Live!! Birthday Bermuda Cruise! 70 and 40! 9/4 MSC Meraviglia YC

[Mycykfamilytime]

Hello!!! I’m waiting for a Uber to take me to the Morgan Wallen concert which I’m considering is the start of my cruise adventure.   I had to be all packed so I could go to the concert and fly out tomorrow.   First a little bit about my Mom and I’s schedule then a little bit about us… 

 I fly to Portland Maine, my hometown, tomorrow  (Friday) then I’m going to run around town on Saturday to get ready for my Mom’s birthday party that my Dad and I will be throwing her that night!   Finally my Mom and I will be leaving Sunday morning at 6 on a direct bus to NYC.  This is her actual birthday and I have a dinner reservation at a Cuban place to celebrate.  Finally, we board the Mer. on Monday for our YC cruise to Bermuda!! 
 

Will I make poor choices at the concert tonight… will Idalia ruin our plans… what is the best bagel in Midtown??? All important questions that still need to be answered!   please though… bagel advice!  Welcome aboard!!  
 

I thought the rocking chair in the pic was appropriate for the country theme.  I’m more of an audiobook girl myself but I’m excited for the fun event! 

[Mycykfamilytime]

A little more about me… last May I was recovering from a double Mastectomy.   (I am not private about this and am very proud of my new girls…)  the fabulous reviews of @TxTeach79 @willdra @Saint Greg and @IntrepidFromDC got me through a very scary time.  Anesthesia side effects and existential dread kept me from any real reading or tv watching but the escapism of the cruise reviews were just what I needed!  I told myself I would book a cruise to have something to look forward to and here we are!!! 

  I posted this pic at the time trying to express my thanks and I know it seems a little silly but those reviews were honestly up there with prayer and friends and family among the things that got me through it.   I got my fun diagnosis right after my 40th birthday and as this is still my birthday year, I’m considering it partly my birthday cruise even though it’s really my Mom’s big event!!!  She’s excited to share some of her limelight. 
 

My pathology results were clean and I needed no further treatment but my heart goes out to the other ladies who had it so much harder than me.  
 

In a weird yucky coincidence, my Mom was just diagnosed with breast cancer as well.  So in addition to celebrating birthdays this is something of a cancer cruise for us.  Her surgery will be late September but it also looks very very treatable.  That being said it has put life in perspective for us.  

[Mycykfamilytime]

Finally, the lovely birthday girl… some of you avid New England cruisers might recognize her as she is a docent at the Portland Headlight Museum.  Yep, she lives in a gorgeous place!  Also pics of my kids… couldn’t find pics of the lighthouse without!!!  Wish her Happy 70th!!!

[IntrepidFromDC]

Awesome that you get to experience a Morgan Wallen concert, I wish he would play smaller venues but I get that it's business.  I was going to surprise my daughter and take her but Fedex Field (where he's playing in DC) is a PIT.  Enjoy the concert and hope you will share pics, of both the concert and your cruise.  So happy for you and hopeful for your mom!

[TxTeach79]

2 minutes ago, Mycykfamilytime said:

A little more about me… last May I was recovering from a double Mastectomy.   (I am not private about this and am very proud of my new girls…)  the fabulous reviews of @TxTeach79 @willdra @Saint Greg and @IntrepidFromDC got me through a very scary time.  Anesthesia side effects and existential dread kept me from any real reading or tv watching but the escapism of the cruise reviews were just what I needed!  I told myself I would book a cruise to have something to look forward to and here we are!!! 

  I posted this pic at the time trying to express my thanks and I know it seems a little silly but those reviews were honestly up there with prayer and friends and family among the things that got me through it.   I got my fun diagnosis right after my 40th birthday and as this is still my birthday year, I’m considering it partly my birthday cruise even though it’s really my Mom’s big event!!!  She’s excited to share some of her limelight. 
 

My pathology results were clean and I needed no further treatment but my heart goes out to the other ladies who had it so much harder than me.  
 

In a weird yucky coincidence, my Mom was just diagnosed with breast cancer as well.  So in addition to celebrating birthdays this is something of a cancer cruise for us.  Her surgery will be late September but it also looks very very treatable.  That being said it has put life in perspective for us.  

 

Aww, this legitimately made my whole day hearing this. Thanks so so much for sharing!!!! 

[willdra]

5 hours ago, Mycykfamilytime said:

A little more about me… last May I was recovering from a double Mastectomy.   (I am not private about this and am very proud of my new girls…)  the fabulous reviews of @TxTeach79 @willdra @Saint Greg and @IntrepidFromDC got me through a very scary time.  Anesthesia side effects and existential dread kept me from any real reading or tv watching but the escapism of the cruise reviews were just what I needed!  I told myself I would book a cruise to have something to look forward to and here we are!!! 
 

Wow thanks so much for including me in this elite group! I’m going to show this to W so he will understand why we need to cruise more! 😘♥️ 

 

Before I fall asleep tonight, I will say a prayer that your cruise is filled with unexpected unlimited upgrades, rainbows, sunshine, fantastic food sprinkled with unicorn essence, more bounce to the ounce, and fabulous favor! 🙏🏾🥰🥰

 

Ok, carry on. I’m here for this! 

