Rossco01

Can you tell me how you got from the ship to the train station in Marseilles and vice-versa?

We used a taxi. It was 23 Euro from the cruise port to the station.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Can someone tell me the times of the shows in the evening?

 

Thanks

I was on Meraviglia last week and it was 6:45 and 9:30 for dinner sittings.

In terms of shows they varied a little depending on what was on that night but they usually started at either 7:15, 8:20 or 10:30. Sometimes there was a show at all three times and others it was just 7:15 and 10:30. The shows were never more than two thirds full.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I wished i would've seen your report sooner since I have been trying to get this very important question answered...what is the gelato situation? is it included? if not, what is cost? also, coffee bar, is there an unlimited card for specialty coffees (non alcoholic)?

and thank, you for the great reporting!

The gelato situation is that soft ice cream is available at the grab and go by the main pool and is included in the all inclusive package. You can get firm ice cream as part the all inclusive package at the ice cream bar next to the water park ( this is also the only place we could get milk shakes ). All of product from the Jean Phillipe cafe/crepes bar are NOT included in the all inclusive package.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Thanks, Rossco, for a very balanced review. Sounds like you enjoyed your cruise overall. Tell me, how late did you stay onboard on the last day?

We were pretty naughty [emoji846]we stayed on board until 12:30. Our cruise cards continued to work ( I wonder if that's because we were settling by credit card and hence our account was still open? ). We effectively had lunch and then got off.

Mind you when we went to collect our baggage there was only ours and one other groups neatly stacked alongside the checkin desk. They didn't ask why we got off late ( last disembark should have been 9:15) just checked our cruise card. I probably wouldn't leave it that late again though.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

What's the latest with the evening dining times, are there two slots or not ?

 

 

 

Leave on 20th October out of Barcelona

At the moment just two slots. One at 6:45 and the other at 9:30 as Bea said just check the program to confirm times each day ( they didn't change at all last week ).

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

lol great minds think alike got back of our hols yesterday and a brochure was in the post from MSC. We won't be looking to go until 2019 but a Northern route is top of our list or an Eastern med one. I will browse other lines but I think it'll be a no brainier that MSC will be the cheapest with Kids.

I quite liked the idea of Magnifica out of Southampton but dates are very limited for this year.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Thanks for all your updates. Been following here and on Facebook and even more excited for tomorrow 5 weeks till I get on the ship!

Safe travels home!

 

Sent from my SM-G920F using Forums mobile app

Thank you. I'm sure you'll have a great time.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

So our last morning and probably my last post for this trip.

Last night was good as they've all been really. We walked into the restaurant around 7:30 and got a table without a problem. We've had a different table each time ( our choice as we wanted to just turn up when we chose) but every time the staff and service have been excellent. Noticed last night that some children had food not on the kids menu which suggests that as weve seen throughout the trip if you want something slightly different ask and they will try to accommodate.

We printed our last photos off, had some time in the brass anchor and then headed back to the cabin to finish packing.

Daughter and I then went to the flower power party on the promenade. Lots of people and lots of fun! Well worth turning up if only to watch from the balcony on deck 7. Live music then restarted just after midnight in the Meraviglia lounge. By then though we'd had enough and headed back.

Bags in theory needed to be out by 2am but ours were still uncollected by this morning. Not a problem for us as we aren't planning to leave early. We called reception and also mentioned to our steward.

Again we were told to be out of the cabins by 7:30 but there was no pressure to go so we left just after 8am and had a leisurely breakfast in the buffet. We're currently relaxing by the bamboo pool ( it's windy on the deck in Marseille today ) whilst kids have their final splash in the pool.

What times the card end who knows but we just a coffee latte from the bar at 9:30 ( officially las disembark time is 9:15 ).

Our train isn't until 3:20 so we're going to hang on as long as we can!!! At least until 1pm.

To all those yet to come and never cruised before ( like us ) you'll almost certainly have a good time. It's big boat, clearly designed for families so it's always going to be busy at times and certainly if you choose you can have full on entertainment. The quieter parts tend to be at the back of the ship.

For experienced cruisers and only based on what I've read elsewhere I'm guessing it might be a slight step down in terms of food and possibly personal service. That said I'd guess you'd struggle to find on other boats some of the things offered on this one. The Spa, promenade deck, pools etc must be pretty world class at the moment.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

So the last day of our holiday and it's in Barcelona!

We had a good night last night. We idled down to the MDR and dinner around 7:30. Again we had no problems getting a table and had some really good service. Food was very nice ( we had vegeatable spring rolls to start, sliced fillet of beef in peppercorn sauce and baked Alaska to finish ). They did the baked Alaska parade which I think is a tradition on MSC but it was completely faux. They had mock Baked Alaska with battery operated candles on top [emoji23] it was still fun though. Service was very good and we'd finished in just over an hour.

We then had some more photos taken on the stairs and in the bridge over the promenade which we'll print tonight.

For a change we then went to the Brass Anchor which was really full. The duet in there were pretty good and it was a nice change in atmosphere.

