Msc Magnifica 4 Night Bahamas Cruise from Miami, Florida

Table Of Content

• Next Norwegian Ship Will Sail with New Restaurants
• Things to Do On the Island
• I sailed on MSC’s newest and oldest ships: Here’s what it's like to cruise on new ships vs. older
• Ocean Cay
• Ports of Call
• Convenient Port Canaveral “Park & Cruise” Hotels
• ocean cay itineraries

It was a less-than-stellar experience, but we attributed it to the initial challenges of navigating Covid restrictions and reopening issues. Despite our reservations, we decided to give MSC another chance in May 2023 on the Seaside, enticed by positive reviews and strangely low prices. Around the entire island are a number of other things to do, see, and visit.

Next Norwegian Ship Will Sail with New Restaurants

This was a stark contrast to other cruise lines, where cleaning crews are visible and active throughout the day. Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money.

MSC Cruises Announces Summer 2025 Sailings from Three U.S. Homeports - Cruiseline.com

MSC Cruises Announces Summer 2025 Sailings from Three U.S. Homeports.

Posted: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 13:35:04 GMT [source]

Things to Do On the Island

The mixed drinks lacked consistency, indicating that the bartenders may have been inexperienced or lacking proper training, despite their tenure with the cruise line. What was even more alarming was the lack of attention to cleanliness and hygiene. On multiple occasions, we witnessed bartenders using the same utensils, such as spoons, for different drinks without washing them in between. The blenders were also not cleaned properly, as the same lid was used for multiple drinks, resulting in cross-contamination of flavors and ingredients.

I sailed on MSC’s newest and oldest ships: Here’s what it's like to cruise on new ships vs. older

As well, sunscreens should be safe for coral reefs (it’s sold on the island if you need some). There are also no paper maps of the island to cut down on the waste. Each restroom station also has showers alongside the outside wall where you can rinse off the salt and sand from your day at the beach.

Ocean Cay

Ship configuration, data and descriptions may be subject to change depending on the season and on the destination and must be verified at the time of booking. Hunger can strike at any time and at the Atmosphere Bar South our expert chefs serve up fresh and tasty specialties hot off the grill. Satisfy your cravings from our menu of freshly grilled food while you enjoy yourself by the pool. Grab yourself a drink from our extensive list of cocktails, mocktails, Spritz, Mojito’s, classic cocktails, beers or ciders and dance the night away. French master pâtissier Chocolatier Jean-Philippe Maury brings his award-winning touch to this coffee and chocolate bar boutique.

Ports of Call

So whether you want to check email, or post that selfie of you on the island to your Instagram, you can do it from the shore. You do need to connect to a different network, but if you paid for wi-fi for the cruise, you can use it on shore as well. Apart from Seakers, there are multiple food trucks around the island. These spots (called Beach Shacks) are also free, but we’ve noticed some have paid options.

Our website prides itself on authentic and unbiased reviews. Our cruise on the MSC Seaside was paid for by us, along with any dining or package upgrades. Our experience on the MSC Seaside, a 4-night cruise to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral with stops at Nassau and the private island Ocean Cay, was our second sailing with MSC Cruises. Our first encounter was on the MSC Divina during the cruise restart after Covid in November 2021.

MSC cruise to the Bahamas sees full itinerary change due to weather - USA TODAY

MSC cruise to the Bahamas sees full itinerary change due to weather.

Posted: Thu, 21 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Convenient Port Canaveral “Park & Cruise” Hotels

Most of the cruise line’s summer voyages in 2025 are a week long, but there are still enough options for passengers looking for shorter cruises. The upcoming season offers opportunities to experience MSC’s new PortMiami terminal and the mega ship MSC World America. Also sailing from the new terminal in PortMiami, MSC Seascape offers 7-night eastern and western Caribbean sailings with shorter 3- and 4-night voyages to Ocean Cay and The Bahamas. Some shorter itineraries will spend a night at Ocean Cay, offering passengers more time to enjoy its exclusive amenities. Like the food trucks, there are multiple bars around Ocean Cay where you can get anything your heart desires. Especially popular are the beach drinks served in a souvenir pineapple cup.

ocean cay itineraries

3- and 4-night cruises will visit Nassau and Ocean Cay, whereas weeklong Caribbean sailings will call at Cozumel, Mexico; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Ocean Cay. Those who wish to sail on the latest and greatest that MSC Cruises has to offer can elect to book a 7-night cruise that visits the Eastern or Western Caribbean. The quality and cleanliness of the drinks were also a cause for concern.

A Mediterranean dining experience with a spectacular sea view. Visible kitchens and a Mozzarella-making area allow guests to watch our chefs preparing fresh food. The extensive buffet area includes various multifunction corners serving international dishes, ethnic cuisine, healthy options and a multitude of other tastes. All Caribbean and Bahamas cruises that depart from Miami, Orlando (Port Canaveral), and New York City (Brooklyn) include a visit to Ocean Cay, which is exclusive to MSC Cruises guests. Whether embarking on a weekend cruise or an extended vacation, your time on the island will create lasting memories.