[Essiesmom]

Just as on the Celebrity board where the Millennium and Constellation are affectionately referred to as Millie and Connie, maybe Meraviglia could be referred to as Merry.  EM

[Mycykfamilytime]

3 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

Just as on the Celebrity board where the Millennium and Constellation are affectionately referred to as Millie and Connie, maybe Meraviglia could be referred to as Merry.  EM

That’s a great idea.  I will do it from now on!  

[Mycykfamilytime]

PNC Park is a lovely stadium for anyone willing to have the patience to deal with the Pirates.  Pittsburgh is a pretty city, no lighthouses, but it’s a lovely family friendly place to live.   Morgan put on a great show and for the Pittsburgh fans, Wiz Khalifa did a cameo performance of Black and Yellow which was a big hit!   Ok now for bed!  

[Mycykfamilytime]

Just now, Mycykfamilytime said:

PNC Park is a lovely stadium for anyone willing to have the patience to deal with the Pirates.  Pittsburgh is a pretty city, no lighthouses, but it’s a lovely family friendly place to live.   Morgan put on a great show and for the Pittsburgh fans, Wiz Khalifa did a cameo performance of Black and Yellow which was a big hit!   Ok now for bed!  

Not sure why Pittsburgh is upside down.  Any experts out there know how to fix this? 

[Essiesmom]

It happens occasionally on CC.  I grew up in central PA as a Pirates fan, moved to NYC for school and became a Mets fan, lived briefly in Denver before there was a Rockies team.  Now a Braves fan.  EM

[Two Wheels Only]

7 hours ago, Mycykfamilytime said:

Not sure why Pittsburgh is upside down.  Any experts out there know how to fix this? 

 

Rotate it 180° and upload it again. 

[Mycykfamilytime]

39 minutes ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

Rotate it 180° and upload it again. 

Hmm funny I rotated it, it didn’t work and the I unrotated it and it did.  Finicky.  Thanks for your help! 

[Mycykfamilytime]

“Last night” (see what I did there)  we had a lot fun.   I think some people might have let “the liquor talk” a bit too much because we witnessed a brawl!  We aren’t even on the cruise yet!  
 

We had been graciously invited to a suite by a company my husband works with.   My husband is in sales and it is usually him doing the shmoozing so it was nice to be the schmoozee.   It was a super fun, and a not usual,  treat.  Lest you think we roll in suites and the Yacht Club all the time.  These are very special unique occasions!! 
 

Anyhow, someone in a the non suite area next to us was using a suite table over the fence which was fine, but another client in the suite was dancing and accidentally knocked it over.  She apologized but the girl behind her demanded she move and when she didn’t, given she was sitting in an appropriate place in her own suite, the girl behind her dumped two drinks on her and it all went down.  The company was embarrassed because this was a client, Police were called and she was escorted out… it was a whole thing.   I had been watching this girl, who looked absolutely lovely, taking selfies and enjoying herself.  What a shame.  Ladies don’t ruin you night by getting too sloppy!!! 

[Mycykfamilytime]

Trying to check in.  Glitchy as usual.  Oh MSC IT 🙄

 

Edited September 1, 2023 by Mycykfamilytime

[Mycykfamilytime]

Pittsburgh has something called MaC Discount where you can bid online for what are essentially Amazon returns.   I have been stalking these fancy Shark hairdryers and I finally won one for half price.  Honestly, still crazy expensive, but I am absurdly excited about it.   Now mind you, I barely wash my hair… I’m a Mom of three kids…but I’m kid free this weekend so I’m packing this baby.  I even bought it a special travel case and realized it literally takes 1/4 of my suit case.  I don’t even care it’s happening! 

[Mycykfamilytime]

16 hours ago, IntrepidFromDC said:

Awesome that you get to experience a Morgan Wallen concert, I wish he would play smaller venues but I get that it's business.  I was going to surprise my daughter and take her but Fedex Field (where he's playing in DC) is a PIT.  Enjoy the concert and hope you will share pics, of both the concert and your cruise.  So happy for you and hopeful for your mom!

Ahh thank you!   I even forwarded your European travels to my friend who just moved to Germany so she could get travel advice from you!  

[Mycykfamilytime]

14 hours ago, TxTeach79 said:

 

Aww, this legitimately made my whole day hearing this. Thanks so so much for sharing!!!! 

Ahh no thank you!   I’m a part time sub and I also chuckle at your teaching stories!  I don’t know how you do it every day!!!  

[Mycykfamilytime]

13 hours ago, willdra said:

Wow thanks so much for including me in this elite group! I’m going to show this to W so he will understand why we need to cruise more! 😘♥️ 

 

Before I fall asleep tonight, I will say a prayer that your cruise is filled with unexpected unlimited upgrades, rainbows, sunshine, fantastic food sprinkled with unicorn essence, more bounce to the ounce, and fabulous favor! 🙏🏾🥰🥰

 

Ok, carry on. I’m here for this! 

