My View: A Merry Meraviglia Christmas in a Fantastica Balcony

[APDMOM]

Disembarkation:

 

[APDMOM]

The Saga of the Bands Revisited:

Would you know?  DH talked me into 2 more ‘dates’ to guest services, and the bands finally worked for us!  They got the system working sometime on day 3.  So, all bands are now opening doors and paying at venues onboard.  We never got a straight answer as to whether the specific “K” bands were not working, or whether the system was down - we got a different answer every time. 🤷‍♀️

[APDMOM]

About Ocean Cay - I forgot to post this tip:

 

 

TIP:  If you plan on renting a cabana, I would personally go for number 10 or 11 (least crowded area - my personal favorite area), or rent number 1, 2, or 3 (a bit closer to the food truck and bar). If you want to be closer to the food truck, go for the furthest cabana on South Beach (around number 35, which is closer to Paradise Sands on the map).

 

 

 

 

 

[APDMOM]

Meraviglia Summary:

 

Pros of this Ship:

Beautiful Galleria - I loved seeing the different displays.

Friendly staff - I did not run into a single grouch!

Extra Christmas Treats - like the show and the free eggnog.

Good food in both buffet and MDR, with enough variety to enjoy.

“Cheap” (for Christmas) aft balcony with Fantastica Experience.

 

Cons:

Less variety in Marketplace Buffet than on Seaside.

 

Guest Services/Reception -

I don’t mind the lines too much, as long as I see that they are making an effort to move it along.  However, the guest services staff need better training.  When we finished “the bands” saga and they apologized, I joked by saying they can make it up to me by telling me where I can find the free ice cream.  She went to check with a supervisor and came back to let me know that there is no longer any free ice cream on the ship.  How can neither the guest services rep nor the supervisor know there is free ice cream by the pool?  I was lucky to find it because I recalled reading a review about the ice cream being at the pool.  I went looking for it and found the ‘replacement’ for he soft serve.

 

Ice Cream:

If Meraviglia wants to appeal to the American market, they need to provide free soft serve ice cream (Just kidding 😉 , but semi-serious from comments I have overheard).  They have 3 soft serve machines at the main pool.  They were not working all week.  I asked twice and, of course, got 2 different answers.  The first person told me they were not working.  The second person said they are ‘not available this week’.  (It makes me wonder if MSC purposely closed this option because there were so many kids onboard?  Just my conspiracy theory). There was an option for scooped free ice cream, but it was probably the “gelato rejects” because it was often icy.  It was pretty good if you scooped around the frost bite 😁

 

The Overall Verdict:

 

MSC is DH’s new favorite line, but I still lean more toward Royal.  It may be that he does not like alcohol at all, so he does not miss the 3 free drinks at night 😉

 

Food

MSC has better buffet food and better quality food.  We like the Mediterranean items the offer and the smaller portions.  I think I mentioned before that you don’t get that bloated feeling and it really makes a difference.

 

Shows

The shows on MSC are more family friendly for theater shows, and therefore my favorite line for theater entertainment.  Of course, you can not compare any shows to the ice skating shows on Royal.

 

The biggie for me - Voyager vs. Crown & Anchor

The loyalty program on Royal stands head and shoulders out above the rest.  Although MSC is making an effort, their Voyager Club program has many problems and needs a major overhaul.  I have mentioned on another thread how inconsistent their matching program is.  DH was matched as Gold, I was matched as “Black” (which is now Diamond).  We matched about a year apart as one of us had difficulties with the website when we tried to match.  I cruised as diamond on Seaside and enjoyed the perks.  Around October, I noticed that I was dropped to ‘gold’.  I called the Voyager Club number and was told the black card/diamond match had been a mistake.  I accepted this, as I am just thankful that we had the status match option.

 

However, when we boarded I was given a card again that said “diamond”.  I had all the diamond privileges loaded onto the card.  So, who really knows what status I am?

 

Please understand, this is not a gripe over me being gold vs. diamond.  I am happy with any status match and definitely agree that MSC should reward true loyalty of those who earned the points without status match.  My issue with the status match is that it is an indication of incompetence and inconsistency about the Voyager Club.  Even though DH and I have done every cruise together, our “gold” points online differ.  How is that possible?  

 

By the way, I never received a chocolate ship or a gift this week.  DH asked on the second sea day and he was told it would be delivered.  It did not happen.  Again, not a complaint as I know it was a free status match - just another indication of the low priority voyager club currently is to MSC. They may say that they really appreciate loyalty, but their busy phone lines, long hold times,  and lack of consistency indicate otherwise.  I hope they will fix this issue, because I really root for MSC to succeed in the USA.

