Cruise Control: From Brooklyn Bridge Heights to Bahama Nights

Hey y’all! Welcome to my cruise recap aboard the MSC Meraviglia, where the waves and expectations were high, the decor was a vibe, and where Europe meets the Caribbean. In case you missed it, this trip set sail from Brooklyn, New York, and made its way to Miami, Ocean Cay (MSC’s private island), and The Bahamas—a journey full of sun, sea, and fun-filled excursions.

Aerial view of MSC Meraviglia docked at Ocean Cay, surrounded by the stunning turquoise waters of the Bahamas.

Bon Voyage from Brooklyn

Let’s start from the top. I didn’t even know there was an option for cruise ships to leave from Brooklyn, but MSC came through with the unexpected. As a fellow New Yorker, now living in Maryland, it was an easy 4 hour or so drive. I actually arrived two days prior to spend time with my 95-year-old grandmother who lives in the Bronx, and since she was less than 45-minutes away from the port, I thought it was the perfect pitstop.

I considered leaving my car in the Bronx and taking an Uber. However, if you know anything about New York street parking, you would know that I would have returned to a barrage of parking tickets. Hindsight being 20/20, the tickets may have been cheaper than the onsite parking, as parking at the port was just shy of $400! Let's just say...the trip started off with a BANG.

Checking In and First Impressions

Barring the parking price hike, I arrived at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal ready to be overwhelmed. Check-in was surprisingly smooth and digitally streamlined. Security was similar to airport TSA but way less stressful. No shoes off, no pulling out liquids—just place your bags on the belt, walk through the scanner, and you’re done. Everyone was friendly, and I appreciated that even though the terminal was busy, the lines moved quickly.

What I loved:

• Luggage handlers waiting in the drop-off lot—which it a breeze to check-in.

• No airport-level chaos: just cruise-level calm

🧳 Cruise Girlie Hack: Take a carry-on with your essentials, bathing suit, and meds—your checked luggage may take a few hours to reach your stateroom.

Quick Tour of This Floating City

At first glance, this ship was giving full-on chic luxury. From the sleek interiors to the ambient lighting, you'd almost assume it was an adults-only experience. But let me clear that up right now — it wasn’t. While the vibe was elevated and modern, it was absolutely designed for families too. Whether you're traveling with kids, a partner, or solo, there was something for everyone.

A stunning view of the MSC Meraviglia's promenade, featuring an elegantly designed glass ceiling with intricate stained glass patterns, creating a vibrant and luxurious atmosphere.

One of my favorite areas was the promenade — a stylish indoor "street" lined with shops and restaurants. The ceiling reminded me of a stained-glass sky, constantly shifting and displaying vibrant images and colors. It felt like walking through an upscale mall, but on water. You'll find plenty of shops offering souvenirs and essentials. But don't be surprised at the premium prices — you’re on a ship, after all.

Dining: What’s Included vs. What’s Extra

This cruise is not fully all-inclusive when it comes to food. Here's how it breaks down:

• Main Dining Rooms (like The Wave and Panorama): Complimentary and open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• Specialty Restaurants (Ocean Caye, Hola Tacos, Kaito Teppanyaki, Butcher’s Cut, and more): Extra charge applies.

Lamb chops and potatoes at Waves Restaurant

Wild Clams in a Garlic White White Sauce

Quick fish bites at Hola Tacos!

I ate at Ocean Cay, a seafood restaurant where the bill came to $127.44 for drinks, an appetizer, and an entrée for two people. Was the food seasoned like American-style seafood? Not quite — but still tasty. Keep in mind, cruise cuisine often caters to an international audience. Over at Hola Tacos, I kept it simple: quesadilla, guacamole, salad, queso, and fish tacos for $42.46. Not bad! This was my favorite restaurant aboard the ship.

As a picky eater and savvy spender, I mostly stuck to the main dining rooms. Breakfast was my comfort zone: grits, boiled eggs, bacon, toast, sausage, hash browns — and they also offered omelets, pancakes, and more. For lunch and dinner, I had everything from soups and salads to lamb chops and pasta. The variety made the free dining options perfect for quick bites. I also managed to score room service which is included with the Fantastica experience. I heard that if you're in the Bella tier, it's an extra charge, and that anything Fantastica and above gas room service available for you to enjoy.

Stateroom Experience: Fantastica Balcony Suite

Speaking of rooms and room service , I booked the Fantastica experience, which came with:

• A stateroom balcony suite (perfect for morning devotionals and me-time).

• 24-hour room service.

• The ability to choose my room and request early dining.

• A discounted drink package.

This tier is a happy medium between Bella (more budget-friendly, no balcony, room assigned close to departure) and Aurea or Yacht Club, which offer more upscale amenities.

Spacious balcony room on the MSC Fantastica Experience, featuring a plush king-size bed and a stunning sea view from the private balcony.

Spa, Fitness & Foot Fixes

While we are on the topic of amenities, one thing you should know about e is that I always visit the spa on vacation, and this trip was no exception. I booked a couples massage at a discounted rate of $154 per person, plus a mani-pedi for my guest (around $85). Was it my all-time favorite spa experience ever? No. But was it worth it? Absolutely.