Ahh Wildra, you are honestly a delight.  I feel so honored to be in your nightly prayers!  I’m going to channel that unicorn essence for this cruise.   I think maybe you automatically get unicorn essence when you leave your children behind… I wonder what you get when you leave them behind with your husband.  🥰

[Mycykfamilytime]

I bought this last night from the tailgate as fundraiser for breast cancer but honestly in the light of day, I’m thinking it might have been a scam.  Still think it’s funny for the cruise so I’ll probably wear it for bit.  😂

[mnpurple]

I love your style and positive attitude! Looking forward to hearing more about your adventure and the unicorn dust!

[Mycykfamilytime]

A little bit of my cruise history for context.   My very first cruise was my honeymoon, a 5 day Carnival cruise.   I was delighted by it.  We got married very young and neither of us has ever done anything like it.  I loved waking up in a new place. We had an ocean view which felt luxurious.  
My extended family later went on another carnival cruise and as my parents were generously paying,  we had an interior.   I really missed waking up first thing and seeing where we were, so going forward we got at least ocean views.  But.. beggars can’t be choosers! 

 

I did a 10 night port intensive Israel/med cruise on Royal but missed the festive atmosphere of Carnival, that being said it was a totally different kind of cruise.  
 

Later m, once we had three kids, we tried MSC Seaside because they had a nursery that would take my youngest child for a few hours.  My biggest takeaway was that ship was stunning and the coffee divine, but things were just difficult.  This was pretty early on in the MSC move to the US but customer service was just wonky.  We had a couple of issues and this lovely South African gentlemen who spoke 6 languages (and can I just say… how fortunate we are in the US.  Can you imagine what  someone could do here with 6 languages!!?) basically looked at me and told me that even though I was completely correct and MSC was wrong there was literally nothing he could do about it.  He apologized.  I think it was about WiFi It wasn’t make or break but it just felt silly.  That being said, I heard about the Yacht Club on this cruise and was curious. 
 

Next, we took our kids on a Carnival cruise and they were delighted by it.  We called it the Doctor Seuss cruise.   My son’s only wish for the cruise was that he have orange cake  🤷‍♀️ and the first thing we saw when we entered the buffet was a bright orange glazed cake.  We felt like it was God’s little blessing after a rough start as the cruise was delayed 1.5 days because of a storm.  My kids LOVED the kids club.  
 

Next a Disney cruise in late Feb 2020 (I think we were the second to last cruise to leave) … it was SUCH a splurge and yes really cool but it had almost too many options, I felt like I had fomo the whole time no matter what I chose to do.   Also, they lumped all the kids into the same kids club and my three year old son hid behind a rock after storm troopers came into the club and stayed there the whole time!  He was terrified.  I think Disney would be great for older kids as the teens have their own hot tub in their club which I thought was genius.  I much preferred Carnival for little kids and so did my kids and Disney was literally a full three times the price as Carnival so we put a pause on that.   Maybe once my kids are older, but I think once they move beyond kids clubs we might try some more independent travel.  The demographic was definitely upper middle class complete families or multigenerational families, but we find lovely people and annoying people on all our cruises.  

We took our whole family on an Oasis Royal cruise and had a good time but it was small capacity for Covid and it still felt way too crowded.  I felt the whole time the demographic, which looked and acted exactly like Carnival’s, just talked about how much better Royal was than Carnival.   Like, why are we even talking about this?  So weird.  I thought it seemed exactly the same except the better than thou attitude.   You honestly didn’t hear that on Disney.  I didn’t like that the ship wasn’t as Ocean facing and I didn’t like that the adults only area is in a green house and not outside.   That’s just me.  I know people are very loyal to Royal but it wasn’t my favorite.  

 

Finally, our last cruise was for my husband and I’s 15th anniversary.   I had researched and wanted to splurge and found an awesome awesome deal on Crystal cruise line.   Well folks, it was too good to be true because as soon as we payed our full payment they went bankrupt!  This was still during the later COVID era.    I had just bought our plane tickets but was able to cancel within 24 hours and thankfully our credit card honored our charge and we got our money back.  That being said, we had already lined up childcare so we had to find something else for the same dates and booked an MSC Yacht club and it was amazing.  The whole time I kept saying how much my Mom would love it and so here we are!  I’m so excited for her to be spoiled.   

Long story short, I think we like Carnival for family cruising and MSC Yacht club for adults only splurges.  We have a family Carnival Vista cruise in October and I will revisit then!   
 

Sorry for the novel!  Thanks for following along if there are any of you left!   😂

 

[Mycykfamilytime]

Victory!!! I zipped my suitcase!!! Kid free blow dried hair here I come!   Huzzah! 

[Mycykfamilytime]

Rolling in my Mini Van to drop off the guy I’ll miss most.   He is my delight and near constant source of joy!   Look, a pic you can see his eyes!  

[Mycykfamilytime]

Ceremonial double check of the passport.  It’s a requirement in our house even if you’re 100 percent sure it’s in there!