Found this on CC - Scroll down to: For Kids - Lots of info.

Tweens on MSC Meraviglia

Young Club: This is for the "tweens" -- the 12 to 14-year-olds -- and operates differently from the younger kids' clubs, with programming only in the afternoon when in port and all day when at sea. Facilities include foosball, table tennis, PS4, some pretty cool double seats in which you lounge back to play video games from a TV in the ceiling -- and even some traditional board games like Cluedo. The most innovative piece of technology is a multi-media table which allows kids to post pictures and messages which then get screened on walls round the club -- rather than sit using their cell phones. Programming includes lip sync battles, generation games and sports tournaments in the Sportplex.

Teens on MSC Meraviglia

The 15- to 17-year-olds get their own private room which is adjacent to, but not a part of, the kids' club. It's a circular lounge which is effectively one big dance floor, where teens can hang out. It has plenty of chairs, huge TV screens, beanbags and numerous video games including PS4, Nintendo Switch and VR. Their programming is pretty light touch, again afternoons only (except on sea days) and will include generation games, dancing and sports competitions including mini-golf and ping pong. In the evening, when the adults start turning up at the next door Attic Club, the doors are closed.

Tip: Bring you and your children's own personal entertainment. TV on MSC is terrible. We brought our computer and streamed a lot of movie's. The tv is very, even less than basic. Have fun finding how to discover your billing account. Channels include all of MSC's info and shopping stuff. HGTV, Cartoon Network, TCM, CNN, Discovery, ESPN, etc. Bring your and your families favorite portable entertainment if possible. The TV is not movable from the wall so you won't be able to connect anything like HDMI to it. Like I said it's very basic.

Just got off the MSC Meraviglia today 8/21/23, I guess this will be a mini review. I agree with everything the above poster stated, even about the children's programs, I have no knowledge about them. Maybe someone else can comment on them.

We are recently loyal to Royal also so this  experience on the MSC Meraviglia was different but good in some ways. I'll try to explain. The ship is stunning, just beautiful. The entertainment is good but different. Very talented people in all the shows. Muster drill kind of threw us. A bit disorganized to me but we handled it. Food was great although I suggest they get real 100% beef burgers. This would please a lot of people even my husband. The variety in the buffet was very good and the kids seemed to like the food very much. I think that's important. The pizza was great. Lots of great healthy choices also. Always a line by the pool for ice cream. Poor guy worked his arms off.

Our cabin and cabin attendant was amazing! Hey Budiana!!! Cabin was spotless, serviced twice a day and any requests were handled quickly. Such a great guy. Storage in the cabin was a little less than we've seen on other cruise lines (so don't over pack), but we managed. Loved the bathroom and shower (tubed shaped with clear lucite door) though it did have a bit of a smell in the shower. Once you turned on the water it went away. Clothes line in the shower. Two beach towels are provided in your cabin. Don't lose them or you will be charged for them. You can only exchange them up on the pool deck or your cabin attendant can exchange them for you.

MSC does things differently and very business like with some European like touches. Things that would seem normal on Royal, NCL, Carnival, etc. not so much with MSC. You just have to go with the flow as we did. The two things that threw us was the muster drill: 1. when allowed usually 1:30 pm go to your cabin 2. watch muster drill video 3. call the number given at the end 4. go to your muster station and have your sea cards scanned. Every cruiser all at one time. I wanted to type that in all caps but didn't want to be rude. It was wild! People everywhere, up and down stairs, in elevators that shouldn't be used. Freaked me out. The second thing was using the machines (atm like) so that you could link your credit card to your sea pass card account. That was annoying. I gave MSC the info when purchased the cruise. Something I hope they workout in the future.

85% off the crew were amazing, greeted you, answered your questions, smiled as they went by and then there's the other 15%. I called them guard dogs. The keepers of keeping cruisers in line. I understand. Rules should be followed but no crew employee should speak to any cruiser as if they were a child. Maybe a little more customer service could be used in that area.

The pool is large and beautiful. So much to see and do all over the ship. On NCL it's called the Great Outdoors on the back of the ship it's where we spent a lot of time other than our balcony. It's located at the back of the buffet on deck 15 and you can watch the ocean and the wake in a nice shaded spot. Right above on deck 16 is the Adults Only sun bathing area. Very nice. Had to clear that deck one day so a medivac helicopter could pick up an very ill passenger.

Another great feature that I loved and then I'll let others share their thoughts was right below the cabin room's thermostat there are buttons for "DND = Do not disturb" and "Make up cabin." Loved it! No more hang tags. If you have a balcony cabin do no leave the balcony door open, the sensor will automatically turn of the air conditioning. Hand soap, shower gel and shampoo are provided. Hair dryer in vanity draw. There seems to be a shortage of wash cloths not just on MSC (read about it here on CC) so I brought some extra's with me. But day two they were provided with no problem.

