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Forecast
Thursday
January 4, 2024
Arrive at MIA or FLL airport and make your way to the Yotel Miami via public transport or uber/lift. Depending upon arrival time, check into your room, or call me at 856-261-2666 to drop your bags in my room.
A little about the hotel and the area:
Centrally located in the heart of Miami’s buzzy downtown scene and steps away from Biscayne Bay, YOTEL Miami is the perfect home base for taking in the city and sun. The hotel is minutes from Kaseya Arena, Port of Miami, Brickell City Centre and loads more. Take in the sights aboard the above ground Metro-mover, located next to the hotel, offering free public transportation throughout the immediate Downtown/Brickell area.
The hotel has 2 restaurant options:
VELA SKY - Soak in the atmosphere and city views while enjoying light bites and island-inspired cocktails. As the sun goes down, happy hour kicks in, transforming the vibe with upbeat music and local flavor. Located on the 12th floor, the rooftop boasts a covered pool deck, bar and urban oasis from sunrise to sunset (this is where I plan to be!)
VELA MIAMI - Taking inspiration from our local neighborhoods and diverse communities, our menu delivers an unexpected discovery of global flavors. Located on the ground floor, the restaurant and expansive bar feature breakfast followed by an all-day menu and brunch on the weekends.
There are many other restaurants and bars within walking distance as well. There is lots to do, so if you don't want to do more than shop on your own, please check out some fun things to do here. There are lots of food tours that run in the evening including Little Havana, South Beach & Miami Beach.
Friday
January 5, 2024
If you stay at the Yotel Miami, we will have shuttles running starting at 10:45am. There will be 2 sets of 2 shuttles, approximately 30 minutes apart. We will go to the port and board the ship with our group. If you aren't staying at the hotel, please plan on meeting us at the terminal between 11am & 12pm, or boarding at your assigned embarkation time.
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What to expect at the cruise ship terminal:
You will deliver your luggage to the designated staff, who will then have it sent to your cabin. All bags must be labeled beforehand with your name and surname, the name of the ship, the cabin number, and the date and port of departure (use luggage tags printed from your check-in paperwork). Your luggage will be delivered directly to the cabin. The expected delivery timeframe is from late afternoon through early evening. We recommend keeping any items needed for embarkation day and evening in your carry-on bag, including clothes you may want to change into (swim suits, etc) and any medications.
We will go to the embarkation area with all personal travel documents required for the cruise, and show staff the embarkation form on your cruise ticket or via the MSC for Me app (if available). Collect your Cruise Card and MSC wrist band (if available). Please note that check-in closes 2 hours prior to the ship's departure at all embarkation ports. It is essential to verify and ensure that all personal information shown on the embarkation form in your e-ticket is accurate before arriving at the port. You will need to present your embarkation form along with your passport (or any other acceptable form of identification -at your own risk) before boarding.
Proceed to the security control. Please note that staff may search you and/or your luggage and confiscate any articles that could represent a safety risk. Please see more details here.
Board the ship where staff will take your security picture, if you have not already done so via the MSC for Me app or web check-in. Then proceed to your cabin.
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Once On Board
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Now you can go to your cabin. Your Cruise card will serve as your cabin key, this magnetic card can also be used to pay for products and services onboard. If your cabin is not yet ready, you may begin your onboard purchases in the bars and restaurants by providing crew with your cabin number and full name
Activate your Cruise Card for onboard purchases. After embarking and collecting the Cruise Card from your stateroom, You should activate it for onboard purchases by self-registering your credit/debit/prepaid card at one of the Cruise Card Activation Points. You can do this independently, at any time from embarkation until 11:00pm the following day, at any of the Cruise Card Activation Points located around the ship. These new devices let you register your card simply, rapidly and securely. Please note that you will be asked to enter the PIN number. Alternatively, you can leave cash deposit at the Reception – Guest Service.
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Take part in the obligatory safety drill.​
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Whew, now that we are all on board, we are ready to have fun!!!
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I will do my best to post updates throughout the cruise on my Maria's 50th Birthday Cruise Facebook Page. If there is a bunch of us at a specific bar, etc. I will post. Please bookmark the page so it is easy to find. Also, I have created #Mariacruisecrew_50 if you want to tag your pictures for the group to share!
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We will have a group cocktail party tentatively planned for 7pm on the first night, prior to dinner (8:30pm). I will provide more info on this once finalized by the event coordinator. We will also have a group photo, tba.
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Saturday
January 6, 2024
Key West!
There are lots of things to see and do in Key West. I have outlined a pub crawl below. I have also noted some of the local attractions that are near by as well as famous eateries that are near by each pub crawl location as well. If you want to plan an excursion you can book one once on board, or check out some things to do here. You can always meet up with us when you are done! You should be able to go to the saved Google Map by clicking on the map (save it if you want to access it in Key West or you can access it through the facebook page).
Please keep in mind, the time we get off of the boat and the time we need to get back on the boat may vary from originally posted times. Make sure you are aware of what time you need to be back on board. There are those of us that video the people racing up the dock to frantically make (or not make) it to sail away.
Our current scheduled sail away time is 6 pm. We will likely have to be back on board by 5pm (or earlier, it will be announced on board before we disembark). The sunset is at 5:54pm, so it should be a beautiful sail away!!!
Bars
Attractions
Eateries
Sunday
January 7, 2024
I could tell you all about Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, but honestly MSC does it better... Click the map below to check it out. We are scheduled to be on Ocean Cay from 7am to 8pm. Hopefully we get to see the lighthouse light show either before or during sail away.
Monday
January 8, 2024
Disembarkation day and my actual 50th Birthday! Double check your paperwork to ensure your transfers or excursions are booked getting you to the MIA airport. If you are traveling to FLL or PBI you will need to get an Uber or have a shuttle service booked.
Instructions for Disembarkation will be provided by the ship the night before. If you are taking an excursion or transfer you may receive instructions on how to handle your luggage, etc. Please take note to instructions provided either through the app, through the television or notices put under your door.
Thank you all again for joining me for this epic celebration!
You may want to download the MSC & Me app for when we are on the ship and make sure you sign up for the MSC voyagers program (see info below).
Click the link below for information on
MSC Voyagers Club & Benefits & to Sign Up
(100 bonus points if you sign up more then 72 hours prior to sailing)
