Great Cruise on the Meraviglia Oct 18-28

[April42749]

The weather gods were with us.  Considering "Canada/New England" in late October, be had "perfect walking around weather and the ship (with one few hour exception) didn't feel like it was moving.

 

Embarkation was a breeze.  I left home @ 2:15 and was on the ship by 3PM.  I had purchased 3 spa treatments and went straight to the spa to book.  It seems that when you pre purchase online you don't get prime time appts.  But, anyway, as soon as I finished booking at the spa we went to the cabin.

 

We had a Bella balcony (8191) and it was perfect.  The balcony (ok....we really didn't need it or use it for more than a few minutes) was "angled" so it was much nicer than the standard ones.  The cabin was quiet; no noise from the casino below us.  Storage was "excellent" but we travel light.  I can see others having a problem.  The bathroom was good but neither dh nor I require a lot of room.

 

The vast majority of passengers were not American so announcements were in a few languages, but, the announcements were minimal.  There was no "nickel and diming"....no buy this or buy that.  I'd say the atmosphere was more sophisticated than on my recent Carnival/NCL cruises.

 

The food...I'm not big on food.  They had lots of vegetables and lots of fruit.  The pizza was great.  The rest of the buffet....well nobody would go hungry but the food wouldn't win any awards.  We ate dinner in one of the restaurants once and it just wasn't my thing.

 

The highlight was the entertainment.  There they get an A+.  Singers and dancers....very talented singers and dancers.  I'd say well above the norm for a cruiseline.  There were good shows every night (we usually went twice).  You had to make reservations but the early show and late show generally had spaces available.  We also saw one of the Cirque shows.  The seating is pre-set and I'd say that no matter where you sit you'll have an excellent view.

 

The casino....so, I came home with $22 more than I left with.  I generally come home with $0!

 

I expected the inside pool to be mobbed; it wasn't.  The gym was nice and modern and I never had trouble getting a treadmill.  I was very happy with my coloring/haircut.  The massage was ok...nothing really special.  The same with the facial...good but not outstanding.

 

We were at all the ports before, except for Sydney.  For the most part we just walked around and bought stuff.  We did tour in Sydney, but, there really isn't much in Sydney.

 

If you have any questions please ask (don't ask me about food or drinks as I won't know the answer).

 

The bottom line is that this was probably the best cruise we ever went on and I plan to book this ship again next year.

[cruzingambler]

Thank you April42749!   We will be sailing the Meraviglia in March of 2020 and I can't wait.  We have the Aurea experience in a front wrap around suite, so excited.  It is disturbing to read so many negative reviews about the MSC ship experience from many other cruisers.  I have 35 cruises with sailings on Carnival, Princess, NCL, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and 2 past cruises on MSC (Divinia/Seaside).  We discovered MSC back in 2016 and the price was right and we were looking for a Caribbean cruise.  That 1st experience with MSC (Fantastica) set us up for future sailings.  The ship was beautiful & the service was great.  The food, not terrible but as other American cruisers have said, more work to be done.....but getting better.  I was so impressed we booked the Seaside in 2018 & that cruise exceeded our expectations.  We chose Aurea on this cruise and we will continue to book Aurea until we take the plunge for the YC sometime later.  It was the Outstanding service on the Seaside that we will never forget....I don't think it was in MSC's favor to take away the Better drink package and not include the mini bar in the Aurea package, but all the other amenities make it worth it.  I am so glad you had a good time and enjoyed the ship.  Cruising is what you make of it....there will always be complainers, we just move right past them:)  We look for the positive and we make each experience we have the best it can be...Of course, if there are any issues we don't dwell on them and we let a crew member or guest services know asap to take appropriate action and then we move on!  We haven't been disappointed:)  Here's to more fabulous cruise experiences!!!!  CAN'T WAIT:)

[cruiselife4me]

Agree!  I’m so thankful to read some positive reviews. I’m going to a seminar at sea for Travel Agents (snd many other non-TA folks.)

 

we have s Fantastica balcony but unfortunately the cruise is only four nights, five days.

 

Three weeks and we are on our way!

[April42749]

I just read a few reviews for the cruise before mine.  Let's say.....like night and day.  They got off to a terrible embarkation, a storm, a missed port, the major port cut short....lots of frustration.

