Overall, I learned a lot about navigating the company, and would probably cruise MSC again.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
MSC shut down their pier as they struggled to get their previous cruisers processed and released. Meanwhile, Cruisers waiting to embark were told all kinds of things as to why the pier was shut down. Shuttles to the MSC Meraviglia from the hotels were over two hours late as they waited for MSC to give the okay to pick up travelers. After arriving we were all in this massive long line in the Orlando sun. This bumpy beginning was a foreshadowing of some other frustrating experiences over the course of the seven day cruise. It wasn’t all bad but this first impression was overwhelmingly horrible.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
There was always a good variety of food available at the buffet. I was so satisfied with the buffets, and the freedom to come and go on my own schedule, that I had all my meals at the buffet, or room service.
If you’ve traveled to Europe and appreciated the cheeses and meats trays, then you’ll enjoy what MSC offers every meal. Spoil yourself with a real Italian Cappuccino! Folks who dined in the speciality restaurants bragged on the quality of the food and service. Service at the buffet was also exceptional as each area was well-staffed with friendly people ready to help you with whatever you needed.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
It may be a cultural thing, but there are huge chunks of time where everything is closed during the day. We were at Ocean Cay for one day and a half, it’s like the boat closes to force you to go to their island. There were a lot of cruisers walking the onboard mall area, looking longingly at that closed gelato shop because it was 90 degrees outside. The shows are really awesome. Bingo — these folks could learn a lot from other cruise lines about improving their game. People managing this activity need professional help. I had looked forward to visit in the library for a book, but it was not there. I bumped into others looking for it.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
This ship is relatively new, and the staff works tirelessly to keep it spic-n-span! My cabin, 8120, was perfect. I enjoyed the balcony for morning coffee, sunsets, ocean watching, and relaxing. The bathroom was small but modern and tidy. Don’t go stand in line for an hour with a lot of grumpy people who think the air conditioning in their cabin is broken. Close and double lock your balcony door and your cabin air will work just fine. Could a note by the controller save frustration and time for everyone melting in the Florida heat? 💡
Ship tip
Go on You Tube to watch reviews; I did, and I’m sure it helped curb my frustration and expectations.
The excursion I booked on Shipmate, Day with Mayan family cooking, eating, and learning was phenomenal! Truly the best activity out of the entire seven days. There are only 600 Mayans living in Chacchoben, which is an hour from Costa Maya where our boat docked. People in this little village live off the land; in fact, everything we ate and drank came from the backyard— bananas, papaya, avocado, sweet oranges, sour oranges (their vinegar), oregano, garlic, onions, potatoes, peppers, corn, cinnamon, vanilla beans, coconuts, chickens, hibiscus 🌺 tea, honey, 🌶 hot peppers, pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, cilantro … place was like Garden of Eden … Our tour guides— Maria, Yoshi, and Migel were the best!
Glad you enjoyed it. MSC is great once you are onboard, but the struggle with Customer Service prior to the cruise. I believe the issues the day you boarded were due to the Immigration process taking longer than usual due to the ship re-positioning from Europe to the US.
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