stdClass Object ( [id] => 14074 [title] => Caribbean Cruise from Miami [catid] => 1 [params] => stdClass Object ( [images] => Array ( ) ) [location] => [supplier] => Jet2 [short_description] => [price] => 2297.00 [ptype] => 1 [pricenote] => Pre Cruise Stay Included [duration] => 12 [date] => 2025-08-23 [published] => 1 [created] => 0000-00-00 00:00:00 [destair] => Miami [depair] => Edinburgh [notes] => MSC Book loaded 03/12 [myimage] => images/MSC21008178.png [starrating] => 4 [myimage2] => images/MSC22015583.png [myimage3] => images/MSC22014028.png [myimage4] => images/MSC22013421.png [myimage5] => images/MSC22015613.png [full_description] => Fantastica Interior Cabin from £2297pp Fantastica Oceanview Cabin from £2437pp Fantastica Balcony Cabin from £2687pp An immersive experience truly connecting you to the sea awaits you onboard MSC Seascape. MSC Seascape ship pays tribute to the beauty of the ocean with a whole host of innovative design features to enable guests to enjoy new horizons at sea, through her impressive outdoor spaces designed for relaxation, dining and entertainment. Coveted pools, panoramic lifts and the breath-taking glass skywalk Bridge of Sighs, make MSC Seascape iconic and unique for sensational points of view on the ocean. Beyond that, the new immersive high-tech entertainment with innovative technology provides guests with endless options. This Fabulous Offer Includes: - Return flights from Edinburgh - 1 night Pre Cruise at Hilton or Similar Bed & Breakfast - 11 Nights on board MSC Seascape - Full Board Optional Add Ons: Add on Premium Extra Drinks Package from £380pp Itinerary: Day 1 - Miami, United States Day 2 - Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas Day 3 - Nassau, Bahamas Day 4 - At Sea Day 5 - Falmouth, Jamaica Day 6 - George Town, Cayman Islands Day 7 - At Sea Day 8 - Miami, United States Day 9 - Nassau, Bahamas Day 10 - Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas Day 11 - Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas Day 12 - Miami, United States CABIN & SUITES: MSC Seascape features new cabins designed to suit all your needs during your holiday. Choose among 11 different types of cabins and suites with balconies including the coveted aft suits, 50 terraced suites with extended balconies and 32 different suites with outdoor private whirlpools. And get to know an unparalleled accommodation experience at the 2 new palatial Owner’s Suites at the largest and most luxurious MSC Yacht Club. ENTERTAINMENT: MSC Seascape features new immersive high-tech entertainment with innovative technology that provides guests with endless leisure options. Among this, the new thrilling amusement ride - ROBOTRON - that offers adrenaline-lovers a first-of-its-kind immersive experience. Enjoy also enhanced Immersive XD Cinema, VR 360° Flight Simulator, VR motorbikes and the Formula Racer virtual simulator. MSC Seascape offers every kind of recreation facility you could wish for, from the theatre with six brand-new shows, disco and casino to the interactive, multi-storey water park. RESTAURANTS & BUFFET: The ship has eleven eateries - three main restaurants, a dedicated Aurea restaurant and the Yacht Club restaurant, a 1,169 seater buffet - and five specialty restaurants including the Butcher’s Cut, Ocean Cay fish restaurant, HOLA! Tacos & Cantina and Kaito Teppanyaki and Sushi Bar. BARS & LOUNGES: There are 20 themed bars for all occasions from day to night, offering a wide choice of outdoor venues to relax and enjoy the sea views, from Sky bar with a stunning view of the bridge of sighs to the Cocktail bar in the Chef’s Court and much more. ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP: MSC Seascape is equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system Hybrid Exhaust Gas Cleaning System coupled with Smart heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) LED lighting, high-efficiency appliances to reduce her impact on the environment. Discover more on how the MSC Group is actively contributing to impactful environmental conservation and humanitarian programs at the MSC Foundation Centre on board. DESIGN FEATURES: MSC Seascape pays tribute to New York City, which as a destination represents the spirit of discovery and cultural experiences that is at the heart of the MSC Cruises guest experience. As such, the design features, public areas and venue names are inspired by the metropolitan U.S. city. These include an imposing three-metre-high replica of the Statue of Liberty at the heart of the casino and a newly designed expansive retail and entertainment area, aptly named Times Square. The main feature of this new area is an impressive 8.5 metre-high LED