Home Blog Page 143

MSC Seaside Family Cruise: Day 4 – Grand Cayman

Today our ship docked in Grand Cayman. We didn’t book any shore excursions or plan to get off the ship. We are choosing to do what many people do these days and stay onboard. When you have a ship that is 166K gross tons and loaded with entertainment and a free water park, why get off? You don’t have to always get off the ship to have fun. We enjoyed everything this ship has to offer, kind of like having the ship to ourselves. After a really busy day yesterday, we also enjoyed sleeping in a bit and taking the day at a nice pace.

O, Captain! My Captain!

This morning I had the pleasure of meeting Captain Franchesco Di Palma, Master of the MSC Seaside. We sat down and talked about the technology and features of MSC Seaside. You can watch our MSC Seaside Tour and Ship review to see some of the excerpts from my interview with the Captain. Click here to watch.

Meeting Captain Franchesco Di Palma, Master of the MSC Seaside
An interview with Captain Franchesco Di Palma, Master of the MSC Seaside
Coffee Please!

Once I got back to our cabin, I found the girls ready to take on the day. They had slept in a bit and were now ready to start our day together onboard. We visited our favorite place, Venchi’s Chocolate for some coffee to get our day started right. Here are some photos from our favorite spot to stop for a nice coffee or sweet treat:

A Ship To Ourselves

We then went to the game room and played some games with our Fun Pass. We can’t just walk by the Air Hockey game without playing a game or two. This area has been a nice treat, and we never found it crowded. Just note the different times of the 5D theatre shows. They even sell a package where you can watch all the 5D shows for a much lower rate. It was a lot of fun when we did it.

MSC Seaside Family Cruise: Day 4 - Grand Cayman | 28

Lunch Time!

We made our way to the ships Family Buffet area and our daughter Meagan was able to get some soft serve ice cream. She like every kid on board seems to need one of them regularly. I know some cruise lines have this open to the public 24/7 where you serve yourself. MSC Seaside has this available when the family buffet is open behind a counter and an attendant must serve it to you. This was nice because it was clean and always ready to go with fresh cones.
Pre-dinner drinks in the sports bar
Pre-Dinner Drinks in the Sports Bar aboard MSC Seaside

Early Dinner Tonight

Tonight would be a date night for me and my wife April. The girls will go to the Main Dining room and we will enjoy a romantic dinner for two at the Butcher’s Cut specialty restaurant. The Main Dining room is featuring Italian night. It was nice to see all the waiters and tables beautifully decorated.

MSC Seaside Family Cruise: Day 4 - Grand Cayman | 28
aboard MSC Seaside” width=”1024″ height=”498″ /> Meagan & Savannah ordering during Italian Night aboard MSC Seaside

Butchers Cut

We were excited to try another specialty restaurant aboard MSC Seaside. Our first impression of the Butchers cut was it was very classy and intimate. Definitely a great place for a nice dinner for Two. We chose to go with a standard package but, we upgraded to try the Lobster Chowder soup. Everything was really wonderful and made our special Dinner for two, very romantic. Our girls enjoyed Italian night in the Main Dining room and enjoyed it very much. We loved how they decorated the entire dining room and even wore special uniforms just for the evening.

Here are some photos from our evening in Butchers Cut:

 

Show Time

We arrived about thirty-minutes before the show and were able to get front-row seats again for tonight’s show. The theatre has plenty of great seating but, we found ourselves having our choice just arriving alittle before the doors open each evening. We do this a bit out of habit when cruising, because in the past we have had very poor choices or the show was already full by showing up too late.

Cruise Compete

Tonight’s production show did not disappoint. It was action-packed and full of non-stop entertainment of all types of song, dance and with a touch of specialty acts. Here is a small video from tonight’s show. I hope this helps you understand why the entertainment aboard MSC Seaside has been so special and unique.

White Party

The White Party was a big event during our cruise aboard MSC Seaside. It was nice to see everyone participate and wear an all-white outfit. The entertainment staff was amazing and really helped get everyone to participate. I loved how everyone from old to you and from so many different countries came together as one to enjoy a sweet moment together. Take a look at this video of some of the White Party highlights:

Stay tuned as we share each day of our cruise with you. Follow the links below to our previous coverage:

Read our previous family cruise reports below:


CruiseCompete-LogoBrought to you by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts

 

MSC Seaside Family Cruise: Day 3 – Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Jewel Runaway Bay Resort - Jamaica
Jewel Runaway Bay Resort - Jamaica

This morning we watched from our balcony as we sailed into Ocho Rios, Jamaica. I love being able to sit out on a balcony and watch the ship navigate its way into our port of call for the day. Ocho Rios (Spanish for  “Eight Rivers”) is a town on the north coast of Jamaica. This area was once a fishing village but, now caters tour tourists and cruise passengers. You may wonder why “Ocho Rios” since there are not eight rivers in the area. Some say this may be a British corruption of the original Spanish name “Las Chorreras” (“the waterfalls”), a name given to the village because of the nearby Dunn’s River Falls.

We soon got ready for breakfast and made our way up to the Marketplace Buffet. To my surprise, this buffet never seems busy and I have not had to wait in any real lines. I have wondered if the ship was sailing less than full? It’s been that noticeable in everything. Once again, the food selection and quality have been impressive. They even have a Southern favorite, Grits!  My wife loves grits for breakfast. A nice surprise for such an international mix of passengers and choices of food onboard.

Ocho Rios Resort Day Pass

I always advise people here to book an organized tour if possible. You may recall I used ResortForADay.com back in July 2017 during my families Carnival Liberty Family Cruise. During that cruise, we visited Nassau, and I purchased a day pass for the British Colonial Hilton resort. Before this cruise, I worked with ResortForDay.com to share our experience at a new resort for today’s visit to Ocho Rios.

After breakfast, we exited the ship and walked to the end of the pier. It was here we met the Resort For A Day representative. He looked over our reservations and before long they escorted us to our waiting bus.

You’re probably asking where are they going?