 

With ours, pain free embarkation and beautiful weather...the sea was as smooth as glass.

 

There were some negatives.....things DH and I just discussed.  I'm going to write about them tomorrow.

 

As to the food....if you're into "healthy eating" (I am) you wont' have issues.  If you're looking for fried chicken, beef ribs, burgers with all the fixings....you won't find them.  You'll have basic chicken, fish etc....nothing fancy.

Edited October 29, 2019 by April42749

[April42749]

A few thoughts:

 

Although a large ship with a lot of people.....it rarely felt crowded.  The passageways were very wide and the entrance to the buffet was spacious.  Coming out of the theatre was the only time I felt "lots of people".

 

Staircase in the theatre....be careful.  The steps are not standard (a small rise between each level...and long area where you put your foot) and there were glaring lights.  I walked next to the wall so I could use the wall to balance myself.

 

Spa....slippery.  In addition, the glass is spotless so you can't even tell if there is a door there (which there were).  They should put tape on the doors...or frost the glass.  The whirlpools in the spa were high (I'm short) and there was nothing to hang on to.

 

The fine jewelry store....very limited.  Only sold Effy and not a huge selection.  I know most people won't care, but I did.  I usually spend a lot of time looking at jewelry.

 

No art auctions...which some people will think as a positive.  But, I always enjoyed them.

 

Seating in the buffet....go to the rear.  Lots more seats and lots less people!

 

Dressing Up....I am a casual person who loves her bling.  My usual cruise outfit is "leggings, a t-shirt, some nice jewelry".  This takes me from breakfast to bed.  On this ship (and I assume other MSC ships) the Europeans really know how to dress up.  There's bling everywhere....and gowns, tuxedos and beautiful shoes.  Even during the day, they dress well.  I have sneakers with bling, but these women had sneakers with uber bling.  I felt so dull by comparison.  Nobody will go to the brig if "not dressed to kill" but if you want to wear every sparkle you own, the Meraviglia is the place to do it.

[jdvmd]

Looking at the Mera for December. Thanks for your comments!

[Regta]

Following as we sail her in March 2020....

[cruzingambler]

April42749, I like your style.  Sounds a lot like me.  Over the years we have dressed up for dinners, especially when we were with a large group of family and friends.  Lately it's just my husband and me and we tend to stay casual....it's so nice!  doing what we want when we want....Anyway, did you visit the Casino?  I do like to play the slots and play BJ & Let It ride...any thoughts?  Thanks

[April42749]

11 minutes ago, cruzingambler said:

April42749, I like your style.  Sounds a lot like me.  Over the years we have dressed up for dinners, especially when we were with a large group of family and friends.  Lately it's just my husband and me and we tend to stay casual....it's so nice!  doing what we want when we want....Anyway, did you visit the Casino?  I do like to play the slots and play BJ & Let It ride...any thoughts?  Thanks

"Casino" is my domain...lol.  They had one of my favorite games "Da Vinci Diamonds" which is a relatively low volatility game.  Up and down....(some real down sessions too).  I came out $22 ahead, which for me was WOW since I generally lose it all.  I asked other people how they were doing and nobody seemed very happy.  That may be why the casino was never very crowded.  However "I heard" (the woman claimed to have witnessed this) someone won a $23,000 jackpot the first night on a $1.50ish bet.  It was on one of those Asian  games where you pick the baby. 

[cruisingnewtoit]

I have no bling game. I own a wedding ring and a few charms I've collected over the years 😁.

 

MSC dress code policy on their website was worrisome for DH & I. Reality is much different according to the CC forums. 

[April42749]

3 minutes ago, cruisingnewtoit said:

I have no bling game. I own a wedding ring and a few charms I've collected over the years 😁.

 

MSC dress code policy on their website was worrisome for DH & I. Reality is much different according to the CC forums. 

There were plenty of people who were casual.  I didn't feel weird being "underblinged".  DH was fine in his jeans and polo shirt.

No need to be concerned.  But for those who want to sparkle, this would be a good opportunity.

[Itchy&Scratchy]

On 10/28/2019 at 1:32 PM, April42749 said:

We ate dinner in one of the restaurants once and it just wasn't my thing.

did you mean MDR or a specialty restaurant, please?

