The blueprint for MSC World America is solid, even if it still needs a few adjustments
MSC Grandiosa is part of the Meraviglia-plus class and launched in 2019, at a time when MSC was already looking ahead to their World Class ships like MSC World Europa and MSC World America. You can definitely see some improvements over the traditional Meraviglia class, along with features that would later appear on World Europa. There are still a few issues MSC has been working to improve over the years. So, is this ship worth your time? Let’s find out.
What we like about MSC Grandiosa
This is a beautiful ship, continuing the tradition set by MSC Meraviglia back in 2017. There are plenty of picture-perfect spots, from the atrium and its gorgeous Swarovski crystal staircases to the Galleria Grandiosa. There is a strong sense of glamour throughout, and you might even mistake this for one of those ultra-luxury cruise ships that cost tens of thousands of dollars.
The Galleria Grandiosa is one of the most popular places onboard, home to a variety of restaurants, bars and cozy spots to sit back and relax. It even features a massive LED ceiling running across the entire promenade, with light shows at night and special announcements throughout the day. It looks amazing.
This is an amazing ship for families traveling with young children. You can enjoy the Wild Forest Waterpark, filled with waterslides, splash zones, rope bridges and small playgrounds where kids can spend the whole day without ever getting bored. I love that one of the waterslides lets you go down on a double inflatable float, or you can choose to slide solo without anything at all.
There’s also the Sportplex, which was already featured on MSC Meraviglia. It is a large entertainment area designed with kids in mind, featuring an indoor sports court, a teen lounge, LEGO Club, arcade, bowling and more. There is definitely a lot to see and do there. Adults can also have a great time at the many bars onboard, some of which are even themed. Our top recommendations are the adults-only bar on the top deck and the Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Café for some chocolate and coffee. Yes, it is just as delicious as it sounds.
There are also some small improvements that help Grandiosa stand out as a Meraviglia-plus ship. Check-in is usually faster than usual, with many guests boarding quickly and finding their cruise card waiting in their room. The ship also includes more entertainment options, especially for children, with new LEGO shows, extra characters and additional activities for the little ones. One great addition is the Doremi Studio, a space dedicated to musical and creative experiences for kids.
MSC Grandiosa has a lot of short two to four night cruises to the Caribbean and Mediterranean, and the pricing is quite attractive. You can pay as little as $380 for a four night Caribbean cruise, which is a great option for a quick getaway or for anyone looking to experience MSC for the first time. A seven night Caribbean cruise starts at around $500, making Grandiosa slightly more expensive than MSC Meraviglia. For comparison, a seven night Caribbean cruise onboard MSC World America starts at approximately $800.
What we don’t like about MSC Grandiosa
This is a ship with an attractive price tag, great for families and relatively new. When you add it all up, it is no surprise that it gets crowded, and that is exactly what happens most of the time. In the morning, only two bars are open for coffee, and the lines can be massive. Sure, you can head to the buffet as well, but guess what? That also gets very crowded. Finding a free lounge chair by the pool can be a real challenge.
There are also quite a few things that come at an extra cost, and the biggest example is the Sportplex entertainment area. The arcade costs extra, bowling costs extra, the F1 simulator costs extra, and the list goes on. Some shows onboard also require an additional fee and are held inside the Carousel Lounge. For some reason, even the drinks in your mini-fridge are not included in the drinks package, which is definitely a letdown.
I also think the staff needs to be more attentive to small details that tend to add up over time. For example, the food presentation could use improvement, the plates are often scratched, and you occasionally see some crew members standing around while one or two others handle several tables at once. Technically, the crew-to-guest ratio is higher here than on MSC Meraviglia, but it doesn’t really feel that way. The staff could benefit from a bit more training, even though most of the crew onboard are genuinely friendly and kind.
Conclusion
MSC Grandiosa sits in an interesting spot between MSC Meraviglia and the impressive MSC World America. It feels like a stepping stone, part of MSC’s transition toward launching their World Class ships. It is still a good ship, especially for families with children, but be prepared to pay for extras and notice a few small details that could use improvement. If you can, consider spending a couple hundred dollars more to sail onboard MSC World America. That said, it is not like you will have a bad time on Grandiosa - far from it.
MSC Grandiosa FAQ
How much does a cruise on MSC Grandiosa cost?
Prices vary depending on the date and stateroom category, but fares start at around $380 for a 4-Day Caribbean Cruise.
What are the main destinations for MSC Grandiosa?
MSC Grandiosa primarily sails to the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
Is MSC Grandiosa good for children?
Definitely! This is a ship kids will absolutely love, thanks to its awesome water park and tons of entertainment options, from arcades and F1 simulators to bowling alleys and more.
Does MSC Grandiosa visit Ocean Cay?
Yes, MSC Grandiosa often includes Ocean Cay as part of its Caribbean itineraries.