 

In Summary:

We LOVED our cruise and especially appreciate the affordability of MSC.  It is great value for money and cruising is our favorite way to spend our family vacations.  We have 6 more cruises booked on MSC, and I believe they will continue to improve. To keep the balance, we have 3 booked on Royal and one on Celebrity.  So, the verdict on my personal favorite is still out.

 

I guess I will have to continue cruising to make up my mind.  What a good excuse to book another cruise!  😂

 

[elbodans]

Dear APDMom:

 

This was amazing. Truly and sincerely, I could not appreciate this review more than I do. Here's why:

First--your attention to detail and your commitment to cover every aspect of this sailing is commendable. Your annotated photos of Ocean Cay? I have no words. For real, not all heroes wear capes. 

 

Second--I booked this sailing for four weeks from now just the other day (on Christmas Eve.) I did so half because I knew I needed something to look forward to. I've gotten more than my money's worth for the entire cruise already just planning it out, and this report was a good 40% of that worth. To say I appreciate this is an understatement. 

And third--you helped me (and countless other) know what to expect from this sailing. And knowing what to expect helps prevent disappointment. Thank you for that.

 

Oh and finally--you reminded me to order a sun hat! In your selfie in the water at Ocean Cay you were wearing a hat and my first thought was "she has fantastic skin" (I'm a skincare enthusiast) and my second thought was "that's because SHE'S WEARING A HAT". So my face also thanks you for that reminder. I've also remembered to pack my reef-safe sunscreen. 

[APDMOM]

Room 11390:

When your key card is in the power slot, the light is red to let the staff know someone is in the room.  If the key card is out, it implies you are not there and the light is green.  The other two lights are for ‘do not disturb’ and “make up room”, respectively.

 

Your key card goes into this slot to activate the power in the room.  This includes the lights and the outlets.  That means your electronics will only charge when the key card is in the slot.  It takes about 30 seconds for the power to go out after you remove the key card.  Unlike other cruise ships, you can not use a generic gift card in this slot.  It has to be your real key card.

 

Press these buttons for ‘do not disturb’ or ‘make up room’.  I love this, as no mischievous kids or adults can steal your magnet (like on Royal) or turn around the card on the door handle from DND to Make up room 🙄.  Perfect solution.

 

Power outlets:  2x European, 2x US, 1x USB

 

[APDMOM]

Thank you @elbodans for your kind words!  At my age, I needed that compliment.  This is the year I realized I am truly entering that ‘middle age’ category.  😂 I have been ‘blessed with the blush’ all my life - I can just think of a workout and my face turns red.  Now I don’t have to do a thing... the blush just comes on out of nowhere. 

 

Enjoy your cruise!  I agree that it is easier when you know the pitfalls and go with an attitude to not let the little things interfere with the fun.  

[APDMOM]

A few views of the room layout and balcony:

 

I thought the couch turned into bed was pretty strange with that opening - it almost looks more like something you would find on a campground than a cruise ship.

 

 

 

The aft balcony is extra long.  It is the same category (Fantastica) as the port and starboard balconies, but extra large.  If you look closely, you can see it has 3 metal sleeves as opposed to 2 or 1.5 of the regular balconies.  The only disappointment is that it had no lounger and not even a way to recline the chairs.  On Royal at least one of the chairs is adjustable to recline a bit.  The balcony would also be much better if they had a table for a room service tray.

 

 

 

[APDMOM]

A few close ups and cabin hacks:

TIP:  See the picture annotations for some items we bring to create extra space.

 

 

I love the reading light and lamp - you just touch those circular buttons to turn them on or off.  I also like that the main cabin lighting can be turned off and on from either side of the bed.  Note though that there is no charging area or USB outlet by the bed.  

 

One drawer by the vanity (no tissues here either).

 

 

 

This bottom cubby could have been another drawer: (My type A personality cringes at this picture because I had not noticed the disorganized shoes 😂)

 

 

The chair by the vanity was very nice, as it could serve as a coffee table too:

 

 

 

 

[APDMOM]

The Bathroom:

To us, the over-the-door-organizer is a great space saver, considering the lack of storage. 

 

 

 

 

 

The rag in the rack is a hack I found here on Cruise Critic.  It really helps to keep the shampoo, razor, etc from slipping.

