MSC GRANDIOSA - March 28, 2026

 MSC Grandiosa - March 28 - April 4, 2026

This is a Family Spring Break sailing on the MSC Grandiosa, one of my favorite ships.  Myself, DW, DD, SIL, and 7-yr old Granddaughter (her 2nd cruise).  This is my third cruise on The Grandiosa, my 34th cruise on MSC, and my 233rd cruise overall. 

Just the Facts

Ship:  MSC Grandiosa (2019) - 181,500 tons - 6300 pax

Captain: Danilo Cha (Italy)  /  Hotel Director: Anthony Bandini (USA)  /  Cruise Director: Jose Ventura (DR)

Ports: Port Canaveral, FL  - 

Nassau, Bahamas - Ocean Cay, Bahamas, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Day 1 - Saturday, March 28, 2026  -   Embarkation - Port Canaveral, Florida 

We woke early, finished packing, and we were on our way, picking up the kids at about 7:30 a.m. for our 2+ hour drive to Merritt Island, Florida. We parked at Park-N-Cruise, my favorite parking lot, arriving around 10:15 a.m.  They were loading the first bus, and my karma has been perfect this morning, so we took the second bus, allowing time to potty.  We arrived at the port, went through security, and checked in at the Yacht Club for boarding. Within a few minutes, we were on my way and were actually among the first groups on the ship.  The first stop was the Bistro on deck six, where you can make reservations for specialty dining.  I didn’t purchase any dining packages this time, but booked the Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse for our complimentary Diamond dinners. We then dropped our luggage in our Cabins on deck 9, then went to the Purple Crab MDR on Deck 5 for a nice, quiet luncheon.  Everyone was relaxed, and there were few guests in the MDR.  Everyone had something different. I ordered the Cobb Salad, Steak Frites, and a Sundae.  All very good and the waiters were very attentive to all of us, especially Lily-Rose. While on deck 5, DW and I went to the Excursion Desk to find out what our Cabana assignment would be on Ocean Cay.  Cabana 22, not the best location, but far from the worst.   We then joined the others at the Infiniti Bar, DW and I had Hugo Spritzers, and saw my friend Mirela, the Beverage Manager (photo). Afterward, I returned to deck 6 for my Muster Station check-in.  My first-day must-do list was completed by 2:00 p.m., so it was time to relax and unpack in the cabin.  We relaxed and watched sail away from the cabin balcony, and our cabin attendant, Ari (Bali), made sure we had all we needed, including ice. Lily had a great day; she went swimming and enjoyed the hot tub, then checked into the children's area at about 6:00 p.m.  This allowed us to have an adult-time dinner at Il Campo Restaurant on deck six at about 6:30 p.m.  This is my first time eating in the MDR on embark day. I usually do one of the specialty restaurants’ first-day specials, so it's a new menu for me.  I ordered the Mozzarella-stuffed Meatball, a Shrimp Cocktail, and the Prime Rib entree served with Baked Potato, Broccoli, and Horseradish.  It was a good meal. Dessert was great, I had the Coconut Pistachio Dacquoise and the wonderful Pistachio & Almond ice cream, a delicious combination.  Service was good.  And I took two Cokes back to the cabin for a nightcap.  We were all tired after a very busy day, so we retired early.  I just hope the DD remembers to pick up her child :-)