Hope this helps.

Happy cruising!

We too feel the same as many others here, missing cruising. Should be on a ship right now, b2b but was cancelled. One coming up in August but doubt it will sail. Having flashbacks about our last years June b2b cruise. Watching and waiting hoping to cruise again when things are sorted out. Hang in there everyone. Better days ahead.

On 5/14/2020 at 5:00 PM, Georgie562 said:

"scooter mafia"

🤣

New host? Welcome!

Scott Dahnke, Global co-CEO of L Catterton, said: “The cruise industry has been very resilient over a long period of time, driven by strong secular tailwinds and a high level of guest satisfaction. People enjoy cruising, with many guests taking multiple voyages over time. The industry has overcome numerous challenges in the past, and we expect that the industry will rebound and prosper with even further enhancements to their already rigorous health and safety protocols in place in the future. Within the industry, the three brands of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings have carved out distinctive leadership positions in their respective markets, guided capably by Frank Del Rio and his exceptional management team. We couldn’t be more excited to support the team at Norwegian as they work through this suspension of travel and begin to commence operations after their voluntary suspension of voyages.”

Norwegian Looks for More Financing and Cuts Costs

"We have also identified various projects and initiatives to reduce our ship operating costs and selling, general and administrative expenses, which we expect will result in reduced cash outflows and cost savings. We are undertaking meaningful reductions in ship operating expense including food, fuel, insurance, port charges and reduced crew manning of vessels during the suspension, resulting in lower crew payroll expense. The majority of the vessels in the company’s fleet are currently transitioning to cold layup, to further reduce operating expenses during the suspension."

Some other initiatives already implemented include the significant reduction or deferral of marketing expenditures in the first half of 2020, the implementation of a company-wide hiring freeze, the introduction of a temporary shortened work week and reduced work hours with a commensurate 20% salary reduction for shoreside team members, a pause in 401(k) matching contributions and corporate travel freezes for shoreside employees

In addition, another challenge is provisions in Norwegian's credit card processing and other commercial agreements.

"We have agreements with a number of credit card companies to process the sale of tickets and other services. Under these agreements, the credit card companies could, under certain circumstances and upon written notice, require us to maintain a reserve, which reserve could be funded by the credit card companies withholding or offsetting our credit card receivables, or our posting of cash or other collateral," Norwegian said, in a Tuesday SEC filing.

"As a result of the impacts of COVID-19, we have seen an increase in demand from consumers for refunds on their tickets, and we anticipate this will continue to be the case for the near future. Requests for refunds may reduce our liquidity and risk triggering liquidity covenants in these processing agreements and, in doing so, could force us to post cash or other collateral (including the potential to post certain of our vessels as collateral) as a reserve with the credit card processing companies in accordance with the terms of our agreements with them. Because of COVID-19, we have been in conversation with our credit card processors about posting collateral, and if we were required to post collateral or otherwise maintain a reserve, our financial position and liquidity could be materially impacted."

Coast Guard orders all vessels to remain at sea including two Holland America cruise ships with 190 people with coronavirus symptoms on board approaching Florida

• Federal, state and local officials have been negotiating over whether Zaandam and Rotterdam would be allowed to dock at Port Everglades later this week
• Between the ships there have been four deaths and nine COVID-19 infections
• About 190 more reported symptoms and more than 300 Americans are on ships 
• On Wednesday, the US Coast Guard directed all cruise ships to remain at sea
• Officials haven't made decision about whether or not they can dock in Florida 
• Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?

<Don't know if this is the beginning of a shut down of many ports, but it's not good. >

Royal Caribbean's Cruise with Confidence Link

"We get it. Whether you’re already booked on a cruise, or are thinking about it, we want you to Cruise with Confidence. That’s why Royal Caribbean will let you cancel any cruise that sets sail from now through September 1, 2020. Whether it’s a booking you already have or one you make right now, you’re covered. As long as you cancel at least 48 hours before you set sail, you’ll receive a Future Cruise Credit. The credit can be used toward any cruise that sets sail through December 31, 2021."

Thank you for a great review.

We will be on the Victory/Radiance 6/20 B2B. Can't wait.

April 2021 cruise dropped by $50

August 2021 cruise dropped by $500

It was worth the 8 minute call.

And...

Both cruises used 2 Cruise Next Cert.

😊

Pick the Fun Times daily paper, check dining reservations and table and head up to lido for lunch.

1 hour ago, Jimnbigd said:

If you have not done so already, you should do your online checkin now.

