First time on MSC
MSC Meraviglia Cruise Review
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 32
7 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)
Sail date: November 06, 2021
Ship: MSC Meraviglia
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: 14092
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 3 years ago
Review summary
We also had a stop in Nassau that we didn't know about until we were on the ship. We plan our port days well in advance, so this threw us for a bit of a loop. With some quick Googling before we left Port, we made a plan to walk to the highly rated Junkanoo Beach. We took our own snorkel gear, but saw very little and the extremely loud music playing from each section of the beach (multiple songs at once) was enough to have us back on the ship by noon. I did get a drink at Seagulls that was strong and not too pricey and the bartender was very nice. Overall, we had a nice cruise and enjoyed much of what MSC had to offer, but probably wouldn't have felt as happy without our balcony to spend time on. We likely won't cruise with them again, but never say never. I was able to do the status matching with my Hilton Honors about a week before the cruise, but Silver status didn't end up getting me much other than a pretty cruise card. The welcome cocktail reception was canceled due to covid and I didn't get the promised basket of fruit, but honestly no biggie on that, plenty of fruit at the buffet.Embarkation
Even though there were multiple documents to organize and we had to repeat some steps that were a part of pre-check in, we were on board the ship within 20 minutes of getting in line and in our room immediately after that. A welcome change from the hours long wait for both in the past.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
The dining room was lovely, food tasty and service very attentive. Though, due to my partner's food restrictions we spent most meals at the buffet. Not a huge selection, but enough variety that I didn't have the same lunch or dinner twice. I was a bit disappointed that the only other included restaurant option was a pool side burger & dogs bar, which all was also available in the buffet. Even small bites at the English pub cost extra. There was an included soft serve ice cream station as well, but limited to just chocolate, vanilla and swirl.
Onboard Activities
We mostly participated in trivia type events and there were a number of those, which we enjoyed.
We did spend about 30 minutes doing the water slides, which was plenty. Good slides, but a lot of stairs to keep doing them repeatedly. Gets the heart pumping though! Water was surprisingly warm, but not bad.
My partner did the ropes course on a port day and it looked to be challenging, but not too hard for both adults and older children.
Entertainment
I don't want to put down the main theater performers, because putting on shows of this nature isn't easy, however, I have seen much better shows on all 3 other cruise lines I've been on. It often seemed like they were handed a song and just forced to make their voice work for it, rather than picking songs that their voices are suited for. I will say that one dancing couple are clearly highly trained in ballroom and performed a few tricks that were spectacular! They definitely stole the show every night.
The musicians in other parts of the ship were much better and worth taking the time to listen to.
We did also enjoy seeing the panoramic dome shows but were surprised to discover they only last about 5 minutes and start to repeat by day 4.
Service and Staff
Everyone was so friendly! They really go above and beyond and remember cruisers names quickly and say hello.
Ship Quality
Outstanding! I was a little worried to be cruising in covid times, but they are constantly cleaning, require hand washing before every buffet meal, & have plenty of hand sanitizer machines.
Cabin / Stateroom
First time with a balcony room (a perk of the lower cost cruise line) and felt it was plenty spacious for myself and my partner. I did get the majority of the closet space, but it worked out fine. Loved spending time reading on the balcony and looking out at the beautiful blue waters of the carribean.
We were on the 14th floor, just below the main pool deck, so there were some annoying sounds of moving deck furniture late at night, but not really something that could be helped.
Ports of call
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas
Only 2 beaches were open "due to construction," but I suspect it was actually due to the smaller passenger number (just over 1400). I was hoping to snorkel off Sunset Beach, but instead had to do so at Lighthouse Bay. Saw some fish near the barrier net, but the increase in waves in the afternoon made it difficult to enjoy for very long. Water was warm and clear and we got off the ship first thing to snag 2 Adirondack chairs and a free umbrella. Didn't bother with the buffet and ate a burger and fries from the nearby food truck, which were hot and tasty.
Disappointed that our itinerary changed last minute (like we were notified when we got into our room the first time) and we left before the previously planned Lighthouse light show and junkanoo parade.
Thumbs Up
0
We booked a non-MSC excursion with The Native Choice called the Chacchoben Extreme tour. While intended to be a small group tour (in a van, not a huge bus) we ended up being the only 2 people on the tour with our fantastic and knowledgeable guide, Edder. We made good time and were the FIRST people of the day at the Chacchoben ruins! We learned a lot and have some wonderful photos. Then, we spent about 2 hours at a private club at Bacalar, Seven Color Lagoon. The water wasn't very blue at this end of the lagoon, but the afternoon alone in a beautiful setting, eating a delicious meal, having drinks and playing in the water made up for the lack of blue. :) I highly recommend this tour!
We booked a private (not MSC) Dune Buggy tour with Cozumel Cruise Excursions and had a wonderful day touring the island with our guide, Paco. Fancy tequila tasting, secluded beach walk and fresh ceviche, lighthouse visit, seeing salt water crocodiles, snorkeling at a beach club and a delicious fajita lunch all included! I cannot recommend this tour enough for seeing more of Cozumel than just laying on a beach all day.
Disembarkation
A bit of a line for the express disembarkation, but it moved quickly and we were on our way.