Day 2 - Sunday, March 29, 2026  -   Nassau, Bahamas

Smooth seas with just enough rocking for a wonderful sleep.  I woke early and updated this blog.  We have a late arrival today and have ordered a light room-service breakfast to eat on the balcony.  A carafe of Hot Milk, Danish, and a fruit plate selection.  We were docked at about 10:00 a.m next to the Disney Dream, and Lily spotted both Mickey & Minnie taking a shortcut on the outer decks.  She was lucky to see them.  I discovered early that tonight was my favorite MDR menu, so I was able to change our steakhouse reservations to tomorrow… actually works better, as DD was able to book a Magic show for tonight.  I stayed aboard the ship to watch a softball game, while the others went ashore at noon.  At 1:15 p.m. I went up to deck 15 with my game on my laptop for Pizza and a Salad.  I enjoyed my usual Pepperoni and a slice of Hawaiian with a fresh green salad, one of my favorite go-to MSC meals (photo).  I also scored some Coke for the cabin.  I had a relaxing time in the cabin in the afternoon. The family had a good time in Nassau, and the DD & GrD returned with braids in their hair.  At about 6:45 p.m., the DW and I went to the Champagne Bar for cocktails.  The Hugo Spritzers, Elderflower Martinis, and bar service were excellent.  Lily went to the children's area this evening, and her parents joined us after their show.  It was a nice Happy Hour for us.  At about 7:45 p.m., we went next door to the Il Campo Restaurant for my favorite meal. They have great appetizers on the menu, and I ordered five: the Escargot (as good as the Bistro), the Seafood Newberg (with great scallops), the Beetroot Salad (as good as the steakhouse), the Broccoli/Cheese soup, and a Shrimp Cocktail.  My entrée was a Tenderloin Steak with Vegetables.  All was great, as was the service. After dinner, I retired to the cabin, and the others did a walkabout and picked up Lily.  It was a great day on the MSC Grandiosa.

Day 3 - Monday, March 30th, 2026  -   Ocean Caye Marine Reserve, Bahamas

Smooth seas overnight, and I slept well.  All of us went to breakfast this morning at Il Campo at about 9:00 a.m.  I ordered two entrees: Eggs Benedict and French Toast with Bacon and Hash Browns.  Also Hot Milk, Danish, and Tomato Juice.  We took our time as it was raining as forecast.  It was a short rain, but it stayed windy all day.  We debarked at about 10:30 a.m and walked to Cabana 22, located on the south beach of the lagoon.  The cabana has cushioned seating, four loungers, two floaties, and cold water.  The water here is beautiful, and Lily-Rose loves the beach.  At about 1:00 p.m., the DW and I stood in the very long line for the Island Buffet. I had the Plantains, Jerk Chicken, BBQ Ribs, Chicken Empanada, Slaw, Bahamian Bread, Pasta Salad, Sliced Mango, and Pineapple (I had two plates).  It was just OK; it was not worth the wait in line.  Food trucks would have been a better choice.  Wind and scavenging birds didn’t help the atmosphere.  We returned to the Cabana and, at about 3:30, began heading back to the ship.  A Yacht Club Cart picked us up (just to fill itself), so we were back on board by 4:00 p.m. Ari had the cabin looking good, but I know we still had sand we couldn't get off before boarding.  Champagne and Macaroons were delivered, so a sweet dessert along with a Coca-Cola while resting.  At about 7:00 p.m., the DW and I went up to the Sky Bar for cocktails, some Jazz, and the sunset.  It was nice.  This is 70’s night, and many guests were dressed in 70’s clothes, especially hippies, including the DD and GrD. We all ate at the Butcher’s Cut this evening.  We all ordered different items. I had a variation of my usual: Beetroot & Burrata salad, a Shrimp Cocktail, a Lobster tail entree, and the DW’s Filet Mignon.  Excellent food and great service by Edys tonight.  After dinner, we retired after a busy day and evening.  

