Meraviglia lost the Italian experience

[Two 2 Tango]

We have just returned from Meraviglia, having cruised manytimes with MSC we went with an open mind as this was a new ship but with someconflicting reviews. There does seem tobe some design flaws with the ship that did impact on our enjoyment. We have been used to the large entertainmentlounges and theatre, and due to the promenade the bars are pushed to the sideand the theatre as very small for such a large compliment of guests; to thepoint where you have to book the day before if you wish to see a show

The staff on the ship (not crew) were fantastic we werealways able to get served with drinks, food service was good and the cabinsteward was fantastic. All were veryfriendly and willing to chat, wish I could say the same for the reception staffand some of the guests. There was a large amount of people who went round inpacks (make your own mind up about the race) who were the most bad mannered, pushyand rude people anyone could meet, I had always been under the impression theywere a gentle race; but they really did bring disgrace upon their easternculture.

Embarkation in Barcelona: this was very disorganized,there was a vast number of guests embarking and returning to the ship, alltrying to get into the terminal during heavy rain. there should have been aseparate system of security for embarking and day trippers, there was a lot ofrude behaviour not being contained by staff who seemed to be out of control ofthe situation. the resulting mayhem left us very stressed and wet and ourbaggage and clothes getting wet.

Cabin: It was not possible to hang clothes for twopeople in the wardrobe, as it was too narrow. The door configuration only gaveaccess to half of the hanging space. There is also no drawer space in the cabinor in the shower room. If this is afantastica cabin it is not very fantastic .

Reception: I had to report that there were peoplesmoking on balconies, reception said I would need to ring when I next witnessedit. I rang later but the call was not answered after half an hour, I then wentto reception to be met by the daily endless line waiting to see them; and waseventually told I would need to ring the emergency number. At the next incidentI tried this number but again it was not answered, I hate to think what wouldhave occurred should I have had a major emergency. For the most of the cruisewe were unable to use the balcony because of the smoking issue; there is only a small sign on the door andthere should be a large prominent sign in most languages on the balconybulkhead.

All inclusive package: when we went for the"included ice cream" We went to the area on the promenade and wastold we could not use it as it is a franchise and would have to go to deck 15and use the "soft ice cream", on all the other MSC ships we were ableto use the gelato station and get real ice cream. We were allowed to use the Gelato stations onall the other MSC ships why not this one. We also tried to obtain a coffee fromthe "Chocolate bar" staffed by MSC staff and we were again told thisis a franchise and would have to use another bar, but the package states we canhave coffee in ANY bar. What quickly became apparent was that the whole of thepromenade is a franchise and just taking up a large area of the ship.

Restaurant: Though the staff worked very well on mostevenings the food was only just warm, we were told this is an issue because weare dining on deck six and the only kitchen is on deck five. On two occasionswe ordered "well done" beef that was served rare, we asked for it tobe changed but were told the chef only does it one way; we had to leave ourfood and eat in the buffet.

Bars/entertainment: the main dancing andentertainment bar is the meriviglia lounge, due to the bad design of the shipthis can only accommodate 60 seats even though it is used for most events. Allother MSC ships we have sailed on have full size venues. If you are listeningand dancing to the band everything suddenlycomes to a halt while they change the scene on the promenade roof, once youhave seen it; it just becomes a disruption to your entertainment. The shows inthe theatre were marred by having to book the day before, then near the startthey let anyone in so there are people standing and sitting on the stairs. We didn't go to the circus show having seen it before and the interactiveentertainment was never open when we went to find it.

Voyager club : The captains meeting for club memberswas held in the "meriviglia lounge" again the issue with 60 seats. thecaptain only spoke from deck 7 above the promenade, this could not be seen orheard by the club members but all other guests crowded into the promenade hadfull view and may I also add the wine for the club members. On all other shipsthe club party is held in a closed room, but there is no venue on the ship tohold a large party; this reflects in the poor design of the ship.

