For my first cruise since covid, it was perfect. I feel comfortable cruising with msc because they do additional testing. Great spa break for me on my solo time
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Now that I'm unpacked, here is my experience on MSC first cruise back in Miami on the Meraviglia. Most people received a text message changing their arrival time to accommodate for the mass covid testing. I arrived at 930 am and moved quickly to the covid testing. Unfortunately, our group had several people pulled from the waiting area preventing them from embarking. Be sure to have your original covid card to simplify things. They will accept the state copy printout, but it does delay boarding. Although, I didn't board until 1230, I was glad they did the testing on all guests regardless of vaccine since we had positive people trying to board. My room was ready as soon as I boarded usually have to wait a couple of hours.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
I did the pre purchased 3 specialty dining for 77$ (100$ If you purchase on board) and dined in MDR for breakfast and lunch. Only used the buffet or room service for snacks so my food experience was amazing. 😊
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
The spa , aft pool, late night aft pool parties, and late night shows were for vaccinated guests only. We wore a white wristband. Everyone masked on the ship except pool areas. Gym had separate times for unvaccinated guests. Waterpark closes every 45 minutes for sanitation. Pools(10) and Waterpark (75) have limits to the number of people.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
My cabin was an interior, cabin 10182. It was right down from the secret single glass elevator so I never waited more than 1 minute for the elevator. I traveled solo with queen size bed. Television had 9$ PPV Movies. The muster drill is viewed on your television before heading down and having your.card scanned at your evacuation point
Ship tip
Take advantage of the spa! This is an Italian cruise line so don't expect American service.
According to staff, OCEAN CAY should be fully open when I am back on this ship Sept 3 for my birthday. The ship photographers came out and did daytime and sunset photos. Made my 100$ photo package worth it! Use the main beach right to the left of the ship. It is the oceanside so you will have waves. Further into the island there are man-made lagoons that are nice and calm for children. Tons of eateries and bars. The lighthouse bar has the best view and seating.
I walked off with my luggage after breakfast in the Waves restaurant. We did the DOH passport face verification upon entering the terminal. It took about 15 seconds to verify our face matched the passport. I strongly encourage pre paying tips regardless of the cruise line. The customer service lines were full everyday with billing issues over gratuity or debit cards not working. Be sure to notify your bank whenever you travel because the ship counts as non US territory when it comes to your bank. Cash could only be loaded to your card upon exiting the ship that I saw.
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