My view on the Meraviglia

[Petersnow]

I was on the Divina back on December, and my wife also agree that there has been some evident changes on MSC. The ships are happier, more noise, spot color lights, music on the pool, but also the guests have change. It looks more of an American atmosphere, not bad but the classy elegant atmosphere have change. For good or bad, but MSC has been making changes trying to hear the critics of the European style. The debate right now is if we prefer the classy elegant original MSC atmosphere or the renovated more vigorous and modern style we saw on the Divina?  We can deal with changes and if they are done to offer a better service and product they have our approval, but we love the elegant classy style the way MSC handle it in the past. Service and staff was great, for example, I bring a bottle of water in one of my bags, put it on the refrigerator and the boy who clean our room took the water away the same evening. Then I will go to the buffet near midnight and one lady from the staff ask me if I was ok because I was alone, I told her I was fine but told her about the water. She bring me 2 bigger bottles of water and give me apologies for what has happened. Still with the changes MSC is my favorite cruise line, for the price they can be beat!!!

[BermudaBound2014]

On 1/28/2020 at 1:39 PM, GOLDENBONNY said:

no top sheet on the bed,

 

THANK GOD FOR THIS. finally they do it european way with duvet cover. 

 

Actually, due to basic hygiene  concerns it appears top sheets are making a comeback, even in Europe. 

 

Personally, I think the absence of a top sheet is disgusting. I do not believe that the duvet covers  are washed weekly and will pay close attention on my next turn around. The policy of no top sheet makes no sense because duvet covers cost more than top sheets so they can technically get away with fewer washes if a top sheet is used.  It literally gives me the shivers thinking of all the skin cells on the duvet cover/comforter; from a stranger no less.

 

As Mary-Louise McLaws, a researcher at Australia’s University of New South Wales, told Huffington Post in 2016: “Change and wash the doona (quilt) cover weekly if you don’t use a top sheet, otherwise change it less often based on smells and visual cleanliness.” You still need to wash whatever blanket lies on top, even if it doesn’t directly touch your body. The thing is, not having a top sheet is disgusting. Microbiologist and pathologist at the New York University School of Medicine Ingrid Johnson once explained to Tech Insider that top sheet or no, your bed is a literal hotbed ripe for the growth of microscopic life. Johnson rattled off a list of nauseating reasons why washing your bed sheets is important: “You have spores of fungi, bacteria, animal dander, pollen, soil, lint, finishing agents of whatever the sheets are made from, coloring material, all sorts of excrements from the body including sweat, sputum, vaginal, and anal excretions, urine milieu, skin cells …”  Consider that studies have shown that the average person sweats 23 gallons of moisture (barf!) per year, creating an “ideal fungal culture medium.” 

 

Apologies in advance to any millennials. https://www.inverse.com/article/42949-top-sheets-millennials-bedding-duvet-cover

 

 

[BermudaBound2014]

20 hours ago, blueslily said:

Wow, with all the negative comments on these boards about MSC, how do they fill their ships? I know that Americans are not the majority on the ships usually, but MSC has several ships sailing out of the US now. Just makes me wonder. 

 

They fill their ships by pricing them significantly lower than any competition. Our April cruise is approximately 45% cheaper. With expectations aligned to price paid, MSC offers an exceptional value.

 

You could get a 7 day balcony cabin for $199 in the fall on the brand new Meriviglia.  If they could price MSC cruise higher and fill the ships, they would. But they can't, so they keep the prices rock bottom.

 

Thanks to sites like cruise critic, potential cruisers are able to align expectations to price paid and decide if MSC is worth the cost savings. For me, it is. But only if MSC is priced significantly lower than the competition. If the price is within a few hundred dollars on a typical 7 day itinerary, I'm willing to pay more to sail with NCL, RCL Princess, Hal, etc....

 

[sfaaa]

20 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

They fill their ships by pricing them significantly lower than any competition. Our April cruise is approximately 45% cheaper. With expectations aligned to price paid, MSC offers an exceptional value.

 

Pretty much. You can't beat MSC value comparing to a similar route offered by other mass market cruise lines. My only beef with MSC is its lack of itinerary routes in N America. It's mostly the same old same old repeating Caribbean ports. If MSC can add more ports like Alaska, Pacific Coastal, Hawaii or west coast Mexico to its cruise itineraries, I would consider sailing with MSC again in a heart beat.