Though I didn’t hit the gym much, I did get custom insoles molded to my feet due to some flat-foot issues. Definitely a helpful service — even if it wasn’t free. These are two places I suggest you become acqunated with before you leave the ship.

Pools, Weather & Lounging

Sailing during Thanksgiving week, we left chilly New York behind and entered warm, breezy weather. I spent most of my time by the main pool, watching football on the giant Jumbotron. They also had an indoor pool, which kids flocked to early in the trip before the weather warmed up. There was even a kids’ water park located on the opposite side of the ship where you would find the adults-only area — a smart and thoughtful layout. Whether you’re a parent, a kid-at-heart, or just need a break from the crowd, there’s a spot for you somewhere.

For peace and quiet, head to the Horizon adults-only section — a beautiful multi-level retreat with loungers and a bar. Heads up: when it comes to the bar, if one person in your room gets a drink package, the other person must too. That ran us $576 each. So yes, over $1,000 just for drinks — and at that point, I was like, drinks over dinner, I'll definitely have another!

Activities: Non-Stop Fun for All Ages

This ship was alive. Everywhere you turned, there was something happening:

• Live music

• Salsa lessons

• Mixology demos

• Theme nights

• The Arcade, Bowling Alley and the Indoor Basketball Court

  
  

Miami Everglades Adventure – Gators, Airboats & A Whole Lot of Laughs

Although the activities onboard seemed endless, nothing could compare to gettinfg off the boat to try out a few different excursions. Our first big stop was in sunny Miami, and while we could’ve opted for the classic celebrity house tour or strolled through iconic neighborhoods, we chose something… a little wilder.

We went to an alligator sanctuary in the Everglades! I know, I know — I always say I’m not really into animals (I don’t even have pets!), but I somehow end up interacting with animals on every trip I take. Maybe it's my inner animal whisperer?

We took an Everglades airboat tour, and yes, I even ate alligator bites with fries before seeing the live ones. Don’t judge me — this is a no-judgment zone? The airboat ride was thrilling — zipping over shallow waters with the chance of spotting gators at any moment. We didn't see any at first, but just when we were about to give up, a fellow boat operator pointed us in the right direction. Boom! Gator sighting.

Lush greenery and vibrant aquatic plants thrive in the tranquil waters of the Florida Everglades, captured during a scenic tour in Miami.

We also caught a live alligator show, where the trainer got way too close for comfort — chin-on-the-gator’s-mouth kind of close. I was both horrified and completely entertained. The sanctuary also had albino gators and other animals (some of which I still don’t know why they were there). As terrified as I am of these powerful reptiles, I decided to step outside the box to have a one-on-one photo opp with a baby alligator. (It's crossed off the list, and I don't need to do it agaon, LOL.)

Miami Vibes – Seafood, Day Drinks & Beachside Wandering

After our gator rendezvous, we had some time to explore Miami’s boardwalk area. Despite traveling the world, I’ve never really experienced Miami — just layovers or overnight stays before cruises. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch, and as always, I went straight for the seafood. Seafood, Spanish, and Italian food? Always a yes from me. I even squeezed in some day drinking, because why not? It’s vacation.

Now y’all tell me — am I too old (in my 30s) to go to the club in Miami? I still got it... but I need opinions!

A stunning aerial view of Miami Beach showcasing the iconic palm-lined shoreline and modern architectural buildings under a clear blue sky.

Ocean Cay – MSC’s Private Paradise in The Bahamas

Next stop: Ocean Cay, MSC’s very own private island in The Bahamas. We literally spent the entire day here, from sunrise to well past sunset — and let me tell you, it was a fun-filled, yet relaxing.

We kicked things off with jet skiing, and next, we went kayaking — my second time ever (shoutout to my first attempt in Costa Rica). I’m glad I gave it another try because the waters at Ocean Cay were calm and perfect for a day out on the water.

There is a buffet on the island, and although the buffet line was long — it moved fast! I’m a picky eater, and even I found plenty to enjoy. They had a mix of bars, beach huts, food trucks, and shaded areas to relax. I could’ve stayed there all day with my drink, just watching the sun set.

At night, the lighthouse light show was a head turner for most. You could watch the show from ship or with your feet dipped in the sand. --Pro Tip: MSC doesn’t allow drones, so don’t try it. (Yes, I got told real quick to put mine away.) Still, the experience was amazing.

Nassau, Bahamas – Snorkeling, History & Celebrity Mansions

Our final stop was Nassau, and we booked a private island excursion that included snorkeling, a scenic boat ride, and beach time. On the way to Sun Cay, we passed Atlantis, Oprah’s house, Michael Jordan’s estate, and other celebrity homes. I love a good tour with bonus trivia and local history, and our guides delivered!

Final Thoughts

Overall, this cruise was a beautiful blend of modern luxury and family-friendly energy. From the spa and specialty dining to splash zones and salsa nights, there truly was something for everyone. While the extra costs for drinks, specialty meals, and shopping added up, the experience itself was full, vibrant, and worth every penny.

Would I go again? I would — but next time, I’ll probably skip the drink package and parking and spend that extra money elsewhere.