Disembarking Barcelona: We were told there would beno announcements and that the embarking information would come on theinteractive screens, guests on the ship were using the screens so noinformation was seen; we noticed a lot of people were leaving and asked amember of staff what we were to do and was told "O! just go off when youwant, hardly the organisation we have had in the past. When we entered theterminal the sign stated our luggage would be on carousel 1, after waiting forsome time we noticed them on carousel 2. We then went to find the"organised transfer to the airport" but there was none to be seen. alot of guests were waiting but could not find it. MSC staff were very unhelpfulgiving us conflicting and misleading information. Eventually they changed a shuttle bus into atransfer bus and we left feeling very stressed and in need of another andbetter organised holiday.

 

To sum up: On the cruise I spoke to many guests ofdifferent nationalities, The Italians felt it was too American and would notuse this ship again, the Americans felt it was not Italian enough and if theywanted an American ship there are a lot of companies who do it better, Englishguests just felt very let down by the experience and first time cruises saidthat they would use other cruise lines in future. MSC seems to by trying to copy RCI with anAmerican style ship, but if people want the American style they will use a linethat knows how to do it better; people use MSC to get the Italian experiencebut this is sadly lacking on Meriviglia. The ship has a design flaw with thepromenade taking up a third of the ship, this means that all the entertainmentvenues are squashed at each side not leaving any space for a full sizeentertainment lounge. The only inside area that can boast a full deck size isthe casino (wonder why).

[DCGuy64]

"To sum up: On the cruise I spoke to many guests ofdifferent nationalities, The Italians felt it was too American and would notuse this ship again, the Americans felt it was not Italian enough and if theywanted an American ship there are a lot of companies who do it better, Englishguests just felt very let down by the experience and first time cruises saidthat they would use other cruise lines in future. MSC seems to by trying to copy RCI with anAmerican style ship, but if people want the American style they will use a linethat knows how to do it better; people use MSC to get the Italian experiencebut this is sadly lacking on Meriviglia."

 

Well, well, well....

[sidari]

The one MSC ship that we have no interest in. I am guessing that you are in Wigan ?

[Beamafar]

We were on one of Meraviglia's first sailings and I have to say I agree totally with *everything* you've said! You've done an excellent job in describing the whole experience. (I reckon I can guess the nationality of the 'packs' in question; we've experienced similar in the past. While some may say that that's stereo-typing, there does seem to be a very arrogant manner displayed by a vast majority of same onboard).

 

We, too, have sailed many times on MSC ships and much prefer them to Meraviglia. We were in YC, which is the only area onboard that has a better layout than the Fantasia class. We don't always sail YC but, on that occasion, we were so glad we did as we disliked the rest of the ship so much (apart from Butcher's Cut and the Brass Anchor pub).

 

Sent from my SM-G935F using Forums mobile app

[Babyeddiedog]

Bars/entertainment: the main dancing and entertainment bar is the meriviglia lounge, due to the bad design of the ship this can only accommodate 60 seats even though it is used for most events. All other MSC ships we have sailed on have full size venues. If you are listening and dancing to the band everything suddenly comes to a halt while they change the scene on the promenade roof, once you have seen it; it just becomes a disruption to your entertainment.

 

The ship has a design flaw with the promenade taking up a third of the ship, this means that all the entertainment venues are squashed at each side not leaving any space for a full size entertainment lounge. The only inside area that can boast a full deck size is the casino (wonder why).

 

I'm really sad to hear this as we're sailing in two weeks from Civitavecchia. We love dancing and stayed up into the very early hours every night on Spendida in her lounges, they were wonderful with lots of room. The one thing I am very thankful for are these reviews ( including yours Beamafar) because a month ago I decided to upgrade to the YC. This review has made me think that it was probably the best thing.

 

I'm still packing my dancing shoes and will enjoy myself whatever, but thank you to all those who take the time to leave balanced reviews. I'll try and do the same on my return.

[Two 2 Tango]

I'm really sad to hear this as we're sailing in two weeks from Civitavecchia. We love dancing and stayed up into the very early hours every night on Spendida in her lounges, they were wonderful with lots of room. The one thing I am very thankful for are these reviews ( including yours Beamafar) because a month ago I decided to upgrade to the YC. This review has made me think that it was probably the best thing.

 

I'm still packing my dancing shoes and will enjoy myself whatever, but thank you to all those who take the time to leave balanced reviews. I'll try and do the same on my return.

