Innovative megaship now sailing from Miami
MSC Cruises’ MSC Meraviglia which made her North American debut in October 2019, is the line’s largest ship sailing from the U.S. and brings a distinct cruising experience. Among her features are exclusive shows from Cirque du Soleil at Sea, international cuisine from Michelin-starred Chef Ramon Freixa and the longest LED dome at sea in the one-of-a-kind, Mediterranean-style promenade. Her name means wonder.
More about the Ship
Accommodating 4,488 guests (based on double occupancy) and 1,036 feet long, with a gross registered tonnage of 171,598, the MSC Meraviglia provides diverse entertainment and dining, a spa, sports activities, the MSC Yacht Club private preserve and 85 Family staterooms. The Galleria Meraviglia, ideal for socializing, shopping and dining, is her indoor promenade. It is 314 feet long and covered by a spectacular LED dome with ever-changing visuals.
MSC OceanCay. (Credit: AP Images for MSC Cruises)
The MSC Meraviglia was launched in June 2017, becoming MSC Cruises’ first next-generation ship featuring MSC for ME, a multi-channel digital program designed to help guests get the most out of their vacation. Simply using an app lets guests effortlessly plan activities, book services, find information, easily navigate around the ship and stay connected with family and friends.
Entertainment and Onboard Features
The MSC Meraviglia has six full-scale theatrical productions every night in the 985-seat main theater. In addition, guests can enjoy two Cirque du Soleil shows exclusively created for the Meraviglia. The spectacular shows, VIAGGIO and SONAR, are performed in the Carousel Lounge, a purpose-built entertainment and dining venue. The Sportsplex offers a full-size bowling alley, F1 simulators and a virtual games arcade.
The 20 bars and lounges include the Infinity Bar, Champagne Bar, Sky Lounge, and Edge Cocktail Bar. The TV Studio & Bar houses a TV studio that broadcasts live across the ship and also has karaoke, live music and a comedy club. The Brass Anchor Pub has a traditional English pub atmosphere serving craft beers along with a variety of tasty food. Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Cafe is a special chocolate bar by world-renowned pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury.
Polar Aquapark
The winter-themed Polar Aquapark has four waterslides and a variety of pools. There’s also the Himalayan Bridge, which suspends cruisers high up above the ship.
The two main pools, Atmosphere Pool and Horizon Pool, are perfect for relaxing during the day. During the evening, the Horizon Pool area becomes a stunning outdoor venue where guests can enjoy entertainment and dancing, while the Atmosphere Pool is enhanced with the giant screen and lighting.
Diverse Dining Options
The MSC Meraviglia offers five complimentary restaurants—Waves Restaurant, L’Olive Doree, L’Olivo D’Oro, Panorama Restaurant and Marketplace Buffet.
Specialty restaurants (not included in the cruise fare) include the Food Market by Eataly, Ristorante Italiano by Eataly, Butcher’s Cut (an American steakhouse offering specialty meats and steaks), Kaito Sushi Bar, Kaito Teppanyaki and Carousel Lounge.
Panorama Restaurant
MSC Yacht Club
MSC Cruises’ all-inclusive ship-within-a-ship concept continues on the MSC Meraviglia. The MSC Yacht Club is a terrific option for guests wanting more privacy and exclusive special touches. The gorgeous suites include 24-hour butler service.
MSC Yacht Club
The MSC Yacht Club Top Sail Lounge is a panoramic private lounge that provides complimentary drinks and gourmet finger food served all day. The MSC Yacht Club Pool, Sun Deck and Bar comprise a private pool area complete with a spacious solarium, whirlpool tubs and unlimited complimentary drinks in a well-stocked bar. And there are cabanas available (a small fee applies.) Guests can dine in elegance and privacy at the MSC Yacht Club Restaurant, which is exclusively dedicated to them.
Where She’s Sailing
After her arrival in North America last October, the Meraviglia did three sailings from New York City, then repositioned to her new homeport in Miami. She is now sailing on two different seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Miami. Ports include the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Belize, Honduras and the line’s Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas. Following her inaugural season sailing from Miami, the MSC Meraviglia will be in Northern Europe from April to October 2020. When she returns to the U.S. in the fall of October 2020, she will be offering some sailings from New York to Canada/New England before returning to Miami for seven-night Caribbean sailings.
MSC Cruises’ New Private Island
MSC Cruises’ new eco-friendly private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, opened in December 2019. MSC Cruises had signed a 100-year lease on this island and had been working on it for the past few years transforming it into a private destination. Guests sailing on four of MSC Cruises’ ships, including the Meraviglia, get the chance to enjoy this exquisite private island. Ships directly dock there, so guests can easily get off and explore. Ocean Cay is surrounded by a protected, 64-square-mile marine area. Restoration efforts are preserving the coral, and native plants have been reintroduced.
Ocean Cay features eight world-class beaches where guests can enjoy water activities, sunbathing and drinks at the Lighthouse Bar. They also can peruse the shops in the authentic Bahamian village. Junkanoo festivities run late into the evening. The island includes 44 acres of exquisite white sand, and guests can snorkel, take a leisurely kayak trip or go paddle boarding.
More about MSC Cruises
The world’s fastest-growing cruise line, MSC Cruises sails to more than 200 destinations around the world. Over the next several years, the line will continue to expand and introduce the new series of World Class vessels. MSC also is focused on preserving and protecting the oceans and seas. As of January 2020, it is the first global cruise line with carbon-neutral marine operations.
By Cindy Bertram
Cindy has 15+ years of cruise industry expertise in marketing, content creation, sales and training as well as social media. Her MBA from Loyola University Chicago complements her high creative edge and liberal arts BA. She can be reached at cindy@ptmgroups.com.