wall spanning four decks with a projection of the iconic skyline of this entertainment hub in Manhattan that can change from day to night. INCANTO DEL MARE - MAGIC OF THE SEA: The monumental sculpture Incanto del Mare was created for the MSC Foundation by Venini, one of the world’s most esteemed glassmakers, which celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2021. The sculpture rises from deck 5 through to deck 8, it sends a powerful message of care for the sea and our planet to thousands of voyagers every year, evoking the beauty and fragility of sea. As a work of art, the creation symbolises the MSC Foundation’s dedication to protecting and promoting the natural environment of which we are a part and upon which we depend: our Planet. MSC Seascape is the perfect location for the sculpture, bringing its message of care for the sea, which must – for our own as well as their health – be respected, maintained and nurtured. OUTDOOR AREAS: At 339 metres, MSC Seascape is the longest ship in the fleet and offers 13,000sqm of outdoor space. Stand-out design features include spectacular glass-floored Bridge of Sighs located at the unique vantage point on deck 16 - 22 metres above the Infinity Pool, stunning panoramic aft elevators and stylish glass-floor catwalks on either side of the ship on the waterfront promenade. THE MARINA POOL: On Deck 18, the main pool has two different depths so that guests can choose to swim or simply stand and hang-out in the water, the newly designed area includes a 360-degree water fountain island in the centre as well as a new lounge space within the pool. It is connected with the aquapark with a Pirates Cove theme to create an extensive water area. FAMILY & KIDS: MSC Seascape has one of the largest kids' area of any ship in the fleet, with 703 m2 of dedicated space. The ambient has been redesigned to offer an unbeatable experience for kids. From the décor, design colors, and themes of the areas, the MSC Seascape’s Kids Club will give all children a chance to reach for the stars, thanks to a futuristic theme, dedicated to space and planetary exploration. Every cruise includes a special and unmissable event: the "LEGO® Experience On Board"- an entire day dedicated to LEGO® bricks & activities for the whole family to enjoy. While the colorful Baby Club areas are designed in partnership with Chicco for children’s leisure. With 98 hours of live entertainment parents and children can always find something new and exciting to enjoy together! MSC AUREA SPA: Offering a wide selection of Balinese massages and other wellness and beauty treatments to revitalise body and soul, the lavish MSC Aurea Spa on MSC Seashore is a haven for relaxation and pampering, complete with a thermal area, beauty salon and nail boutique while the Saloon and barber are completely redesigned. MSC YACHT CLUB: Located on the coveted foredecks on the ships, spanning four decks and providing sweeping sea views the MSC Yacht Club on MSC Seascape will become the largest and most luxurious in MSC Cruises’ fleet, with almost 3,000 sqm of space including a bigger solarium and a a panoramic whirlpool. Guests looking for a premium, all-inclusive cruise experience with private amenities and 24-hour butler service – while still enjoying the recreation and entertainment possibilities that the rest of the ship offers – can choose to sail in the MSC Yacht Club, MSC Cruises’ exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept. ROBOTRON: ROBOTRON offers the breath-taking thrill of a rollercoaster at sea combined with a personalised DJ music experience. It is a state-of-the-art robotic arm with an attached gondola that seats three guests. Flying 53 metres above the sea, ROBOTRON provides a unique 360° view of the horizon flipping riders upside down and in different directions for an adrenaline-pumping ride. Please note that some of these facilities may incur an extra charge. Although the Foreign Office currently have placed no restrictions on travel to this destination we recommend when travelling abroad anywhere you check the Foreign Office website for up to date information, this website can be reached on the following link. https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-office We also recommend that you check with you doctor for up to date information regarding any inoculations that might be recommended. We do not issue insurance, but you must have travel insurance. Please note that due to the high volume of tickets in high season our company ticketing policy is that tickets will be dispatched 7 days prior to departure. [hotelname] => MSC Seascape [boardbasis] => Full Board [baggage] => Luggage Included [displayOffer] => 0 [currency] => stdClass Object ( [id] => 14074 [title] => Caribbean Cruise from Miami [catid] => 1 [params] => {"images":[]} [location] => [supplier] => Jet2 [short_description] => [price] => 2297.00 [ptype] => 1 [pricenote] => Pre Cruise Stay Included [duration] => 12 [date] => 2025-08-23 [published] => 1 [created] => 0000-00-00 00:00:00 [destair] => Miami [depair] => Edinburgh [notes] => MSC Book loaded 03/12 [myimage] => images/MSC21008178.png [starrating] => 4 [myimage2] => images/MSC22015583.png [myimage3] => images/MSC22014028.png [myimage4] => images/MSC22013421.png [myimage5] => images/MSC22015613.png [full_description] => Fantastica Interior Cabin from £2297pp Fantastica Oceanview Cabin from £2437pp Fantastica Balcony Cabin from £2687pp An immersive experience truly connecting you to the sea awaits you onboard MSC Seascape. MSC Seascape ship pays tribute to the beauty of the ocean with a whole host of innovative design features to enable guests to enjoy new horizons at sea, through her impressive outdoor spaces designed for relaxation, dining and entertainment. Coveted pools, panoramic lifts and the breath-taking glass skywalk Bridge of Sighs, make MSC Seascape iconic and unique for sensational points of view on the ocean. Beyond that, the new immersive high-tech entertainment with innovative technology provides guests with endless options. This Fabulous Offer Includes: - Return flights from Edinburgh - 1 night Pre Cruise at Hilton or Similar Bed & Breakfast - 11 Nights on board MSC Seascape - Full Board Optional Add Ons: Add on Premium Extra Drinks Package from £380pp Itinerary: Day 1 - Miami, United States Day 2 - Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas Day 3 - Nassau, Bahamas Day 4 - At Sea Day 5 - Falmouth, Jamaica Day 6 - George Town, Cayman Islands Day 7 - At Sea Day 8 - Miami, United States Day 9 - Nassau, Bahamas Day 10 - Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas Day 11 - Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas Day 12 - Miami, United States CABIN & SUITES: MSC Seascape features new cabins designed to suit all your needs during your holiday. Choose among 11 different types of cabins and suites with balconies including the coveted aft suits, 50 terraced suites with extended balconies and 32 different suites with outdoor private whirlpools. And get to know an unparalleled accommodation experience at the 2 new palatial Owner’s Suites at the largest and most luxurious MSC Yacht Club. ENTERTAINMENT: MSC Seascape features new immersive high-tech entertainment with innovative technology that provides guests with endless leisure options. Among this, the new thrilling amusement ride - ROBOTRON - that offers adrenaline-lovers a first-of-its-kind immersive experience. Enjoy also enhanced Immersive XD Cinema, VR 360° Flight Simulator, VR motorbikes and the Formula Racer virtual simulator. MSC Seascape offers every kind of recreation facility you could wish for, from the theatre with six brand-new shows, disco and casino to the interactive, multi-storey water park. RESTAURANTS & BUFFET: The ship has eleven eateries - three main restaurants, a dedicated Aurea restaurant and the Yacht Club restaurant, a 1,169 seater buffet - and five specialty restaurants including the Butcher’s Cut, Ocean Cay fish restaurant, HOLA! Tacos & Cantina and Kaito Teppanyaki and Sushi Bar. BARS & LOUNGES: There are 20 themed bars for all occasions from day to night, offering a wide choice of outdoor venues to relax and enjoy the sea views, from Sky bar with a stunning view of the bridge of sighs to the Cocktail bar in the Chef’s Court and much more. ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP: MSC Seascape is equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system Hybrid Exhaust Gas Cleaning System coupled with Smart heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) LED lighting, high-efficiency appliances to reduce her impact on the environment. Discover more on how the MSC Group is actively contributing to impactful environmental conservation and humanitarian programs at the MSC Foundation Centre on board. DESIGN FEATURES: MSC Seascape pays tribute to New York City, which as a destination represents the spirit of discovery and cultural experiences that is at the heart of the MSC Cruises guest experience. As such, the design features, public areas and venue names are inspired by the metropolitan U.S. city. These include an imposing three-metre-high replica of the Statue of Liberty at the heart of the casino and a newly designed expansive retail and entertainment area, aptly named Times Square. The main feature of this new area is an impressive 8.5 metre-high LED wall spanning four