Jewel Runaway Bay Resort

We ended up making a reservation at the Jewel Runaway Bay Resort. This family-friendly resort is only a short ride from the cruise terminal in Ocho Rios. Transportation with this day pass purchase is included, so it made things even easier. My whole family was excited to visit this resort. Some all-inclusive resorts only allow adults. This one is family friendly and has its very own water park. This is not just a slide a two, here is a full list of features:

  • Private cabanas for rent
  • 5,000-square-foot oceanfront sundeck
  • Dining area with full-service bar and grill
  • Zero-entry beach lagoon with geysers
  • Pirates Ice snow cone hut
  • Two splash-down pools
  • Kids gang slide
  • Lazy river with rock grottos and waterfalls
  • Speed slide and a family raft ride
  • Stage featuring music daily
  • Multi-level kids slides and splash zone
  • Private lockers

Jewel Runaway Bay – Water Park Highlights

As our bus made its way to the resort, we learned about the surrounding area and enjoyed the sights. Before long our bus pulled up to the front door, and we were all welcomed.

Our group was very impressed as we drove up to this resort and walked into the lobby, It is beautiful. We did a quick check-in and they gave us our wristbands. Before long we were exploring this the resort and having a cool drink on the beach. We found ourselves on a beautiful beach along the North Coast of Jamaica with a nice breeze and a cool drink in our hand. Does it get any better than this?

Take a look at some of the photos from our visit:

We especially enjoyed how this resort had shaded areas right on the beach. So we could enjoy the view but, not worry about getting sunburned. My wife and daughter have fair skin so we always try to find a nice shaded area. This made us both happy. I then went to scout out the food areas and the checkout the Jewel Lagoon Water Park.

The Jerk Hut & Food

Before our trip, I was excited to learn the resort featured an authentic Jerk Hut on the beach. The Jerk Hut offers guests Jerk chicken and pork along with corn on the cob, peas and rice and festival bread as side dishes. As you might imagine, this was my first stop for food after getting settled in on the beach with a drink. To my delight, my whole family loved the food. We even went back for seconds! It was so good and full of flavor.

My wife and daughters explored the rest of the resort and we got some food at the buffet area. The food offering at this resort is very impressive. Everything looked so good. I took a drink of some fresh fruit infused water at the buffet. It was a nice treat before we had to leave after a wonderful day. 

We made our way back to the resort’s lobby to meet our bus and head back to the cruise terminal. On our way back our bus driver offered to stop at some shops before returning to the pier for those looking to do some last-minute shopping. Today was a great day, and my whole family really enjoyed the all-inclusive experience. You can watch this video to learn more about our experience before booking your own visit:

Tonight, Tonight

After a busy day in port, we would have our first dinner in the main dining room. We really enjoyed the service and ambiance. The food, service, and selection were all very good. A nice surprise was a guitarist strolling around the dining room playing music. This was a nice touch, making our dinner extra special.

What Tomorrow Brings

Tomorrow we will dock in Grand Cayman. We are planning to stay onboard the ship and enjoy our floating resort. I also have plans to interview MSC Seaside’s Captain. Tomorrow night will be the White Night Party! So everyone is excited to take part in the festivities.

Stay tuned as we share each day of our cruise with you. Follow the links below to our previous coverage:

Read our previous family cruise reports below:


CruiseCompete-LogoBrought to you by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts

 

MSC Seaside Family Cruise: Day 2 – Day At Sea

Both my wife and I have to wake up too early alarm clock’s almost every morning. So we love days at Sea where we don’t have anywhere to be and can sleep in and relax. We enjoyed a late morning and waking up at sea as our ship seemed to glide through the waves.

Once we all woke up and getting ready, I made reservations for BeerProv all-ages show in the afternoon via the MSC for Me App. Did I mention how much I love this App?

Time To Eat!

We made our way up to the Buffet to eat. The choices here are amazing. I scanned the selections with my trained eye. Then I noticed, Breakfast pizza!

MSC Seaside Family Cruise: Day 2 - Day At Sea | 28
MSC Seaside” width=”1024″ height=”612″ /> Breakfast Pizza, Now that’s Italian! Aboard MSC Seaside

Time To Explore

We really didn’t explore our ship yesterday, so today we casually walked around the ship. We are still learning what our drink package includes (Specialty Coffee’s and Drinks up to $10, Soda, Juice, Water, and Gelato!). So we have been testing our package and trying out the Gelatos. Doing research for this cruise, I learned Gelato is “Ice Cream” in Italian and contains less sugar and fat compared to normal Ice Cream in the USA. So we could almost call this “Diet” Ice Cream, right?

My youngest daughter has put on a bathing suit and we’ve made our way to the water park. You have to first sign a waiver before you can ride the slides or zip-line. I’m surprised they don’t have the bowling alley on the list, I know I’ve seen some scary bowlers before.

The Water Park

The water park and play area have a great design. I enjoyed how this area is hidden by the ship’s funnel design. This gave this area some extra shade and much-needed wind protection. The jungle theme made the water park a very inviting and warm place. It was great seeing entire families playing together here.

MSC Seaside's Waterpark
MSC Seaside’s Waterpark

We stopped here and watched as our daughter took several rides on the different slides today. We sat in some comfy chairs near the Jungle Pool. This pool has some great drinks and also offers Gelato. So if you not into the water slides you can enjoy a cool drink or a taste of Gelato. They also have a Ping-Pong table is a great location. It was very relaxing here, even with everything going on around you.

BeerProv Family All-Ages Show

Before long it was time to visit the BeerProv All-Ages show. BeerProv is a Canadian show of improv comedians who use audience suggestions to instantly create hilarious, unscripted scenes on the spot. We looked forward to this show, and it didn’t disappoint. The comedians had an amazing amount of energy and made everyone laugh. Our Daughter Meagan, was picked from the audience to take part so that made it this show extra special. We noticed the kids they chose all seemed to give “spaghetti” as a repeated answer.

BeerProv aboard MSC Cruises, MSC Seaside
BeerProv is a Canadian group of improv comedians who use audience suggestions to instantly create hilarious, unscripted scenes on the spot.

Dinner & Fun Time

We originally had our main dining room reservation time set at (9:15 pm). We prefer around 7 pm. So until we got this sorted out we ate in one of the Buffet’s and the food was very good. I had reserved most of the late shows for the whole week which were 9:45. So you can see why this would be a problem for us. As a family, we really enjoy the production shows and they take center stage to our night time cruise activities.

I love visiting a buffet because you can try some new things and don’t have to wait. This would be our first formal or elegant night. So we all got dressed up, had some photos taken and explored the ship in style.

