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MSC Meraviglia is packed with extraordinary features for the perfect experience at sea in any season. Enjoy outstanding dining options and out-of-this-world entertainment with new panoramic areas, an innovative ocean-view aft lounge, a two-deck "inside promenade" with a 480m2 LED dome and a spectacular amusement area connected to an outdoor water park. Also, MSC Meraviglia is one of the four ships that sail to our exclusive Bahamian destination Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
Meraviglia from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal was an experience of balancing affordability, expectations, and the unique quirks of cruising. At a base price of $550 per person (for two people), it felt like a steal, including unlimited food and drinks. Of course, cruising costs add up with extras like gratuities ($56 per person), Wi-Fi streaming ($140 per person), specialty dining ($75 per person), paid shows ($12 per person), and some other small indulgences, like an umbrella rental on the private island ($29) and local transportation in Nassau ($14 per person). Altogether, the trip came to $861 per person or about $123 per day. Flights, Ubers, and pre/post-cruise hotel stays would be additional, but for a week of no cooking, no cleaning, and ocean views, it felt like an excellent budget-friendly vacation. Booking & Pre-Cruise Experience The booking process wasn’t the smoothest. MSC’s website and app left something to be desired, and customer support wasn’t always the most knowledgeable. Thankfully, there’s a wealth of information available online, from Facebook groups to YouTube videos, which helped prepare for the trip. The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is well-connected via NYC’s transportation system. We opted for an Uber to simplify things, but parking and public transit options are available. Embarkation & Disembarkation Getting on the ship took about an hour from start to finish. Staff at the port were efficient but not particularly warm or welcoming—a pattern often associated with New York ports but not always excusable. Once aboard, the excitement of the trip quickly set in. Disembarkation was smoother, taking 20-30 minutes since we carried our luggage off ourselves, which is always my preferred method. Guests checking their luggage off the ship likely faced longer waits. Onboard Experience The MSC Meraviglia is a massive ship, over 1,000 feet long, with a maximum capacity of 5,714 passengers. Thankfully, our sailing wasn’t at full capacity (around 90%), which made navigating crowds more manageable. The ship itself was clean and well-maintained, with standout areas like the Galleria, an interior promenade with a high-tech LED ceiling. That said, outdoor areas could have been more inviting. In November, cooler weather made half the journey less appealing for lounging outside, and I found myself wishing for more cozy, comfortable seating to enjoy the ocean views. Cabin & Comfort We opted for an interior cabin, a first for me and a big contributor to the trip’s affordability. Despite being the most basic room type, it was functional and clean, with great service from our cabin steward, Judy. She ensured towels were replaced as needed and the room was always tidy. While the cabin was quiet, the bed was firmer than I would have liked, and there was a faint, occasional plumbing smell in the bathroom. However, these were minor inconveniences overall. Food & Dining Dining on a cruise is always an exercise in managing expectations, particularly on a budget-friendly line like MSC. Buffets are, well, buffets—crowded and inconsistent. The main dining room served mass-produced meals that were hit-or-miss. However, MSC’s Italian offerings stood out: the pizza was the best I’ve had at sea, the freshly made mozzarella was a highlight, and one pasta dish in particular impressed me. Specialty dining made all the difference, with standout meals at Butcher’s Cut and Hola Tacos, which were well worth the extra cost. A key tip: book specialty dining as soon as you board, as reservations fill up fast. Drinks & Packages We chose the Easy Plus drink package, which covered drinks priced at $10 or under. This included a decent selection of wines, beers, and classic cocktails like mojitos and margaritas. It was sufficient for most of our needs, though occasionally, pricier options required paying the difference. While the wine selection grew repetitive over seven days, specialty dining and themed events, like Italian Night, helped break the monotony. Entertainment Entertainment was a mixed bag. The paid shows, Houdini and Rock Circus, were polished and enjoyable. However, much of the free programming, from trivia to demonstrations, felt underwhelming. I’ve been spoiled by the caliber of entertainment on other lines like Norwegian, and MSC’s offerings didn’t quite match up. That said, the evening routine of dinner and a show was still enjoyable, just not as memorable as I’d hoped. Activities & Amenities The ship boasts a range of amenities, from multiple