We just returned last week from one on Magnifica. MSC wants more passengers, so if you book an interior cabin early on, you may be upgraded to a better cabin (we ended up getting upgraded to an aft deck cabin with large balcony). Room electricity requires a keycard be deposited into a receptacle near the door. Cabin temps ran a little warm, even with A/C on the coldest setting. Cafeteria scrambled eggs are very wet, and instead of cream cheese, they have whipped cream near the bagels. Their food is mid, but it gets the job done. It's not comparable to Celebrity, though. Also, it's easier to get a tour off the ship at a better rate than what MSC offers! Lastly, it's in the fine print, so you'll probably miss it, but you'll get a charge on night one for room attendant gratuity (ours was $65 each) and it is for the entire cruise duration, not everyday.
Great tips, Brandon!! The one about the ship accounts clearing out of Geneva is rock star level!! I will certainly make sure to use a credit card without foreign transaction fees when traveling with MSC!
The MSC Magnifica was docked right next to us in Nassau on our December 2023 cruise on MSC Seashore. It looks like a really nice ship. Great info if we ever decide to sail on Magnifica. The status match is nice as we are Diamond on MSC thanks to the match with Hilton. You just have to make sure you cruise MSC at least every 3 years to keep your status. We sail again on MSC Seashore this coming December 2024.
Hi Brandon Long time viewer really enjoy your channel I've been on MSC when cruising started up My wife and I were not that impressed but after watching your videos you influenced us hehe to give it another shot we do like going to key West so we did book a weekend cruise on the magnifica for what we paid I'm not expecting celebrity but I'm sure that will be satisfied keep those videos coming we love them.
I watched all your MSC Magnifica videos. Great content! I pinned down this 7 night Western Caribbean cruise out of Miami: Day 1 Miami Day 2 at sea Day 3 Cozumel, Mexico Day 4 Isla de Roaton, Honduras Day 5 Costa Maya, Mexico Day 6 at sea Day 7 Ocean Cay It’s very reasonable for 4th of July week per person compared to other cruise lines (2 interior rooms). We like to be away for 4th of July 😃 My wife, 2 kids (19 and 21) and I have been to many Caribbean all-inclusive islands. We just like to chill at the resort, but the kids have been getting bored of it, so thinking about a cruise for something different. I’ve only been on one cruise many years ago. RC 4 day Bahamas cruise. I thought it was just okay, but it wasn’t enough time to give thumbs up or down for cruising in general.
Sweet! Not to derail the convo, but have you been on the RCCL Grandeur of the Seas? We are also thinking about this one: 5-night Caribbean cruise itinerary: Day 1 Tampa Day 2 at sea Day 3 George Town, Grand Cayman Day 4 Cozumel, Mexico Day 5 at sea Day 6 Tampa Great value $ here!
@@Adamas11 But, I've never met a cruise ship I have not liked! I have been on Grandeur of the Seas several times and she is an old girl. She is smaller, not many amenities but it's still a great ship and a good time. If it is a good value and going to places you want to go to, I would totally do it!
@@TheWeekendCruiser Yeah, watched a lot of videos on Grandeur of the Seas. I am not concerned with not many amenities as long as it is a good time, and great value. I like the ports of call.
Yes, if you want to put cash on your account, use the larger machine and it will take your bills. Will need to do this on day one if you are buying anything otherwise, you might be declined at register for lack of funds.
Awesome video, sailing Magnifica September 13-key west & ocean cay, are there plant based vegan options and bottled water and fresh squeezed juice on board?
Hey Rose! Sorry, getting caught up on my comments. Good news, I am on this sailing with you! Yes, they have all those liquids for an additional fee. I don't pay attention to if items are vegan but did have the vegan chili on the buffet last night and it was good!
It is more of a group party ship. It is VERY popular with birthdays, family reunions, and quinceneros. So it will be more of an older party crowd, still a weekend cruise. I think the group dynamic changes it somehow.
Thanks for the feedback! Yes TONS more options of what you can do in Nassau. At Ocean Cay, you are pretty limited to relaxing in a lounger and getting into the water. I can def see where a "doer" would want to be in Nassau.
Hey Becca! Everything I have seen indicates it is closed for 6 weeks from April 7 to May 22nd. Will be open again in another month and excited to return! In the meantime, enjoying the Key West ports!
@@TheWeekendCruiser Wow! I leave on May 20th and they just told me last week that they were adding “attractions” and it would be closed until next year. I trust you, of course. Thanks for the info. Someone at MSC is in the dark, I guess. It’s a beautiful place and my favorite part of the cruise. Sigh
@@beccacramer7990 Same! I am there in 2 weeks and am also skipping Ocean Cay which is heart breaking. However, get to go to Key West on a weekend which is a pretty good 2nd.
Got a question - have you paid for internet on any of these trips? I'm thinking of working remotely from a longer MSC cruise later this year, and I'm wondering if their internet would support it. I'd need to be able to dial into Zoom meetings on Sea Days and it's hard to figure out if it would work.