Day 4 - Tuesday, March 30, 2026  -   Day at Sea

Smooth seas overnight, and I was up early, but had had a full night's sleep.  Room service of Hot Milk and pastries this morning after a late evening meal.  The girls came over to play, then at about 11:30 a.m., we all went to the Sea Day Brunch on deck 6.  I had French Toast dipping sticks & Bacon from the children’s menu and a wonderful Cheeseburger with Fries.  The burger was excellent with beef, brisket, bacon, fried onion, tomato, pickle, and lettuce.  The Carnival Magic cruise ship sailed past us, offering a lovely view from the MDR.  We had a lazy day but did a walkabout, I think my first day on deck 19.  Too windy for many outdoor activities today.  Spend some time in the Sky Bar in the afternoon, watching guests on the pool deck below lose hats and towels to the wind.  Interesting new activity.  At about 6:30 p.m we went to the Sky Bar on deck 18 for sunset and cocktails.  The Solo entertainer whom I saw on a previous cruise performed two sets, which was a refreshing break from the Jazz groups.  At about 8:00 p.m., we all collected Lily-Rose from the children's area on deck 18 aft and went to the Il Campo Restaurant on deck six for our Gala Night dinner.  The MDR was packed for Gala Night, even though it was late; Europeans do eat late. IMHO, it’s the second-best menu of the cruise. I ordered a Caesar salad, two Shrimp Cocktails, the Filet Mignon entree, and double pistachio ice cream for dessert.  We were actually lucky to get a table in a corner adjacent to the glass wall to the cooking area.  It could be considered the Best or the Worst table, depending on the criteria.   We could stand and watch all the chefs working in the Kitchen, a very interesting and fascinating view.  The coordination is amazing, you can see the waiters on the left side.  The food was very good, as was the service.  I retired to the cabin and went to bed straight away.  Both a relaxing and tiring day on the MSC Grandiosa.

Day 5 - Wednesday, April 1st, 2026  -   Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Choppy Seas overnight, and I slept very well.  I had room service again this morning, delivered at about 8:15 a.m., very convenient.  Our arrival was delayed from the scheduled 10:00 a.m. due to the winds.  As soon as a Tug arrived, it continued.  There are two large ships following us into port, too.  The girls came over to play again, so it’s a lazy morning, and the DW and I are planning to stay on board the ship anyway.  At about 12:30 p.m., we went up to the Marketplace for lunch.  Salad and Pizza again, but I tried some other items; the fried perch was very good.  We did an afternoon walkabout and discovered a new quiet place that we will use on the next two sea days home.  We spent time on the balcony as the wind was blocked and the weather was very pleasant out of the sun and wind, with a great view of the Fortaleza de San Felipe fortifications at the harbor entrance (photo).  Afterward, I updated this blog and followed some news on Spectrum on the laptop.  The kids spent the day at the Taiano Bay waterpark, and then stopped by our cabin for sailaway. They are doing the MDR tonight, but the Caribbean Menu is my least favorite, so we did the Marketplace Buffet.  They had a really nice Pork Loin on the Carving Station, and the Pistashio Cream Puffs were also fantastic.  We retired early and had some TV time before retiring.  

Day 6 - Thursday, April 2nd, 2026  -   Day at Sea

Rolling seas overnight, and I slept well.  I enjoyed my room-service breakfast and updated this blog.  At 11:00 a.m., the DW and I went to the Blue-Diamond gathering in the Champagne Bar.  It was good seeing all the Ship officers, most for the 2nd or 3rd time. There were about 14 guests, so more Crew and  Officers than guests.  It was nice with light snacks and complimentary drinks.  The Il Campo Restaurant, located next door, opened at noon, so we had a great window table for lunch.  I ordered a specialty Salad and a Hamburger & French Fries since the Brunch Hamburger was so good.  This one was a bit different, but also very good.  I did ask for mustard, catsup, and mayo to add to the burger.  After lunch, we did a walkabout the ship before returning to the cabin and balcony time.  At 5:00 p.m., we went to the Carosel Stage on deck 7 aft for the Diamond Party hosted by the Cruise Director Jose.  They had the Hotel Director and junior Staff officers, as well as a solo entertainer from Oklahoma and an aerialist from a production show.   We then went up to the Sky Lounge for cocktails, all dressed in white.  The group went to dinner and ship activities, including all of the White Night fun.  I went to the buffet and got Pizza slices for the cabin as I was watching/streaming the Oklahoma vs. Kentucky Softball game at 7:30 p.m.  The game went fast as the Sooners won by run rule in 5 innings.  DW returned, and they all enjoyed the White Night activities, and Lily had her face painted as well.  It was a great day on the MSC Grandiosa.

