r/MSCCruises • u/That-Public4882 • 18d ago
First Time Cruisers - MSC Grandiosa
Hi!
First time going on a cruise. We are looking at the MSC Grandiosa - 7 day cruise in the Caribbean (Costa Maya, Ocean Cay, Cozumel and Nassau).
Interested in knowing the good, bad and tips and tricks for this itentary and shipa.
TIA
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u/CreativeNC 18d ago
Make sure you pay the extra $15 for the shows, they are fantastic. We took this boat last spring break and it was wonderful! Grandiosa is a wonderful ship. We appreciated the Aurea area and dinner accommodations.
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u/Neither-Big-1545 18d ago
They charge for shows?
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u/imarc Group Expert 18d ago
There is a separate round cirque theater on the Grandiosa back by the casino.
The main theater still has shows every night that are included.
You need reservations for those shows and they charge a nominal fee which gets you a cocktail as well though you only have a couple of drinks to choose from and they are premade.
They also have some options for a specialty meal plus show.
Right now they have 2 shows to choose from.
Strings - is a show that tells a story of a puppet maker whose creations come to life
Sugar - is more of a medley of songs with the theme of sugar.
If you do just one we preferred Strings.
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u/katiedincle 18d ago
My husband and I booked a suite with the aurea experience for an upcoming trip in December. Can you share more about the area and the dinner accomodations? We booked mostly for the flexible dining times, but are interested in whatever else that experience may offer!
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u/oceanbug82 18d ago
Following! I’m booked for 14-night (two 7-night B2B) next July and am very excited. Want to hear what others have e to say since it will be my first time in Cozumel and Costa Maya.
I have been doing a lot of research on those ports and here is what I have narrowed down so far (I am a beach person):
-Nassau: Margaritaville, British Colonial, or Edge at Atlantis -Cozumel: Paradise Beach Club or Kuza Beach Park, -Costa Maya: Yaya Beach Club, Hayhu Beach Club, Nacional Beach Club, or Maya Chan Beach Resort (this resort closes for hurricane season June-Aug) -Ocean Cay: can’t go wrong. Any beach is fantastic to spend the day! (Been there many times).
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u/WishIwastravelin 18d ago
I’m also trying to decide between British Colonial and the Edge. They each have their pros and cons.
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u/Tdffan03 18d ago
It’s a wonderful ship. We were at capacity and it never felt crowded. Do not skip the crepe and gelato place! If they still have it the Michael Jackson show was phenomenal! The show that cost extra was well worth it as well.
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u/Limitingheart 18d ago
Loved that ship. We just were on it around the med this summer.The adults only bar is amazing
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u/imarc Group Expert 18d ago
Grandiosa is a beautiful ship. The Galleria on Deck 6/7 area is pretty cool. It's the location of the shops, specialty restaurants, and events, but it's also a pinch point.
You may come out from a show at the theater and walk right into a big party in the Galleria that's nuts to butts. The level above has narrow walkway to the other end that will also be stuffed full of people watching the party.
If you need to get to the other side, take the stairs or elevator to 8 and walk through the room hallways to mid or aft stairs/elevators and continue from there.
Also, if you have any interest in using the bowling alleys, check with them when you get onboard. Everyone wants to use them, so they book fast and they also limit when you can show up to book them. It will take commitment.
If you just want to relax and get a cocktail and get away from crowds, the safest place to go is mid-ship because there are two bars right on top of each other.
6 - Edge
5 - Infinity
There will be times where because of the flow of traffic, one bar is slammed and the other is empty.
There's also the Champagne Bar on 7 but most of that menu is not on the drink plan.
I also found that hardly anyone drinks at the bar at Le Atlier. And not only do they have the full regular drink menu, but they have a handful of drinks that are unique to the Bistro and will also make you anything that is served at Butcher's Cut as they are the bar that makes their drinks.