[Itchy&Scratchy]

8 hours ago, April42749 said:

There's bling everywhere....and gowns, tuxedos and beautiful shoes.  Even during the day, they dress well.  I have sneakers with bling, but these women had sneakers with uber bling.  I felt so dull by comparison. 

I don't like blingy things, but I do have a very blingy personality. I'll fit right in in my leggings and t-shirt. :)

[April42749]

53 minutes ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

did you mean MDR or a specialty restaurant, please?

MDR.....but "bling" extended to the buffet. 

[copper6606]

Thanks so much for your fresh Review . Glad you enjoyed your Cruise.

We are on a 22 day Repositioning in April and I have been getting kind of worried[ even though I know every Review is very subjective].

It's nice to hear some positives. 😎

[Itchy&Scratchy]

19 hours ago, April42749 said:

MDR.....but "bling" extended to the buffet. 

oh, I thought you meant quality of the food. :)

I am only concerned with the food, you see. :)

Edited October 30, 2019 by Itchy&Scratchy

[April42749]

5 hours ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

oh, I thought you meant quality of the food. 🙂

I am only concerned with the food, you see. 🙂

LOL....what I meant was:

 

Some people are all blinged out everywhere....some aren't.

 

I did mean "the food" in the MDR.  It isn't "my thing" because I don't care about "food" per se.  I'm happy with a slice of pizza, lots of salad and water (I eat out almost daily at home.  The service can be slow and the nutritional value is less than what I pick in the buffet....so it's not for me).  The one time I ate in the MDR I had salmon.  It was ok.   I don't think I was very blingy that night, but others (not everyone) were.

 

 

[Itchy&Scratchy]

38 minutes ago, April42749 said:

LOL....what I meant was:

 

Some people are all blinged out everywhere....some aren't.

 

I did mean "the food" in the MDR.  It isn't "my thing" because I don't care about "food" per se.  I'm happy with a slice of pizza, lots of salad and water (I eat out almost daily at home.  The service can be slow and the nutritional value is less than what I pick in the buffet....so it's not for me).  The one time I ate in the MDR I had salmon.  It was ok.   I don't think I was very blingy that night, but others (not everyone) were.

 

 

gotcha! No, I care for food very much! DH is less of a foodie, but he loves good food. We love Princess food, we found RCI's food to be good, but not inspiring, but NCL's food was just baaaaad with very few good exceptions.

And believe me, when I say I am a foodie, it just means that I LOVE FOOD. I love shoveling it in my mouth.  It doesn't have to be exceptional, but it has to be good and acceptable. NCL's food was far from acceptable. So, I hope MSC's food will be at least RCI's level.

Edited October 30, 2019 by Itchy&Scratchy

[April42749]

2 minutes ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

gotcha! No, I care for food very much! DH is less of a foodie, but he loves good food. We love Princess food, we found RCI's food to be good, but not inspiring, but NCL's food was just baaaaad with very few good exceptions.

And believe me, when I say I am a foodie, it just means that I LOVE FOOD. I love shoveling it in my mouth.  It doesn't have to be exceptional, but it has to be good and acceptable. NCL's food was far from acceptable. So, I hope MSC's food will be at least RCI's level.

If you're not staying in the YC or eating in the specialty restaurants you may be disappointed. 

[Itchy&Scratchy]

6 minutes ago, April42749 said:

If you're not staying in the YC or eating in the specialty restaurants you may be disappointed. 

I am hoping for the best. :)

[sfaaa]

On 10/28/2019 at 10:32 AM, April42749 said:

  The gym was nice and modern and I never had trouble getting a treadmill. 

 

 

I agree with most of your review but in my opinion, gym is a bit too small for the ship of that size. Some equipment were broken and caused unnecessary wait time when gym got busy. I also noticed quite a few passengers didn't bother to wipe down gym equipment after their use which was a bit of turnoff.

[April42749]

1 hour ago, sfaaa said:

I agree with most of your review but in my opinion, gym is a bit too small for the ship of that size. Some equipment were broken and caused unnecessary wait time when gym got busy. I also noticed quite a few passengers didn't bother to wipe down gym equipment after their use which was a bit of turnoff.

I went in there the first morning and it was mobbed....so "mid-afternoon" became my time. True, it wasn't that large but after the first morning there were machines.  As far as "wiping down" afterwards....I wipe down before I start so I know it's clean.