[brillohead]

On 1/28/2020 at 8:11 PM, blueslily said:

Wow, with all the negative comments on these boards about MSC, how do they fill their ships? I know that Americans are not the majority on the ships usually, but MSC has several ships sailing out of the US now. Just makes me wonder. 

Who says they are?

My 13-day cruise on Meraviglia a couple months ago was a whopping $750, including taxes/fees, with no single supplement, for a huge aft balcony room.  

That ship most certainly did not sail full!  

[blueslily]

7 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

They fill their ships by pricing them significantly lower than any competition. Our April cruise is approximately 45% cheaper. With expectations aligned to price paid, MSC offers an exceptional value.

 

You could get a 7 day balcony cabin for $199 in the fall on the brand new Meriviglia.  If they could price MSC cruise higher and fill the ships, they would. But they can't, so they keep the prices rock bottom.

 

Thanks to sites like cruise critic, potential cruisers are able to align expectations to price paid and decide if MSC is worth the cost savings. For me, it is. But only if MSC is priced significantly lower than the competition. If the price is within a few hundred dollars on a typical 7 day itinerary, I'm willing to pay more to sail with NCL, RCL Princess, Hal, etc....

 

 

Thanks for your reply. As a newbie to MSC, I have been reading these boards a lot. I have read pages and pages of recent and old posts and as well as reviews. Seems odd that some people complain about stuff that is well docemented already on here. At times, the expectations dont seem consistent with the brand and price paid. So, I'm glad that you mentioned the importance of creating realistic expectations. I think I'm well prepared for my  upcoming first cruise on MSC. I promise not to come back and post complaints about things that are already well documented here on Cruise Critic as being different on MSC. 😁 Im just glad to be cruising for my birthday and that I get to try out a different cruise line to celebrate. Thanks MSC! And, thanks to folks on here who post helpful information.

 

 

[sidari]

Blueslily ... Some of us have cruised many times with MSC around the world and not just the Caribbean along with other cruise lines. Since 2012 and 10 MSC cruises I think I am qualified enough to compare those cruises and inform people that there are issues like food that has not improved in some areas, that there was cold food in the buffet at 8 am and any other issues that come to light.

The reason the areas are mentioned so much is because they have not been eradicated and still exist some 8 years down the line.

Unlike some people I won't tell you that everything is great when it's clearly not, going with Rose tinted glasses on because others are afraid to tell the truth does you no favours whatsoever.

 

[sealynx]

13 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

Actually, due to basic hygiene  concerns it appears top sheets are making a comeback, even in Europe. 

 

Personally, I think the absence of a top sheet is disgusting. I do not believe that the duvet covers  are washed weekly and will pay close attention on my next turn around. The policy of no top sheet makes no sense because duvet covers cost more than top sheets so they can technically get away with fewer washes if a top sheet is used.  It literally gives me the shivers thinking of all the skin cells on the duvet cover/comforter; from a stranger no less.

 

 

 

Duvet covers are always washed when occupants of a room change, whether it be a hotel, a cruise ship or a holiday park. It might take more time, space and water to wash duvet covers than it does to wash top sheets, but since making the bed is less of a hassle I'm sure they save a ton of money by using duvet covers instead of top sheets. Personally I think top sheets are less hygenic than duvet covers: since top sheets keep shifting and never stay put, the comforter is more likely to touch ones skin than with a duvet cover.

[BermudaBound2014]

2 hours ago, sealynx said:

 

Duvet covers are always washed when occupants of a room change, whether it be a hotel, a cruise ship or a holiday park. It might take more time, space and water to wash duvet covers than it does to wash top sheets, but since making the bed is less of a hassle I'm sure they save a ton of money by using duvet covers instead of top sheets. Personally I think top sheets are less hygenic than duvet covers: since top sheets keep shifting and never stay put, the comforter is more likely to touch ones skin than with a duvet cover.

 

I know for a fact that duvet covers are not washed at each room change.  Having personally asked for new duvet covers because the ones provided were clearly used on both RCL and Celebrity, I don't believe weekly washings of duvet covers can be assumed (at least not across all cruise lines). Admittedly, I don't know for a fact MSC's policy, but I will be paying very close attention on my next MSC cruise. 