Game Room, Bowling, and More

While exploring the ship we found the Game Room, Bowling Alley, and Thrill Theatre. My wife and I have an ongoing competition of who is the best at Air Hockey. Luckily for us, most cruise ships have some version of this arcade game onboard. The MSC Seaside has a nice selection of a few games and our favorite air hockey. You can see by the photo below, I was the Champion of the game tonight!

MSC Seaside Family Cruise: Day 2 - Day At Sea | 28
MSC Seaside” width=”1024″ height=”694″ /> The Air Hockey Champion of MSC Seaside

A Ship Full of Options

One thing we noticed was how many choices of entertainment and places to just relax was available on board MSC Seaside. I think everyone has activities they enjoy while on a cruise. This ship seems to have so many areas and activities. Here is a small taste of some sights we enjoyed this evening from walking around the ship to listening to live music in the atrium and the amazing production show to cap off our night.

MSC Seaside Family Cruise: Day 2 - Day At Sea | 28
aboard MSC Seaside” width=”2048″ height=”1152″ /> The beautiful main pool at night aboard MSC Seaside
MSC Seaside Family Cruise: Day 2 - Day At Sea | 28
alt=”Live music in the atrium aboard MSC Seaside” width=”1024″ height=”498″ /> Live music in the atrium aboard MSC Seaside
MSC Seaside Family Cruise: Day 2 - Day At Sea | 28
alt=”This stunt made the audience go wild aboard MSC Seaside” width=”1024″ height=”576″ /> This stunt made the audience go wild aboard MSC Seaside

Our first fun-filled sea day aboard our first MSC Cruise did not disappoint. We have really enjoyed the crew and ship’s design. There has been a learning curve with any new brand experience. This just makes the whole experience more unique and a bit of an adventure. Our whole family has really enjoyed our first day onboard. The production show once again has blown us away.

Stay tuned as we share each day of our cruise with you. Follow the links below to our previous coverage:

Read our previous family cruise reports below:


CruiseCompete-LogoBrought to you by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts

 

How To Stay Sane As An Adult On A Disney Cruise

Cruise Addicts Daily Deals

If you’re a cruise aficionado with a young family, the idea of a Disney cruise has probably come up more than once. The vacations we take as parents are very different from the vacations we take when we have little ones to think about, and that covers everything from destination to entertainment options. Your life is no longer just about you and your partner – you have to make sure the children are also entertained, and so if you want to carry on cruising, that puts Disney close to the top of the list of options. 

Some people won’t mind this at all. The fact that childless couples go on Disney cruises is a known phenomenon, much as some people can’t understand it. If you’re one of those people, you don’t need any advice from us on how to make the best of your time. If you’re not one of those people, though, you might already be slowly filling with dread at the idea. The very thought of being trapped on a large ship out on the water surrounded by cute Disney characters might be the last thing you want to think about – but we have good news for you. Disney cruises aren’t just about the children – there are adult activities to look forward to as well. 

Even with these entertainment options, however, there are things you should know about Disney cruise facilities compared to standard cruise facilities you might find elsewhere. One of them is that you won’t find any casinos on Disney ships. Disney is very much against casinos, going so far as to withdraw all the Marvel-focused mobile slots games when it bought out Marvel. There used to be a range of mobile slots which featured Marvel characters, and now then are none. Playing mobile slots is the only way you’ll get to enjoy your hobby on your trip while you’re away if you’re a slots fan, and you won’t get any other casino games to play with either. So if the casinos and the slots are out, what’s in? Let’s take a look. 

Exclusive Adults-Only Restaurants

If there’s one thing Disney knows how to do very well on their cruise ships, it’s how to feed their guests. All of the restaurants are exceptional, but the adults-only restaurants are a particular delight. The peak of Disney dining quality is in the Palo restaurants, which you’ll find onboard the Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, Disney Dream, and Disney Wonder. Palo restaurants serve Italian food, and entry is reserved for over-18s only, who can come in to enjoy a wonderful brunch and dinner. The champagne buffet brunch, in particular, is a real thrill – although you’ll want to be careful of your intake if you’re planning on entertaining the children later on! 

src=”https://cruiseaddicts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/CastawayCay.jpg” alt=”” width=”750″ height=”502″ /> Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay private island experience.

Castaway Cay

Almost all Disney cruises stop off at Castaway Cay. The destination is considered to be so special that we’re not sure it’s even worth booking a Disney cruise unless some downtime at Castaway Cay is part of the itinerary. There is, of course, a family beach – which is exactly what it sounds like – but if you’re willing to hop on a tram and travel a little further across the cay, you’ll find Serenity Beach. It’s not called ‘Serenity’ without good reason – it almost doesn’t feel like it’s part of the same vacation! Serenity Beach offers a bar and buffet food, but if you really want to unwind, you might want to consider taking advantage of a Cabana Massage while you’re there. If the $150 price tag is a little steep for you, then you can still enjoy a massage onboard your ship – which brings us to our next point. 

The Senses Spa

One of the key reasons most of us take a cruise vacation is to enjoy the ultimate in relaxation. When we see relaxation, we think ‘spa.’ All the Disney cruise liners feature a Senses Spa, where you’ll find plenty of professionals on board who are specially trained in reducing your stress levels to zero. Whether it’s a massage, a pedicure, a manicure, or even a whole new hairstyle you’re looking for, Disney has people on hand to make it happen for you. If you can cope with the heat, buy yourself a day pass and walk into the Rainforest Room. Disney’s titles might be literal, but they deliver the experience they promise. The Rainforest Room is a quiet hideaway full of saunas and steam rooms and hot stone loungers. Passengers on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy will also have access to adult jacuzzis. 

The Quiet Cove Pool

The Quiet Cove Pools on Disney liners are quiet for a reason – they don’t have any children on them! While Disney is super-child friendly, they get serious with the enforcement of the rules at the Quiet Cove Pools – if you’re under 18, you’ll be escorted out of the area immediately. This is where frazzled parents go to unwind when the children are distracted with some of the other onboard activities. It might just be a pool area, but it’s a calm and relaxing pool area in which you can rest assured that you’re not about to be splashed, or have your afternoon nap disturbed by tiny screaming terrors.  

Cruise Compete

Adult Enrichment Classes

A cynic might suggest that the Disney’ adult enrichment classes’ are actually just an excuse for grown-ups to imbibe a few quality cocktails or wines, hiding behind an impressive-sounding name. Entering one of the Disney adult enrichment classes will cost you something in the region of $15, and in return, you’ll get to learn a new skill. One such ‘skill’ is wine tasting. Another one is the tequila tasting. A third alternative is martini tasting. Are you spotting a theme yet? Just to ensure it’s not all about drinking, Disney chefs are on hand to prepare meals which are taken from the menus of their popular on-land resorts. 