 

There is a cabinet below the sink, with a trashcan inside:

 

Edited December 31, 2019 by APDMOM

[APDMOM]

The Verdict on the Balcony Cabin:

If it were not for the fact that Bella Balconies had been sold out, we would not have splurged on this aft (Fantastica) balcony.  The perks that come with the Fantastica are not really enough for us to pay extra.  However, we were “forced” (LOL) to splurge and really love the aft view.  The only thing about aft balconies is that they can get very hot.  Also, aft balconies tend to have more ship vibration, but that was not true of this ship.  It was a very smooth sailing - no noise and no vibration at all!

 

   We still loved having this fantastica aft, but if Bella balconies were available, we would have booked one of those.  I would recommend a starboard Bella for the view of Ocean Cay, if you are budget minded like us

 

By the way, the designers of this balcony cabin (and probably most regular cabins on this ship) were really not cruisers.  There is no way someone who loves to cruise would create so little storage space or a closet that is too small.  We are (practically) 3 adults sharing the space and the clothing barely fit with our hacks in place.  

 

My Favorite view - watching the wake while enjoying my room service breakfast and “The Best Free Coffee” at sea (in my opinion, of course):

Edited December 31, 2019 by APDMOM

[APDMOM]

Kids and Teens:

I forgot to post the kids and teens programs.  We did not receive them every day.  In fact, I ran up to the kids area to pick one up for the sea day so that I can report back here.  Our son does not participate in the programs, so I can not help out with specifics.  I can only share the dailies for you.  Hopefully, this helps.

 

On our social media group, one parent commented that the hours for young children were very limited and the ship was not ready to accommodate the 1,300 children (Yikes! 😯) that were on our cruise.  She did mention that Gene helped resolve some of their concerns so that they could have childcare for dinner.  I hope they take it a step further to improve the times overall.  

 

I have to say that Gene makes a huge difference.  He listens to our compliments and concerns and follows up to make things better.  

 

Roatan Daily for Kids and Teens:

 

 

Costa Maya Daily for Kids and Teens:

 

 

Second Sea Day - Kids and Teens:

 

 

[APDMOM]

TIP:  You have to activate your onboard account on the ship.  I think you have 2 days to do so by either depositing cash or swiping your credit card at one of these activation points.  There are several machines between decks 5 and 6 - some are larger and some are the smaller model.  See below:

 

 

Fun Fact:

The art by the elevators reflect the name of the deck:

 

 

[APDMOM]

Another Fun Fact: On the last night of the cruise, the dome displays some of the cruise pictures - not all of them are from our current cruise though, as they had a picture of Seaside’s zipline too.

[elbodans]

Hello. Me again. One last bit of appreciation: 

I live in hotel rooms, as I travel for a living. My nemesis? The shower basket shelf. 

Put a washcloth in it. Brilliant. 

[Rob-Bob]

Best review ever.  We are on in March and I will keep reading your review to get prepared.  Thank you for taking the time to write, photograph and post this.

[LuCruise]

14 hours ago, APDMOM said:

Meraviglia Summary:

 

Pros of this Ship:

Beautiful Galleria - I loved seeing the different displays.

Friendly staff - I did not run into a single grouch!

Extra Christmas Treats - like the show and the free eggnog.

Good food in both buffet and MDR, with enough variety to enjoy.

“Cheap” (for Christmas) aft balcony with Fantastica Experience.

 

...

 

The Overall Verdict:

 

MSC is DH’s new favorite line, but I still lean more toward Royal.  It may be that he does not like alcohol at all, so he does not miss the 3 free drinks at night 😉

 

...

 

In Summary:

We LOVED our cruise and especially appreciate the affordability of MSC.  It is great value for money and cruising is our favorite way to spend our family vacations.  We have 6 more cruises booked on MSC, and I believe they will continue to improve. To keep the balance, we have 3 booked on Royal and one on Celebrity.  So, the verdict on my personal favorite is still out.

 

I guess I will have to continue cruising to make up my mind.  What a good excuse to book another cruise!  😂

 

Thank you so much for the wonderful review.  I love following along and sharing your family's experience.  You always give amazing tips and show many details that means things to fellow cruisers (e.g. number of drawers).  

 

Love hearing your opinions on MSC and Royal, as I know you cruise both.  I remember your last MSC review and both ships look gorgeous.  I took a look too at your posted cruise compass and it looks like there are quite a few fun activities going on (e.g. different dance classes).

 

Wonderful how you have both MSC and Royal booked.  We're the same in our family within Royal....DH prefers Voyager class and I prefer Oasis class (soon to try Anthem so will see where that fits in ).  So...we manage to cruise both class of ships. 😀

 

So which cruise is booked next?  I'll definitely watch out for your report if you do one.

 

Edited December 31, 2019 by LuCruise

[DiamondDiva]

Thanks again for the terrific review! 