 

I do hear what you are saying though. If the duvet cover is being washed each week, then I think you have a reasonable argument that duvet covers might end up more sanitary. 

[tallyho8]

We like our room cold and have never slept under a duvet because it is too thick and hot for us. We usually just sleep under the top sheet (when we can get one) and other times under a light blanket that my wife brings with us.

[tallyho8]

17 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

You could get a 7 day balcony cabin for $199 in the fall on the brand new Meriviglia.  If they could price MSC cruise higher and fill the ships, they would. But they can't, so they keep the prices rock bottom.

The only reason those cruises were priced that cheap was because they were supposed to sail to Ocean Cay and they had to cancel that stop because it was not ready yet. Many people chose not to sail until Ocean Cay was open so there were a lot of empty cabins at the last moment before they sailed to a shorter and less desirable itinerary. 

[BermudaBound2014]

12 minutes ago, tallyho8 said:

The only reason those cruises were priced that cheap was because they were supposed to sail to Ocean Cay and they had to cancel that stop because it was not ready yet. Many people chose not to sail until Ocean Cay was open so there were a lot of empty cabins at the last moment before they sailed to a shorter and less desirable itinerary. 

 

False, MSC has offered $199-$249 for 7 day balconies each and every fall for the last 3 years. Certainly Ocean Cay had something to do with it, but it was not the sole reason (or even a consideration in my opinion). MSC did not announce they weren't stopping at Ocean cay until well after final payments were due. Thus, those that cancelled due to not stopping in ocean cay did so by claiming insurance. Most didn't even know that ocean cay was cancelled. The cancelling of cuba effected the cruise market much more than delayed stops at ocean cay.

 

MSC can not fill their ships unless they discount the prices. Sometimes they have to discount the prices to the point that I"m not sure how they are even making money. If they could charge more and fill their ships, they would. 

[GOLDENBONNY]

Actually, due to basic hygiene  concerns it appears top sheets are making a comeback, even in Europe. 

 

Duvet cover goes to laundry same way as top sheet goes and changes same time . There is no difference at all it's just much more comfortable to use.  It's made out of same material so "skinsells" go on blanket same way.  

[tallyho8]

Another problem we had: We booked the cruise with 2 other couples who were our friends and relatives and we linked the cabins together and requested a table for 6 at the dining rooms.

 

MSC agreed to that and on the MSC web site it said that we were linked together and would have a table for 6. When we received our ship cards we discovered that we were place at separate tables with others. We complained and they said there were no seats available for 6 even though we were Diamond members. It was only on the 4th night that we finally got to sit together and in the less desirable restaurant.

 

My wife was lucky in the casino and able to get a certificate for 30% off on our next cruise plus our 5% voyagers club discount but it must be used in the next 9 months. Our problem is that we have been to all the ports a few times that the 3 MSC ships in Miami go to and we like to see different ports. I wish these 3 ships would add some new itineraries instead of going to the same old, same old ports. I know that the Armonia was just brought here to go to Cuba and when they had to remove Cuba from the itinerary they should have moved it to a different port instead of leaving it in Miami to go to the same ports that Divina and Meraviglia go to. 

[BermudaBound2014]

3 minutes ago, GOLDENBONNY said:

Actually, due to basic hygiene  concerns it appears top sheets are making a comeback, even in Europe. 

 

Duvet cover goes to laundry same way as top sheet goes and changes same time . There is no difference at all it's just much more comfortable to use.  It's made out of same material so "skinsells" go on blanket same way.  

 

I know for a fact that duvet covers are not washed at each room change.  Having personally asked for new duvet covers because the ones provided were clearly used on both RCL and Celebrity, I don't believe weekly washings of duvet covers can be assumed (at least not across all cruise lines). Admittedly, I don't know for a fact MSC's policy, but I will be paying very close attention on my next MSC cruise. 

 

I do hear what you are saying though. If the duvet cover is being washed each week, then I think you have a reasonable argument that duvet covers might end up more sanitary. 

