JamieLogical's Live from the MSC Meraviglia 4/9 (semi-B2B)

[Essiesmom]

I don’t think you will see much, if any, from port side.  You need to be forward or starboard .  
 

Here is a map of the harbor.  Where it says Red Hook is where your ship will be docked.  To the west (left) is the Statue of Liberty island.  Most ships dock with the port side against the dock, so they can pull straight out.  If they dock with the starboard side against the dock, and have to back out and turn, you would have a view.  maybe Jamie can tell us how the ship was docked.  EM

 

 

[JamieLogical]

10 hours ago, cruzlover said:

Quick question.  We are on the next sailing. Our cabin is on the port side almost directly above yours. Can you see the Statue of Liberty from your balcony or would you have to go up on deck. Weather doesn’t look very promising for sail away. 

 

Thanks so much. Awesome reporting!

 

Not sure about during sailaway, but I took this photo from my balcony while we were still docked.

 

 

[JamieLogical]

Yesterday I started working on my blog before breakfast, but it was turning out to be a long one, so I took my shower and headed up to the buffet. I couldn’t find any cottage cheese at all after two laps, so I gave up and had a fried egg with some sausage gravy instead. I wasn’t able to get a table in the outdoor aft section either, which was disappointing because I figured it was the last morning that it would be nice enough to dine outside.

 

After breakfast, I went back to my room to grab my laptop so I could finish typing up my blog while having my “morning  juice” down in Edge. I only had the one mimosa blossom though, because I wanted to run back up to the Future Cruise desk before the 11:00 Gold Party. When I had booked my October sailing earlier in the week, the printer wasn’t working so they told me to come back later in the week to have them print my confirmation. Also, ever since I booked the October sailing, it’s the only cruise I see when I log into my account on the MSC site. I no longer see my September or February sailings. I could see both when I logged in prior to booking October. The guy at the Future Cruise desk verified that I am still booked for all three, but wasn’t able to help me with why I can’t see them online. I am terrified to call MSC when I get home, but I suspect that is what I am going to have to do.

 

I finished up at the Future Cruise desk just in time to make it down to the Gold Party at the Meraviglia Lounge. It was packed. Apparently everyone is Gold thanks to status match. I found Ted, Betty, Debbie, and Gia. We hung out there, had some Prosecco, watched a video they played on the dome, and then the captain gave a brief speech. There really wasn’t a lot to the whole thing.

 

After the “party,” we headed down to Edge where we initially had to sit at the bar, but then Debbie wrangled us a table. I had another Mimosa Blossom and we hung out until it was time for lunch.

 

At lunch we found Emily and Craig waiting outside so they joined us, as did Cheree. They seated us at a table way in the back at Waves, behind some pillars and we joked they had put us at the kids’ table because they knew what a rowdy bunch we could be.

 

Lunch was good. I had the Muffaletta sandwich again, but this time I tried the seafood salad, which was really good and had more seafood in it than I anticipated. We had a nice time chatting, as usual, and we then all went our separate ways for afternoon naps and such with the promise to meet up again at 4:30 for bowling.

 

I went back to my room and took a nap. I set my alarm for 3:30 so I would have time to get dressed and go down to Edge for some coffee before bowling. Debbie had reserved the lane for an hour, but when we got there, they told us we could only have it for 30 minutes, because they had to do some maintenance. That was disappointing, as there ended up being 6 of us playing, so 30 minutes wasn’t even enough time to get through a full game. Oh well, we still had fun. I made a strike on my first frame and it was all downhill from there for me. Ed, Cheree, Elise, and Betty also played, while Emily and Ted spectated. Debbie ended up winning, but only because she had gone first and got to play one more frame than Betty, who could probably have staged a comeback, if given the chance.

 

After bowling, we went back down to Edge and had a few more drinks before I had to leave for dinner. Not sure what happened to everyone after that, but I made plans to skip dessert at my 6:00 seating and then crash their 7:30 seating for dessert after.

 

At my Panorama seating at 6:00 we had two new (to me) people at our table. I guess one of them had also been there on one of the earlier nights that I wasn’t there. I apologize for not having photos of the menus for lunch or dinner. At both meals, the servers said we needed to share menus because they didn’t have enough so I just looked up the menus on my phone. I tried to take screenshots, but they all just saved as black screens.