pools and hot tubs to waterslides and a ropes course. While the pools were great, I could never get into a hot tub without at least three other people—a common cruise experience. The fitness center was small but adequate, and the spa, while present, wasn’t particularly impressive. The walking track was functional but lacked engaging surroundings or amenities along the way. Ports & Excursions Port times were late (1 PM–9 PM) in Nassau and Port Canaveral, limiting options for excursions. For instance, a full day at Disney or Atlantis wasn’t feasible. We skipped Port Canaveral altogether but explored Nassau independently, visiting Cabbage Beach and the free areas of Atlantis. The real highlight was Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island. Its clear waters, included food and drinks, and tranquil atmosphere made for a perfect beach day. A sunset at the waterfront bar was the trip’s standout moment. Service & Staff Service quality varied. Judy, our cabin steward, was exceptional, and entertainment staff brought energy and enthusiasm. Dining staff were friendly but stretched thin, and guest services and spa staff were less helpful than expected. While the crew’s overall friendliness shone through, their lack of detailed knowledge in certain areas was noticeable. Crowds & Atmosphere Despite the high passenger capacity, the ship rarely felt overwhelmingly crowded. Peak meal times at the buffet were an exception, but adult-only areas like the Sky Lounge and Horizon Bar provided relaxing retreats. While there were many families onboard, adult spaces remained enjoyable and uncrowded. Final Thoughts The MSC Meraviglia isn’t a luxury experience, but for budget-conscious travelers, it offers exceptional value. For $123 per day, I had a week of relaxation, entertainment, and exploration. While food and entertainment could be improved, highlights like the private island and affordable specialty dining more than made up for the shortcomings. I wouldn’t hesitate to sail MSC again, particularly if I needed an affordable getaway. This cruise is best suited for families, first-time cruisers, or anyone looking for a cost-effective way to relax and explore.
Enjoy a stylish home-from-home on this elegant cruise ship.
Whether you opt for an inside cabin, an outside cabin with a panoramic window, a balcony cabin, a spacious suite or the exclusive luxury of the MSC Yacht Club∘ (with real wood and marble furnishings, private facilities and 24-hour Butler service), you’ll love the spacious designer décor, superior comfort, widescreen satellite TV with interactive home entertainment system, spacious wardrobe, powerful shower and well-stocked mini bar.
MSC Meraviglia's main restaurants serve freshly prepared Mediterranean and international cuisine in elegant surroundings, while the ship’s speciality restaurants serve up Italian “Slow Food” delicacies, succulent steaks, superb sushi and more.
Seek the extraordinary and make your cruise holiday an unforgettable adventure.
We offer an incredible choice of shore excursions to suit every taste: whether you prefer adventure, nature, culture or history, we’ve designed something for you and the whole family.
From Culture & History and our breathtaking Scenic Routes, to our Active & Adventure tours and the discovery of Natural Wonders, to Sea & Sun’s relax, our Something Special experiences and our Accessible Tours, you can enjoy the treasures of each destination in your preferred way.
We’ve also established the MSC Family Explorer Club, Excursions Explorer Package and MSC Bike Adventours, which are unique to our line and available on selected MSC Cruises' itineraries.
Entertainment areas have been multiplied: there’s a fun park and a water park, breathtaking panoramic areas, two covered promenades and outdoor Aqua Park∘ connected to a double deck indoor Amusement Park.
The whole ceiling∘ of the inside promenade will be covered with a giant 480-m² LED screen: a digital sky, capable of transmitting vistas, events, sunrises, sunsets and the starry skies at night.
Relaxing, feeling healthy and looking your best is all part of the MSC Cruises experience.
Treat yourself to a soothing sauna, a traditional Balinese massage or a high-tech beauty treatment during your cruise in our MSC Aurea Spa.
Book one of our Spa & Beauty Packages now and take advantage of our pre-boarding rates.
MSC family cruises are designed for parents and children to enjoy fun times together and quality time separately. That's why we’re proud to have built a renowned reputation as a company that knows how to create the best cruises for kids.
Today we continue to deliver on that reputation by paying extra attention to the needs of children, tweens, teens and their parents: so book your cruise and immerse in a World of Discovery!
To ensure family activities run in a safe environment, some onboard services are subject to changes based on local regulations or other restrictions, in the context of the COVID-19 situation. Click here find out more about our enhanced Health & Safety measures and our new, even safer onboard experience.