At 10:30 we then made our way to the theater to watch Virtual which was a pretty modern dance show ( with a few sung songs thrown). I think the stand of shows has been pretty good throughout.

Today we had pre-booked tickets for Sagrada Familia which made entry very easy. It's pretty impressive and you need to allow yourself a couple of hours to enjoy. Personally I'm not sure the Towers are worth going up but the audio guide is good and not too long for children. A taxi to there from the ship was 15 Euro. We then took another short taxi ride to the Alexander Hilton hotel ( 5 Euro ) which is at the very top of Las Ramblas ( not too touristy nice shops ) and worked our way down the whole strip ( taking a short bypass to see the Gaudi house ) to the bottom before catching a taxi back.

Now packing - unfortunately - and getting ready to leave tomorrow. We have to exit cabins by 7:30. Luggage has to be outside the room by 2am. You can leave your hand luggage somewhere in the morning if you need to. Aurea seem to get the option to leave first. As our train isn't until 3:30pm we're going to see if we can string it out until 1pm ( I think our cards will stop working at 12 pm ).

Tonight we are off to our final dinner, print some final pics and then perhaps catch the show Paz. May need an early night though!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Our day at sea day today which is interesting. You can definitely tell we're at sea today and there is quite a bit of movement on the ship. It is also very breezy on the pool deck.

A tip on the pools for those who haven't been all are salt water with the exception of the bamboo pool which is chlorinated.

The shops are open today and for those who had cruised with MSC before the welcome back drinks/party was on in the Meraviglia lounge. This was followed by a great dance parade down the promenade by the entertainers on the ship.

We decided to eat lunch in the MDR today which on this occasion was served in the Waves restaurant on Deck 5. Other than got speciality dining I'm actually not sure if this restaurant is bookable in the evenings or not. The food was good ( main courses on offer were Italian sea food selection - red snapper, calamari etc and chicken tikka with rice) they also always have a vegetarian and sandwich option. Note though there is not a children's menu in the MDR at lunchtimes which is a bit disappointing.

Generally children's options outside the MDR are a bit disappointing. It basically boils down to hotdogs, burgers, fries, pizza and usually one other choice in the evening. The additional choice though can be weak, for example it was onion rings last night. It does mean the menu isn't very varied for them if they are fussy eaters. They can easily eat the same for lunch and dinner.

We also stopped at the photoshop today to sort out how we get our photos (we pre bought the 100 printed photo package at £59 - I believe this is now £99). This is an absolute bargain when you consider how much they cost to buy on the ship. For small prints 5x7 you print them at the machines but for larger you need to purchase by 5pm and collect that night. Generally the photos taken are studio type photos rather than casual around the ship ones.

We've now printed 53 and will sort the rest out tomorrow. Note although the default is to have the Meraviglia border on them ( msc Meraviglia printed across the bottom) you can remove this when you actually print them.

I also visited the Spa yesterday which - if you're into Spa's - is very impressive. As an inclusive in the Aurea package it absolutely great. I'm not a great Spa fan but if you are then you're in for a treat.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

A lack of internet today ( at sea - and I don't want to spend more on onboard internet ) so two updates today.

Valletta yesterday was probably the best port so far. You can walk right off the boat and into Valletta in about 15-20 mins if you use the Barrakka lift. The lift is 1 euro to go up and costs nothing to come down. It delivers you to the Upper Barrakka gardens with outstanding views across the whole harbour and great views of the ship.

A short walk from their takes you to the centre of town which has lovely architecture. Shops etc are very British. Make sure you walk all the way down the Main Street past the cathedral to get to palace square with ceremonial guards and fountain area for the children to play in.

Yesterday afternoon was spent relaxing on the boat before we went to Cirque du Soleil in the evening.

Cirque du Soleil was an excellent show. Although the doors open at 19:15 make sure you get there for around 7 or a little earlier. That'll give you a good spot in the queue and a choice of where to sit. As others have said you get a complimentary sparkling wine and children get an orange juice. There is no bar service during the show.

The show itself is split into a pre-show and the main show itself. The pre-show ( singer, guitarist and hand drummer ) runs until 19:45 and the the main show then runs until 20:25.

It's a good show for anyone who has not seen Cirque before. Viaggio was very colourful and would appeal to children.

We ate in the buffet last night which in all honesty was a little disappointing. The options on both Rotiserie and Ethnic part were so do as we're the sweets. It was the weakest we've had.

The children went back to the cabin so we decided to try the Sky Lounge for a drink. This is by far the classiest lounge on the ship and is adults only. It's very peaceful and sophisticated. You also get nibbles to go with the drinks. Unfortunately though they don't do the cocktails available on the all inclusive menu. There was a nice Jazz Trio on last night at 10:20.

We had planned to go to the Tropical Party but a few child issues when we arrived back at the cabin ( that's teens for you ) put paid to that, although i did go up for 20 minutes and it looked like everyone was having a good time.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Anyone know if this can be changed? Mine's gone from Flexi to classic second sitting. Not really suitable with a 2.5 year old!