Day 7 - Friday, April 3rd, 2026  -   Day at Sea

Rolling seas overnight, and I slept well.  I enjoyed my last room-service breakfast of this cruise this morning.  Lily came over to our cabin this morning to play while the DW packed early. We then went to lunch at the Marketplace at about noon.  I had some Pork Belly and BBQ Short Ribs, and they were very good.  The food from the Marketplace has been very good, and of course, the Pizza is the best at sea.  The girls went duck hunting, and I went to the Futures Cruise area to get two open (no sailing picked) certificates.  Actually, the girls came by while on their duck hunt and had found several.  I returned to the cabin to watch/stream today’s OU v. KY Softball Game, which began at 2:00 p.m. Ari had cleaned the cabin, and I requested extra ice for the Coca-Cola I had stocked for the game.  The Sooner again won by run-rule in 5, so another quick game.  I updated this blog, then had balcony time the rest of the afternoon.

MSC World America - March 14, 2036

MSC World America - March 14, 2036

Just the Facts

Ship:  MSC’s flagship, the MSC World America - 216,000 gross tons - 6700+ pax capacity

Captain: Sebastiano Chrisam (Italy) — Hotel Director: Jamie Petts (UK) — Cruise Director: Everson Beville (USA)

Ports:  Miami, FL, USA - Isla Roatan, Honduras - Costa Maya, Mexico - Cozumel, Mexico - Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas.

I’m cruising as a solo, and I have good friends (Snoozemates) on this sailing.  This is my 4th cruise on the MSC World America, having sailed three times last year.  Also, my 33rd MSC cruise, and my 232nd cruise overall. 

Day 1 - Saturday, March 14th - Miami, Florida - Embarkation Day

I met my regular driver at about 5:00 a.m. for the trip to TPA and the flight to Miami.  It was busy, but timing was good for my 7:00 a.m. flight.  After arriving, I checked into the MSC Cruise shuttle area and discovered that they no longer have a 9:45 a.m. shuttle, and I’d be on the 10:45 a.m. shuttle, so I had some time to wait.  For the first time ever, I went to a Starbucks, as it was convenient.  I had a very nice breakfast sandwich and a custom Mango Lemonade.  It was very good.  Once our bus arrived, we loaded, and the ride to the new MSC terminal was shorter than expected.  All facial recognition is now at both check-in and boarding.  Our timing was good, as the early arrivals were basically on, so I was able to proceed directly to the ship.  I was in my cabin by 11:45 a.m.  Amazing.  I dropped my bag and backpack, and with my cabin keycard, went straight to muster station C.  Here, I had my first surprise, as the attendant said: “I know you, I read your Blog”.  It was Itallo, who works in the Futures Department, that I met on the MSC Seashore last April.  I then did a walkabout, ending up at Paxos Greek Restaurant, where they let me order a Seaday Lunch special ($20) and the Ouzo/Cherry cocktail I enjoy.  So much easier than going to the packed embarkation buffet.  Eventually, all my friends ended up there as well.  Made it easy for me, and the food was good.  A couple of us went down to the Sports Bar, a popular spot on Saturdays, where I ordered a beer.  Later, a bartender recognized me and prepared two Elderflower martinis for me.  He knew my favorite cocktail on this ship.  It made me feel special.  Thank you, MSC.  Cabins were ready for guests at 2:00 p.m., so I returned to my cabin on deck 5 to watch my OU Sooners Softball team's 3:00 game.  My cabin is a Studio Cabin for solo guests and is very nice and larger than solo cabins on other cruise lines.  It has a nice, large porthole that I used to watch the various huge cruise ships sail past as they left Miami this afternoon.  After 5:00 p.m. I went to the Masters of the Sea pub to meet the group for cocktails before dinner.  They didn’t have Elderflower (No Mirella), so I had a Pilsner Urquell, one of my favorite beers.  At 6:00 p.m., we moved over to Hola’s Tacos and our birthday celebration for Don, one of the original Snoozemates (photo).  I ordered my favorites, and the guys pretty much ordered the exact same… so it was great:  Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, Queso Fundido, four different Street Tacos, and Flan for dessert.  The Mango-ritas were also very good, as was the service.  After dinner, I retired to the cabin, as it had been a very long day for me, and I enjoyed the nighttime view of a cruise ship sailing alongside us.  A great embarkation day and seeing good friends today.

