Costa Diadema VS MSC Meraviglia

[xmkv2]

Hello,

 

Being cruise novices, my wife and I are looking at different cruise options and would really appreciate some basic tips.

 

The premise is a week-long cruise around week 7 (mid-Feb) 2018 in the Mediterranean. We have two kids 3 & 6 with us, who are quite seasoned and well-behaved restaurant guests

 

Both Costa Diadema and MSC Meraviglia have roundtrips that fit the bill. Their ports are similar. On both of them we are too late to get Duplex or even "regular" suites, having to "settle" for cabins.

 

The guidance we seek is about comfort onboard. It being the Winter season, this will be relatively important for us. An agent has described Costa's ships as "3-star quality" (as per the hotel scale), maybe with Diadema "3.star plus" due to it being only a couple of years old.

 

How would MSC Meraviglia compare on things like food quality/diversity, restaurant quality (acoustics vs children ratio), staff attitude, room quality in the cabin segment?

 

Thanks for any insights/opinions

[panamapd]

Hi there. Go with MSC!! We have not yet sailed on the Meraviglia but have sailed on the Preziosa, Armonia, Opera, Splendida and have booked the Meraviglia and Magnifica.

 

We have sailed with Costa and on the Diadema. Now I love the Costa brand but have only ever paid around £400 for a CABIN for 2 adults and our 7yr old. Added to that we have only done a maximum of 6 nights.

 

They are similar in terms of food and entertainment but the downside for me is having to pay for water and beverages. There are absolutely no "freebies" (except for a sparkling glass of wine per adult, at one mealtime).

 

If the deal you are looking at is similar in price then definitely MSC. Also, there is a mandatory service charge with Costa. After the 6 night trip we had in December 2016, having to pay the service charge at the end really grated!!

 

In saying that, we have 2 night cruise booked with Costa for next May but we have a good deal, and the drinks are included!!

[panamapd]

Also, to add, MSC Meravgilia will be still be less than a year old.

[panamapd]

Me again!! Re MSC, if possible get the Fantastica option as it just means you have the option of breakfast in your cabin included in your cruise fare. (With a child we found that option helpful, especially when getting ready for a port day).