As mentioned, the island is free to enjoy, but there are plenty of extras that will cost money. The prices below for various items are from a recent trip and are subject to change. Ocean Cay strives to be eco-friendlyMSC is making a big push to have Ocean Cay do right by the environment. That means some huge moves like cleaning up the former industrial site the island is built on, but also smaller things. For instance, plastic bottles aren’t on the island so you’ll need to bring a reusable bottle or get a glass for water at the bar.

This American-style steak house serves select Linz Heritage Angus beef, the gold standard in high-end Angus beef thanks to the best genetics in breed. The highest quality product custom cut by master butchers and aged to perfection. The menu is inspired by the great plains and it is accompanied by bold New World wines and cocktails with swagger. Ports and terminalsMSC operates services to and from the following ports and terminals in the Bahamas, with local teams in each location to support our customers. BahamasLocal.com is a user-friendly search engine with exclusive listings on businesses and community organizations in The Bahamas. It is the most powerful Internet-based resource in and for the Bahamian market.

A rare color of electric blue, the waters of Ocean Cay are some of the most striking we’ve ever seen. One thing to note is that the winter months can see cooler water temps. So just because the weather is warm year-round doesn’t always mean the water will be as well. A gourmet ice cream parlor and French-style crêperie dreamed up by award-winning master pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury. Located in the impressive indoor promenade, it's the perfect place to enjoy a mouth-watering made-to-order crêpe, with your choice of delicious sweet or savory fillings.

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve reflects a longstanding commitment to sustainability and conservation efforts. A former industrial site that we reclaimed and restored to its natural beauty is now a unique private island destination that you can experience for yourself. Enjoy casual oceanfront dining full of flavorful options from traditional barbecue favorites to authentic Bahamian dishes. With 10 classic beach bars to choose from, a cold beverage is always within reach. For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

MSC Bahamas Cruise Reviews 2024 UPDATED: Ratings of MSC Cruises to Bahamas

Table Of Content

• Destinations & Ports
• Bahamas Cruises
• Read Next: Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America
• Infinity Bar
• Feeling Brave? MSC Debuts “Cliffhanger” — A Swing That Takes You 160 Ft. OVER the Water
• things I loved and hated on my MSC Seaside cruise
• Stay Updated
• RESTAURANTS & BUFFET

Booking early ensures that you have access to the lowest rates and the most cabin availability. With the demand for cruising at an all-time high, those who wait until the last minute may be disappointed with their options, especially if you're hoping to score a suite or adjoining rooms. The casino bar, in particular, was in disarray, with liquor bottles, tools, used glasses, and cans scattered across the counter, making it difficult for bartenders to work efficiently. The presence of an open bucket labeled "chlorine" near the back bar, next to consumable areas, was concerning and raised questions about safety and proper storage practices. Moreover, the availability of clean glasses was inconsistent, as dirty glasses were often mixed with clean ones. This lack of attention to cleanliness and organization further detracted from the overall bar experience.

Destinations & Ports

MSC Meraviglia has a variety of elegant staterooms including family options, luxurious duplex suites, balcony staterooms and ocean view staterooms. Discover a place where you can savor exclusivity and privacy in a world of choice. Indulge in the luxury of a private club, while enjoying access to the myriad recreation and entertainment possibilities that the rest of the ship affords. The MSC Aurea Spa is a luxurious Balinese spa offering signature relaxation treatments to revitalize body and soul. Complete with a thermal area, beauty salon and nail boutique, the MSC Aurea Spa will leave you feeling pampered from head to toe.

Bahamas Cruises

As you would expect, most of the time you’ll spend on Ocean Cay revolves around the beach and the ocean. Blessed with both gorgeous sand and stunning clear water, you’ll want to get your fill of both. Those lucky enough to visit Ocean Cay are in for a special day (and possible overnight stay). If you are about to take a trip there, we’ve covered the spot from start to finish below, with everything you need to know.

Read Next: Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America

Though not the newest or largest ship in the fleet, there's plenty to appreciate about MSC Seashore, from the pirates-themed waterpark to Jungle Pool with a retractable roof and over 10 dining options. MSC Seascape, a Seaside EVO Class ship that launched in 2022, will also sail from Miami. In addition to weeklong cruises to the Caribbean, MSC Seascape will also offer 3- and 4-night sailings to The Bahamas and Ocean Cay to meet the growing demand for shorter cruises. In total, there will be 13 restaurants for guests to dine at, as well as 20 bars and lounges ranging from the new Sports Bar to the elegant Champagne Bar. “We want our guests to experience MSC Cruises’ most modern and innovative ships, whether they’re on a quick weekend getaway or the vacation of a lifetime.

