By: Preston Young
Cruising is always a great experience, and fun way to travel, but this trip was unlike any other. Rachel and I have taken two cruises together, just the two of us, but this time, we were part of a lively group of 16—including my parents, my sister Alyssa and her boyfriend Kevin, my aunt and uncle, my cousin, and some close family friends. With a group that size, there was never a dull moment—just non-stop laughter, shared experiences, and plenty of unforgettable memories.
We set sail from Brooklyn in the middle of February, stepping onto the MSC Meraviglia while snowflakes fell around us. But within days, we’d trade winter coats for swimsuits and cold air for Caribbean warmth. Our stateroom, located at the very back of the ship, had a balcony where the sound of the wake was very peaceful.
Our vacation started real strong – we departed on Super Bowl Sunday, and watching the game at sea with a crowd that large was lots of fun. While the game itself wasn’t the most entertaining, there was an energy in the room that made the whole experience even better.
Our first stop was Port Canaveral, where we stepped off the ship into 87-degree sunshine—a drastic but welcome change from the snow we left behind. Rachel, Kevin, Alyssa and I spent the day exploring Disney Springs, checking out the shops and grabbing a bite to eat. While in our Uber, we looked up just in time to see a SpaceX rocket launch. Watching a rocket take off in the distance wasn’t on our itinerary, but it turned out to be one of the coolest moments of the trip.
A couple nights later, we celebrated Valentine’s Day at the ship’s steakhouse, a dinner that far exceeded expectations. The specialty dining options onboard were a major step up from the buffet, and the steakhouse delivered a great Valentines Day meal.
From Florida, we sailed down to MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay, where we spent the day soaking up the sun on white sand and swimming in clear blue water. It was exactly what you’d picture when you think of the perfect beach day—minus my sunburn. I definitely underestimated the Caribbean sun, but even that couldn’t take away from how much fun we had. We spent hours in the water with our group—throwing around a water ball, snorkeling, laughing, drinking, and enjoying lunch right on the beach. It was the kind of day that felt effortless, filled with great company and unforgettable moments.
Our next stop was Nassau, where Rachel and I opted for a more low-key experience, spending the day at Baha Mar, a resort located 15 minutes from the cruise port. After several days of activity, it was nice to slow down and relax on a waterbed overlooking the ocean.
While the destinations were incredible, the ship itself had plenty to offer. The entertainment was good, with nightly shows that kept us entertained, and fun events like the White Party that made for lively nights. The spa was a hidden gem, and Rachel and I spent a couple of afternoons in the thermal area.
But what made this cruise truly different was traveling with such a big group. There was always something happening—dinners that turned into hours of stories and laughs, impromptu meet-ups at the pub or pool bar, and running into someone from our group no matter where we went. It was a trip filled with shared experiences, from watching the Super Bowl on a cruise ship to Valentines Day dinner to beach days that will be hard to top.
For Rachel and me, this cruise was a reminder that while we love traveling as a couple, sharing the experience with family and friends makes it even more special.
Tracking: 698701-1