MSC Meraviglia 2022/2023

MSC Meraviglia Cruise Review

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Reviews: 5
Helpful Votes: 43

Overall rating:

4.4 out of 5
MSC Meraviglia

7 Night Western Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 30, 2022

Ship: MSC Meraviglia

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

Very satisfied with the cruise, food, entertainment staff and service. Would recommend ship and MSC.

Embarkation

3 out of 5
Embarkation probably deserves at least a 3.5 star. Once inside the terminal things got much better. However, if the process started outside the terminal the embarkation could be dramatically improved in my opinion. Many of the people standing in line outside were there before their checking time. This made the line twice as long for those who were there on time such as ourselves. But nice I side there were two lines, one for on time and one for those who just show up. There is no reason people who arrive on time to have to wait because of those who are there too early. MSC should have some staff outside checking passes or at least asking and assign two lines from right outside the terminal. I believe this easy fix would solve embarkation issues.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
I was nervous going I to my first MEC trip because of some of the reviews I read about the food. The food was absolutely great and there was quite a lot of variety, you just had to look for it. Main dining was always good with good service and the buffet was what you could expect and the quality was also good.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
We didn’t bit participate in many of the activities, but they appeared to have stuff catered to just about everyone. The entertainment was also good to ok. No real complaints in that department.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
Entertainment was good. A variety was offered and the evening shows were generally good.

Children's Programs

4 out of 5
No complaints. We did not leave our children at the kids centre, but many parents appeared to. We participated in some of the scheduled activities with our kids and they had fun.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
The staff were mostly very friendly in all departments. I had limited interactions with them, but they were all good.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
This boat is quite modern and has a very nice design to it. You should always study your boat before booking anyway to make sure it suites your needs. The staff were constantly cleaning. I would have to say I was surprised that people were not sanitizing before entering the buffet area and it was not enforced. This area could have been improved to maintain better hygiene in the buffet area. Washing hands before entry takes only a few seconds and there are wash stations everywhere when you go in.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Cabin was great. It was a typical cruise cabin with a balcony and bunkbead sofa for the kids. This setup was great for us. The room was kept clean and made up up by the staff on a regular basis.

Ship tip

The same advice I would give about any other cruise; study the ship and the company beforehand. There tones of reviews and videos online to go through to make judgment on if this boat is for you. Don’t believe everything you read. A lot of bad reviews by people for different reasons. If it was that bad then people would not keep going.

Ports of call

Belize City, Belize

4 out of 5
This port was nice. Would have like to spend more time, but excursion took up most of the day. Belize City is not very big. We went on a boat tour to a private island and have a small city tour by van. Nothing spectacular, but a nice place to visit. Tender boat ride of about 20 to get there from ship.

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5
This place is very nice and touristy. Lots of restaurants, shops etc. We did an excursion at an all inclusive resort and spent our day at the beach.

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

4 out of 5
Did. It spend much time in port because of an excursion. However, this port looked nice and well maintained. Lots of shopping and activities like sein with dolphins and pools etc. Overall looked nice. Could spend the day if not interested in excursions and you love to shop or drink.

Port Canaveral, Florida

4 out of 5
We stayed in Orlando so I don’t know much about this port area. We went to Coco Beach in close proximity and it was beautiful. Space Centre nearby etc.

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas

4 out of 5
This private island is very well maintained and beautiful. Very nice beaches and shops. A few water sports. What is missing if you have kids is a splash pad or water park etc.

Disembarkation

3 out of 5
Disembarkation was relatively good for a boat with a capacity of 5000 people. However, it was a bit confusing and lacked information such a an announcement that would have been nice in the morning to know when to start getting in line for early checkout. We were advised the night before that we would be an hour late going into port in the morning. You would think this would have delayed the disembarkation by an hour. But low and behold with no announcement made the line ups to get off the boat were crazy. Many people opted to get off the boat early. Just a lack of communication and lack of flow (people in all directions) which without a doubt would have made things easier.
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6 Comments

FrustratedGamer    1 year ago

Been looking for embarkation critiques and you made my day! Thanks!

Popdog    1 year ago

Thank you for your review.

Gwbigdog    1 year ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise

PapaHoffy    1 year ago

I will never understand why when people go to these private islands they want a water park. There is a an ocean right there for your swimming and if you need a slide get back on the ship. Never understood it

javawoody    1 year ago

Happy that you enjoyed your experience

CruzeFan    1 year ago

Glad you enjoyed it. I was on the Meraviglia last January, and the Divina and October and loved both cruises. I don’t know why so many people don’t seem to care for it, but I’m glad they don’t since that keeps prices cheaper for the rest of us.

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