 

I had the French Onion soup and the short ribs. The ribs were okay, but the polenta or whatever it was on the bottom was really delicious. The soup was good, as usual. Despite ordering the swordfish like Bella had, Carol never got her entrée. I felt so bad, because I needed to rush through dinner and I was done eating before they finally brought her something. I really don’t understand what happened there. She also had reservations for a 7:30 show, so she was going to end up having to miss dessert.

 

Once they had finally brought Carol some food, I felt okay to leave, so I headed to the Champagne Bar for a “to go” French 77. Ted found me there and we walked down to Waves together. The seating ahead of ours must have run long, because they were still setting our table when we sat down right at 7:30. The whole gang showed up and I decided to order another entrée, because Joann at my first dinner had gotten the seafood pasta and it looked so good. I also ordered the Grandma’s Chocolate Cake with some vanilla ice cream for dessert.

 

Dinner was all good. We ended up going our separate ways afterward, because a few in the group had reservations for the Houdini show in the Carousel Lounge. I was so tired that I decided to just go to the casino for a bit and then call it an early night. I didn’t even make it to late night snack! Ted joined me in the casino and was still there when I left. Ed stopped by at one point as well. I paid my tithes to the Sun God and that was it for me.

 

Day’s Drinks: Mimosa Blossom, Prosecco, Mimosa Blossom x2, Prosecco, Americano w/ Bailey's, Mojito, French 77, Limoncello, Double French 77, Prosecco, Bailey's Alexander x2

Edited April 28, 2023 by JamieLogical

[JamieLogical]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 28, 2023 by JamieLogical

[JamieLogical]

15 hours ago, chipperberg said:

Hi!  Rochester girl here too!  Was wondering if you could use the drink package upon boarding in NY?  Thanks!  Enjoy the rest of your cruise!

 

Yes, of course you can. Why wouldn't you be able to?

[JamieLogical]

15 hours ago, EllieinNJ said:

About the cabanas, the description says for six but the picture only shows two lounge chairs.  If three couples share a cabana is there enough lounges and seating inside for all?

 

There were four lounge chairs. Inside there is cushioned patio furniture that will seat exactly 6. When we arrived at the cabana, there were only three loungers and the guy who cleared out that family and drove me to the bar brought us another one, but then later, when we were in the water, someone stole one again, so we were back down to three.

[Laurab23]

Does the ship have cruise brochures to hand out? I know they have them online but being old and doing things old school I like everything on paper so I can flip back and forth the pages.

 

Laura

[Buckeyefrank100]

29 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

 

Yes, of course you can. Why wouldn't you be able to?

There are states that make it illegal or difficult for cruise lines to offer drinks under drink packages while in port.  One of them is Galveston.  Other states will require a sales tax to be charged on the value of all drinks while in that state's waters...  Some cruise lines will pay for that out of the package proceeds, others pass that charge onto the customer.

[Brighton Line]

33 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

 

Not sure about during sailaway, but I took this photo from my balcony while we were still docked.

 

 

As far as Princess that I've sailed on from Brooklyn they rotate the side the ship docks to the pier. You will be able to see the Statue of Liberty from the docked ship and if the ship is docked port side to the pier you will have a view of lower Manhattan and up the east river seeing the Brooklyn Bridge in the distance looking aft.

 

The ship is docked in Buttermilk Channel the body of water between Long Island (the island that Brooklyn is on) and Governors Island In the picture above you see Governors Island which is in front of the SOL. What you are looking at is the old Coast Guard Marina and run-down support buildings.

 

Upon departure, the ship does not pass by the SOL though you see it in the distance, makes a left in the upper bay with Brooklyn on the left/port and Staten Island on the right/starboard passing under the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge to the lower bay pass Hoffman and Swinburne Islands..I digress. Can't wait to sail...

[JamieLogical]

11 minutes ago, Buckeyefrank100 said:

There are states that make it illegal or difficult for cruise lines to offer drinks under drink packages while in port.  One of them is Galveston.  Other states will require a sales tax to be charged on the value of all drinks while in that state's waters...  Some cruise lines will pay for that out of the package proceeds, others pass that charge onto the customer.

 

Well I have not experienced any ports not allowing the use of the drink package at all. I have definitely seen ports require you to pay tax on drinks. On this ship, in both Brooklyn and Port Canaveral, they had signs on the bars saying that tax would be charged, but I never saw anything show up on my account. Maybe they were only charging tax for people who were paying per drink and not for people using a package?

