Our Ship

MSC Orchestra––A new jewel rides the ocean.

The MSC Orchestra is a shining gem among cruise ships. In an atmosphere of luxury cruising, she boasts 18 decks, the spacious Body and Mind Spa with serene meditation area and a large fitness center overlooking the bow of the ship. You can choose from five restaurants onboard the MSC Orchestra, including authentic Italian cuisine and the sophisticated Shanghai, the only Chinese restaurant at sea.

Stop by the MSC Orchestra’s Internet Café or take part in a game of tennis or basketball. Relax by the stunning Acapulco pool or the Cala Blanca pool with a massive LED screen for watching movies under the stars. Our state-of-the art cruise ship offers luxurious accommodations, most featuring private balconies.

Nassau, Bahamas

The port of Nassau is located in the northeastern part of the island of New Providence. The island is flat, covered by pine-tree woods, lakes and swamps. In the North there are wonderful beaches, tourist ports, golf courses and many other venues for leisure and free time. There is also a chain of hills, which reach the maximum height of 41 metres. Nassau is the capital city and is an important centre of international finance and it also hosts conferences at world level. Prized for its sheltered harbour, the city made history and preserved it beautifully in Victorian mansions, cathedrals, 18th-century fortresses and a Queen's Staircase whose 66 steps lead to a view not to be missed. Nassau is home to weather-beaten, ancient forts; elegant, noble architecture; and fine local and international crafts and goods, from handmade lengths of batik to Rolex watches. An abundance of posh resort hotels, casinos, cabaret shows, and cruise ship docks make Nassau a vibrant centre for entertainment as well as commerce.

St. Johns, Antigua

Antigua is a tropical paradise boasting 365 stunning palm fringed beaches, ranging from secluded coves to long white sandy stretches. Antigua's beaches and crystal clear waters are complemented by almost year round sunshine. Antigua is the largest of the Leeward Islands, a grouping of small volcanic islands in the northeast Caribbean, it is also the most popular and developed. English Harbour is particularly picturesque, with yachts moored in the historic bay that has been a staging post for centuries. On a holiday to Antigua a visit to the capital St Johns is very worthwhile as it is a colourful and lively place with a variety of good restaurants and shops. Having only gained independence in 1981 Antigua is steeped in colonial history.

Philipsburg,St. Maarten

Both the French and the Dutch claim the island of St. Maarten. The powers signed a treaty in 1648 that divided the island between them, though the two sides have distinct cultural characteristics. But it is their differences that add to the charm of this Caribbean hideaway and makes for some of the most delightful cuisine known throughout the world. Between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond the Dutch capital Philipsburg fills a small stretch of land, and two main roads “Front Street and Back Street” cut across the city. Front Street is the main thoroughfare, featuring traditional West Indian architecture and duty –free shopping of imported goods and native crafts

Cayo Levantado

Cayo Levantado is a small stretch of land off the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic in Samaná Bay. The area offers the beauty of natural rainforest vegetation, marvelous white sand beaches and crystal clear water. Cayo Levantado, due to its location, is the perfect spot to see humpbacked whales in January, February, and March.

Port Calls

Day	Date	Port	Arrival	Departure	Notes
1	Sat	Fort Lauderdale,Florida		05.00 PM
2	Sun	At Sea	-----	-----
3	Mon	Cayo Levantado (Samanà - D.R.)	09.30 AM	05.00 PM
4	Tue	Philipsburg,St. Maarten	01.00 PM	08.00 PM
5	Wed	St. John's,Antigua	07.00 AM	02.00 PM
6	Thu	At Sea	-----	-----
7	Fri	Nassau,Bahamas	12.00 PM (NOON)	07.00 PM
8	Sat	Fort Lauderdale,Florida	07.00 AM

MSC Orchestra - Caribbean

7 Nights 14 Feb 2009 - 21 Feb 2009
Florida, Cayo Levantado, St. Maarten, Antigua, Bahamas - 2009

Travel on board of the MSC Orchestra. Departing from Fort Lauderdale,Florida and calls to Cayo Levantado (Samanà - D.R.), Philipsburg,St. Maarten, St. John's,Antigua, Nassau,Bahamas, Fort Lauderdale,Florida .

Itinerary

Florida, Cayo Levantado, St. Maarten, Antigua, Bahamas - 2009

Introductions of the Cruisers

Left to right: Peg Gawne-Mark, (aka Grandma Peg), Cliff Gawne-Mark, (aka Grandpa Cliff), Denis James McDonald (aka DJ) and Brittany McDonald (aka Britt).

The Bright Idea

Last March, we decided to plan a cruise to the Caribbean. We, Cliff and Peg Gawne-Mark, have cruised before. On our first cruise, we were told that the hospitality on an Italian cruise line was something to experience. We thought that it was time to check that out. We discovered MSC Cruises and found a cruise departing Fort Lauderdale on St. Valentine's Day in 2009. It sounded like fun and included some ports that we had visited and some we have not. Joys shared are doubled. With whom could we share this excursion?

In May of 2007 Denis (DJ) and Brittany McDonald joined our family. We thought it would be fun to invite them to join us on the cruise and develop some history with our new grandchildren. We also thought it would be exciting to share some "firsts" together. This blog is being written as a way to keep in touch with our family and friends while we enjoy our travels together.