decks with a projection of the iconic skyline of this entertainment hub in Manhattan that can change from day to night. INCANTO DEL MARE - MAGIC OF THE SEA: The monumental sculpture Incanto del Mare was created for the MSC Foundation by Venini, one of the world’s most esteemed glassmakers, which celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2021. The sculpture rises from deck 5 through to deck 8, it sends a powerful message of care for the sea and our planet to thousands of voyagers every year, evoking the beauty and fragility of sea. As a work of art, the creation symbolises the MSC Foundation’s dedication to protecting and promoting the natural environment of which we are a part and upon which we depend: our Planet. MSC Seascape is the perfect location for the sculpture, bringing its message of care for the sea, which must – for our own as well as their health – be respected, maintained and nurtured. OUTDOOR AREAS: At 339 metres, MSC Seascape is the longest ship in the fleet and offers 13,000sqm of outdoor space. Stand-out design features include spectacular glass-floored Bridge of Sighs located at the unique vantage point on deck 16 - 22 metres above the Infinity Pool, stunning panoramic aft elevators and stylish glass-floor catwalks on either side of the ship on the waterfront promenade. THE MARINA POOL: On Deck 18, the main pool has two different depths so that guests can choose to swim or simply stand and hang-out in the water, the newly designed area includes a 360-degree water fountain island in the centre as well as a new lounge space within the pool. It is connected with the aquapark with a Pirates Cove theme to create an extensive water area. FAMILY & KIDS: MSC Seascape has one of the largest kids' area of any ship in the fleet, with 703 m2 of dedicated space. The ambient has been redesigned to offer an unbeatable experience for kids. From the décor, design colors, and themes of the areas, the MSC Seascape’s Kids Club will give all children a chance to reach for the stars, thanks to a futuristic theme, dedicated to space and planetary exploration. Every cruise includes a special and unmissable event: the "LEGO® Experience On Board"- an entire day dedicated to LEGO® bricks & activities for the whole family to enjoy. While the colorful Baby Club areas are designed in partnership with Chicco for children’s leisure. With 98 hours of live entertainment parents and children can always find something new and exciting to enjoy together! MSC AUREA SPA: Offering a wide selection of Balinese massages and other wellness and beauty treatments to revitalise body and soul, the lavish MSC Aurea Spa on MSC Seashore is a haven for relaxation and pampering, complete with a thermal area, beauty salon and nail boutique while the Saloon and barber are completely redesigned. MSC YACHT CLUB: Located on the coveted foredecks on the ships, spanning four decks and providing sweeping sea views the MSC Yacht Club on MSC Seascape will become the largest and most luxurious in MSC Cruises’ fleet, with almost 3,000 sqm of space including a bigger solarium and a a panoramic whirlpool. Guests looking for a premium, all-inclusive cruise experience with private amenities and 24-hour butler service – while still enjoying the recreation and entertainment possibilities that the rest of the ship offers – can choose to sail in the MSC Yacht Club, MSC Cruises’ exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept. ROBOTRON: ROBOTRON offers the breath-taking thrill of a rollercoaster at sea combined with a personalised DJ music experience. It is a state-of-the-art robotic arm with an attached gondola that seats three guests. Flying 53 metres above the sea, ROBOTRON provides a unique 360° view of the horizon flipping riders upside down and in different directions for an adrenaline-pumping ride. Please note that some of these facilities may incur an extra charge. Although the Foreign Office currently have placed no restrictions on travel to this destination we recommend when travelling abroad anywhere you check the Foreign Office website for up to date information, this website can be reached on the following link. https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-office We also recommend that you check with you doctor for up to date information regarding any inoculations that might be recommended. We do not issue insurance, but you must have travel insurance. Please note that due to the high volume of tickets in high season our company ticketing policy is that tickets will be dispatched 7 days prior to departure. [hotelname] => MSC Seascape [boardbasis] => Full Board [baggage] => Luggage Included [displayOffer] => 0 ) [data] => )

