wolft927

We have stayed in Cocoa Beach several times, and our go to is the Best Western right on the beach. You can usualy snag an ocean front junior suite with balcony for about $250 to $300 a night. Very close to the port free safe parking and lots to do including the beach.

I agree, we have stayed downtown and have paid usually about 300 for the standard room plus parking. We are flying in this time and are staying at the Hilton Blue lagoon which has free shuttle from airport and believe the shuttle to the port is 14 pp. we got a 1 bedroom suite with balcony over looking the lagoon for less then a basic downtown room.

We sailed last year on the Norwegian Joy in April during Spring Break with a 16 and 17 year old. I will say, there were a ton of kids but we also expected that. 1st and last cruise we would do again during any school break including summer. Wife and I typically cruise anywhere from September to February when schools are in session. Alot less kids and also prices are cheaper.

We are trying MSC for the 1st time in September. We have sailed NCL, RCCL, Carnival, Princess and a few other lines that arent even around anymore. Now, last 4 cruises have been in the Haven with NCL and we are trying out the Yacht club on the Seascape. My wife and I have never had a bad cruise so we expect to have another with MSC, but we also know that there are subtle differences between each line. MSC prices for YC balcony suites are a bit less expensive then the haven (usually about $1,500 to $2k.) But, MSC has inside YC suites which are substantially less expensive to the entry level Haven Prices ( same week comparable ship for NCL was almost $7k, YC inside we got for $3200.) All the research we have done, shows the YC pool on MSC Seascape is larger and nicer then any Haven pool on the BReakaway and Breakaway+ ships. Also YC includes in room mini bar, unlimited wireless which NCL does not. MSC i feel sooner then later prices will be comparable to the top 3 lines, but for now yes they are less expensive but does not mean they are the bargain basement of Cruises

Just estimated an Uber looks like about $27 plus tip. so about the same as a shuttle so think we may just Uber!

Thanks, $14 PP seems reasonable, will look and see what an UBER costs as well. We are on the MSC Seascape September 28th 2024. Depending when they start shuttles will determine if we do and Uber instead.

So we planned on driving, but flights went down to the point that getting nonstop flights to Miami is actually the same price as driving after including gas, terminal parking, and incidentals for the drive down. I am sure they have a shuttle service to the cruise port was curious if anyone has used it and what was the cost.

Will be doing the Seascape YC in September., We are typically Haven but giving MSC YC a try since the prices are much better and love the full pool deck on MSC

173 MSC Seascape yacht club.

I never understand this. Why you already have set in your mind before you cruise that your going to reduce or eliminate DSC. If you cant afford the service charges do not go on a cruise! Would love to hear the reason for this but have a feeling we wont here anything.

So my wife and I (44,42) have cruised all the major lines multiple times. Comparing NCL to CCL I will say the difference really only comes down to a few things. 1 The Ships! What design and décor do you prefer? The Breakaway Plus class ships have a more elegant feel I believe vs Mardi Gras class. If you go a class smaller on CCL you are in the Dream Class and I believe the Breakaway class again still a bit more elegant but in size closer. 2 Dining! Now saying one lines food is better then other because opinions vary, but I do love all the free options for food on carnivals pool decks, Guy's Burger and the Mexican place stand out for us. Now specialty dining goes to NCL hands down. 3 Passengers! So, Carnival has a bit of a younger crowd. I have not sailed anything less then 7 days ever so cant judge on shorter sailings. I have never had any issues on either line, but i will say carnivals pool decks are a bit more of a party atmosphere then NCL. 4 Drink Packages! So this is a big one for me. So NCL you get the free at sea and the drink package for two for a 7 day cruise runs about $352.00, and is truly unlimited. Carnival is not included and runs approximately $989 for two including the gratuity, and only allows 15 alcohol drinks per day. Now it does include specialty drinks and water but its almost double. Don't get me started on RCCL drink package (last cruise was almost $1200 for the both of us) 5 Suites! Now I have stayed in the Ocean Suite on CCL and was a nice cabin but the perks are just not there. NCL our last 4 cruises have been in the Haven so hard to compare, and Haven is much more expensive then a CCL Ocean or even grand suite. I would say if you like CCL you will like NCL, now flip that around depending your taste you may not care for CCL. But, as for my wife and I, we will cruise any cruise line if the price is right. First MSC cruise coming up in September so we shall see.

When you fill out your check in documents 21 days out each person must list an emergency contact including phone number.

Following along as well, we will be on the Seascape in an inside YC suite as well. First MSC cruise usually NCL Haven, but wow, the inside YC suites are a steal compared to the cheapest Haven ususally. I know no window or balcony but we love the Haven and assume we will love the YC especially its much larger pool and pool deck then the Havens we have experienced.

No, we took the same shuttles as the passengers. But our shipboard crew cards had our pictures on it.

I am just confused how ALL cruise lines do not require a Passport for closed loop cruises. Also that would mean that all Crew would not be able to return to the ship as crew members passports are held by the cruise lines. Just wondering.

So, If I am on a closed loop cruise visiting Key West, which only requires Birth certificate and Phot ID, your telling me that if as an American Citizen, they will not let me back on board. I worked onboard cruise ships for years and have docked in the navy yard, you absolutely do not need a passport to go ashore and return to the ship. All the cruises i have been on and also worked on, I have never taken my passport ashore, it stays in my safe from the minute i get to my cabin.

This is done because if I was offered an unlimited drink package which i can order 2 drinks at a time, why would i order a second for my wife. Now, if you only plan on ordering maybe 1 virgin drink per day that is about $8 to $10 per day. But remember, soda is actually pricey on ships, i think it was almost $3 per can

You dont need a passport just a photo government issued ID. In Key west no need to bring your passport assure.

Following Along as we have been HAven loyal our last 4 cruises but trying MSC YC for first time in September mainly because of the price!

So Pre Cruise we typically would stay across from the Biscayne Marketplace, last time was at YVE. We are trying something different this time and decided on the Hilton Miami airport blue lagoon. We wanted a relaxing pre cruise stay instead of the busy streets of downtown Miami. Not to mention was able to get a 1 bedroom suite with large screened in balcony for less then a basic room downtown. We drive in so parking is always a factor and parking rates downtown Miami are anywhere from $40 to $60 per night.

We loved the Band in the Q last time we sailed on the Joy! American band that new all the country hits as well as some great classic Rock!

Last i seen he was on the MSC Seascape. I worked with Pedro many years ago on NCL as his Asst. Cruise Director.

So we are giving MSC a try and will be in the YC. We typically cruise in the Haven on NCL and the one thing i always liked was wearing nice resort style shorts and polo shirts to dinner in the Haven. Now, on MSC for Gala night i will wear a suit (no tie! Hate them). But hoping that nice shorts and polo shirts will be good for dinner. I am on vacation and do not want to have to wear slacks and button down shirts every night.

lol, That is the night we are staying as well. Boarding the MSC Seascape the 28th. 27th is also my birthday lol

Looks like tomorrows embarkation will be delayed a but as well...hopefully just guest full immagration and not crew as well.