If All Else Fails…

There’s a lot to be said for having the attitude of ‘if you can’t beat them, join them.’ Your children are going to have the time of their lives, and they’ll be even happier if you join in on the fun with them. We imagine that almost every single one of you was a Disney fan in your youth – even if you’re not anymore – and while you’re surrounded by all things Disney, it might just be easier to go with the flow. Have your picture taken with the characters. Go to the family-friendly stage shows. Immerse yourself in your surroundings. After all, you’ve paid big money to be there, and you may only get to go once – instead of limiting yourself, throw yourself into the swing of things!


CruiseCompete-LogoBrought to you by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts

 

4 Ways to Make the Most of Your End-of-Summer Travels

In whatever part of the country you live, from the East Coast to the West Coast and all the places in between, summer provides the perfect opportunity to find and enjoy the countless adventures. Just because the final days of summer are closing in doesn’t mean you have to postpone your plans until next season.

In fact, with the right gear and a little travel insider know-how, you can extend your summer adventures just a little longer and go to unexpected places that wow. Get ready for your next big adventure with these savvy tips.

1. Bridge the Gap

Summer might be coming to an end, but the weather is still great, leaving you plenty of time to get outdoors and make the most of it. September is prime time for apple picking and many regions around the country, from New York to Wisconsin and even California, offer tours of the farms where you can pick the fruits right from the tree. If apple picking sounds like a fun way to bridge the gap between summer and fall, get started planning your road trip to the nearest apple orchard.

2. Pack Smart Clothing

Sure, you’ve probably heard about smart homes and gadgets. Practically any devices can be considered smart these days. But when it comes to clothing, a different kind of smart tech is typically utilized. From moisture-wicking to sun-protection technologies, sports performance clothing is more tailor-made than ever before.

This type of apparel can also be designed for an array of specific outdoor activities and a range of different climates. If your summer adventure is taking you on a cruise or to a coastal city, tech clothing designed with waterproof and insulating technologies can keep you comfortable and dry, no matter what forecast Mother Nature throws at you.

3. Enjoy Wi-Fi Everywhere You Go

Lack of vacation days got you down? Maybe you’re on a tight deadline and worrying about getting your work done so you’re putting off that final summer trip. Sound familiar? Don’t let work get in the way. After all, you can take your work with you wherever your travels take you, from state parks in the west to the sandy shores of the Gulf Coast.

All you need is a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. You’ll be miles away from the closest city, but your boss will never know. So go ahead — book that cute A-frame cabin on Airbnb that you’ve been eyeing and enjoy a long weekend.

4. Fly South for the Summer

As nature and folklore have taught us, birds fly south for the winter, but you, too, can fly south at the end of the summer season to get acquainted with charming southern cities like Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia.

Cruise Compete

Now, the thermometer can soar to near triple digits in these locations during the summer season. But, as the calendar slowly inches closer into autumn, you can expect slightly cooler temperatures. While you’re there, there’s plenty to eat, drink, see and do along a road trip like this one. So what are you waiting for?

Make Your End-of-Summer Travel One for the Books

These savvy, traveler-approved tips are sure to come in handy, wherever your summer travels might take you. With the right clothing for your trip, a connection to the office and a trip itinerary designed around the season, your next summer adventure will be one for the books.


CruiseCompete-LogoBrought to you by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts

 

MSC Seaside Family Cruise: Day 1 – Embarkation Day

MSC Seaside Family Cruise

We have been planning for our MSC Seaside Family Cruise for many months now, so this day is exciting for us all. The only thing I’m worried about it the amount of bags my wife has packed. We will drive to Port Miami from our home on the West coast of Florida. Our GPS tells us this will take us around 3 hrs and 36 mins. If you have ever driven in the Miami area, you know that these times are merely estimates. I’m hoping the coffee I have taken will provide a little boost in our drive time.

Clean-Up On Aisle Two

During our drive to Miami, we stop off in Naples for a quick break and gas fill-up. The convenience store had been sited by the health department. It was a scene out of a movie with yellow tape wrapped around the aisles of junk food. Luckily, the bathrooms worked, and we exited quickly.

Back On The Road

Back on the road, we paid the toll and entered the famed Alligator Alley that crosses the Southern portion of Florida. This would be our path towards MSC Seaside. Before long we followed the exits to Miami and followed signs for Port Miami. I pulled up to the cruise terminal, and the Porter’s were unloading our bags and bringing them to the ship. I dropped off the girls and our bags here and then drove directly to our off-site parking lot not far away.

Off-Site Port Miami Cruise Parking

Leading up to departing for our cruise, we had considered staying the night before our cruise and possibly getting a park and stay package from a nearby hotel. However, our schedule wouldn’t allow that. In all of my past Port Miami cruises I have always used the cruise terminal parking. A friend suggested I use Global Airport Parking. The site was easy to use, and it promised a secure and covered parking garage a short distance from the ship. A shuttle to and from the parking garage is available before and after your cruise. The rate was only $5.99 a day instead of the Port’s $22 a day parking rate. You can even find some coupon codes that may offer an even better rate.

So as I drove away from the terminal the parking garage was only 1.6 miles away. I pulled in and drove to an upper level designated as cruise parking. Premier Cruise Parking met me there, and they gave me further directions on where to park.  I soon parked my car and walked back to where shuttles were loading to take me back to the terminal. Before long I was being driven back to Terminal F and met back up with my family.

.

Getting Onboard

When we arrived boarding had begun and after a quick check-in, we were on board by 1 pm. Once onboard we learned some different aspects of cruising aboard MSC. They have several drinks packages, specialty dinner packages, and even a Fun Pass to use for bowling, zip lines and more. However, First, we needed to try out our drink package and sample a Mojito! We are going to the Caribbean. The drink was amazing and finally being aboard this ship was exciting. While having our drink we showed a specialty restaurant discount package. If we booked tonight, we could save 20% off! We had planned to visit the Teppanyaki Grill in Roy Yamaguchi’s, Asian Market Kitchen. So we made reservations for this tonight’s Dinner. My family loves this cooking style and the entertainment that goes along with it. So we are looking forward to this treat.