It's always a risky one! I purchased the basic package one weekend and it seemed very fine. I have heard the premium for Magnifica is very good and seen some speed test. When I was on the Divina, this was not the case.
Hi Brandon the weekend cruiser. I really appreciate your videos and all the tips. It’s really helping me stay ahead of the game. I just learned from you about the loyalty program status match. I chose my Hilton honors. I signed up and I am “Gold” with MSC. I would normally be Classic ( a beginner). I’m too excited! I had no idea about this if I hadn’t watched your video. Thank you so much! ❤
This is SO helpful! I’m going on Magnifica at the end of Sept. Never sailed MSC before but I did the status match so I’m gold. Pretty cool. This cruise is a full week going to Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatan and Ocean Cay. No vernight there though.
Many people don't realize that MSC ships usually have quite a large buffet due to having multiple duplicate stations--takes a few minutes to walk it all. People tend to stay in front, which means it's usually nice and quiet in back. Crew sit and eat in the back, too.
![25 Things Cruisers MUST Know Before Your First MSC Cruise [MSC Cruise Tips 2024]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/k0NLxi5ZzMI/mqdefault.jpg)
What tips would you share with others getting ready to cruise MSC Magnífica?
We just returned last week from one on Magnifica. MSC wants more passengers, so if you book an interior cabin early on, you may be upgraded to a better cabin (we ended up getting upgraded to an aft deck cabin with large balcony). Room electricity requires a keycard be deposited into a receptacle near the door. Cabin temps ran a little warm, even with A/C on the coldest setting. Cafeteria scrambled eggs are very wet, and instead of cream cheese, they have whipped cream near the bagels. Their food is mid, but it gets the job done. It's not comparable to Celebrity, though. Also, it's easier to get a tour off the ship at a better rate than what MSC offers! Lastly, it's in the fine print, so you'll probably miss it, but you'll get a charge on night one for room attendant gratuity (ours was $65 each) and it is for the entire cruise duration, not everyday.
@@mmpotroast Great tips!
Great tips, Brandon!! The one about the ship accounts clearing out of Geneva is rock star level!! I will certainly make sure to use a credit card without foreign transaction fees when traveling with MSC!
Magnifica was my first MSC cruise.. Its a nice ship... Definitely the overnight at Ocean Cay is a great itinerary.
It was my first cruise as well, I booked another one on the same itinerary.
Brandon, this video is awesome! I might never be on this ship, but I certainly feel that I’m ready to go now.
The MSC Magnifica was docked right next to us in Nassau on our December 2023 cruise on MSC Seashore. It looks like a really nice ship. Great info if we ever decide to sail on Magnifica. The status match is nice as we are Diamond on MSC thanks to the match with Hilton. You just have to make sure you cruise MSC at least every 3 years to keep your status. We sail again on MSC Seashore this coming December 2024.
Hey Brandon, the quality of your video is so good. Enjoy your sailing 🎉
Aww thanks Jennifer!
Thanks for the tips. Going on the Magnifica from Miami on May 6th.
Have a blast!!! I am there the weekend after you again!
Hi Brandon Long time viewer really enjoy your channel I've been on MSC when cruising started up My wife and I were not that impressed but after watching your videos you influenced us hehe to give it another shot we do like going to key West so we did book a weekend cruise on the magnifica for what we paid I'm not expecting celebrity but I'm sure that will be satisfied keep those videos coming we love them.
Thank you Jay!! Always a pleasure and hope 2nd time goes much better for you!! Sounds like it is only up from here!
I watched all your MSC Magnifica videos. Great content! I pinned down this 7 night Western Caribbean cruise out of Miami:
Day 1 Miami
Day 2 at sea
Day 3 Cozumel, Mexico
Day 4 Isla de Roaton, Honduras
Day 5 Costa Maya, Mexico
Day 6 at sea
Day 7 Ocean Cay
It’s very reasonable for 4th of July week per person compared to other cruise lines (2 interior rooms). We like to be away for 4th of July 😃
My wife, 2 kids (19 and 21) and I have been to many Caribbean all-inclusive islands. We just like to chill at the resort, but the kids have been getting bored of it, so thinking about a cruise for something different. I’ve only been on one cruise many years ago. RC 4 day Bahamas cruise. I thought it was just okay, but it wasn’t enough time to give thumbs up or down for cruising in general.
Love it and have a great time! On the Magnifica now with friends and enjoying every aspect!
Sweet! Not to derail the convo, but have you been on the RCCL Grandeur of the Seas? We are also thinking about this one:
5-night Caribbean cruise itinerary:
Day 1 Tampa
Day 2 at sea
Day 3 George Town, Grand Cayman
Day 4 Cozumel, Mexico
Day 5 at sea
Day 6 Tampa
Great value $ here!
