Sleet pinged off my automotive window. Snow edged the freeway the place plows had shoveled it apart. My heater was going full blast however I may nonetheless really feel the wintry wind buffeting my small automotive. Hoosier winters may be powerful.
But I’m on my strategy to the Indy airport for a flight to Miami to board the gorgeous new MSC Seascape for a weeklong Caribbean cruise. Wonderful time to flee an Indiana winter and study extra in regards to the beautiful new Seascape.
My flight was on time. Upon arrival in Miami, I took a cab from the airport to the Hilton Miami Downtown the place I used to be booked for one evening. Just following my very own recommendation to cruisers – plan to reach not less than at some point early for a cruise.
Flights may be delayed or cancelled. A ship will look forward to nobody. Plus, it’s so good to get a great evening’s sleep earlier than boarding a cruise ship.
My resort room was quiet and comfy. No unpacking. I’m simply right here for the evening. After a leisurely resort breakfast the following morning, I caught a cab to the Port of Miami to board MSC Seascape. I figured I may need to attend a bit however so what? The solar was shining. The temperature was balmy. Folks have been pleasant. After all, we have been on the brink of cruise for a beautiful week.
My cruise will embody stops at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Nassau, San Juan, Puerto Plata and two days at sea.
Meeting My Yacht Club Butler
But I had no wait. I had performed many of the vital embarkation paperwork on my laptop at residence. And I used to be in for an excellent pampering shock. I used to be booked in Stateroom 18049 on Deck 18 within the Yacht Club. When a crew member noticed that Yacht Club designation, she directed me to a particular ready space within the boarding facility the place visitors have been being served snacks and champagne. There I met my Yacht Club butler Mary Sanz.
Clad in a black tuxedo, white shirt, gray vest and gray striped tie and carrying white gloves, Mary greeted me earlier than I even sat down within the ready space. She insisted on toting my backpack and pulling my carry-on suitcase to guide me to my cabin. I’m certain I’d have waited in line and wandered round a bit however Mary knew the shortcuts.
In no time, Mary had me in my lovely cabin the place she arrange my laptop computer laptop and cellphone at no cost WiFi entry. She additionally defined varied features of my cabin, the ship and the Yacht Club expertise. She requested what newspaper I most popular every day so it could possibly be delivered to me.
Seeing that I had no extra questions, Mary stated she can be again to accompany me to dinner after I had unpacked and gotten settled in my pretty new residence. In reality, Mary even supplied to unpack for me. Talk about being pampered. I unpacked myself however this was just the start of a heavenly week aboard the Seascape.
Large Comfy Cabin
Looking round, my cabin is kind of massive with a balcony with two chairs and a desk. I’m certain I’ll spend a lot time on the market watching the ocean roll. Room-darkening drapes may be drawn if vital however I just like the morning daylight. The queen-size mattress is kind of comfortable with a big padded seat on the finish of the mattress. Handy place to placed on my footwear.
Cabin décor is nice shades of inexperienced and gray. Across from the mattress is a mirror-filled wall and massive flat display screen HD interactive TV on the wall. A settee, espresso desk and chair are within the seating space separated from the mattress by a three-shelf bookcase with a number of cruise-related artwork items on it.
The cabin has loads of cupboard space and plenty of electrical retailers and USB ports. The closet and dresser drawers are way over this solitary traveler will want. A protected is on the market as is a gentle gown and home slippers. Good to have as a result of I pack gentle with solely a backpack and carry-on suitcase.
A mini-fridge really retains drinks chilly and is already crammed with complimentary gentle drinks, juice, water, beer and wine. Complimentary snacks wait on the counter. A espresso maker with loads of espresso pods additionally sits on the lengthy desktop counter.
The rest room has an enormous glass-doored bathe with built-in shampoo and conditioner dispensers. The bathe has a helpful seat and seize bars plus an overhead rain bathe.
MED by MSC Toiletries
On a shelf within the rest room are 4 tubes of MSC’s particular toiletry – MED by MSC. The tubes of physique lotion, conditioner, physique wash and shampoo are scented with delicate flora notes of bergamot and jasmine together with another good fruit and floral smells.
Implemented throughout the fleet, MED by MSC is so named due to the cruise firm’s relationship with the Mediterranean, Mary says. The title hints on the perfumed lavender fields of Provence, the fruit of fig bushes warmed by the summer time solar, recent herbs and citrus flavors and the enchanting scent of floral jasmine caught on an ocean breeze.
The pleasant scent appears to delicately improve the ship. I’ve solely simply arrived and already I acknowledge slight hints of the scent within the elevators and hallways. I normally don’t like perfumes and keep away from perfumed laundry detergents, shampoos and lotions. But that is totally different. Not intrusive, simply providing a welcoming and welcoming ambiance, kind of just like the wisps that float within the air from my lilac bushes in the summertime.
Whatever of those MED toiletries that I don’t use on my cruise will certainly discover a manner residence with me. I think about that I’ll have nice reminiscences of my cruise after I stand in my residence bathe utilizing these merchandise.
A helpful system close to the door is one other merchandise I already like on the Seascape. The system takes the place of these “Do Not Disturb” indicators that may be hung exterior the cabin door. Instead, this push button instrument lets me push a button that powers a “Do Not Disturb” alert. The different button creates a “Make Up Room” sign for the cabin attendant. So easy and simple to make use of.
Now I’m off to discover this lovely Seascape. I’ll be writing extra about eating, leisure, shore excursions and different treats because the week progresses. Hope you’ll come alongside to see what we uncover.
Photos by Jackie Sheckler Finch
Cover photograph courtesy of MSC Cruises
See sailings right here: All MSC Cruises (cruisecompete.com)