MSC Seaside Is Beautiful

MSC Seaside Atrium
The MSC Seaside Atrium is striking with its beauty and many details.

Our first impression’s of the ship is it is beautiful. With chrome accents and rich colors, it is both elegant and modern. Walking around the ship for the first time the interior design flows from area to area. The Atrium’s three-deck-high LED screen just Wow’s you. You also realize something else. This ship is huge. At 166K GRT’s this is one of the largest cruise ships in the World. So you can easily miss parts of this ship. You will need your map and may need to plan to visit parts of the ship you might otherwise miss. Seriously.

Our cabin is on Deck Ten (10239), and it is a great location near the rear of the ship. It was a short walk to the elevators and stairs. We unpacked and getting settled in for our cruise. Since there were four of us in one cabin, space management was a priority. This was a challenge on this cruise since they didn’t have as much shelf or drawer space as we’d hoped for a family of four. However, the cabin itself was wonderful.

MSC Seaside Family Cruise: Day 1 - Embarkation Day | 28

By popular demand from the girls, we all changed into our bathing suits and went up to the pool, and our girls repeatedly went down the slide. We found two chairs in the shade, and it would be our go-to place for the rest of the cruise.

Sail Away

We did the mandatory Muster Drill before we sailed-away. For our cabin, they held this in our assigned dining room. We enjoyed that MSC holds these inside instead of on the outer decks like some cruise lines. Everything went smooth and before we knew it, our ship was sailing away. Here is what it looked like from our cabin’s balcony as we got ready for dinner:

Dinner Time!

We scheduled our Dinner for 7:30 pm so during sail-away we rushed to get ready for our special night out at Teppanyaki by Roy Yamaguchi. This is part of his Asian Market Kitchen and features Sushi, Asian Fusion and Teppanyaki. We made our way up to Deck 16 and found this space beautifully decorated. It seemed like people don’t book these the first night onboard, because we had a whole hibachi table to ourselves. So this was a real treat. The service and attention to detail were incredible.

Teppanyaki by Roy Yamaguchi

We chose the SENCHO option for $30 per person. It features a wonderful Miso Soup, Salad, Filet Mignon, Salmon, Tiger Prawns, Garlic Fried Rice, and a Sushi & Sashimi Starter. It was a lot of food. We asked to substitute extra prawns instead of Salmon for my daughter and they allowed this. The food and entertainment were incredible. The filet mignon and salmon were wonderful. A true foodie moment was how great the Miso Soup and Garlic Fried Rice was. You just wanted to keep eating more.

Photo’s from our Dinner:

 

Our Night Of Fun & Entertainment

We looked at our entertainment options via the MSC for Me App and made reservations for the night’s production show in the Metropolitan Theatre (Fwd Deck 6-7). We also took this time to book the rest of the week’s show times we were interested in. My family really enjoy’s the production shows, so we talked about the options and made reservations for the late show almost every evening. We then did more exploring and made our way to the Metropolitan Theatre.

Cruise Compete

Amazing Entertainment

The show started with a punch and never seemed to stop for the entire 45 mins. This show seemed to be a preview of what would be in store for us the rest of the week. We noticed so many things like the amazing sound, lighting, costume design and specialty acts. I have never seen that many people on a cruise ship stage.

MSC Seaside Family Cruise: Day 1 - Embarkation Day | 28
MSC Seaside” width=”1024″ height=”498″ /> Incredible Entertainment aboard MSC Seaside

They seemed to come out and wowed us at every turn. Let me also not forget the great singers and dancers. This was the first time in a while where we all turned to each other after the show and said, “That was amazing”. We were now looking forward to the rest of the week’s shows. This entertainment was like nothing I had seen before on a ship.

Tomorrow, Tomorrow

Tomorrow will be a Sea Day and we are looking forward to a nice day relaxing and getting to know this ship better. Today was a travel day with the long drive and orientation. We had to learn what our drink package allowed, what and how much we could order at one time and so forth. As we made our way throughout our day we learned. We tried to sample as much as we could today.

This was a wonderful day though, we enjoyed getting onboard the ship. The ship itself is so spacious we haven’t had to stand in any big lines at all. The MSC experience is a little different. Some food choices have a European feel to it. This was nice because the food quality in Europe is wonderful. I was in Europe in May and today I felt like I was back there again. Something else we noticed was that half the passengers are not from the United States. Yes, They make announcements in several languages but,  eloquently. It was never a bother.

Stay tuned as we share each day of our cruise with you. Follow the links below to previous coverage:

Read our previous family cruise reports below:


CruiseCompete-LogoBrought to you by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts

 

 

Cruising on Scenic Eclipse, the First “Discovery Yacht”: How It’s Different

Scenic Eclipse
Scenic Eclipse

Scenic Eclipse represents longtime luxury river operator Scenic Cruises’ initial foray into the oceans. 

The vessel is quite the bold ship, too. The line calls Scenic Eclipse the world’s first “discovery yacht,” positioning the vessel as a luxury option for expedition cruise adventures. 

The ship was christened September 10 at Pier 88 at Manhattan Cruise Terminal in NYC, and it will sail more than half the year in the polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctica. Carrying 228-passengers in 114 suites, Scenic Eclipse stands out for several interesting things that it offers cruise passengers both on the ship and off.  

Cruise Addicts sailed on Scenic Eclipse from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to New York and discovered five ways that Scenic Eclipse is a different kind of expedition ship. 

Cruising on Scenic Eclipse, the First “Discovery Yacht”: How It’s Different | 28
The ship features luxurious amenities, such as a large spa.
Cruising on Scenic Eclipse, the First “Discovery Yacht”: How It’s Different | 28
Use of the thermal suite is complimentary on the all-inclusive ship.

The Luxury 

This is the world’s first expedition vessel that aims to cater to deep-pocketed passengers, offering the styles and comforts expected on a luxury cruise voyage. So, while the destinations feature extreme weather conditions and your daily program offers ample opportunities to dive into new adventures, you can do it all while being pampered. 

Scenic Eclipse offers spacious public areas, with the main Discovery Lounge and its Whiskey Bar as the hub. There are more than 150 types of whiskey available. The cruise is all-inclusive, and the only thing you pay for are helicopter rides, submarine excursions, and spa treatments. 