 

Back to the entertainment, when you board you will find a "Cruise Compass" in your cabin. Every evening your cabin attendant will place in the cabin the next day's Cruise Compass. This is a daily schedule of events, including all entertainment and live music schedules and locations. The Cruise Compass is also available next to Guest Services (deck 5), and available on interactive screens in most of the public areas near the staircases. (I've not sailed on Adventure but I would think they have these screens by now.) There might be only one theater show the first and last night. Other nights there should be two (2) shows, scheduled around the fixed dining times -- early diners go to the later show (after dinner), and later diners go to the early show (before dinner).

 

Live music times vary but are usually something like 9pm until midnight, with 15-20 minute breaks ever hour or so. You do NOT need to buy a drink to see the live music -- just sit down (if you can find a seat) and enjoy. I don't think the Adventure of the Seas requires nor takes reservations for shows.

 

Ice Show -- Some cruises I've been on had free tickets for the ice show (but not reserved seats) -- those with tickets get to enter first -- but my last cruises have not done this. Hint: The first 2 ice shows are usually more crowded than the others. (My cruises have 4 ice shows -- 2 one one day and 2 on another.) Guest services can tell you when the ice shows are scheduled. The ice show is usually a "don't miss".

 

There should also be a "Love and Marriage" game show, which is "newlywed game" but with one newly married couple, one couple married around 20 years or so, and one couple married over 50 years -- On my cruises this as been mid-cruise around 10pm in the theater, with no main theater show that night.

 

Towards the end of the cruise (usually the 2nd or 3rd to the last night around 10pm or so in Studio B deck 3) is the Quest game show. This is for adults only, and can get close to R rated. I like this show, but my wife does not. You can find some youtube videos of this -- for example, youtube video ID 2wzuicolClk on the Liberty of the Seas. Ships without studio B do the quest in the lounge, which I actually prefer. In the lounge you have lots of groups -- 30 or more -- each with only 5 or 6 people, so everyone participates. In Studio B, you have only 8 to 12 groups, and most people are spectators and don't participate. It is still a lot of fun, I think.

 

The ship's 9-piece big band usually does at least one dance set, probably in the deck 5 forward lounge. There is usually a "jazz" set also another night with the ship's singers.

 

Check for daytime events, such as the men's belly flop contest or the women's hairy chest contest. (Just kidding about this last one -- it is men!). There are usually trivia contests on sea days, and sometimes even on port days -- no charge. There are also games with a fee, such as bingo.

 

If you want to use the casino, bring some cash. You can use your cruise Seapass card (which is your room key and charge card on the ship) to get cash, but there fee -- 3% I think. And the casino will likely be smoky since this is one of the few areas for smoking.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

Wow! ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐

Thanks so much. I'm printing this out and taking it with me. Super helpful!

On 7/3/2019 at 8:14 AM, Sizzlechest said:

I wish Carnival would send a Vista class ship to NY. I'd book that cruise in a heartbeat. So far, it doesn't look like that's going to happen.

I posted the same thing on JH FB page:

33 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

Shows most nights in the theater, ice shows on certain days, etc.

26 minutes ago, Host Clarea said:

 

Production shows: Can't Stop the Rock, Invitation to Dance

11 minutes ago, Jimnbigd said:

And:  Schooner bar (deck 4), Boleros (deck 4),  Duck and Dog pub (deck 5), Imperial lounge (deck 5), plus a pool band sometimes. I'm guessing the deck 14 Blue Moon (Viking Crown) is a disco at night since the old "dungeon" lounge has been removed from decks 3 and 4. Sometimes the Royal Promenade (deck 5) has music or parades or parties.

Thanks,

Boarding next Friday.

On 6/23/2019 at 3:50 PM, newpherchris said:

Check out some pics I took  - hopefully, you'll agree that many pictures reflect a shiny, polished ship that isn't overstuffed to the brim with too many people. You can ALWAYS find someplace quiet if that's what you're looking for. Here are the pics.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

 

Amazing photo's! Thanks so much for sharing. We'll be on the Radiance next year, this gives us an idea of what to expect.

49 minutes ago, sometimes sailor said:

Great little exercise.  Frankly, if I could afford the Haven for our trips I might splurge for it, but we've been in all classes of rooms and always have a great cruise.  The cabin does not make the vacation for us.  Haven perks are an unknown commodity for us as we always book multiple rooms for family and friends.

So, so funny. Second day of the cruise hubby and I were on the elevator, a few people got on and the lady/mother says to the younger lady "Do you have your access key? Do you have your access key?", young lady looked at her like "What???" Hubby and I just looked at each other and laughed when they got off.

We don't envy haven cruisers, enjoy!

4 minutes ago, boatseller said:

I can afford The Haven, but have no desire to because everything I like about cruising happens outside the bubble.  Even sitting on my balcony, I get terrible FOMO.  I get what I pay for and don't get what I'm not willing to pay for.

 

Totally agree.

Just did B2B on Dawn, got off 6/22/19.