Departing

Sat 23rd August 2025

Returning

Thu 4th September 2025

Board

Full Board

Flying From

Edinburgh

Flying To

Miami

Baggage

Luggage Included

Caribbean Cruise from Miami

MSC Seascape

From £2,297
Per Person

About this offer

Fantastica Interior Cabin from £2297pp
Fantastica Oceanview Cabin from £2437pp
Fantastica Balcony Cabin from £2687pp

An immersive experience truly connecting you to the sea awaits you onboard MSC Seascape.
MSC Seascape ship pays tribute to the beauty of the ocean with a whole host of innovative design features to enable guests to enjoy new horizons at sea, through her impressive outdoor spaces designed for relaxation, dining and entertainment.
Coveted pools, panoramic lifts and the breath-taking glass skywalk Bridge of Sighs, make MSC Seascape iconic and unique for sensational points of view on the ocean.
Beyond that, the new immersive high-tech entertainment with innovative technology provides guests with endless options.

This Fabulous Offer Includes:
- Return flights from Edinburgh
- 1 night Pre Cruise at Hilton or Similar Bed & Breakfast
- 11 Nights on board MSC Seascape
- Full Board

Optional Add Ons:
Add on Premium Extra Drinks Package from £380pp

Itinerary:
Day 1 - Miami, United States
Day 2 - Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas
Day 3 - Nassau, Bahamas
Day 4 - At Sea
Day 5 - Falmouth, Jamaica
Day 6 - George Town, Cayman Islands
Day 7 - At Sea
Day 8 - Miami, United States
Day 9 - Nassau, Bahamas
Day 10 - Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas
Day 11 - Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas
Day 12 - Miami, United States

CABIN & SUITES:
MSC Seascape features new cabins designed to suit all your needs during your holiday. Choose among 11 different types of cabins and suites with balconies including the coveted aft suits, 50 terraced suites with extended balconies and 32 different suites with outdoor private whirlpools. And get to know an unparalleled accommodation experience at the 2 new palatial Owner’s Suites at the largest and most luxurious MSC Yacht Club.

ENTERTAINMENT:
MSC Seascape features new immersive high-tech entertainment with innovative technology that provides guests with endless leisure options. Among this, the new thrilling amusement ride - ROBOTRON - that offers adrenaline-lovers a first-of-its-kind immersive experience. Enjoy also enhanced Immersive XD Cinema, VR 360° Flight Simulator, VR motorbikes and the Formula Racer virtual simulator.
MSC Seascape offers every kind of recreation facility you could wish for, from the theatre with six brand-new shows, disco and casino to the interactive, multi-storey water park.

RESTAURANTS & BUFFET:
The ship has eleven eateries - three main restaurants, a dedicated Aurea restaurant and the Yacht Club restaurant, a 1,169 seater buffet - and five specialty restaurants including the Butcher’s Cut, Ocean Cay fish restaurant, HOLA! Tacos & Cantina and Kaito Teppanyaki and Sushi Bar.

BARS & LOUNGES:
There are 20 themed bars for all occasions from day to night, offering a wide choice of outdoor venues to relax and enjoy the sea views, from Sky bar with a stunning view of the bridge of sighs to the Cocktail bar in the Chef’s Court and much more.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP:
MSC Seascape is equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system Hybrid Exhaust Gas Cleaning System coupled with Smart heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) LED lighting, high-efficiency appliances to reduce her impact on the environment.
Discover more on how the MSC Group is actively contributing to impactful environmental conservation and humanitarian programs at the MSC Foundation Centre on board.