The ship has a large spa on Deck 6 with three treatment rooms. It features separate areas for men and women, each with a steam room, thermal lounge, sauna, plunge pool, and experience showers. The spa also offers an outdoor deck with loungers and a hot tub at the back of the ship. 

Scenic Eclipse’s fitness center is sizable and has a decent complement of cardio and weight-training equipment, certainly enough for 200-plus passengers. There is also a separate large yoga and Pilates studio.  

The fancy amenities don’t stop there. The ship has a high-end boutique offering items like designer handbags and clothing. 

Cruising on Scenic Eclipse, the First “Discovery Yacht”: How It’s Different | 28
Scenic Eclipse carries two helicopters and a submarine to use for one-of-a-kind excursions.

The Toys 

Scenic Eclipse is the first cruise ship with helicopters, and it has two of them stored in hangars on the back of Deck 8. They each carry up to six passengers, and you can choose rides lasting 20 or 40 minutes in these sleek shiny black machines operated by a team of mechanics and pilots.  

There is also a submarine that can fit up to six people. A sub captain takes cruisers up to 300 feet below the surface to explore reefs and wrecks. One group on our sailing found a wreck off the coast of Halifax. The Discovery Team of guides also offers daily activities like kayaking and Zodiac rides. These are launched from the Discovery Centre locker room area down on Deck 3 that leads out to the marina at the back of the ship. 

Cruising on Scenic Eclipse, the First “Discovery Yacht”: How It’s Different | 28
The ship features eight restaurants serving gourmet cuisine.

The Food 

A true highlight of a cruise on Scenic Eclipse is the gourmet cuisine. Boasting eight restaurants, Scenic Eclipse is unlike any other expedition ship. Plus, you can order room service any time of day from a large menu of items. I recommend the burgers and fries! 

Epicure is a cooking class offered in a studio. You can learn techniques for about three dozen types of cuisine like spring rolls or ceviche. Executive Chef Tom Goetter was runner-up on Germany’s Top Chef competition, and he leads a restaurant team with 22 staff representing 14 nations. 

Scenic Eclipse features a French restaurant, a buffet in the Yacht Club pool area, the main dining room serving Italian, seafood and steaks, and an Asian-fusion eatery Koko’s, which also is the location of the sushi bar (fish flown in fresh from Japan) and a teppanyaki room. The ship also has a café, Azure, that offers lighter bites in a tapas-style format. 

The Chef’s Table is the best we’ve ever seen on a cruise ship, with 11 to 14 courses of creative fare that tell a story and fill the senses. 

Cruising on Scenic Eclipse, the First “Discovery Yacht”: How It’s Different | 28
The opulent ship has a stylish modern design. The Whiskey Bar stands out in the main lounge.

 

The Design 

It’s definitely got the look of a classic yacht – a very big yacht. Deck 5 extends out to the bow with an expansive open viewing area just ahead of the ship’s Observation Lounge. Scenic Eclipse is a head-turner as it sails into port. 

You have to go outside to get a good view of the wilderness, though. Seats inside the Observation Lounge are comfy, with a library and tea service available as you enjoy the serene space, but views are obstructed by the massive deck. 

The main lounge is gorgeous and the centerpiece of the ship. The Whiskey Bar is an art piece in itself with its tall tower of illuminated bottles. 

Cruise Compete

All suites are spacious and feature plenty of storage and large walk-in showers. The TVs are off to the side of the room in front of the couch and integrated into the floor-to-ceiling mirror. Cruisers might be disappointed that the TV is not in front of the bed if they want to unwind at the end of the day with a movie. Décor throughout the ship features blacks, grays, and blues, giving the ship a modern elegance. 

The Yacht Club has a large pool, but its location amid a busy buffet seating area seems destined to lead to awkward situations when swimmers splash around or use the loungers and showers adjacent to diners having their breakfast or lunch. 

Cruising on Scenic Eclipse, the First “Discovery Yacht”: How It’s Different | 28
Scenic Eclipse has a range of hi-tech features such as a dynamic GPS positioning so that it doesn’t have to drop an anchor when putting out the marina at the back of the ship.

The Cruising 

The ship is rated as Polar Class 6 vessel, the highest of any luxury vessel. This allows Scenic Eclipse to safely sail in the icy regions of the world. And it will cruise more smoothly and with a lesser environmental footprint than most vessels.  

The ship features forward bow thrusters, electronic Azipod propulsion, and its custom stabilizers are 50 percent larger than standard for smoother sailing in rough waters. 

The GPS dynamic positioning system means that no anchors are dropped into the water (which could damage sensitive reefs and seabeds). Scenic Eclipse will offer light expedition or classic sailing experiences in non-polar regions and will sail with 200 passengers on its Arctic and Antarctic full expedition cruises.


CruiseCompete-LogoBrought to you by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts

Seatrade Europe Sets Record-breaking Attendance

Seatrade Europe 2019 Show Floor

Seatrade Europe, the leading trade event for the European ocean cruise and river cruise industry closed yesterday (13 September 2019) with a footfall of over 5,000 and a record-breaking number of cruise line executives in attendance indicating that the European cruise market continues to go from strength to strength.

Michael Thamm, Chairman of CLIA Europe kick-started the event addressing a 450-strong audience during the opening ‘State of the European Cruise Industry’ session, reporting, “The growth of our business year after year is reflected in fleet size, which currently counts 290 ships with an order book of 114 newbuilds arriving over the next 8 years, many of them in the expedition and luxury segments. “

Co-located with the first MARINE INTERIORS Cruise & Ferry Global Expo, powered by SMM, the two events staged new and exciting elements in both exhibition halls including free-to-attend content in the Showcase Deck and MARINE INTERIORS Forum.

Visitors filled the Showcase Deck theatre of the trade show floor with standing room only available in interactive sessions such as Lightning Pitch, ‘What’s New at My Port/Destination?’, which saw ports, destinations and service providers representing countries from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean and North Europe to the Cape Verde Islands present to a panel of cruise line judges.

Seatrade Europe Sets Record-breaking Attendance | 28
alt=”State of the Industry – Seatrade Europe 2019″ width=”1024″ height=”683″ /> State of the Industry – Seatrade Europe 2019

The show welcomed 95 speakers, its highest ever, evoking insightful and rich conversations. A full and engaging conference programme covered topical issues and trends ranging from greener cruising and sustainability to technology, expedition, and interior design.