[AstoriaPreppy]

13 minutes ago, Buckeyefrank100 said:

There are states that make it illegal or difficult for cruise lines to offer drinks under drink packages while in port.  One of them is Galveston.  Other states will require a sales tax to be charged on the value of all drinks while in that state's waters...  Some cruise lines will pay for that out of the package proceeds, others pass that charge onto the customer.

 

Not sure if this is still the case, but in NYC, Carnival never used to let you purchase a beverage package the first day... whereas NCL did. Royal at Celebrity in NJ had no restrictions.

 

At least in NY the lines offered a full beverage menu before departure. In Galveston, the lines have a super-limited menu, with only six or seven brands of liquor available, and like five specialty cocktails. As soon as they hit international waters, those Texas TABC-tagged bottles get locked into a special cabinet at each bar, and the full bars are unlocked.

 

It's very odd.

[NMsunset]

12 hours ago, cruzlover said:

Quick question.  We are on the next sailing. Our cabin is on the port side almost directly above yours. Can you see the Statue of Liberty from your balcony or would you have to go up on deck. Weather doesn’t look very promising for sail away. 

 

Thanks so much. Awesome reporting!

Hi Cruzlover- We are boarding 4/29 Meraviglia and will also be walking from our hotel to Pier 11 in the morning.

I have been on Mera before and am excited for the 1st time boarding in Brooklyn.

Was on Seascape on maiden trip that ended in Manhattan last December.

Cheers

[Buckeyefrank100]

1 hour ago, AstoriaPreppy said:

 

Not sure if this is still the case, but in NYC, Carnival never used to let you purchase a beverage package the first day... whereas NCL did. Royal at Celebrity in NJ had no restrictions.

 

At least in NY the lines offered a full beverage menu before departure. In Galveston, the lines have a super-limited menu, with only six or seven brands of liquor available, and like five specialty cocktails. As soon as they hit international waters, those Texas TABC-tagged bottles get locked into a special cabinet at each bar, and the full bars are unlocked.

 

It's very odd.

Yeah it is odd.  It has to do with state sales tax.  In Florida there is no issue because they do not have a sales tax.  Each city / state handles things differently and cruise lines each react differently.  

[cruzlover]

2 hours ago, JamieLogical said:

 

Not sure about during sailaway, but I took this photo from my balcony while we were still docked.

 

 

Thanks so much! You have been so accommodating and it is much appreciated!

 

Hoping the weather will co-operate

[AtSeaWithChris]

16 minutes ago, Buckeyefrank100 said:

Yeah it is odd.  It has to do with state sales tax.  In Florida there is no issue because they do not have a sales tax.  Each city / state handles things differently and cruise lines each react differently.  

I’m pretty sure Florida does charge sales tax. It’s Texas and NY and I think Alabama that charges alcohol tax as well as sales tax. 

[Buckeyefrank100]

3 minutes ago, AtSeaWithChris said:

I’m pretty sure Florida does charge sales tax. It’s Texas and NY and I think Alabama that charges alcohol tax as well as sales tax. 

You are correct.  It's a Friday and been a long week.  They do not have an income tax, but they do have a sales tax.

[CruizinSusan70]

5 hours ago, JamieLogical said:

 

Yes, of course you can. Why wouldn't you be able to?

Carnival doesn't allow the Cheers package to start on day one while sailing out of NYC, similar to the archaic laws in Galveston which require alcohol to be purchased from Texas.  This results in a limited menu while still in Texas waters.  We encountered this on our Prima repositioning cruise on Halloween.  Luckily the drink package was intact, but with lower choices.  Unlike Carnival, which just wipes out Cheers on day one embarking from Galveston similar to what they do from NYC.

Edited April 28, 2023 by CruizinSusan70

[Brighton Line]

Always paid tax in NYC no matter the cruise line while docked. To and from Baltimore we paid sales tax on every drink the entire time transiting the Chesapeake Bay even with a drink package. 

[Best Cat Mom]

8 hours ago, Buckeyefrank100 said:

There are states that make it illegal or difficult for cruise lines to offer drinks under drink packages while in port.

Similar situation with international flights. Depending on where you are departing, some will only offer champagne and not mixed drinks. Also depends on whether you are in true "first class" or just business class. I prefer the cruise lines and air carriers that absorb all those costs for you (or better explained, include it in your fare). 🙂

[chipperberg]

10 hours ago, JamieLogical said:

 

Yes, of course you can. Why wouldn't you be able to?

