Marlene is turning 80 on Monday and that is a milestone that demands attention. What could I do? Well, I could – and did – buy her something that she wanted: new tinting on the rear window of her Toyota Camry. That was done last week. But more was needed.
What kind of “special” gift could I get her? Many options passed through my head but one fact kept popping up: she loves cruising. I am a busy guy and I am not rich, so a long cruise was out of the question (and we have a couple of those already booked). So a short cruise. But not on Carnival as that would be old hat. Some other line.
I settled on a 5-day, 4-night cruise on the MSC Seaside from Miami to the Bahamas. We have been to the Bahamas many times, so the first port, Nassau, was nothing special. But then this ship docks for two nights on their private island, Ocean Cay. I was there back in 2020 with Jett and her sisters, on the MSC Meraviglia. I had fond memories of this island – and some good photos. The combination of a new line for Marlene and more than a full day on Ocean Cay seemed special enough for this birthday. So I booked it.
As my first MSC cruise was designated MSC1, this one will be MSC2.