The Newcomers Boulevard positioned in the central walkway of the show floor was bustling as 15 new exhibiting suppliers from safety equipment to electronics and lighting to uniform and amenities networked with visiting buyers and cruise lines looking for new to cruise suppliers.

Cruise Compete

The final day concluded with a focus onshore excursions provoking discussion on the interpretation of the term ‘experiential’. Panellist David Vass, SVP Worldwide Cruise Business & Operations, Abercrombie & Kent Destination Management commented, “Experiential is fluid; it is constantly changing” whilst it was agreed technology such as virtual reality applications could enrich the shorex experience.’

The next Seatrade Europe will be held at the Hamburg Fair site from 8-10 September 2021 alongside the co-located MARINE INTERIORS Cruise & Ferry Global Expo. For more information please go to www.seatrade-europe.com


CruiseCompete-LogoBrought to you by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts

 

Eight New Cruise Ships to Look Forward to in 2020

Scarlet Lady
Scarlet Lady

The fast-growing cruise industry always seems to have a slew of exciting new ships coming launching each year. And next year is no different, with an impressive batch of new cruise ships representing all sizes and styles. Check out these new cruise ships set to debut in 2020. 

Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady
Virgin Voyages first cruise ship will be Scarlet Lady. The ship will debut next year with cruises from Miami to the Caribbean.

Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady 

The first ship from Richard Branson’s new cruise line features mostly balcony and oceanview cabins and carries 2,700-plus passengers.  

The ship will be all about having fun with a stylishly casual, rock and roll vibe. The ship offers 20 dining venues but no main dining room. All meals and non-alcoholic drinks are included in your fare. The ship also is filled with roving entertainment, bars, lounges and spa and fitness venues. 

Captain Wendy Williams will be at the helm of the adults-only ship as it sets sail from Miami on voyages to the Caribbean. Itineraries include stops at Bimini in the Bahamas for party time at the private island oasis Bimini Beach Club.  

Scarlet Lady is the first of three ships that Virgin Voyages has in the works. The others are scheduled to debut in 2021 and 20222.  

MSC Virtuosa
MSC Virtuosa

MSC Cruises MSC Virtuosa 

This MSC Cruises’ mega-ship (2,441 staterooms and able to carry more than 6,000 passengers) will be music to the ears of cruisers. Each deck is named for an instrument, and entertainment will include two new Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows.  

The ship will offer a wide range of activities and amenities, such as the Polar Aquapark, TV Studio and Bar (for talent contests, quizzes, games and watching live sports), clubs, MSC Aurea Spa, MSC Gym, SportsPlex, central promenade and Atmosphere Pool with a big screen. MSC Virtuosa is scheduled to set sail in November 2020 and take cruisers on voyages in the Mediterranean. 

Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex

Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Apex 

Celebrity Apex is set to debut in spring 2020 and will be the second in the cruise line’s Celebrity Edge Class. The ship will carry 2,900 passengers and sail Caribbean itineraries from Fort Lauderdale.  

Features include The Magic Carpet cantilevered flexible space that can be used to provide additional venues (bars, lounges, eateries) at several deck positions as it moves along the side of the ship. Celebrity Apex also will offer The Retreat for suite passengers, The Rooftop Garden oasis, staterooms that feature Infinite Veranda indoor/outdoor balcony designs and a gorgeous Resort Deck offering the main pool and lounger areas outside.  

Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection Azora 
Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection Azora  

Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection  

The new cruise line is set to offer luxury cruises on the first of three planned custom-built yachts from the company with a legacy in the hotel and resorts industry. 

Ritz Carlton’s first ship, a yet-to-be-named 298-passenger yacht (due to launch in February 2020), features staterooms with private terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows. Passengers will be able to dine at five different restaurants, and watersports will launch from the aft sports marina, with kayaks and standup paddleboards available. The ship’s inaugural cruise will set sail from Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean, and it will sail voyages around the globe in its first year. 

Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras

Carnival Cruise Line Mardi Gras 

Carnival Mardi Gras is set to debut in August 2020 as the largest ship in the fleet for the biggest cruise line. The 5,200-passenger vessel also introduces an innovative concept of “Zones,” six themed regions onboard. These spaces — Grand Central, The French Quarter, Summer Landing, La Piazza, Lido and the Ultimate Playground – will house a variety of activities, amenities and eateries.  

Eight New Cruise Ships to Look Forward to in 2020 | 28
Mardi Gras Will Feature World’s First Roller Coaster At Sea” width=”1024″ height=”660″ /> Carnival’s Mardi Gras Will Feature World’s First Roller Coaster At Sea

Also, Carnival Mardi Gras also brings the first roller-coaster at sea, Bolt, which allows riders to control their speeds as they zoom around the ship, enjoying the views from high above. The ship will be based in Port Canaveral and sail Caribbean cruises.

 

Eight New Cruise Ships to Look Forward to in 2020 | 28

Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas 

Debuting in fall 2020, Odyssey of the Seas represents Royal Caribbean’s second Quantum Ultra class ship (Spectrum of the Seas). This is the next generation class from the ships Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas. 

Odyssey of the Seas will sail from a port to be named in the United States and is set to carry more than 4,200 passengers. It will feature Royal Caribbean’s first “ship-within-a-ship” experience, meaning passengers can book suites in a special area that offers a more exclusive program of dining, concierge services, lounge and pool area. 

Silversea Silver Origin
Silver Origin

Silversea Silver Origin 

This new ship is purpose-built for Galapagos expeditions. Silver Origin is a luxury ship that carries up to 100 passengers for adventurous exploration. The all-suite expedition ship offers butler service, two restaurants, a fleet of eight Zodiacs and an exquisite Explorer Lounge and Basecamp (staging venue to prepare for skiff launches for each adventure).  

Silver Origin is due to set sail in summer 2020 for weeklong voyages between Baltra and San Cristobal. 

Crystal Endeavor
Crystal Endeavor

Crystal Cruises Crystal Endeavor 

This is the luxury cruise line’s first expedition ship, joining its fleet of ocean and river vessels.  

Crystal Endeavor is an all-suite, all-balcony expedition ship that promises to offer the pinnacle of all-inclusive luxury and service, sailing with just 200 passengers and a 1-to-1 passenger to crew ratio. Crystal Endeavor boasts six specialty Michelin-inspired restaurants, a casino, glass-enclosed solarium, Crystal Life Spa, butler service, two eight-passenger helicopters and a submarine.


instapark.co

Brought to you by https://www.instapark.co., Get the best parking deal, Search, compare, book!”

