MSC Cruise Blog: Exploring the Caribbean & Destination Wedding Inspiration
Miami Departures: Getting to the Port
Flying into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) provided the most direct route from Calgary to the Miami cruise terminal. The 5.5-hour flight was relatively easy and uneventful; we kept our little ones busy with activity books, games, and puzzles, limiting screen time to just 30 minutes.
The "wild ride" begins once you land and navigate transportation to your hotel or the cruise port. You have several options:
Hotel Shuttles: Available for nearby airport hotels.
Uber/Lyft: Priced around $70 USD for the trip into Miami.
FlixBus: A budget-friendly $35 USD per person (best to pre-book).
Public Transport: Affordable, but can be tricky with luggage.
Pro-tip: We opted for an Uber to our hotel the night before embarkation. It was the quickest, least stressful route with "littles" in tow—just don’t forget those car seats!
The Cruise Embarkation Process
Embarking on an MSC Caribbean cruise was impressively quick. we arrived at the terminal around 10:00 AM via Uber. Traffic congests quickly as multiple cruise lines begin welcoming guests between 9:00 AM and noon.
Upon arrival, porters in white crew uniforms will tag your luggage for delivery to your cabin.
Note: Don’t worry about printing tags ahead of time; the staff prints official ones on-site to match your booking.
Once you drop your bags, you’re welcomed into the terminal with iced lemon water. The check-in desk is efficient: they print your tickets, take your Cruise ID photo, and clear you through security. Walking onto the ship feels like entering a floating city. The MSC World America dazzles with shiny railings, plush mocha carpets, and the signature Swarovski crystal chandeliers in the grand lobby. The modern design helps funnel guest traffic, making the ship feel spacious even with a full house. We enjoyed a casual brunch at the buffet, and by 2:00 PM, our cabin was ready!
Pro-tip: Carry hand sanitizer everywhere! I also recommend bringing a small medical kit for colds or motion sickness. Ships are wonderful, but germs can spread quickly in shared spaces.
The MSC World America: A Wedding Photographer’s Dream
The MSC World America is a brand-new masterpiece. This massive vessel accommodates 6,762 passengers and features 13 dining venues, 6 pools, and 14 whirlpools. For couples planning a destination wedding at sea, the backdrop is unmatched.
Each evening, we attended family-friendly performances ranging from acrobatics to illusionists. They were incredibly interactive!
Booking Tip: Use the MSC for Me app to schedule your shows as soon as you board, as they book up fast.
Our cabin featured a king-sized bed, a bunk setup for our daughters, and a spacious balcony with stunning ocean views. Our room attendant, Vincent, was a lifesaver, I wish I could bring him home to help with chores!
Pro-tip: Participate in the "Cruise Duck" tradition by bringing small ducks to hide or exchange with fellow passengers! Also, pack earplugs if your cabin is near the upper decks to ensure a quiet night during late-night deck parties.
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Our first stop was the historic town of San Felipe de Puerto Plata. Located on the northern coast, this city is famous for its 16th-century Spanish architecture and vibrant Victorian buildings.
The city center is a leisurely 15-minute walk from the terminal. We visited:
The Cathedral of St. Philip the Apostle
Independence Park
Umbrella Street (A must-visit for photos!)
Accessibility Note: The historical district can be challenging for strollers or mobility aids. Also, be prepared to walk through "Monkey Island" at the port. It’s a beautiful pool area, but you will encounter many tour guides with excursion sales pitches. We explored the city in the morning and hit the port pools in the afternoon with a fresh $7 USD coconut in hand.
Pro-tip: Bring Ziploc bags to pack snacks from the ship for your shore excursions, and always carry extra water.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Next, we arrived in San Juan, a city defined by colorful Spanish architecture and cobblestone streets. While you could spend days here, we enjoyed two separate walks through the Old San Juan district.
For those looking for curated experiences, MSC Excursions offers:
Cocoa Farm Tours: Visit female-owned gems like CaféLab.
Nature Hikes: Discover hidden waterfalls.
Rum & Cigars: Fun fact - 80% of the rum in the USA is imported from Puerto Rico!
As foodies, we had to stop at Cafetería Mallorca for their signature Mallorca (a sweet bread) with vanilla custard for about $4 USD. It was the perfect air-conditioned escape from the Caribbean humidity.
Pro-tip: If you’re nervous about the Kids’ Club, don’t be! Our girls loved it. It gave my husband and me a few hours to explore the ship's adult amenities while the kids learned about the ship’s navigation and met the Captain.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve,
The Bahamas
After two relaxing days at sea, we reached Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island. This isn't just a beach; it’s a marine rehabilitation project. MSC has invested over $200 million to restore the coral and local ecosystem.
The water is crystal clear, and the breeze is heavenly. We spent the entire day on the shore, no regrets, just "toasted buns." Only regret that I have, is that I didn’t have a gorgeous couple to match the gorgeous sunset for a photoshoot.
For Couples: Ocean Cay features a stunning wedding pavilion. If you are looking to tie the knot with a sunset backdrop, this is the ultimate cruise wedding destination.
Pro-tip: Do not collect seashells; security will confiscate them to protect the marine environment. Also, please use reef-safe, bio-friendly sunscreen to help prevent coral bleaching.
Disembarkation & Final Thoughts
To ensure a stress-free end to your trip, pre-book your airport shuttle at the MSC front desk the day before you leave. For $35 USD per person, a coach bus drops you directly at your terminal at FLL or Miami International. Keeping your luggage with you (express walk-off) also speeds up the process significantly.
Are you dreaming of a Caribbean getaway or planning a destination cruise wedding? I would love to capture your journey or help you plan the perfect itinerary. Let me know, I’m always ready to explore!
Bonus Photos from the dventures
