Escape at Nonsuch Bay- Antigua
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Amenities
We had an incredible time at Escape at Nonsuch Bay! The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful throughout our stay, making us feel right at home. Our room was fantastic, offering a breathtaking view of the bay and a private pool that we absolutely loved. The food and drinks were amazing—each meal was a delight, and the cocktails were delicious.
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Activities
For those interested in exploring, the resort offers a range of exciting excursions at an additional charge. We had plenty of options for exploring nearby beaches, but our highlight was arranging a boat ride to Turtle Island through the front desk. It was a perfect 2-hour excursion where we enjoyed swimming and lounging on the secluded island.
For those looking for a beach with more amenities, a ~25 minute taxi ride to a local beach is a great option. Either way, you'll be greeted with the island's stunning clear-blue waters. If you prefer to unwind on property, you can easily spend your days sipping drinks by the pool and soaking up the sun.
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Trip Tips
A few tips for future guests: be sure to purchase bug repellent at the front desk, as mosquitoes can be quite active at night. Also, staff and taxi drivers appreciate tips, so keep that in mind. For dinner, the dress code is business casual—gentlemen, pack some button-down shirts, and ladies, bring along dresses or blouses. Also, we would recommend drinking bottled water when given the option. The resort does a fantastic job restocking the room refrigerator but you also ask for bottled water at the bar.
MSC MERAVIGLIA- CRUISE
8 Days - 7 Nights
New York - Cape Canaveral - Ocean Cay - Nassau - New York
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Arrival and Departure
We recently used a transportation service to get to and from the cruise port in Brooklyn, NY, and it was a fantastic decision. While there is a paid off-site parking option for those who choose to drive, hiring the transportation service made everything so much easier. They picked us up right from our house and dropped us off directly at the port entrance, making the entire process stress-free and seamless. Highly recommend this service for a hassle-free cruise experience!
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Amenities
The staterooms on the MSC Meraviglia were very comfortable and well-maintained. We stayed in a room with a balcony, which offered a beautiful view and added a nice touch of luxury to our experience. Take a look at that sunset!! The room featured a queen bed, a sofa for extra seating, and a bathroom with a shower. While the bathroom was compact, the shower was a bit small, it didn’t take away from the overall comfort of the space. The room was always kept spotless by the staff, who visited 2-3 times a day to ensure everything was perfect. It was a cozy, relaxing space to unwind after a day of activities.
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At Sea Activities
Entertainment: A vibrant array of shows at the theater, including Broadway-style performances, along with a state-of-the-art LED dome that transforms into an entertainment hub.
Dining: A variety of restaurants serving global cuisines, from casual buffets to fine dining options, including specialty restaurants like the Butcher's Cut and the Kaito Sushi Bar (both at an additional cost).
Relaxation: Multiple pools, a luxurious spa, and a fitness center, ensuring relaxation and wellness at sea.
Family-friendly: A kids' club, water park, and interactive play areas, catering to families of all ages.
Shopping & Leisure: Numerous boutiques, a promenade with cafes, bars, and lounges, as well as a casino for those seeking entertainment.
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Destination Activities
Cultural Tours: Explore the history and local culture of the ports of call with guided tours to iconic landmarks, museums, and heritage sites. These excursions often include visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient ruins, and vibrant local markets.
Adventure & Nature: For thrill-seekers, MSC offers excursions such as hiking, zip-lining, snorkeling, and diving in some of the world's most stunning natural landscapes. You can also experience wildlife safaris, off-road jeep tours, and water sports in tropical destinations.
Beach & Relaxation: MSC Cruises also provides more laid-back excursions, like beach days, spa visits, or scenic boat tours, perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy the sun.
Family-friendly Activities: Families can enjoy a variety of activities like dolphin encounters, water parks, and family-oriented city tours that make for a fun and memorable experience for all ages.
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What We Loved!
The New Year's Eve celebration on the deck was an unforgettable experience—counting down to midnight with the large screen displaying the countdown, music playing, and an incredible energy all around! The dolphin encounter in Nassau was a highlight; standing in the water as the dolphin swam by us, allowing us to touch and interact with it, was such a fun and memorable moment—even though the water was a bit cold, it was definitely worth it. The MSC private island was another fantastic part of the trip; the beach was gorgeous and so relaxing. We rented two umbrellas for the day, and food and drinks were available all day at no extra cost. Bathrooms were easy to find, which made everything even more convenient. Our rooms were spacious, and the cleaning staff did an amazing job—our rooms were always spotless. Our waiter was incredibly friendly and accommodating, and we were really impressed by the whole MSC staff. They made the experience even more special!
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What We Didn't Love
This was our second time cruising with MSC, and we've noticed a significant change in the booking process, paperwork, and boarding procedures over the past five years. If it's your first time cruising, be prepared for some waiting in lines before boarding the ship. Traveling as a couple definitely makes the experience simpler, but we found traveling as a group, especially with two teenagers, to be more challenging. MSC has strict regulations regarding minors, so they must be accompanied at all times to participate in activities and use amenities. Additionally, if your family is split between different rooms, parents don’t have access to the rooms of other family members, which ended up being quite a hassle for us.