Day 2 - Sunday, March 15th - Day at Sea

I slept very well and all through the night.  We set our clocks back one hour, so I was updating this blog at about 7:30 a.m. ship time…it’s usually in the middle of the night.  I had an easy morning, then at about 10:30 a.m., went to the Hexigon MDR for the Seaday Brunch.  This menu is perfect since I have an early assigned dining time of 5:00 p.m. this week.  I can just eat twice.  I had a hearty breakfast: Bloody Mary, small Filet Steak, two Fried Eggs, Potato wedges, French Toast, Bacon, and Hot Milk.  It was all very good.  I then did a walkabout, seeing some old crew friends and meeting new ones.  At about noon, I went up to the empty Gin Project Bar on deck 8 to stream my Oklahoma Sooners Softball Game at a nice booth table with a view of the sea.  The WiFi was great there, as was the game.  It’s been a beautiful day, and guests are having a great time, as usual, with a very large number of European and South American guests who love sailing on the MSC.  I went to the Masters of the Sea at 4:00 p.m. for cocktails, and most of the group showed up.  They did have a bottle of St. Germaine so that we could enjoy elderflower martinis.  Dinner was at 5:00 p.m. at the LaFoglia Restaurant. Not keen about the location, but it was the best MDR menu of the cruise on this Gala Night.  I ordered:  Two Shrimp Cocktails, the Filet Mignon & the Lobster entrees, and dessert.  It was very good.  They didn’t charge me for a second entree; sometimes they do, but usually not.  Afterward, I did a walkabout around the ship, which was very busy tonight with a lot of activities.  I scored some Coca-Cola for the cabin and retired early.  I enjoyed my cabin and the rolling seas this evening.  A great day on the MSC World America.  

Day 3 - Monday, March 16th - Roatan Island, Honduras

Nice rolling seas, and I slept very well.  We were docked at about 9:00 a.m., but I went to the MDR for breakfast before it closed at 9:00. I ordered both the American Plate & the Mediterranean Bowl, as I intended to skip lunch today.  They were good, with a good mix of items.  I booked my airport shuttle at the Excursion Desk and had an easy morning, updating this blog and checking the Markets on this Monday.  I met some of the gang up on deck 18 aft at the adult-only pool area, important on this spring break cruise.  There are many children on this cruise, but I have seen worse.  At about 1:00, I met my bud Mike, and we walked into town and stopped at our favorite place, a no-name dive bar located on the water.  The bartender recognized us and got our favorite table ready on the outer deck.  It was a truly hopping place today.  Lots of locals and a few tourists, and the sea breeze was ideal.  We have Salva Vita beers, and soon a local came by and took orders for a lunch plate of local items ($8), and I ordered one.  After another round of Salva Vita, he returned with a box lunch of Rice & Beans, Sliced Potatoes, Broccoli & Carrots, and two pieces of chicken, which were very flavorful (but not over-seasoned like the jerk style).  A perfect and unexpected lunch option.  I may come too often as locals now recognize me.  Fun and rather loud time.  I soon bailed and was back on the ship at about 3:00 p.m.  I met the group at the All-Star Sports Bar at 4:00 for a Coca-Cola, but I passed on the 5:00 p.m. dinner, just too early for me. I did a walkabout and took some Cokes back to the cabin, and booked some dinners and events for the rest of the week.  I suggest doing that on embarkation day if possible.  I had made reservations for a production show this evening, but passed on that as well. It’s going to be a streaming movie night in the cabin for me.  Another great day on the MSC World America.

