Sailing aboard the MSC Meraviglia from New York City on December 9th was an exciting adventure filled with highs and lows. While the ship itself was beautiful and spacious, and the entertainment was top-notch, some aspects didn’t quite meet the expectations I’d had from other cruise experiences. Join me as I take you through my journey, highlighting the various aspects of my cruise experience.
Food: A Mixed Bag of Flavors
One of the most anticipated aspects of any cruise is the food, and on the MSC Meraviglia, it was a mixed bag. The buffet offered a variety of options, but it often felt chaotic and crowded, making the dining experience less enjoyable. However, the standout was the exceptional bread, which never disappointed.
Room service exceeded expectations for the most part, with some exceptions like the slightly overcooked rotisserie chicken. The wings and french fries, on the other hand, were delicious.
The specialty restaurants provided varying experiences. HOLA, the Tex-Mex restaurant, was adequate but basic. Butcher, however, stood out as the best dining experience on the ship with excellent service and delicious meals. Teppanyaki offered a fun atmosphere, but the food left something to be desired. Coastal, the seafood restaurant, received high praise from guests who enjoyed fish and seafood.
Shopping: Limited Options
I was surprised to find limited shopping options on the ship, particularly for swimming items like swim shoes and bathing suits. There was a perfume shop and a mini-mall, but I expected more variety in the shops.
Ship Features: Beauty and Entertainment Galore
Despite some shortcomings, the MSC Meraviglia as a whole was stunning, and spacious, and had plenty of lounges and bars to relax in. The aqua area, though not fully explored due to rough weather, was visually appealing.
Entertainment: A Highlight of the Cruise
The shows on the MSC Meraviglia were a true highlight of the cruise. The talented performers delivered entertaining and memorable shows. Reservations were required for most shows, but they were well worth the effort. There was one paid show that I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.
Internet: Surprisingly Great
The ship’s internet exceeded expectations, offering the best connectivity I’ve ever experienced on a cruise ship.
Staff: Friendly and Efficient
The staff onboard the MSC Meraviglia were personable, helpful, and friendly. They consistently delivered timely and efficient service, enhancing the overall cruise experience.
Cabins: Spacious But Limited Storage
While the cabins were spacious, they lacked sufficient closet and storage space for two people, let alone a family of four. Additionally, the absence of free movie channels on the TV was disappointing.
Clientele: A Diverse Mix
The cruise had a diverse mix of passengers, with a significant portion coming from Asian countries like China, Japan, the Philippines, Korea, and India. It was interesting to interact with different travel cultures and learn from their experiences.
Conclusion: A Cruise with Potential
In conclusion, my experience at the MSC Meraviglia had its ups and downs. While the ship itself was impressive, the food quality and limited shopping options left something to be desired. The entertainment and staff were highlights, and the diverse mix of passengers added a unique element to the journey.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate the MSC Meraviglia a 5, primarily due to the food and limited cabin space. However, I would consider trying MSC again, especially on a European cruise, as I’ve heard that the European ships offer a more magnificent culinary experience. Despite the subpar rating, my mother and I had a wonderful mother-daughter trip filled with memories to cherish.
