After 20+ cruises, MSC has quickly become our favorite line. The ships and crew are top-notch and the value can't be beat. Compared to our second favorite cruise line, Celebrity, we get the same service, ship, and itinerary (with very few exceptions) for almost 1/2 the cost. That's a win-win in my book!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Embarkation was smooth and easy. Even with the re-testing at port, we were on the ship in under 30 minutes.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Food was fantastic. We ate at Hola! twice we enjoyed it so much. Please be sure to say "Hi" to Caesar when you go there. He was fantastic. Sushi was also excellent and service was spectacular throughout the ship.
Hola! Tacos & Cantina
5 out of 5
We ate at Hola! twice we enjoyed it so much. Please be sure to say "Hi" to Caesar when you go there. He was fantastic.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
We watched more than participated (from the Sky Lounge the view of the pool deck is perfect!) The crew did such an amazing job with the White Party and other events, especially considering the low capacity (there were 980 on this sailing!) it is not an easy task to keep a small crowd pumped up and dancing, but they did it very well!
Entertainment
We did not watch any shows. Just chilled out, toured the beautiful ship, and stuck to the Sky Lounge (so relaxing and fun crew there) and the Horizon Bar.
Children's Programs
No children on our sailing, but we passed this area going to Horizon Bar and they staff was always friendly and engaging.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our favorite treats came from the Sky Lounge (our absolutely favorite place on the ship, only second to the Horizon Bar.) Be sure to order your drinks from Isaiah at Horizon. BEST bartender on Meriviglia. Anthony in the Sky Lounge was also excellent. I could write a book.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The Meraviglia has jumped to the top of my list of most beautiful ships I have sailed out of 20+ cruises. You just have to experience it to believe it. From the huge digital panel in the Galleria that changes every hour, to the Cinderella Swarovski crystal staircases, it's just the most gorgeous ship on the ocean!
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
This cabin was in the most perfect spot - close to both the Panoramic elevator and 10 steps from the main bank of elevators. One deck up and you are minutes away from the buffet, Sky Lounge, Atmosphere pool and bar, and Horizon bar is not much farther. JUST perfect and very quiet considering it is just under a common area...14116 is under an area that is rarely used so it is very quiet.
Ship tip
Do a "pub crawl" when you first board. We took the time to walk deck by deck, forward to aft, and along the way found our favorite bartender and quiet spot to chill. This made it so much easier to navigate and learn the ship. Do it at the beginning of every cruise and you will know your way around the ship almost instantly!
The island is really coming around. Flowers are blooming, staff was friendly and helpful and the Wave Runner excursion still appears to be the most popular and fun excursion on the island. Well try that next time around!
Thanks for the review. I feel the same way about MSC Meraviglia. I enjoy Celebrity and appreciate their promotion of more women to captain and other high positions. MSC dazzles the senses and is a true bargain for solo travelers who appreciate quality. Hope you have many more enjoyable MSC cruises.
Thanks for the review. I was on Meraviglia last month and agree with your comments. The nicest ship I have been on in 20 cruises. Great food, service and entertainment. Cost was much less than other lines. I’m not sure why many give it bad reviews.
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
