shipgeeks

OP, I assume you are booked as Aurea experience. If so, that gives you flex dining. Your dining room will be noted on your card. Ocean Cay is beautiful. You will do the credit card registration onboard, at one of the kiosks. It is quick and easy. Do you have a loyalty status with another cruiseline? If so, you can apply with MSC for status match, which could give you some nice additional benefits. Oops, I just noticed that you are Fantastica, so you will be given a set dining time. The time will be noted on your card.

And again, if someone (passenger, in this case) doesn't know your language, I think they will be less likely to start chatting poolside/at a bar/in line somewhere. When we sail MSC in the Caribbean, we are in the minority as English-speaking passengers.

No, Bella and Fantastica have set dining times, which can be early or late, or early, middle, late. Late, when we were aboard, was something like 9:30, for the European passengers who expect that. Aurea and YC have flexible (anytime) dining, usually in a different dining room.

We sailed out of NYC at Christmas a few years ago, and we sail out of Baltimore in the winter regularly. For us, being out on deck for the first hour or so is a must! The lights going on all over Manhattan, and the sunset, were magical! It has always been cold. We board in our winter coats, gloves, etc. and keep them on as long as needed. Then they go under the bed until needed. So worth it.

Or for those of us who don't particularly enjoy Labadee anyway, staying on the ship that day is very pleasant.

I think that more than the multiple languages situation (how do you even say Good Morning to someone if you don't know....?), the European style of service is intentionally more reserved. Personally, I prefer it. I don't particularly enjoy waiters and others thinking they have to make jokes and gush over me and ask me about my day. Your use of the word "invisible" is exactly what the crew are intended to be. We were not the least bit bored during our two weeks aboard, and we did not even go ashore at most of our ports, except at Ocean Cay.

Lois, When we sailed to Quebec a few years ago it was in the spring, and it was cold! Of course there were school kids out in shorts and hoodies, but many of us went shopping for additional sweaters.

I just love being at sea on a moving ship; that is my Bliss. All the other nice things (food, good service, meeting people) are the icing on the cake.

I'm kind of puzzled by some of the responses. I feel like I understood the question completely, since I went to the "new and improved" Coco Cay (RC) and really disliked it, compared to MSC's Ocean Cay. I didn't like all the loud piped music, seeing all the amusement park structures, etc. At Ocean Cay I pretty much spent both days just soaking in the beauty of the place: turquoise water all around it, white sand, palm trees. It was quiet. It was bliss. I got to Coco Cay, looked around, and went back to the ship for the day. Yes, there is a difference.

OP, I'm interested in your post as well, as we leave on Thursday for a C/NE cruise out of Baltimore. How far north does your cruise go? Ours is only as far as Saint John, NB; 8 nights. Apart from one short-sleeve top, in case I want to do an exercise class, my packing includes only long-sleeve items. The enhanced ventilation systems on the ship makes it feel cooler indoors, IMO. In the ports, and for walking around the promenade deck, I will do layers including light shirt, light wool pullover, cotton jacket, fleece, all interchangeable. Like you, I will not pack a bathing suit, as I have no interest in pool, hot tub, or spa. Like you, all long pants. I am packing a light raincoat just in case (and for additional coverup), but looking back at our previous C/NE cruises, I can only recall one instance of rain. Cooler temperatures will be my main consideration.

We've done C/NE cruises a number of times, including in the Fall, and although we've had a bit of rain or fog a couple of times, we've never had any severe weather. It would never even occur to me to consider that it might happen. That said, as has been mentioned above, the nice thing about being on a ship, as compared to a hotel or resort, is that the ship can move to avoid a storm, and will do so if appropriate.

Your ship card will probably have your table number printed on it. We usually slip in to the dining room some time after boarding, to see what the table is like. If it doesn't seem suitable, there will be a set time and place (probably in the dining room) to request a change. Good luck, and have a wonderful cruise!

She sailed shortly after 5pm.

We are not usually pool deck people, but when we sailed MSC, I believe the evening/late night theme parties were well attended and lots of fun. Inside the ship, there was lots of music, dancing opportunities, sports bar, etc. What is probably missing is comedians, due to the fact that entertainment has to appeal to passengers with many languages. So shows are more music and dance oriented.

I have to add that when we have sailed MSC, it was Bella level (the lowest), and we had a wonderful time. There is life outside of Yacht Club! I do think it pays to study the pros and cons of the four different "experiences". We wanted set (not anytime) dining, and we don't want room service, so Bella was a good fit for us. Regarding the shows, we preferred them to RC and other Broadway-type shows. Announcements were, in fact, in multiple languages, but were very brief. No long-winded spiels about bingo/sales in the shops/art auctions, just some basic ship info. We hope to sail with MSC again as soon as we can.

Did your booking not get moved over to the replacement ship for that cruise?

Port of Baltimore (BWI airport) has Royal Caribbean cruises to C/NE on smaller ships as well. Most are 8 or 9 nights. Very few onboard rides and such, so they are also mostly adult passengers.

Maybe this person is conducting a test: Is Radio really the nicest/most accommodating poster on CC, or does it just seem that way?

We had that combo on Enchantment last winter. I believe they showed the game in the theater, and perhaps elsewhere (not sure, it's not my thing), and they had a Valentine Ball (music and dancing and party, not ballgowns) in Centrum. Sadly, I missed the moment in which a crew member proposed to another crew member (she said Yes).

Thank you for the quick reply! I had also seen --- Marina, which did not seem right. There will be two ships in port the day we are there; perhaps the two you named will accommodate the two of us.

I have noticed several names mentioned. Which one is the correct answer for those of us arriving by cruise ship?

Do you see the holiday affecting the ArriveCAN applications that are due to be completed on Monday (for a Thursday cruise)?

I'm not aware how Carnival does it, but RC, for example, schedules the shows to fit the timing of the set dining, allowing those diners to attend the show either before or after the meal.

And we are still not sure if she is asking re NCL or RCI, so if there are any differences in possible services available, we are not able to advise.

We have sailed on Enchantment twice this year, and have three more booked. We have breakfast and lunch in WJ, and late set dining in MDR. Everything at the right temperature. No problems, no complaints. Dinner menus seemed very slightly different from years past, but with as many choices. WJ had some differences, but at least as much variety. As others have noted, service is outstanding! I have to say, that when I go to the grocery store, there are always things missing. Fruit but no yogurt. Meat but no potatoes. Cheese but no crackers. I give the cruiselines a lot of credit for being able to provide the quantity and variety of foods that they do, as well as the continuing quality of the preparation. The main thing that keeps me going through the dullness of what I have at home is the knowledge that in a few days I'll be aboard Enchantment again.