They had a large group of us meet at the end of the first cruise at Gatsby's at 6:30 am where a crew member gave us our new key cards and an Customs Agent eventually came and reviewed our passports and that was it. Off we went.

Enjoy your B2B! 

24 minutes ago, Steff79 said:

100% agree. 

 

Sometimes i think the wine costs ncl nothing, because nobody drinks the wine and they can use the same bottles again and again and again........

We always leave them. Saw someone giving two bottles away during karaoke one night. Another thing taken away from Latitude members. Have you seen the 16 oz. bottle of water instead of the 2 ltr. yet? SMH

Just did a B2B on Dawn. Cruised her 3x when she first came to NYC, got off today. Huge delay in ship clearance this morning but we finally got through.

Likes

• Beautiful ship and friendly and work hard to please service crew. Hey Cheng! Thank you!
• Dawn's secret atrium third deck (we call the crow's nest, officially The Lounge, deck 9)
• Agree: "not too big and manageable."
• Best handmade ice cream/sorbet/sherbet for dessert in Cagney's, O'Sheehans, etc.
• Pulse Fitness Gym
• La Cucina: Great pizza and you can order out (as told by wait staff).
• Bliss Ultra Lounge so much great entertainment and fun games.
• Food and bar at O'Sheehans was great, staff super friendly, ate lunch there most days.
• Agree: "dont go without trying O'Sheehans Brownie Smores Cheesecake" (hubby had it everyday, one of the reasons we went to the gym, lol)
• Agree: "NCL Dawn the almost perfect ship without the floating amusement park stuff."
• Agree: "did the Gem last year and loved it - perfect size and just right combo of activities for us." (8x for us. We miss her in NYC, saw she's making a brief comeback though)
• Entertainers "Jose and Patti" were always great with lots of variety and knew how to draw a crowd.
• Elements production show was amazing!
• Cruiser "Sarah" among others made karaoke on the Canada/New England cruise worth waiting for.
• Jason (comedian) and Po (magician) were great.

Dislikes

• No Spinnakers
•  Agree: "the strong smell of smoke from adjacent Cigar Bar and Casino."
• Agree: "the wine bar was a waste on the Dawn"
• Agree: "We're not huge fans of Moderno"
• Agree: "miss having two methods to get out of the back end of the Garden Cafe"
• JMHO: We did not enjoy the inside buffet at all. Ate there once, didn't enjoy it at all.
• Not enough loungers on deck 7 to just sit, watch the sea go by, read, etc.
• Agree: "the ship takes some getting used to its layout, especially deck 8. It can be like a maze."
• No official announcement of Latitudes Loyalty party. (Most NCL ships now) If you don't visit Cruise Next Desk when you board you won't be informed.
• Platinum members now get 16 oz. instead of 2 liter bottles of water even though the water comes from NCL's own taps.
• I may write a review on other changes that have been increasingly noticeable with NCL. Been cruising with them since 2007 and some changes seem small and unnecessary. Writing my PVP today.

With all that said, a cruise is always what you make it and we always do it the way we want.

Happy cruising all!

On 9/23/2018 at 7:25 AM, Markanddonna said:

NCL's credit card gave you 5% back on all purchases. My second cruise, one going to Alaska, was free except of course for the port fees.

This was such an amazing deal! A few of our cruises came close to being free.

We remember when dining in Le Bistro they would make your caesar salad right at your table. Real romano cheese, anchovies, etc. Chocolate fondue with fruit, delicious. (NCL Spirit)

We too remember:

Chocolate buffet

Hot chocolate chip/oatmeal cookies

Mint on your pillow

All the extra's in the cabin bathroom

NCL has the best croissants very small now but they use to be huge

What I really miss is having the cabin steward on the first day coming to introduce themselves and ask and answer any questions the guest my have or want. That's a service I wish was put back in place again. Sometimes I don't meet the cabin steward until three days in. I just leave notes in the cabin now. Sad thing is you can't get tipped if I can't find or see you.

" Pretzel Rolls "

First item I grab with soup of the day and salad. Yum!

Baked/Roasted chicken and potatoes.

Pasta Bar

Anything Cagney's!

2020

Canada/NE

Caribbean

Bermuda

Cuba

Thanks for sharing.

Just got off of the Gem. No noise at all from O'Sheehan's. You can hear if it's really busy as you approach it, but we observed no noise from there that you can hear in your cabin. We were on deck 8 mid OV.

I just got off the boat. My wife was sick the first seaday. They waves were a decent size and they did move the boat a bit but it wasn’t too bad. She took something and felt much better the next day. Coming back there was the same thing. 8’ waves. You. An feel the boat rocking.

Really. I was on the same Gem cruise. Must have slept right threw it. We were midship on deck 8. A little wobbly but we have been through worse. ;)