 

 

Carnival Corporation Partners with Tropical Shipping to Collect and Ship Donations to The Bahamas National Emergency Management Agency

Carnival Panorama Sea Trials
Carnival Panorama as seen during our recent sea trials

Companies coordinate with Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties to provide much-needed emergency food and supplies to The Bahamas

Today Carnival Corporation & plc announced a partnership with Tropical Shipping and The Bahamas National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to collect and deliver NEMA-approved food and supplies donated in BrowardMiami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties for the people of The Bahamas.

Carnival Corporation is partnering with Tropical Shipping, which will serve as an approved clearinghouse and distribution center for non-profit organizations, schools, businesses and residents of Broward CountyMiami-Dade County, and Palm Beach County to expedite timely delivery of donated food and goods collected in the local South Florida community. The effort, funded by both companies, will work in partnership with NEMA to provide immediate assistance to the people of the Bahamas where it is most needed.

Tropical Shipping, which has provided freight shipping to and from the Caribbean and The Bahamas for over 50 years, will stock and then ship and directly deliver the containers to NEMA in The Bahamas. Carnival Corporation, along with its nine cruise line brands, will cover shipping costs, as well as provide food and supplies as part of the overall effort.

At the end of this announcement is the list Bahamian-approved food and supplies for donation, along with a list of drop-off center locations. Inquiries can be sent to HurricaneCentral@tropical.com

“We have received an outpouring of calls and emails from concerned individuals, local leaders, non-profit groups and the South Florida business community asking how they can provide support to The Bahamas,” said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation. “By working together, we can collectively provide much-needed food and supplies to people in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane.”
 
“We are honored to partner with Carnival Corporation in this community-wide effort to assist our neighbors in The Bahamas,” said Rick Murrell, chairman of Tropical Shipping. “Our two companies have worked together for many years on logistics in the region and on helping with weather-related events.  This initiative is as an opportunity to work together with countless others to provide support when and where it is most needed.”

“As a descendent of the Abaco Islands, I am particularly grateful to Carnival Corporation for this magnanimous humanitarian effort,” said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson. “I have been in conversation with the corporation for some time about how it can help the Bahamian diaspora both preserve its heritage here in Miami and enhance its long-standing partnership with the nation’s tourism industry. Carnival Corporation’s generous support in response to Hurricane Dorian’s assault on the islands is an extension of an existing friendship and I look forward to working with the organization, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, our Consul General, County and City mayors and Commissioners to provide relief during this devastating period.”

“Our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation is extended to Carnival Corporation and Tropical Shipping for their humanitarian efforts in the time of loss and devastation to our neighbors in the Bahamas and its people,” said Chairwoman Audrey M. EdmonsonMiami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners. “Your generous support and commitment to ship donated goods and needed supplies from Miami-Dade County and South Florida to designated drop-off points in the Bahamas is invaluable. We appreciate having Carnival Corporation and Tropical Shipping as our partners in this emergency effort.”

Cruise Compete
 
“We have a great friendship and long-time partnership with The Bahamas, and over many years our cruise line brands have sailed millions of guests to its famous ports, which are well-loved by our guests,” said Donald. “It is heart-breaking to see the extent of the hurricane’s damage, but working together, we will do our part in supporting the Bahamians as they begin working to rebuild, recover and again welcome visitors to their country,”

Added Donald: “This is the first part of many efforts to provide support and assistance to The Bahamas where it is most needed..

NEMA-Approved Donated Food and Supplies List for the People of The Bahamas

Items

Comment

Ready-To-Eat Meals

Tents

Cots

Adult Size

Hygiene Kits

Pampers (all sizes), baby wipes, sanitary napkins, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper, adult diapers, hand sanitizer

Bottled Water

Cases

Non-Perishable Food Items

Canned fish, canned meats, canned pureed veg, peanut butter, jars of baby food, powdered milk, baby formula

Disposable Cutlery

Pre-packed cutlery, cups, plates

Water Bladders

Size: 2,500 gallons

Reusable Water Containers

Size: 3 gallons

First Aid Items

Sterile bandages/gauze (all sizes), tape

Portable Generators

15KW – 25KW

Chain Saws

Plastic Tarpaulin

Debris Removal Tools

Shovels, rakes, axes, wheelbarrows

Portable Single and Double Burner Stoves

Portable Outdoor Lamps/Lights

Battery operated

Water Purification Kits

Brita water filters and purification tablets

Flashlights

Wind-up and battery operated

Blankets and Towels

Insect Repellents

Spray, bracelets

Portable Radios

Wind-up and battery operated

Batteries

D Cell, AA

Portable Bathroom

Cleaning Supplies

Bleach, brooms, mops, pinesol, garbage bags

Life Jackets and Ponchos

Adult and child size

DROP-OFF LOCATIONS FOR FOOD AND SUPPLIES FOR THE BAHAMAS

Note: Updates on additional drop-off sites may be provided as more details become available.

Miami-Dade County Main Library – Miami Dade
Hours: Accepting donations Monday – Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 
101 W. Flagler St.
Miami, FL 33130 
(305) 375-2665

Stephen P. Clark Center – Miami Dade
Hours: Accepting donations Monday – Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 
111 NW First St., Miami.
Miami, FL 33128

Joseph Caleb Center – Miami Dade
Hours: Accepting donations Monday – Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 
5400 NW 22 Ave.
Miami, FL 33142

Office of Emergency Management Warehouse – Miami Dade 
Hours: Accepting donations Monday – Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 
8008 NW 14 St.
Doral, FL 33126

Tropical Shipping Cargo Receiving Location – Miami 
Tropical Shipping 
Hours: M – F, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
9505 NW 108th Avenue
Medley, FL 33178 
(561) 881-3999
(561) 881-3951
hurricanecentral@tropical.com

Tropical Shipping Cargo Receiving Location – West Palm Beach
Hours: M – F, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
1489 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Riviera Beach, Florida 33404 
(561) 881-3999 
(561) 881-3951
hurricanecentral@tropical.com

Additional information can be found on www.carnival.comwww.princess.comwww.hollandamerica.comwww.seabourn.comwww.pocruises.com.auwww.costacruise.comwww.aida.dewww.pocruises.com and www.cunard.com.


CruiseCompete-LogoBrought to you by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from