DESIGN FEATURES:
MSC Seascape pays tribute to New York City, which as a destination represents the spirit of discovery and cultural experiences that is at the heart of the MSC Cruises guest experience. As such, the design features, public areas and venue names are inspired by the metropolitan U.S. city. These include an imposing three-metre-high replica of the Statue of Liberty at the heart of the casino and a newly designed expansive retail and entertainment area, aptly named Times Square. The main feature of this new area is an impressive 8.5 metre-high LED wall spanning four decks with a projection of the iconic skyline of this entertainment hub in Manhattan that can change from day to night.

INCANTO DEL MARE - MAGIC OF THE SEA:
The monumental sculpture Incanto del Mare was created for the MSC Foundation by Venini, one of the world’s most esteemed glassmakers, which celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2021.
The sculpture rises from deck 5 through to deck 8, it sends a powerful message of care for the sea and our planet to thousands of voyagers every year, evoking the beauty and fragility of sea.
As a work of art, the creation symbolises the MSC Foundation’s dedication to protecting and promoting the natural environment of which we are a part and upon which we depend: our Planet.
MSC Seascape is the perfect location for the sculpture, bringing its message of care for the sea, which must – for our own as well as their health – be respected, maintained and nurtured.

OUTDOOR AREAS:
At 339 metres, MSC Seascape is the longest ship in the fleet and offers 13,000sqm of outdoor space. Stand-out design features include spectacular glass-floored Bridge of Sighs located at the unique vantage point on deck 16 - 22 metres above the Infinity Pool, stunning panoramic aft elevators and stylish glass-floor catwalks on either side of the ship on the waterfront promenade.

THE MARINA POOL:
On Deck 18, the main pool has two different depths so that guests can choose to swim or simply stand and hang-out in the water, the newly designed area includes a 360-degree water fountain island in the centre as well as a new lounge space within the pool. It is connected with the aquapark with a Pirates Cove theme to create an extensive water area.

FAMILY & KIDS:
MSC Seascape has one of the largest kids' area of any ship in the fleet, with 703 m2 of dedicated space. The ambient has been redesigned to offer an unbeatable experience for kids. From the décor, design colors, and themes of the areas, the MSC Seascape’s Kids Club will give all children a chance to reach for the stars, thanks to a futuristic theme, dedicated to space and planetary exploration.
Every cruise includes a special and unmissable event: the "LEGO® Experience On Board"- an entire day dedicated to LEGO® bricks & activities for the whole family to enjoy. While the colorful Baby Club areas are designed in partnership with Chicco for children’s leisure.
With 98 hours of live entertainment parents and children can always find something new and exciting to enjoy together!

MSC AUREA SPA:
Offering a wide selection of Balinese massages and other wellness and beauty treatments to revitalise body and soul, the lavish MSC Aurea Spa on MSC Seashore is a haven for relaxation and pampering, complete with a thermal area, beauty salon and nail boutique while the Saloon and barber are completely redesigned.

MSC YACHT CLUB:
Located on the coveted foredecks on the ships, spanning four decks and providing sweeping sea views the MSC Yacht Club on MSC Seascape will become the largest and most luxurious in MSC Cruises’ fleet, with almost 3,000 sqm of space including a bigger solarium and a a panoramic whirlpool. Guests looking for a premium, all-inclusive cruise experience with private amenities and 24-hour butler service – while still enjoying the recreation and entertainment possibilities that the rest of the ship offers – can choose to sail in the MSC Yacht Club, MSC Cruises’ exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept.

ROBOTRON:
ROBOTRON offers the breath-taking thrill of a rollercoaster at sea combined with a personalised DJ music experience. It is a state-of-the-art robotic arm with an attached gondola that seats three guests. Flying 53 metres above the sea, ROBOTRON provides a unique 360° view of the horizon flipping riders upside down and in different directions for an adrenaline-pumping ride.

Please note that some of these facilities may incur an extra charge.

Although the Foreign Office currently have placed no restrictions on travel to this destination we recommend when travelling abroad anywhere you check the Foreign Office website for up to date information, this website can be reached on the following link.

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-office

We also recommend that you check with you doctor for up to date information regarding any inoculations that might be recommended.

We do not issue insurance, but you must have travel insurance.

Please note that due to the high volume of tickets in high season our company ticketing policy is that tickets will be dispatched 7 days prior to departure.