Meravilous!
Welcome to one of the most popular MSC cruise ships! As the name implies, MSC Meraviglia is part of the Meraviglia class and kickstarted a new era for MSC, where family always comes first.
It’s definitely a mega-resort at sea, made for those who want to experience everything from F1 simulators and bowling alleys to massive waterparks and live shows. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, this is definitely not the place to go, but if you want to throw a party and have fun with your kids in the middle of the Caribbean or Mediterranean, then Meraviglia will welcome you with open arms.
What we like about MSC Meraviglia
One thing that’s easy to notice when you step onboard for the first time is just how beautiful the ship looks. Seriously, it almost feels like you’re entering one of those ultra-luxury cruise ships. The atrium is stunning, with Swarovski crystal stairs and an aura of glitz and glamour that reminds us a bit of Las Vegas.
The Galleria Meraviglia is probably the star of the show - a central promenade filled with restaurants, bars and shops, similar to Royal Caribbean’s Royal Promenade. One cool feature is the massive LED ceiling that stretches across the entire promenade. It runs 24/7, displaying messages to guests and even putting on small shows from time to time.
Meraviglia also brings a ton of entertainment options, especially for kids. You’ve got the Polar Water Park, which is a massive area on the top deck with rope bridges, splash zones and waterslides that everyone can enjoy. Sportplex is another highlight, an area dedicated to children and teens with plenty going on. Okay, deep breath, here’s just some of what you’ll find there: an indoor sports court, teen lounge, LEGO Club, arcade, bowling, F1 simulator, flight simulator and more. Honestly, Meraviglia feels more like a theme park than a cruise ship most of the time.
The price is also a big highlight. For a cruise that offers this much, fares start at around $420 for a 7-day Caribbean itinerary. That’s a huge thumbs up, especially when you consider that similar cruises on other mainstream lines often cost $800 or more. Meraviglia mostly focuses on week-long sailings and also visits Ocean Cay - one of the most beautiful private islands out there - which is another major plus.
What we don’t like about MSC Meraviglia
This is a cruise ship that’s fantastic for families and comes at a pretty great price, so you probably know what one of the big downsides is, right?
It can get crowded, especially after major events like a pool party. Early morning breakfast at the buffet can also feel chaotic, and some areas seem a bit too small for the number of passengers onboard. That’s been a common issue with Meraviglia-class ships, and hopefully it’s something MSC has addressed in the newer World Class ships like MSC World America.
Another issue is a bit harder to miss: the room hallways can feel like a maze at times. They’re often not straight, with lots of twists and turns. I have no idea why they’re designed that way, but it does make getting around a bit tricky, especially when you're trying to find your room for the first time.
The other downside is that many of the entertainment options come with an extra charge. You can head to the Sportplex and have a great time, but the arcade costs extra, bowling costs extra, the F1 simulator is extra, and so on. Even some of the shows held in the Carousel Lounge come at an additional cost. Sure, there’s still a lineup of standard shows you can enjoy for free, but it’s a bit of a letdown that not everything is included in your fare.
Conclusion
MSC Meraviglia is a great ship, especially if you're traveling with family and kids. It comes at a great price and offers a lot in return, including a fun water park and a packed entertainment area for the little ones. Yes, there are quite a few extras that aren’t included in your fare, and it can feel crowded on certain sailings, but overall, this is a ship that definitely gets a thumbs up from us.
MSC Meraviglia FAQ
How much does a cruise on MSC Meraviglia cost?
Prices vary depending on the date and stateroom category, but fares start at around $420 for a 7-Day Caribbean Cruise.
What are the main destinations for MSC Meraviglia?
MSC Meraviglia primarily sails to the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
Is MSC Meraviglia 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 Meraviglia visit Ocean Cay?
Yes, MSC Meraviglia often includes Ocean Cay as part of its Caribbean itineraries.
