The Meraviglia’s Italian name translates to ‘wonder’; which is pretty accurate considering her glamour and incredible innovations. After her maiden voyage, the reviews were full of positives.
She contains many firsts for MSC Cruises and two sister-ships are also on order.
STATEROOMS
MSC Meraviglia has 14 decks and 22 different room categories ranging from basic inside cabins to Wellness Deluxe Suites. The hues chosen for the traditional cabins are elegant and tranquil and utilise earth tones with a mix of cocoa and several shades of charcoal. Upgrading to Yacht Club cabins as seen below is an entirely different experience with huge rooms and breathtaking colour schemes.
MSC have introduced a new concept onboard the Meraviglia known as “Super Family Cabins” which consist of two Balcony cabins connected for families and groups of up to 10 passengers.
A new type of stateroom is also available and bound to be a hit with solo travellers. The interior inside cabins are designed tastefully and singles won’t be required to pay double the fare.
Standard inside cabins are bigger than the industry norm with plenty of storage space too. The square footage increases with the category chosen.
DINING
Foodies of all types will be very pleased at the fantastic array of dining options available. There are 12 free or for a-fee-specialty venues to dine in.
Inclusive dining can be obtained at the traditional fixed time “classic” restaurants Waves, L’Olive Doree & L’Olivo D’Oro and also Panorama. The latter offers four or five course meals with views that are spectacular.
Of course, there is the Marketplace Buffet which is bound to be popular with those wanting a bite to eat at odd times, as it is open 20 hours a day. Besides pizza, pasta and salads, there’s a good choice of traditional and ethnic cuisine options. Whether you choose something from the “fruit and vegetable market” or another station, the open kitchens are in full view to all.
Fee dining is well worth considering too. Prepared on the spot sushi and teppanyaki featuring some of Asia’s best sashimi and tempura can be experienced at Kaito Teppanyaki.
The All American Butchers Cut steakhouse features big cuts of thick and prime beef served to your personal taste.
The Eataly Ristorante Italiano serves authentic Northern and Southern Italian cuisine. The restaurant also has an option to indulge in the ‘chef’s table’.
HIGHLIGHTS & ACTIVITIES
The MSC Meraviglia is so full of activities that you may be tempted to not even leave this state-of-the-art ship when she calls at port!
The first thing that you will notice whilst strolling along the Galleria is the “atmospheric digital sky” created by a 5,200 square foot screen. This massive LED dome is filled with every colour of the spectrum and depicts abstract designs dotting the ceiling one minute and then changes to stained glass mosaics the next.
Even pre-meals onboard are something unique with a new concept called “pre-dinner parades”. These are short entertainment performances and take place mostly on the bridge over the Promenade. There are dancers, singers and performers of all kinds dressed in elaborate costumes. This parade serves as a sampler of the entertainment on the rest of the ship.
Kids and adults alike will enjoy the Aqua Park, which contains four heart stopping water slides and a splash pool. Thrill seekers can try out the Himalayan Bridge, a zip line located near three other pools.
The Carousel Lounge contains all the latest in technology and is surrounded by a 180 degree circular glass wall. MSC has now laid claim to be the only line to feature the world famous Cirque de Soleil in the Carousel Lounge. Their incredible acrobatics can be enjoyed 6 nights of the week. There are two options to enjoy Cirque de Soleil; as a dinner theatre or just the performance.
Another first for the cruise line is “MSC for Me”, which serves as an interactive concierge. This digital service will allow passengers to book activities and meals with their family and friends and allow them to see each deck.
Other activities include a miniature carnival complete with a merry-go-round, a bowling alley that’s perfect for a casual night and an inordinate sports arena. The sports arena has areas suitable for basketball, football and volleyball.
There are activities for technology fans as well. Technological related fun consists of two F1 Racing Simulators, a 5D cinema, a Flight Simulator and arcade games ranging from the retro to the truly innovative.
MORE ACTIVITIES FOR THE LITTLE ONES
Children will never be bored on the ship as there are many activities especially for them. The children’s club, Doremi Lab consists of rooms separated by age group as well as an interactive room for the family. There is also a “laboratory” where children can work with 3D printers and laptops and conduct “experiments”. Doremi Lab is sponsored by LEGO, making it more appealing to kids that are fans of the brand.
Other family activities include a family disco and a farewell party at the end of the trip. There is also a teen’s club which is directly adjacent to the kids club and is filled with the latest video games, sports competitions and dancing with the lounge being one giant floor.
THE ITINERARIES
Presently, the MSC Meraviglia is offering 7 Night Mediterranean Cruises visiting Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina and Valletta. Any of the Mediterranean cruises can be embarked in what would be of convenience to the passenger with a choice of Genoa, Messina or Barcelona.
The itinerary changes in November of 2017 and adds Civitavecchia (Rome) and Palermo to the offering. This will be consistent up to April 2018 when the ship will head north. The sailing of the 18th of April 2018 departs from Genoa towards Hamburg on an 11 night trip with stops at Marseille, Barcelona, Cadiz (Seville), Lisbon, Vigo, Southampton, Le Havre and Hamburg.
This voyage can be extended for an additional 11 nights with added ports including Invergordon, Kirkwall, Greenock, Dublin, and Cork. For the summer of 2018, the MSC Meraviglia will be based in Northern Europe offering a variety of itineraries consisting of 10, 11 and 21-night sailings before returning to the Mediterranean in October.
Images courtesy of MSC Cruises
Written by Veronica Shine
