at Ocean Cay!!

Yeah, I’ve learned that this is definitely a plus! BUT… they only seem to have it on sea days. In the Meraviglia now, we are having traditional breakfast (at traditional breakfast time) on port days.

Hard to tell what’s different from up on the ship…

I am on the Meraviglia now!! WE HAVE ARRIVED! Weather is great! Docked with the starboard side to the dock. Still waiting for the announcement that we can get off. Jim

Day 5 (Thursday) Ocean Cay

Tomorrow is Ocean Cay. We brought our own snorkeling gear and a sun shelter. WOW, was THAT a good idea; umbrella rentals are $29!! I got the idea to bring a sun shelter (beach tent) last time I was here; there was a family that had one and I realized what a great idea it was. We’ll see tomorrow… (FWIW: the sun shelter was $35 at Wal-Mart. Pays for itself in two uses.)

Showed up for lunch in the dining room today…. NOT the menu previously posted! Here’s what we ACTUALLY had on the menu:

In case you need a reminder to make sure your bags are well marked (and that you tip the baggage handlers): (FYI: not MY bag!)

I’ve been happy. Portion size is good, variety is good, and everything is served at the proper temperature. Helps that our table is next to a waiter station, but that has a downside as well. Please note that I’ve posted menus on a separate thread. Jim

First menu was Tuesday lunch menu and second is Wednesday’s lunch menu.

Yesterday was Port Canaveral day. I met up with someone from the area and we enjoyed a quick bite to eat. Surprisingly, they had a separate breakfast and lunch in the dining room yesterday (and today too.). Menus posted below. We chose not to eat lunch on the ship. Evening show was comedian Daran Howard. I really enjoyed his act! Later in the evening we did the Carousel show “Houdini”. I had seen it before but they made changes and it no longer had a plot. Today is Nassau. We’ll get off the ship for a bit but have no specific plans. Food continues to be good and staff universally excellent. Jim

Day 4 (Wednesday)

I had a chance to speak to the cruise director about any changes to Ocean Cay. 1. He confirmed that it is ready so if we miss it will be for another reason. 2. He stated that the biggest improvement is the change to the berth to allow MSC World America to dock. 3. Seakers buffet was apparently enlarged as well. I’ll report out what I observe on Thursday.

I’m currently on the MSC Meraviglia that is scheduled to stop in Ocean Cay on Thursday. I had a chance to speak to the cruise director about any changes. 1. He confirmed that it is ready so if we miss it will be for another reason. 2. He stated that the biggest improvement is the change to the berth to allow MSC World America to dock. 3. Seakers buffet was apparently enlarged as well. I’ll report out what I observe on Thursday.