[tallyho8]

4 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

False, MSC has offered $199-$249 for 7 day balconies each and every fall for the last 3 years. Certainly Ocean Cay had something to do with it, but it was not the sole reason (or even a consideration in my opinion). MSC did not announce they weren't stopping at Ocean cay until well after final payments were due. Thus, those that cancelled due to not stopping in ocean cay did so by claiming insurance. Most didn't even know that ocean cay was cancelled. The cancelling of cuba effected the cruise market much more than delayed stops at ocean cay.

 

MSC can not fill their ships unless they discount the prices. Sometimes they have to discount the prices to the point that I"m not sure how they are even making money. If they could charge more and fill their ships, they would. 

I disagree with you. I have sailed with MSC the last 3 years in fall and kept a close eye on the prices to see if they would change so I could get a lower rate and never saw the balcony as low as $199 except when Ocean Cay was cancelled near the same time that Cuba was cancelled.

[GOLDENBONNY]

Just now, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

I know for a fact that duvet covers are not washed at each room change.  Having personally asked for new duvet covers because the ones provided were clearly used on both RCL and Celebrity, I don't believe weekly washings of duvet covers can be assumed (at least not across all cruise lines). Admittedly, I don't know for a fact MSC's policy, but I will be paying very close attention on my next MSC cruise. 

 

I do hear what you are saying though. If the duvet cover is being washed each week, then I think you have a reasonable argument that duvet covers might end up more sanitary. 

We all can ask for whatever we want but no way they don't change cover between customers.  . In same pattern you can say they don't change bed sheets at all. so what you say your cover on Celebrity and RCL  was wrinkled or stained and used by other customer ? Wow those lines should be avoided by all means . 

[BermudaBound2014]

3 minutes ago, tallyho8 said:

I disagree with you. I have sailed with MSC the last 3 years in fall and kept a close eye on the prices to see if they would change so I could get a lower rate and never saw the balcony as low as $199 except when Ocean Cay was cancelled near the same time that Cuba was cancelled.

 

We can agree to disagree :).

[Petersnow]

3 minutes ago, tallyho8 said:

I disagree with you. I have sailed with MSC the last 3 years in fall and kept a close eye on the prices to see if they would change so I could get a lower rate and never saw the balcony as low as $199 except when Ocean Cay was cancelled near the same time that Cuba was cancelled.

Agree 100%, never had saw a balcony as $199. I also keep a close eye on prices but at $199, only for the Ocean Cay situation.

Besides that, all companies do that as a normal practice to attract customers and fill their ships. MSC can do it, they are not a corporation Like Carnival or Royal, they are family owned, it`s easier for them to do that.

[versuco]

We sailed on Meraviglia from Dec 8 - Dec 15.  We had a very enjoyable day at Ocean Cay.  We booked on Nov. 20, fantastica balcony (actually an aft on deck 10 with a huge balcony).  We paid 199.00 per person, the deals are out there if you look for them.  We also found the food and service to be comparable with other cruise lines.  We are looking forward to sailing Meraviglia again.  In addition, we had requested a table for 2 or 4, but ended up at a table for 10.  We asked for a change, and were assigned a table for two with no problem.

[brillohead]

8 hours ago, tallyho8 said:

It was only on the 4th night that we finally got to sit together and in the less desirable restaurant.

 

What restaurants are more/less desirable, and why? 

 

Unless you were assigned to the buffet, the MDR is the MDR, regardless of which room you're in.  

[Até]

58 minutes ago, brillohead said:

What restaurants are more/less desirable, and why? 

 

Unless you were assigned to the buffet, the MDR is the MDR, regardless of which room you're in.  

On Meraviglia the Panorama MDR is considered the nicest and also happens to be where Aurea guests are assigned.  The two Golden Olive restaurants are probably the next best and Waves is considered the lesser of the four.  Waves definitely seemed to have a lower ceiling, less views and the most basically furnished of the four.  Food was the same at all of them.

[brillohead]

2 minutes ago, Até said:

less views

Views of what?  It's dark at dinner time....

[Até]

9 minutes ago, brillohead said:

Views of what?  It's dark at dinner time....

It probably was even at the early sitting when you sailed, but that's not always the case.

 

[sfaaa]

30 minutes ago, brillohead said:

Views of what?  It's dark at dinner time....

When in port, you can see the shore light.