NYS has laws regarding ulimited alcohol.  (I am a bartender, I know).  There are ways around this.  I am sure MSC has a way around, in which it is included.  Therefore, they are not selling, offering, etc.  It is technically not a fixed price.  It is simply included with the cost of the cruises as it stands right now.  With CCL, you have to purchase the package, no way to include it exactly, and out of NYC and Galveston, you have to purchase a-la-carte.  Of course you are also not charged for that day for the package.  Below is the very abbreviated version.  Hence my question...If you sailed on CCL out of NY, and had CHEERS, you would be in for a surprise. My surprise is a happy one with this info!  Tax has also been changed before hitting international waters.  

 

  

In NYS: No licensee, acting individually or in conjunction with one or more licensees, shall:

(a) offer, sell, serve, or deliver to any person or persons an unlimited number of drinks during any set period of time for a fixed price.

(b) allow a person, agent, party organizer, or promoter, as such terms shall be defined by the authority in rule and regulation, to offer, sell, serve, or deliver to any person or persons an unlimited number of drinks during any set period of time for a fixed price.

 

 

[chipperberg]

4 hours ago, Brighton Line said:

Always paid tax in NYC no matter the cruise line while docked. To and from Baltimore we paid sales tax on every drink the entire time transiting the Chesapeake Bay even with a drink package. 

We have always paid tax out of Baltimore as well.  I cannot honestly remember if we did out of NJ.  It doesn't add up to much, but I guess MD an NY are making their cut...

[BoundForSea]

Well I’ve been following daily. I’ve followed our pro cruise blogger for as long as she has been posting. I share a lot of her cruise vibes. Anyway I share that because I just have to say knowing what she and her husband are used to, and like, I was very concerned after myself being on MSC 7 times since 2018.  I sadly have to say it’s been a downhill slide since Feb 2020 and Covid. Like not a shallow slide, an avalanche or rock slide.   I was on a b2b from last week Feb from Canaveral. Total 7 ni. After what the experience was down there I had serious doubts this cruise line would just get destroyed by the NY market which is a well traveled tough market to make it in. Well I can’t believe my MSC friends based on Jamie, who I trust how they completely turned it around and pulled out all the stops to fix the product and most of the flaws.  Wow. I mean like a Dr Jeckyl and Mr Hide transformation 180degrees. So someone give those bar servers and waiters and cabin hosts and staff a big high five man. My last words to management before I stepped off, was advice that you all need to fix your sh*t or you’re gonna get destroyed by the passengers from home (I’m from NY Metro area) that don’t stand for bullsh*t and lousy service and on and on. Good on them. Now I feel safe to try and book on Mera again from here. I really also think that the 4ni and 3ni voyages from FL kick the staffs butts. It’s a different crowd and vibe than a 7+ ni. We combined 4+3 because we were locked into that week for work. 
 

anyway big 🙌👊 to the crew and you Jamie. Mad respect btw for your ability to max out the bev package. Always a little jelly!! Haha. 
 

I’ll be following and enjoying from home. Have a great rest of your cruise. For those reading my little book, trust me this is huge and it’s a big turn for MSC.  Maybe they’re finally getting it. 

Edited April 29, 2023 by BoundForSea

[CruizinSusan70]

2 hours ago, chipperberg said:

We have always paid tax out of Baltimore as well.  I cannot honestly remember if we did out of NJ.  It doesn't add up to much, but I guess MD an NY are making their cut...

No extra tax charged on Royal or Celebrity when embarking from Bayonne.

[chipperberg]

Thank you again for your informative blog.  I have been wanting to try something new, but always a bit afraid.  But I have not only booked with my husband and kids, but my mom and her BFF are going to book too!  I could not be more thrilled than to sail with everyone that is so super important to me.  The food sounds divine.  My only concern is the size of the ship and amount of passengers, but it seems like we will just have to find the right times to hit things and find the quiet places if we need to get out of the hustle and bustle.  Thanks again.

[EllieinNJ]

There were so many negative reports here and on the other social media page about MSC and the Meraviglia that I also questioned my booking in October.  Now after Jamie's blog I feel confident we will have a great cruise.  My only worry now is getting to and back from the port from here in East Brunswick which is in central NJ.  Some Ubers won't go out of state and parking for 11 days is much too expensive.