Day 4 - Tuesday, March 17th - Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico 

Some rough seas early, and I heard music for the first time; it may have been the secret Speakeasy, but I slept well.  I was up early enough to see the sunrise, too; it was nice.  I plan to stay on board the ship today, the ships are so large now that the port can’t handle the number of guests.  Of course, this port is becoming an exclusive Royal Caribbean port in the future, so no incentive to improve or change anything at this time. I went to the MDR for breakfast early and sat with Mike, who wasn’t planned; we just arrived at the same time.  I had a Fruit Plate, Eggs Benedict, Hash Browns, an order of Bacon, and Hot Milk with Danish.  A nice meal.  Afterward, I met the group at the aft pool on Deck 18 for Mimosas and Bloody Mary cocktails.  Nice view of the other four ships here today and good company.  I returned to the cabin about noon to cool off and prepare for my lunch at Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse at 1:30 p.m.  It was another great meal. I ordered my usual:  Burrata Cheese & Beetroot, a Shrimp Cocktail, the Fillet Mignon with Onion Rings & Baked Potato.  My waiter, Kesuma from Bali, was very good, and I will see his wife, Mulasari, next week (3/28) on the MSC Grandiosa.  At 6:00 p.m., four of us attended the Blue Diamond Gathering in the Champagne Lounge, where most Senior Ship Officers attended; we were served nice Hors D’oeuvres, selected Beverages, and entertainment by Josh, one of the solo entertainers.  It was a nice event, and it was rare for me to have old friends attend.  We stayed after the event to visit before I retired for the evening.  Lots of St. Patrick's events on the ship, but I’ve done my share of those.  My cabin attendant, Tashia from Mauritius, refilled my ice this evening, so I could enjoy a Diet Coke while updating my blog and reviewing today's news online.  It was a nice stay-on-the-ship day on the MSC World America.

Day 5 - Wednesday, March 18th - San Miguel, Cozumel, Mexico 

Smooth seas overnight, and I slept well.  I was up early, so I went to the MDR just after they opened at about 7:30 a.m., and was soon joined by Mike.  I had my Hot Milk and Danish straightaway, then Eggs Benedict with Bacon, Potatoes, and a fruit bowl.  We began docking at Puerto Langosta during breakfast, so it’s easy to access the town today.  I debarked and began walking into town just before 10:00 a.m., slow and steady, to Woody’s Bar and Grill.  Within 20 minutes, all the Snoozers were there.  All enjoyed their delicious Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, & Chips.  The weather was overcast and breezy, so it was ideal.  We enjoyed the food, drinks, and live music for a few hours, then we all began our return to the ship by taxi or on foot.  I went by the Church for a short while, then found my friend Nelly’s new place, although I didn’t get to see her.  I took my time returning to the ship and arrived back before 3:00 p.m.  Short visit, no haircut or pedicure today.  I rested until I went down to the Dolce Vita Bar on deck 6 for cocktails.  Tonight is one of my favorite menu nights on MSC. I call it Appetizer Night as I ordered five: Escargots, Seafood Newburg, Beetroot Salad, Broccoli Cheddar Soup, & Shrimp Cocktail.  All fantastic!  My entree was the Beef Tenderloin with Vegetables and Horseradish as requested.  A great meal.  I returned to the cabin to watch/stream the Oklahoma softball game vs. the University of Memphis. I missed the first inning, but watched the rest, a 15-0 run-rule victory for the Sooners.  Tashia asked about ice, and I enjoyed some Diet Coke before retiring.  It was another great day on the MSC World America.  

