Beautiful ship, MSC is a great addition to the other popular lines. Meraviglia holds about 5500 people but it does not feel crowded at all. They really put thought into the layout. The dome on deck 6 is so nice and was a highlight of my day to watch the show, it's 5 minutes long. Ocean Cay Marine Reserve is so beautiful and relaxing. Nice long port day there and the Lighthouse show at night is fun. The entertainment and activities on the ship were all great. The food has room for improvement but hopefully that gets better as they adjust to the American market. Overall, great ship and I would sail MSC again to try another ship.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Security moved quick. In typical New York fashion, they were determined to keep it moving.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
The buffet and main dining room are the only included food options. The buffet had the same food everyday. I would have liked to see variety and more options. The main offerings were beef stew, pork loin, pork ribs, rices, and potatoes. The pizza was great but there is only so much pizza you can eat. Ate in the MDR once on Italian night and ordered the calamari and chicken parm. Both were just ok. Calamari was not very fried, on the squishy side. Did specialty dining at Hola tacos, food was good. A variety of options and like 5 different salsas. Also ate at the sushi place, food was tasty.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Always something to do, lots of options. I went to the fitness center often and did a spinning class, it was good. The gym was hot though. Also did the ropes course which I loved.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Different shows offered every night that are included and then other shows in a different theater for an upcharge. Music around the ship was great, lots of variety of musicians. DJ party every night had a different theme.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
The staff were kind and pleasant, but I feel like the ship would benefit from more staff. At the ports, there was only one staff scanning key cards to let you off so the lines were always long.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Ship was ar full capacity but it did not feel like it because of how spread out everything is and how much variety was offered. Lines at the buffet practically all the time, but I guess that can be expected.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Stayed in a premium suite with whirlpool on the balcony. It is the corner/most forward room on the ship. (Each deck has 2 of these rooms). The balcony was super long, had chairs, tables, and loungers. The room had a separate sitting area and then a bedroom (room had a door). Nice room but the bed was very very hard. Woke up a bit stiff each day.
Ship tip
Book specialty dining as soon as you get on the ship if you want to try these food options. Thermal spa is nice. If you aren't Aurea, they run a special on the last sea day for buy one day pass and get one free.
Did the self-assist option. They start the line on Deck 6 and make you weave around and down stairs to deck 5. Wish it would have just started on deck 5. They kept announcing for everyone to be out of the rooms by 8am.
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