Many people cancelled after MSC notified the passengers cruising on 12/16/2023, that they had to change the itinerary due to the massive storms that were effecting the eastern seaboard at the time.
We ended up cruising north to Boston, Portland Maine and St. John's, Brunswick, Canada.
Many were not able to go, as they did not have the necessary Visas to enter Canada. Many did not want to face the cold, as they weren't properly prepared with warm clothing.
Those that did decide to cruise on, enjoyed the ship's amenities and the lower capacity. There were very few lines, and when there was the wait time was brief.
We did get to do a behind-the-scenes tour of several areas of the ship, that I don't know if it is regularly offered, or added to provide some additional things to do.
This was definitely a unique cruise, and one that I won't forget. I will cruise on the Meraviglia again sometime, as I want to experience their private island, Ocean Cay in the Bahamas.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
We recieved two text messages with two different times. We arrived early for the later one and were able to get through the process efficiently because we both had all of our documents and passports ready to present, along with the printed copy of our cruise "ticket". If you follow MSC's instructions in the emails you receive, everything is efficient. By the time we arrived though, all of the photography crew were packing up, so we didn't get our embarkation photos taken. I also had to get my card changed to reflect my status.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
MSC should consider getting rid of the old school seating times for Main Dining room. One night we ate dinner at our assigned table (8 Top), and we were the only ones there. Surrounded by other empty tables. This could have been avoided if they eliminated set times, and changed all of their passenger experiences to Anytime dining. HOLA! Tacos was good, we ate in Butcher's Cut twice, and the Teppanayki restaurant was good, although our "chef" was not as entertaining as the other tables.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Thermal suite is a good value for the week if you enjoy relaxing with your significant other. The fitness center has good TechnoGym equipment that was in good shape. The internet controls a lot of things, so if it goes down then so does all of the machines in the arcade. My GF enjoyed the main pool, even though it was cold out.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
I liked their Houdini Show in the Carousel lounge, and the magic shows in the main theater. Both had good performers.
Children's Programs
We did not have any kids with us. But they do have extensive programs for kids up to teenagers.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our room steward (Edi) was very good, and responsive to our requests. All of the employees in the customer service area (Peter especially) were very cool and level headed, despite having to deal with a total change in cruise itinerary.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Layout is logical, design is clean and modern. There were always crew members cleaning areas or vacuuming things constantly.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Not a lot of storage space for clothing once you have unpacked. I would definitely suggest bringing plenty of magnetic hooks to hang things on your cabin walls, as well as in the bathroom. I would not recommend this specific cabin as it is directly underneath the Marketplace buffet on deck 15, and we heard chairs screeching on our ceiling the entire cruise. Always check what is above and below you before selecting a cabin, and especially when calling in to Customer Service to make a change to your booking.
Ship tip
Have some patience! We had cultures on our trip from all over the world. Many families were sailing in groups, and not everything is the same in everyone's culture, so just have some patience and maybe learn about another person's views.
Due to the ship sailing at half-capacity we were pretty much able to get off the ship whenever we wanted. All passengers were required to be out of their cabins by 7:30AM EST.
Glad u enjoyed your cruise even with. The unforeseeable changes that had to be made. Some were very angry But you took the high road weather changes and cannot be changed by mankind We love love the Meraviglia. Love MSC !! We were on it in December 2022. Love the ship the crew. All of it.
Thanks for the great review 🛳️♥️
Currently on Meraviglia heading back to New York and can honestly say I'd trade the Bahamas for reduced capacity. Glad you made the best of the situation.
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