My View: From Mazda to Meraviglia

[L1211]

On 11/22/2022 at 2:56 PM, APDMOM said:

The Galleria tonight:

This was 70’s night. Due to bad weather, it was moved from the pool deck to the galleria.  That was just a bit too crowded for me to participate, but it was fun to watch from the pub area.

TIP:  Pack your 70’s flower power outfit if this s the kind of thing you enjoy!  Also, there was a glow party that I forgot to mention (we did not attend and I am not sure it happened, since there was inclement weather).  Pack some glow sticks for that event.

 

 

 

Love this review- huge thanks.  So much negativity about the Mera, this is refreshing… question on theme nights- we’re on a 4 night in march, any idea where’d we find out about theme nights?  Anything in pre-cruise communications?  Thanks!

[L1211]

On 11/23/2022 at 9:00 PM, APDMOM said:

It may be hard to tell from this picture, but looking across the water is South Beach.  Look at all the people in the water and all those umbrellas…. 

If I understand, there are free umbrellas in south beach closest to the ship, but you need to rent an umbrella in north beach which is less crowded correct?  Any idea how they rent for?  Thanks!!

 

[APDMOM]

1 hour ago, L1211 said:

Love this review- huge thanks.  So much negativity about the Mera, this is refreshing… question on theme nights- we’re on a 4 night in march, any idea where’d we find out about theme nights?  Anything in pre-cruise communications?  Thanks!

Unfortunately, there was nothing specific in pre cruise communication. I did find thus blurb on the MSC website…

 

[APDMOM]

1 hour ago, L1211 said:

If I understand, there are free umbrellas in south beach closest to the ship, but you need to rent an umbrella in north beach which is less crowded correct?  Any idea how they rent for?  Thanks!!

 

Yes, umbrellas were free closest to the ship, first come first serve basis. North beach is less crowded and umbrella rental is $12 pre-cruise. There are also some shaded areas of palm trees if you just want to move a lounger into the shade. We found loungers at Bimini beach already in the shade, which was handy! 🙂 Bottom line- you don’t NEED to rent an umbrella, but it is convenient if that is what you prefer. 

Edited January 23, 2023 by APDMOM
typo

[jamon]

thanks for the review and pictures

[natanya13]

On 11/23/2022 at 1:43 PM, APDMOM said:

Walking the Island:

 

I love how much more lush the island is after 3 years.  We were one of the first ships to stop in Ocean Cay in Dec 2019.  Now, it is truly a paradise.

 

 

Crew Beach - Nicely done, MSC!

 

We made our walk to North Beach, as it was much less crowded in 2019.  It was still the same this time around.  I will post some pictures to show the difference.

 

TIP:  If you want a quiet spot, head to North Beach.  It is much more quiet and you get the bonus choice of swimming on the sea side or the lagoon side with a very short walk.

 

 

After you cross this bridge, you will see the path split off to the right for Yacht Club guests, with us taking the path to the left for our Bimini Beach & North Beach stop.

 

 

I love that you appreciated the tranquility of the island.  I read another review who mentioned how "run down" it was compared to other cruise line islands and that MSC needed to add some water park activities.  

[craigtompkins]

It is not "run down".  It is this way be design.  If you want water parks, you need to cruise RCL.  If you want relaxing on a great beach, then Ocean Cay is great.  I don't like it as much as Half Moon Cay, but it's #2 on my list of private islands in the Caribbean/Bahamas.   I can't wait to get back there, only 21 more days.

[mowogo]

2 hours ago, natanya13 said:

I love that you appreciated the tranquility of the island.  I read another review who mentioned how "run down" it was compared to other cruise line islands and that MSC needed to add some water park activities.  

Run down is closer to the experience of Princess Cays than Ocean Cay.  

[APDMOM]

3 hours ago, natanya13 said:

I love that you appreciated the tranquility of the island.  I read another review who mentioned how "run down" it was compared to other cruise line islands and that MSC needed to add some water park activities.  

I sure hope MSC does not follow that suggestion.  I love how “quiet” and natural it is. 🙂 

[L1211]

On 1/23/2023 at 6:31 PM, APDMOM said:

Yes, umbrellas were free closest to the ship, first come first serve basis. North beach is less crowded and umbrella rental is $12 pre-cruise. There are also some shaded areas of palm trees if you just want to move a lounger into the shade. We found loungers at Bimini beach already in the shade, which was handy! 🙂 Bottom line- you don’t NEED to rent an umbrella, but it is convenient if that is what you prefer. 

That’s good to know!  Will report back! 

[Ottawa_Cruiser]

@APDMOM Wow!! What a wonderful review you've done. We are sailing on Meraviglia on April 29th and are very excited. It'll be our first time cruising with MSC, though we are avid cruisers with NCL. 

[tammyjw305]

Thank you for the wonderful review! We are on the ship for oldest son's high school graduation next spring break from NYC (to let the kids see NYC too). We are in the oceanview version of the same type of room as you, but will have two teenage boys in the bunks :). Ours is at the front of the ship, which I'm a little nervous for sea sickness, but I'm excited to try out of the front of the ship view while sailing. The bulks look very functional since they are out of the way and allow getting around the room easily.

 

We are also trying MSC for the first time. The Meraviglia looks to have a lot of fun things for the kids; we booked with a TA with an OBC offer to be able to do some of it. 

 

Tammy