@@Adamas11 But, I've never met a cruise ship I have not liked! I have been on Grandeur of the Seas several times and she is an old girl. She is smaller, not many amenities but it's still a great ship and a good time. If it is a good value and going to places you want to go to, I would totally do it!
@@TheWeekendCruiser Yeah, watched a lot of videos on Grandeur of the Seas. I am not concerned with not many amenities as long as it is a good time, and great value. I like the ports of call.
@@Adamas11 I think you're coming at it the correct way and you're going to have an amazing time!
I also heard the MSC muster drill is much different from other cruise lines.
Can you just put cash on the account to avoid the foreign transaction fees?
Yes, if you want to put cash on your account, use the larger machine and it will take your bills. Will need to do this on day one if you are buying anything otherwise, you might be declined at register for lack of funds.
Awesome video, sailing Magnifica September 13-key west & ocean cay, are there plant based vegan options and bottled water and fresh squeezed juice on board?
Hey Rose! Sorry, getting caught up on my comments. Good news, I am on this sailing with you! Yes, they have all those liquids for an additional fee. I don't pay attention to if items are vegan but did have the vegan chili on the buffet last night and it was good!
Are there a lot of mid to late 20's early 30's on the weekend cruises and is it more of a party ship?
It is more of a group party ship. It is VERY popular with birthdays, family reunions, and quinceneros. So it will be more of an older party crowd, still a weekend cruise. I think the group dynamic changes it somehow.
I liked Nassau a lot more than the Ocean Kay (which was quite boring imo). Personal tastes are different…
Thanks for the feedback! Yes TONS more options of what you can do in Nassau. At Ocean Cay, you are pretty limited to relaxing in a lounger and getting into the water. I can def see where a "doer" would want to be in Nassau.
Ocean Cay is closed for renovations until next year
Hey Becca! Everything I have seen indicates it is closed for 6 weeks from April 7 to May 22nd. Will be open again in another month and excited to return! In the meantime, enjoying the Key West ports!
@@TheWeekendCruiser Wow! I leave on May 20th and they just told me last week that they were adding “attractions” and it would be closed until next year. I trust you, of course. Thanks for the info. Someone at MSC is in the dark, I guess. It’s a beautiful place and my favorite part of the cruise. Sigh
@@beccacramer7990 Same! I am there in 2 weeks and am also skipping Ocean Cay which is heart breaking. However, get to go to Key West on a weekend which is a pretty good 2nd.
@@TheWeekendCruiser Nice! I’ll recognize you if I see you. I will be sure to say hello! Bon Voyage!
Got a question - have you paid for internet on any of these trips? I'm thinking of working remotely from a longer MSC cruise later this year, and I'm wondering if their internet would support it. I'd need to be able to dial into Zoom meetings on Sea Days and it's hard to figure out if it would work.
It's always a risky one! I purchased the basic package one weekend and it seemed very fine. I have heard the premium for Magnifica is very good and seen some speed test. When I was on the Divina, this was not the case.
I love this video!!!! This is my cruise line for 2025
Hi Brandon the weekend cruiser. I really appreciate your videos and all the tips. It’s really helping me stay ahead of the game. I just learned from you about the loyalty program status match. I chose my Hilton honors. I signed up and I am “Gold” with MSC. I would normally be Classic ( a beginner). I’m too excited! I had no idea about this if I hadn’t watched your video. Thank you so much! ❤
Love it!!! That's winning right there!
This is SO helpful! I’m going on Magnifica at the end of Sept. Never sailed MSC before but I did the status match so I’m gold. Pretty cool.
This cruise is a full week going to Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatan and Ocean Cay. No vernight there though.
Many people don't realize that MSC ships usually have quite a large buffet due to having multiple duplicate stations--takes a few minutes to walk it all. People tend to stay in front, which means it's usually nice and quiet in back. Crew sit and eat in the back, too.
So helpful, thank you!!!!
This video is great. It moves fast and gives helpful information!!! Watch this!!!!
These are def more fun to make than review videos! Thank you!
Thank you! I am taking my first weekend MSC Magnifica cruise in 2 weeks and you provided lots of great information!
My pleasure Suzette!
Thanks for info I be going Columbus Day weekend 2024 with key west stop. I hope to see you onboard 🤗
Awww I am doing a land trip that weekend and heading to Bolivia!
Good tips! I just booked a trip on Magnifica this fall. Will stay overnight in Ocean Kay!
You can't go wrong!! Can't wait to hear your feedback!
This is so well timed. The countdown to my departure on this ship is in the single digits!
Well, what did you think?!?!
I need to expand my horizons and give other cruise lines a try.
All I can say is I wish I would have done it sooner.
There is a basketball court on Magnifica?
haha there is! Very top of the back part of the ship! Making a full ship tour on the May 17th voyage and will highlight it.
Great timing for this video I'm going on a MSC Mag cruise next weekend so I needed this video