Won’t return to MSC. Price is great, ship is modern and clean. Service is comparable. Just don’t like the hidden agendas with costs.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
MSC is very organized and have definite COVID protocols in place. Took about 75 to get through check in, Covid test/result. Lines near existent due to staggered checkin times.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
Be carful with your drink packages. We had the middle package and got charged full price if the drink went over $12.00. I thought MSC would charge me the difference if I ordered a $17 martini. NOPE the full $17. Had to argue at guest services to get an adjustment. Next, MSC advertises to purchase drink packages prior to embarkation and save 15%. NOPE, only on cruises over 3 days. I thought this was not transparent prior to booking. Called prior to embarkation to ask why, and basically said that is their policy and have received lots of complaints but no change to policy.
Lastly, the menu is VERY limited to you if you purchase a dinner package. Very misleading if you ask me. We chose not to purchase because one of the venues is sushi and we don’t care for that.
To be fair buffet food can be hit or miss. But out Carnival, RC, Princess, & Norweign… the least quality. Food was cold, lack seasoning, variety, and freshness.
Main dining service was OUTSTANDING!!! The food was very poor and often tasted like TV dinners.
The steakhouse house is 5 stars. As a couple we did not use a dinner package, we spent all cart. It came to $173 with 18% gratuity.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Ocean Cay island is great. Very relaxing tram transportation is excellent. We spent our time at the inner island lagoon and it was wonderful. With COID, venues on the island were NOT all open. Had to walk 300+ herds to the nearest booze bar and 160+ yards for a bar.
Adult, rear ship pool could only have 6 people at a time due to Covid. Lifeguard ENFORCED. The main pool was packed. Capacity was supposed to have only 10 people per side, NOT enforced.
Probably won’t do MSC again, due to not be able to have a cocktail while in pool side or in hot yubb. One of the main reasons we go on Carinavl. Treat me like an adult until I don’t act like an adult.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Broadway shows; need reservation. So plan early. Can schedule on MSC app or kiosks. Very well done & entertaining. 3 shows per night; 7:00, 9:00, 10:30.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Cabin steward OUTSTANDING.
Bar staff; too few, over worked. Long lines/waits. Could not order at the bar directly, rather had to social distance or sit down and wait for bar service to come to you. In addition, huge disconnect with MSC bar service tablets , sometimes took forever to order or pay, I swear the bar attendant had 30+ key strokes to order or check out. Took a long time. It a big deal, but makes you feel stupid standing there for minutes on end.
Sorry that your cruise experience was less that you might have expected. We love the Meraviglia. As far as the "extras", we've noticed that most cruise lines have been doing the same.....we think it's a compromise instituted to keep general fares low. We love the Meraviglia! Here's an "extra" for free.
The "turn" cabins. Yes, the "turn" cabins are the larger balcony cabins. You will not be charged extra for these larger balcony cabins. Our cabin 14086 (had it before and have again on our September 25th sailing) is facing forward. Other turn cabins are facing "aft". So, if you like to see where you've been rather than where you're going, these cabins may be for you. We like to be facing the direction that we're going in. "To each their own!" Our room is next to the "Panoramic Lift" but that's not been a problem....we haven't heard any noise at all. Anyway, the Meraviglia is a beautiful ship with many great features and amenities. Thanks for sharing and rekindling our memories!
We cruise msc only. 2x a year or more in yacht club only. We like the yacht club. In so sorry u had a poor experience. Maybe u can try again on a longer cruise and try a level the aurora or higher that has more inclusive for drinks??? I hope u give msc another try. But no matter where u cruise I hope u have fun and enjoy in the future.
Stay safe and have fun.
I’ve only done one MSC cruise. Good price, beautiful ship, good sized cabins, excellent service in MDR. My issues were the quality of food in the MDR, and in the first bar we went to we were told our prepaid drinks package no longer existed and the one we were given instead was so limited that we upgraded at extra cost (to be fair don’t know if that was fault of MSC or our TA but other passengers we spoke to had the same experience). Other issue is that you were asked to insert your card once onboard to cover onboard payments and set a limit for how much you wanted to spend, but you weren’t told they took the full amount off you right away and if you didn’t spend it all you had to queue at guest services on your last day and get it back in cash. A lot of unhappy people about that one so we weren’t the only ones not aware of it. I still really enjoyed my cruise, and would never advise anyone not to try MSC, but my personal decision is I’ll either try other cruiselines in future or stick with what I already know.
Ryder633. Hidden extras:
-not being able to book drink package in advance to save 15%. Not advertised that this offer is not available for 3 day cruises.
-dining packages are very limited on choices; not transparent when purchasing.
-drink package; if you chose a cocktail over your $12 limit price, you don’t pay the difference rather the total cost of the $17 drink.
I have been on 21 cruises on 5 lines. MSC just seems to be a bait & switch mentality.
Hi! I’m wondering what made you say hidden extras? I’ve cruised a long time and always know I will pay more for just about everything. The websites are always helpful with “what’s included” Was this your first cruise? All cruises include room, food, most entertainment and a few extras but everything else ie: spa, drinks, excursions will cost you more
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