The wonder Of MSC Meraviglia
A short while ago, I had the privilege of spending the day on board the MSC Meraviglia. Since she first made her appearance in 2017, I’ve had it in the back of my mind to sail on this vessel. It has earned wonderful evaluations all around from journalists, bloggers, and regular people; she is something that should not be disregarded!
I was fortunate enough to spend some of the summer aboard her soon-to-be-launched sister ship, the MSC Bellissima, which is currently being built in France. So, I had a general concept of the size and atmosphere of the ship in my head, but the actual product far beyond my expectations in both regards. Be sure to click on this link to learn more about the MSC Bellissima as I track her construction all the way up to her christening in Southampton in 2019.
The MSC Meraviglia is not only the largest ship in the MSC fleet, but also one of the largest ships in the world when considering both its size and the number of passengers it can carry. My time spent on board the ship gives me the impression that it is not nearly as large as it actually is. Accessibility was a primary consideration during the design process. MSC for Me, an app that acts as a personal concierge for passengers while they are on board, made its premiere on this ship, making it the most technologically equipped vessel in the fleet. Let’s go have a look at what she has to offer and see what we can find.
The Infinity Atrium and the Galleria Meraviglia are both waiting for you when you arrive.
You will find yourself in the ship’s Infinity Atrium as soon as you step foot on the MSC Meraviglia. This is a trendy neighborhood filled to the brim with bars, music, and activities. Those incredibly dazzling staircases made of Swarovski crystal are impossible to miss. The Atrium is perhaps the heart of the ship, and the Galleria Meraviglia is unquestionably the centerpiece of the Meraviglia. Both extend from the central Atrium. This expansive two-tiered promenade is dotted with boutique shops, restaurants serving mouthwatering gelato and crepes, coffee shops, and the ship’s chocolate boutique, which is run by Jean-Philippe Maury, a French chocolatier who is known across the world.
A LED dome of 80 meters in circumference can be found running the whole length of the promenade. Throughout the day, the dome will cycle through a variety of various scenes. This location serves as the epicenter of the on-board entertainment, and it is here that guests can find a wide variety of activities taking place at all hours of the day.
A majority of the establishments that are considered to be specialty restaurants are located on the second level. These establishments include the interactive Teppanyaki, the Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, the Brass Anchor Pub, and the TV Studio. This high-tech, multi-purpose facility is home to a radio broadcast suite as well as a television studio. From here, live games, trivia contests, and talent shows, as well as other entertaining programming, are broadcast throughout the ship. In addition to that, it operates as a karaoke bar, comedy club, and live music venue when it is afloat.
Entertainment
The entertainment on MSC ships is taken to a whole new level by Meraviglia. To begin, make your way to the Broadway Theatre, which is located near the front of the ship. During the course of a typical cruise, this area plays host to a total of six unique performances, ranging from flamenco dancing to a show about phone apps (…seriously!).
The Carousel Lounge, which can be found towards the ship’s aft, is a brand-new addition to MSC. Cirque du Soleil productions that are one-of-a-kind will be able to take place in this expansive area that looks out over the wake of the ship that was constructed specifically for them. On a normal trip, the ship will perform two different versions of each of its two paid performances, Sonor and Viaggio, twice each evening. You also have the option of combining seeing the play with a full-course eating experience. You can test your luck at the slot machines and gaming tables at the Casino Imperiale, which is conveniently located right next to the Lounge.
Do you have a more active feeling? After that, proceed to the Sportplex on the upper level. This covered area features a huge arena with space for passengers to participate in various sports and games throughout the day. In the evening, the location is ideal for throwing a party and dancing the night away. In addition, there are two Formula 1 virtual-reality racing cars, simulators, and a full-size bowling alley for your enjoyment.
What to eat and drink
The gastronomic offering of MSC is improving in leaps and bounds on a consistent basis. It has enlisted the help of some of the most well-known chefs in the world to reinvent its cuisine, and the results can be seen on board Meraviglia. During my brief stay on Meraviglia, I sampled some pretty tasty dishes from the restaurant’s extensive menu. There are four primary dining areas available on board, and each one caters to a particular type of eating experience (from the classic dining times to more flexible options). In addition to this, there is also the Marketplace Buffet, which is open for twenty hours every day and features a selection of foods from both the Mediterranean and other parts of the world.
In addition to the primary dining establishments, there are also a variety of specialized pay-per-order options available. Although there might not be as many passengers as on other lines, MSC has purposely chosen to focus on the aspects of their business in which they excel. In addition to the Cirque meal that I mentioned before, there is also Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki, a Japanese steakhouse; Butchers Cut, an American steakhouse; and Eataly, an Italian restaurant that specializes in Italian cuisine. All of these restaurants have received nothing but wonderful reviews.
In total, there are 18 different bars spread out over the ship for guests to choose from. From the opulent Champagne Bar to the traditional Brass Anchor Pub, and even a sports bar in between. The Sky Lounge, which is positioned at the very top of the ship and boasts views over the main pool areas, is without a doubt my favorite venue on board.
Let’s go outdoors
The layout of the outside areas on board Meraviglia is phenomenally beautiful, in my opinion. To begin, there is the primary swimming area. This is a really sizable area that features a number of different loungers and spots where one can bask in the sun. On a sunny day spent at sea, I could very well picture myself being in that location. In addition to that, it has a sizable outside huge screen. Another sizable indoor pool may be found right next to the main one in this complex. This is yet another spacious area in which one can enjoy spending time, and it is ideal for cooler days. Do not be concerned; the roof can be retracted in the event that the temperature outside increases.
Additionally, the Horizon pool can be found toward the stern of the ship. This allows for a greater amount of free deck space over the wake of the ship. Another facility that can be transformed, this one turns into an outdoor bar and club as the sun goes down.
Ropes Course and Aqua Park are the places to go for people who like to keep moving. This amusement park has a ropes course, three twisting slides, one of which is cantilevered over the side of the ship, and a variety of pools, interactive water elements, and games that will be enjoyable for everyone.
Spa and Exercise Center
The MSC Aurea Spa is the largest spa in the fleet, and it offers a wide variety of specialty treatments to its guests. Additionally, it is equipped with a sizable thermal suite on board. The thermal suite features two steam rooms, two saunas, a salt room, two relaxation rooms, two aromatherapy rooms, a snow grotto, showers, and two thalassotherapy pools. Access to the thermal suite is available for an additional fee. If you want to locate me, you already know where to look!
A sizable fitness center may also be found on board the Meraviglia. It provides a view of the primary pool and is well-appointed with cutting-edge Technogym equipment, in addition to places for weight training and other activities. In addition, there are distinct rooms for spinning and each of the other types of classes that are provided on board.
It’s the life of luxury.
The MSC Yacht Club has relocated back to its former home in Meraviglia. This exclusive enclave is an evolution of the ship-within-a-ship concept, and it is located at the very front top of the ship. You will be able to unwind in your very own private lounge and restaurant, as well as take advantage of your very own private pool area.
What’s on my mind
Meraviglia made quite an impression on me during the few hours that I was able to spend aboard her, and I can understand why she is so well-liked. MSC has improved upon the best qualities that the brand has to offer and taken them to the next level. As a consequence of this, there is something on board that is suitable for each and every passenger.