 

We can always rely on your depth and accuracy done with a sense of humor and interest in travel.  Going on Mera soon for a first MSC, so learned a lot and also took notes for us. 

 

Taking some new-to-cruising family on a Harmony trip this summer and have sent them all a link from your report on RCL to help them prepare.  Lots of great photos in your reviews really help both newbies and we "older cruisers" learn from your experiences. 

 

 

 

 

[mamaneedsavacay]

Absolutely fantastic review. Thank you again. 

 

Were there also kids menus at dinner in the main dining rooms? I don't need pictures, just wanted to know if they exist. 

 

Thanks also for the Doremi planners. Did you have to go up to the club each day to get them? Was the same info available on the app? My kids really disliked the whole kids club situation on the Seaside and refused to go back after the first visit. But I'd love to have some more family activities to do on the Sea days and it looks like there may be an opportunity or two. 

[APDMOM]

4 hours ago, LuCruise said:

Thank you so much for the wonderful review.  I love following along and sharing your family's experience.  You always give amazing tips and show many details that means things to fellow cruisers (e.g. number of drawers).  

 

Love hearing your opinions on MSC and Royal, as I know you cruise both.  I remember your last MSC review and both ships look gorgeous.  I took a look too at your posted cruise compass and it looks like there are quite a few fun activities going on (e.g. different dance classes).

 

Wonderful how you have both MSC and Royal booked.  We're the same in our family within Royal....DH prefers Voyager class and I prefer Oasis class (soon to try Anthem so will see where that fits in ).  So...we manage to cruise both class of ships. 😀

 

So which cruise is booked next?  I'll definitely watch out for your report if you do one.

 

Thank you, @LuCruise 🙂 One of these days we will have to end up on the same cruise!

 

I am with you on Oasis class - definitely my favorite for RCL - hoping to also sail Quantum class now that they are finally bringing a ship to Florida.  Prices are a bit steep, but we keep looking.

 

My next cruise is on Adventure on March 14th.  I told my husband we are definitely addicted if that feels “too far away”!   😂

[APDMOM]

2 hours ago, DiamondDiva said:

Thanks again for the terrific review! 

 

We can always rely on your depth and accuracy done with a sense of humor and interest in travel.  Going on Mera soon for a first MSC, so learned a lot and also took notes for us. 

 

Taking some new-to-cruising family on a Harmony trip this summer and have sent them all a link from your report on RCL to help them prepare.  Lots of great photos in your reviews really help both newbies and we "older cruisers" learn from your experiences. 

 

 

 

 

Thank you @DiamondDiva!  Enjoy Harmony with your family!  I think it is a great ship to choose for a first cruise 🙂 - much better than our rookie first cruise mistake of 3-days on Carnival Fantasy with a rowdy school band competition over spring break!  It still got us addicted to cruising though 😂

[APDMOM]

32 minutes ago, mamaneedsavacay said:

Absolutely fantastic review. Thank you again. 

 

Were there also kids menus at dinner in the main dining rooms? I don't need pictures, just wanted to know if they exist. 

 

Thanks also for the Doremi planners. Did you have to go up to the club each day to get them? Was the same info available on the app? My kids really disliked the whole kids club situation on the Seaside and refused to go back after the first visit. But I'd love to have some more family activities to do on the Sea days and it looks like there may be an opportunity or two. 

@mamaneedsavacay You are welcome!  I did not have to go up for the program every day.  Our room steward delivered 2 of them to us with our other planners.  My guess is that he forgot the other days, as this is usually when you receive them.  If you don’t get one, just ask your room steward.  It was not a problem for us, since our son did not care to participate anyway.  

PS: I did not see the kids program on the app at all.

 

Yes, there is a kids’ menu in the MDR.  I saw some kids with delicious looking deep dish individual pizzas, as well as some hot dogs, so I know they are available.  I may even ask for one of those pizzas on our Seaside cruise in June 🙂

Edited December 31, 2019 by APDMOM
Add PS

[JP82]

Lovely review! One of the best I have read on this forum, and has filled me with tips to impress my family with when we finally board her later in 2020!

[APDMOM]

3 minutes ago, JP82 said:

Lovely review! One of the best I have read on this forum, and has filled me with tips to impress my family with when we finally board her later in 2020!

@JP82 Thank you for following along this whole time.  Enjoy planning your Meraviglia adventure!  

[JP82]

8 minutes ago, APDMOM said:

@JP82 Thank you for following along this whole time.  Enjoy planning your Meraviglia adventure!  

I know where to come with any questions now!