Infinity Bar

7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises will visit Ocean Cay, Nassau, San Juan, and Puerto Plata, and 7-night Western Caribbean cruises will sail to Ocean Cay, Nassau, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman. Short cruises (i.e., those that are 3 and 4 nights) will call at Nassau and Ocean Cay. MSC Cruises is expanding its mega-ship portfolio with the debut of MSC World America, the second ship in their state-of-the-art World Class.

All Caribbean and Bahamas cruises that depart from the United States include a stop at Ocean Cay. Though part of the same class as MSC World Europa, MSC World America won't be identical. It is important to note that our opinion is based on a specific sailing experience and may not reflect the overall quality or service provided by the cruise line.

things I loved and hated on my MSC Seaside cruise

With so many of them, you never have to walk far to get a bite to eat. They have a menu of hamburgers, dogs, and pasta salad for those who don’t eat meat. And given the remoteness of the island, it’s a pretty good spot for stargazing. MSC offers a stargazing excursion, but you can also wander out to the darker spots and see constellations that you won’t notice in the city. Jet Ski ToursAdrenaline junkies will love that you can book a jet ski tour to explore the island and the surrounding area. There’s space for one driver and one passenger, and you’ll be in charge of driving.

One of the defining features of Ocean Cay is its close location to Miami. As just 65 miles southeast from the Port of Miami, it has the advantage of being reached in just a few hours. In fact, the island is so close that ships sometimes dock overnight — giving passengers all day at the island… and then some — and still be able to reach Miami within a few hours. Onboard, passengers will find 20 bars and 12 restaurants, including the popular Butcher's Cut Steakhouse, HOLA!

RESTAURANTS & BUFFET

Regrettably, our recent experience aboard the MSC Seaside has done little to elevate our perception of MSC cruises. We had hoped to see improvements in areas such as service quality, maintenance, and overall guest experience. However, we found that similar issues persisted, leading us to question the cruise line's commitment to addressing the concerns raised by passengers. Shade is at a premiumWhile Ocean Cay has transformed into an island paradise, it is still a work in progress. The cruise line planted thousands of trees, but they are still growing.

We felt that the quality of the complimentary food options on MSC were significantly lower than the comparable options on other major cruise lines. With over a year to plan, you'll have plenty of time to research all of your ports and excursion options. Plus, you can budget for other add-ons, such as specialty dining, spa treatments, drink packages, and more. If you are taking a cruise in the United States aboard MSC, chances are high that you’ll be visiting Ocean Cay. This is the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas that’s exclusive to guests of MSC.

It will be the cruise line's largest ship sailing from North America, measuring over 215,000 gross registered tons. It will also be one of the largest in the world, following closely behind Royal Caribbean's Icon and Oasis Classes. MSC Cruises has unveiled its summer 2025 itineraries for the North American market. With offerings ranging from 7-night voyages on the brand-new MSC World America to weekend getaways on MSC Seascape, there are plenty of options to choose from. Cruise Radio prioritizes well-balanced cruise news coverage and accurate reporting, paired with ship reviews and tips. Designed for warmer climates, MSC Seashore offers 3-, 4-, and 7-night escapes to The Bahamas from Port Canaveral.

MSC Meraviglia is packed with extraordinary features for the perfect experience at sea. Our pre-dinner bar is the ideal spot to join friends for an evening cocktail or for a refreshing drink at any time of day. From traditional drinks, our signature cocktails to the contemporary classics, there is something to suit your taste. One of the best perks about booking a drink package is that unlike most ports of call, you can use your package on the island just like you would on the ship. Since Ocean Cay is the cruise line’s private island, you can get your money’s worth from the package even while on land. There are infinite choices in this ideal spot to join friends for an aperitif before a meal, or for a refreshing drink at any time of day.

MSC Cruises News: Summer 2025 Itineraries Announced - CruiseCritic.co.uk

MSC Cruises News: Summer 2025 Itineraries Announced.

Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:32:38 GMT [source]

(Not included in the cruise fare. Limited spaces; a signature cocktail package needs to be booked). There’s a wide range of glamorous bars and lounges onboard, offering refreshment and relaxation in the ideal atmosphere for every moment. So whether you’re looking for champagne, classic cocktails or freshly prepared patisserie, you won’t have far to go.

One good thing is that your drink package from the ship also works on Ocean Cay, so you can get drinks here just like on the ship. The first thing you will notice on the island is the large lighthouse that’s the anchor of Lighthouse Bay, right near where the cruise ship docks. The lighthouse features a viewing platform, as well as a bar at its base. At night it transforms into a colorful video screen, accompanied by music and a lightshow. Catch the big game, enjoy quality entertainment, or relax with a cocktail at the convivial Sports Bar. Enjoy a selection of cold beer, cocktails, energy drinks, protein shakes or juices and complimentary hot dogs.