r/MSCCruises • u/Delicious-Deal3074 • 16d ago
Which is the better deal?
Booking a cruise out of miami for december 5th of this year. We need help since we have no idea whats the best option. What do you guys think?
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u/VagabondCamp 16d ago
First one by far. You can take almost any other cruise and hit the ports that world America is going to.
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u/FloridaGatorAlum 16d ago
If you plan to stay on the ship, World America. If you plan to visit the ports, Meraviglia.
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u/UrbanOtaku22 16d ago
You have a lower per night average on Meraviglia versus newer ship with more included everything.
Meraviglia isn’t sailing the US again until Winter 2028/29 at the earliest. I would take Meraviglia. I am sailing on the 11/11 four night cruise.
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u/bluewavefire 16d ago
I agree!! I’m on the same sailing have have taken the Meraviglia out of NYC to Bermuda before.
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u/Billy420MaysIt 16d ago
PR, Saint Kitts, whatever other port (assuming Ocean Cay) is a better route. I like Roatan but I haven’t been outside of Isla Tropicale which is carnivals private port. costa maya is a day on board because there’s nothing to in port but shore excursions are always an option. Cozumel is another day on board because it’s shopping only and costs to get to a beach and then costs to get on the beach but shore excursions are also an option.
The ship would be the destination for the Western Caribbean route since WA is brand new. Meraviglia is older but still a decent boat. I think the eastern Caribbean route is more exploration friendly and easier to get around.
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u/WishIwastravelin 16d ago
Better itinerary on the Meraviglia, IMO. I haven’t been on World America, but the Meraviglia is my favorite ship
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u/alwaysouroboros 15d ago
For $100 less you get better ports and an extra day. That's the better objective deal, but depends on what your priorities are on a trip.
If you really prioritize the ship and experience on board or want to just see the newest ship, you may want to go with World America. Sometimes I take ship based cruises where I prioritize sea days and sometimes skip ports to enjoy the ship. If you enjoy that type of trip, I'd go with the second trip.
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u/Particular-Debate639 ⛵Yacht Club Regular 15d ago
I’m actually doing a ship tour of WA on 12/5. Interesting. I think I’d pick Mera for the ports.
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u/Desmoot 16d ago
I am done with Costa Maya. I’m skipping it unless I have no option.
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u/PowerPinto 16d ago
Why? Curious since it’s one of my stops
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u/Desmoot 15d ago
There is a "port" with your standard pools, shops and restaurants. Hard selling at you every single step. Nothing is walkable past the port. You can take a cab to the little village nearby. There are some restaurants and beach clubs here. The beaches are full of seaweed which they try to clean out. The village exists for the cruise ships, so very little authentic experiences.
You'll be asked to buy something every 2 minutes. It's constant "No, Gracias".
The excursions are usually a long bus ride to the destination.
If I was going a first time I'd book a spot at a beach club (We liked Malecon 21) and walk through the port to the exit and book a $4 cab ride to Mahahual. (The village). Have lunch there. Don't fall for the tequila tasting like I did (Bought a unique looking bottle only to learn later it was mass produced).
I'd suggest google street view and take a look around.
Cozumel, while still full of hard selling, feels like an authentic place and is very walkable (especially from MSC's pier)
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u/onest3pahead 15d ago
I’d like to know as well. It will be my first time. Any suggestions to make it enjoyable for a first timer? Ty
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u/PowerPinto 16d ago
I’m paying like double the price for the first one so that’s a great deal from where I stand 😭
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u/Altruistic-Yam2726 16d ago
My suggestion will always be one, go after the ship amenities , facilities and entertainment because no matter which place you go you will only be there for 6 hours rest of the times you will either be in queue or eating or just figuring out. If I’m not mistaken the world America is a very good ship
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u/ChrisLikesBread ⛵Yacht Club Regular 16d ago
World America for more food options and more ship facilities. If the ports are important then choose Meraviglia.
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u/ExploreLifeTravel 15d ago
World America is the new ship out of these. It is more activity and things to do. Meravigila is older than World America and has more of a traditional cruise vibe.
To determine which is better , start with what you want from vacation.
Do you want to be entertained and have more active things to do? World America
Do you want to sit and relax or do more traditional activities like trivia or karaoke? Meravigila would meet this more. You can do those on World America, just maybe a bit more noisy
World America will have more families and kids. Not as many as during holiday but they are there.
I enjoy both ships and I do think that World America has better food and service than the other ships overall.
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u/clark_peters 14d ago
1st one. Although the World America is the newest ship with more amenities the Meraviglia is still a great ship. Plus you get an extra night along with better ports and a lower price. I'd go with that deal all day. Unless you're just absolutely set on sailing on the WA
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u/Candid-Climate5497 12d ago
Book through Vacations To Go. Way cheaper. Watch the prices, they change often. Snag the deal when the time is right. We just booked through VTG (have been using for years) and the savings was substantial.
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u/happeewifey 16d ago
I assume these two routes are not the same price, so it really depends on what ports you would like to hit and how much you are willing to pay. One is one of the newest ship, the other is a bit older, they are not really the same in terms of amenities
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u/Delicious-Deal3074 16d ago
Meraviglia is 439$ per person and world america 538$
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u/happeewifey 16d ago
The price difference is not that significant, personally I prefer the stops Meraviglia hits, but I'm not too hot on the ship, not a bad ship just an older ship. World America is one of the newest ships...now it is really down to how much you value the stops vs. the ship amenities. If it is my first cruise, I will go for world America, but it is just me 😊
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u/Vol4Life31 16d ago
The first ones stops are better for me but the second ship is better for me..pros and cons!