We loved it! The boat was great and the entertainment and private island superb. A few adjustments from MSC would make it perfect (like keeping the hot tubs and buffet open longer).
Embarkation
5 out of 5
20 minutes from entry to ship. Not too bad.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We loved the food. I was a little worried because of comments that have been posted but overall we loved it. We asked our kids to try new things and if they didn’t like it they could go to the buffet and get what they do like. They liked almost everything. It was fun to try European dishes. They also had hamburgers (not as good as Guys Burgers on Carnival, but eatable), pizza, and other favorites. They served wonderful ice cream out on the pool area but only for a short time with limited options. I wish that were open longer.
L'Olive Doree & L'Olivo D'Oro
5 out of 5
We enjoyed this dining room. It was our assigned dining room for dinner. The service was great and food enjoyable. As it goes in Europe, it’s not fast food. It takes 80 minutes to complete dinner so sit back and relax. We liked this family time. It gave us time to talk and ask the kids what their daily highlights were.
Marketplace Buffet
4 out of 5
I liked this buffet much better than Carnivals. They had more European dishes plus the basic burgers and pizza. The carving station was great. It did close up early. The pizza remained opened until midnight but the main buffet closed earlier. Thus only 4 stars.
Waves Restaurant
5 out of 5
We ate breakfast here and it was good. Great variety. They also served complimentary juices. The portions were small so I always added a side of bacon and potatoes or something to go with my omelet. The pancakes had wonderful berries and sauce on top. It closed at 9 so you had to be at breakfast early.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
We loved the main shows. The embarkation party was fun. The entertainment committee we’re having fun so it felt like fun. They had a white party on the last night but we didn’t see it advertised anywhere. They also never advertised a formal night and staff wasn’t sure which night it was supposed to be.
The pools and hot tubs closed at 8 pm which was disappointing. I like to soak in the late evening. The ropes course was fun. They had fun sing along trivia and a couple of dance classes. They gym was nice but you had to also sign a wavier for that and there was limited equipment.
The Broadway Theater
5 out of 5
My family loved the shows. They had great singers and dancers. The opera singers gave it a classy touch along with the rock and roll. Strange combo but fun. The salsa dancing in the show was spectacular. It impressed my wife who is a dancer. The comedian on the last night was great. Family friendly and funny. One of my family’s highlights.
Sports Plex
2 out of 5
Nice area but they didn’t provide basketballs or other equipment. You had to have your own.
Children's Programs
4 out of 5
We had teens and they mostly hung out with other teens and played games around the boat and not so much in the teen room.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
This was all great.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Fantastic ship. I wish it were remaining in Florida. We would go again.
The design is different. The decks are not long straight hallways. They go in and out so it’s easy to get turned around.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
We had a family so had two cabins with the fold down bunks. They were tight rooms but sufficient. We were on a budget so the cheapest way was to let MSC choose our rooms. We were under the pool deck which was noisy. The boat was less that half full so we wish they would have put us in a nicer room but we got what we paid for. The lighting over the mirror is poor so the bathroom was needed to do makeup and hair. My daughters wishes for better lighting in the room.
Ship tip
If you’re an adult, find the Sky Lounge. I would spend more time there. Bring magnets to put your agendas and hang other items. It keeps stuff off your counter.
We waited our turn and walked right off. They served breakfast in the morning and we sat in a lounge until it was our turn. They give stickers for your luggage the night before and we put our suitcases out by 11 pm. It was fast. 10 minutes and that was walking off the entire time.
Glad you enjoyed it. I was on the Meraviglia in January and was pleasantly surprised at the food & entertainment based on some reviews I read. I found a good selection and quality in the dining room & buffet.
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