Eight Things We Loved About The Brand New MSC Meraviglia

MSC Meraviglia has arrived and the largest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, plus one of the largest in the world, is currently sailing under the Mediterranean sun on its inaugural season. Here are eight reasons why we loved the ship when we were on board for the star-studded christening ceremony and why MSC Meraviglia is the ship of the summer for families.

1. Cirque du Soleil at Sea

MSC Cruises are the first cruise line ever to partner with world-famous Cirque du Soleil to create shows specifically for at sea. ‘Cirque du Soleil at Sea’ will eventually be available on all Meraviglia-class ships but in the meantime, there are two brand new shows to savour on MSC Meraviglia. VIAGGIO bursts into colour as it delves into the mind of an artist, whilst SONOR is an auditory adventure with added acrobatics. Everything from the Carousel Lounge in which the shows are performed, to the table settings, menus, cocktails, costumes and music have been created especially for MSC Meraviglia.

Still need convincing? Tickets for Cirque du Soleil’s London shows earlier in the year started at £210 per person for hospitality packages with food…you will pay €35 for dinner and a show at sea! There are also cocktail and a show options for a tiny €15 too.

2. Homemade cheese

All cheese served on MSC Meraviglia is made fresh on board the ship, including the mozzarella, which is created in a special mozzarella production area in the Marketplace Buffet. The area is glass-fronted, so you can watch the whole process. And who doesn’t love cheese?

3. Swarovski stairs

Cinderella moments don’t come much better than when you sashay down the Swarovski crystal stairs into the Infinity Atrium. They may have cost an eye-watering £1.5million PER STAIRCASE but it sure feels like money well spent when you are making your grand entrance.

4. LED Sky Screen

The 80-metre LED ‘sky’ arches above the Galleria Meraviglia, the ship’s Mediterranean-style promenade. The largest LED screen ever seen on a ship, it changes constantly throughout the day. Duomo-style stained glass, mermaid-filled underwater worlds, space, sunrise and sunsets are just some of the atmospheric scenes you’ll witness on your walks here.

5. Pool space

MSC Meraviglia offer the most personal poolside space of any ship at sea, so there is no chance of nudging elbows with your neighbour every time you take a sip of your Mai Tai. The Bamboo pool features a sliding glass roof for swimming in all weathers and is also where you’ll find our favourite Jacuzzi on board, with panoramic windows overlooking the ocean.

6. Dine anytime

MSC Meraviglia features 12 restaurants and more dining options than ever. MSC Cruises know how hard it is to ready the troops in time for dinner when you have spent all day ashore, so the new ‘Flexi-Dining’ concept is perfect. Guests can pre-select a time slot for their evening meal and can change it at any time during the cruise. This brand-new concept makes it easy to schedule dinner around your plans for the day, not to mention the freedom to alter plans when something comes up or the kids won’t come out of the kid’s club without a battle!

The traditional Classic Dining is still available too, with two sittings available and the same table, waiter and companions each night.

For those who can’t resist a midnight buffet, the Marketplace Buffet is open 20 hours a day!

7. Family first

MSC Meraviglia is the hottest family cruise ship of the summer. All children’s facilities are together and there are plenty of them, including the Polar Aqua Park with three slides, the Himalayan Bridge rope course that spans the width of the ship, a huge indoor sports court, bowling alley, F1 and flight simulators, LEGO Experience areas (look out for the benches!) and loads more.

Even the Marketplace Buffet has been designed with children in mind, with lower counters for little ones to choose their food. When it comes to accommodation, modular cabins can accommodate up to 10 people in comfort.

8. Technology

MSC Meraviglia isn’t just one of the largest, most family-friendly ships at sea, she is one of the most technical too.

MSC for Me combines wearable technology and an app to do everything from access staterooms, book dining and shows, make payments and even track the whereabouts of children on board the ship. You can book dining, excursions and shows on one of 300 interactive screens around the ship, experience shore excursions before you go using virtual reality (VR) headsets and even see what clothes look like on your body without trying them on, thanks to augmented reality mirrors in the changing rooms!

That is one seriously clever ship.

Cruises on MSC Meraviglia are on sale now! Click here to view our MSC Meraviglia cruise deals.