Day 6 - Thursday, March 19th - Day at Sea

Mixed seas overnight, really rolling early, and I slept very well and had the latest wake-up after 9:00 a.m. Setting the clocks forward an hour attributed to that.  I went to the buffet for the first time for a light breakfast, then hung out in the aft viewing area and drank a Coca-Cola.  I was relaxing in the cabin and noticed how close we were sailing to Cuba.  MSC has always sailed closer than other cruise lines, but today I could easily see the beaches, buildings, and lighthouses.  At 1:30 p.m. I met friends at Butcher's Cut Steakhouse, and we had a nice 4-top out on the promenade deck.  I ordered the exact same items as I did on Tuesday.  The steak was very good, and the onion rings were much better.  I had cabin time the rest of the afternoon.  At 7:00 p.m. I met the group in Masters of the Sea for late cocktails (late for us older geezers).  They began the White Party on deck 6 at about 8:00ish.  I love how the crew participates. Being on Deck 7, I had a nice view of it all.  I did go to Paxo’s to make a reservation for tomorrow night. When returning, I had a different view of the White party from deck 8.  By this time, they had the entire deck 6 area covered with dancers.  The majority of guests were dressed in white, too.  I watched for a while, then retired to the cabin to update this blog and relax.  It was a rewarding and fun sea day on the MSC World America.

Day 7- Friday, March 20th - Ocean Cay Marine Reserve,  the Bahamas

Rolling seas overnight, and I slept well.  The thrusters woke me at about 7:30 a.m. when we were preparing to dock, so I decided to go to the MDR for breakfast. I ordered the Eggs Benedict, Bacon, Hash Browns, and a Fruit Plate.  It was good.  I had cabin time until meeting the gang at the aft pool area on deck 18.  It’s a windy day, but the sun feels good, and the water looks beautiful.  I had my first Pizza of the cruise just after noon, it’s always been great… still is.  I had a wee nap in the cabin this afternoon.  At 4:00 p.m., the group met at the All-Star Sportsbar for drinks.  We had a good time, and fortunately for me, they were skipping dinner at 5:00 p.m., so we had time for a nice farewell party.  I had a reservation at Paxos Greek Restaurant at 6:30 p.m., just across the way, and Mike joined me for dinner.  As it was breezy, we chose to eat inside, and Adrian was a good waiter, but Vernelle, our previous waiter, made sure we were taken care of this evening.  Dinner was wonderful.  I ordered: the Watermelon and aged Feta Cheese Salad, the Moussaka, the Lamb Chop entree, and Karydopita for dessert.  All was amazingly good.  I also had the special Ainse & Cherry cocktail. We did have some musical entertainment, but no Greek Dancers. After dinner, I retired to the cabin to update this blog. My plan is to sleep first and pack early in the morning.  It was a great day on board the MSC World America.

Day 8 - Saturday, March 21st - Debarkation

I had trouble sleeping, so I just got up super early to shower and pack.  I was at the meet location for airport shuttles early, too, before 7:15 a.m.  We were through debark and TSA Customs quickly, then on the airport shuttle bus by 7:45 a.m.  It left just after 8:00 a.m. as scheduled.  I used my experience to be the first in the AA outside baggage area, then entered the terminal and the not-so-bad TSA security lines.  I was actually in the secure terminal just after 9:15 a.m.  Amazing, but my flight was delayed by an hour, so I won't board until 2:00ish this afternoon.  There is an earlier flight in a different terminal, and I don't want to go through security again.  I had a nice breakfast and updated this blog.  Unfortunately, my flight had further delays and three gate changes, making it an ordeal.  We didn’t get away until about 5:00 p.m., arriving at TPA in an hour, but TPA had Spring Break congestion, so delays getting the plane to the gate and then awaiting baggage.  I had never seen so many people at the airport.  My regular driver got me home at 7:15 p.m.  Long day, I could have driven it in half the time.  No more Miami for me.