 

Sent from my SM-G920F using Forums mobile app

Yes there is a point in the promenade where you can ask to change open between 10-4

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Classic First Sitting not classic Early

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Early sitting is 6:30pm and late sitting is 9:30pm

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

A beautiful morning as we sailed into Valletta, following a very lazy day yesterday. I had my complimentary Aurea massage which was very nice.

It was the first Elegant night last night but there was a very broad range of dress with some in evening gowns and suits and others very casual. The MDR was good again. As we wanted an early dinner we went in a 6:15 ( part of the Aurea package ) had a lovely table again and we're the only ones in for 20 mins.

The officer parade was also on last night but not imho really worth watching as they just parade across the bridge above the promenade.

As we'd seen the show that was in the theatre last night we turned in early and relaxed in the cabin whilst the children went in the hot tub .

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Loving the photos...you've inspired us and we've booked a whirlpool suite on sea view next year. Do you have furniture on your balcony as well as a hot tub?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We have two sun beds and a table. The steward has been great so far emptying, cleaning and filling the hot tub when we're out and about

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Where does the luggage go on the train?

 

Do you have to lift it over head or is there room on the floor somewhere?

There are big luggage areas at either end of the carriage although flight cases can go above you. There was plenty of room

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Coffee machine is a Krupps with pods

Children have been allowed on the sun deck when we've gone up.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I'm double posting review between here and the Meraviglia Facebook forum so you may see my updates on both

Got up early this morning. Need to keep the fitness going so used the running track. Gym was really busy even at 7:30.

Nice evening last night. Went to the "Way" show which was really good, then did the buffet which was really busy. But managed to get a table. Quickly got served for a drink.

A couple of things to note. On our cruise the system for booking the free theatre shows via your TV, msc me app or the interactive screens does not appear to be working. Not a problem so far as the theatre has never been full. In the buffet in evening part of it is screened off to accommodate those who aren't guaranteed an MDR slot.

Meraviglia lounge was buzzing last night again.Had a fantastic photo session with one of the photographers on the main strip, spent a good 20 mins taking really nice group and individual pics ( we prepurchased the 100 photo package). All the photographers tend to be around the restaurant end of the ship.

In general after 10:30 was much quieter on the ship. There was a Thriller party in the Sportsplex but didn't attend! Although the characters in the main strip were fun.

I'm burning up internet with the review! Between me and my daughter we've blazed through 1.8 gb in no time. You can then top up at 15 Euro per 500mb.

Took a few pics of Top Sundeck 19 which appears to be ONLY for Aurea guests with no option to purchase. Pool guys seemed to be checking as you came through

Naples today and we're doing DIY Pompeii. Will be going to MDR tonight.

A few pics from yesterday.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Were you booked into the dining room for 745? Is flexi time back available?

 

Sent from my SM-G920F using Forums mobile app

Flexi time is permanently suspended. We are Aurea so can fine when we want.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Arrived in Genoa this morning and it was raining! Thankfully it's brightened up now and we're going to head out to the aquarium around. We ordered breakfast in our room this morning which arrived in time and was a good selection of pastries, toast cereals etc.

We had our first meal in the MDR last night and it was good. Children had something off the kids menu (one had nuggets and the other combined nuggets and a very large minute steak). We had tapas to start, paella, mousaka and desert. Service was excellent with bread being offered regularly and drinks being topped up without prompting. Too regularly for me as I polished off a bottle of wine without noticing and have a sore head this morning.

We got to the restaurant around 7:45 and didn't exit until gone 9:30. I would say that was just a tad too long for us and seemed to be caused by a delay on the deserts.

When we came out there were people waiting to come in.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

First minor accident... lost my cruise card! Expected long queues down by reception but the queue was relatively short (this is 6:30) and they had a couple of friendly members of staff queue busting... so I didn't even wait he just popped behind the desk and got me a new card. Got my wifi working (which as Kikki said isn't the simplest thing), booked our massage at the Spa and going to MDR around 7:15 tonight.

Only thing I haven't been able to do is book the shows using either mscme or to so far!! Although I did book Cirque earlier using TV.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Got into our Duplex Suite room just before 2pm and it's really got the wow factor! Hot tub was filled, hot and ready to go. It's absolutely huge with big bathroom and walk in wardrobe upstairs and a small version of each downstairs.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Boarded at just after 12pm (official time for checkin was 2:15pm). Aurea priority check in took max 20mins. Only a small queue for non Aurea.

Buffet at 1pm was reasonably quiet and got a table no problem. Drinks order taken quickly. Food very good in buffet. Got a lot busier through to 2pm but still tables available.

Bamboo pool was quiet. Atmosphere pool busy but with sun beds available. Haven't explored further yet and just got into room

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Arrived safely in Marseille on time and chilling out in Novotel Suite Hotel. Daughter and I have taken a walk through Les Docks and Sea front shopping centres

Sent from my iPhone using Forums