 

Hi we are dancers too and loved Splendida, Magnifica, Davina and Fantasia for the dancing lounges. Do take your shoes, though there is not much sitting space there is good dancing (latin and some ballroom) in the Meriviglia lounge from about 7.30 till 1pm.

[Beamafar]

I hope you have a wonderful time, B, and that you enjoy your time in the YC. I'll keep an eye out for your report; there are few reviews of this ship (I haven't managed to read the one prior to this as I have to restrict the time I'm spending looking at screens due to eye problems).

 

We, too, stay up 'til late dancing on the other ships ( we're usually last to leave the venues!) - not on Meraviglia. I don't think we ever spent so much time in the YC enclave before on our other YC cruises.

 

 

Sent from my SM-G935F using Forums mobile app

[thecruisers6]

I reckon I can guess the nationality of the 'packs' in question

 

Sent from my SM-G935F using Forums mobile app

 

 

I think we all know. On my NCL Cruise last year there were about 300 with ‘J e t o u r’ I know that because they had their own stand in a lounge. That is until 4 gents from Texas removed the stand to the top sun deck.

The trouble is the group move like a flock of starlings (being kind there)

So where they go the area is wiped out completely. Such as the buffet 3 hours before docking in port and they are playing cards or dominoes. Or the games room etc.

Benefits though are they flocked to a Madonna quiz which we were the only westerners that attended and won with a score of 4 out of 20.

Some real tension and arguments on board

[Beamafar]

That's the crux of the problem, Mark. They travel as part of a group and have to have separate MSC attendees dancing attendance on them, with special menus just to suit them, too.

 

Sent from my SM-G935F using Forums mobile app

[Babyeddiedog]

... there is good dancing (latin and some ballroom) in the Meriviglia lounge from about 7.30 till 1pm.

Ooooh loveIy, I feel much happier now :D

[lcpagejr]

I know some of you have also cruised on the Meriviglia..... But after reading the input of the OP...I didn't see the link to why it seemed more American or less Italian. OP feedback was on generalities of the cruise???

[Tapi]

I think we all know.

 

 

I don’t. Can I get another hint? [emoji6]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[riclop]

Not good at all.

[1fifthavenue]

I enjoyed our Meraviglia cruise, it was different to the others, we did say if we were to cruise on her again it would be for a week, max. It didn't feel as relaxing as our favourite Fantasia although we did like the Teppan Yaki and the Sky Lounge

[Capricruiser]

We cancelled our Meraviglia cruise for October. With 18 MSC cruises I think from reading all the opinions that we'll stick with the older ships - especially YC on the Fantasia class it the itinerary suits us. Otherwise the Aurea suites on the smaller ships are just fine.

[nikkiw60]

I was hoping to book the 13 night New York to Miami October 2019!

We are still new to cruising will only have done 2 Divina, 1 Seaside and a 5 night California Coastal on NCL Bliss at this point.

We are not yet jaded so don’t know what to do!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[1fifthavenue]

I was hoping to book the 13 night New York to Miami October 2019!

We are still new to cruising will only have done 2 Divina, 1 Seaside and a 5 night California Coastal on NCL Bliss at this point.

We are not yet jaded so don’t know what to do!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Hi Nikki, do what your gut tells you :cool:

The reason why I wouldn't do a long cruise on her is that in comparison to the other ships it was always full on, whereas there's always a quiet spot to be had on the others.

For me the cabin felt a bit smaller and lacked the storage compared to Fantasia, of course there are ways around it such as using cases etc perhaps?

The facilities of the ship are fabulous, and it has the wow factor

[nikkiw60]

Hi Nikki, do what your gut tells you :cool:

 

The reason why I wouldn't do a long cruise on her is that in comparison to the other ships it was always full on, whereas there's always a quiet spot to be had on the others.

 

For me the cabin felt a bit smaller and lacked the storage compared to Fantasia, of course there are ways around it such as using cases etc perhaps?

 

The facilities of the ship are fabulous, and it has the wow factor

 

 

 

The itinerary is 3 sea days then pretty port intensive. We can’t book it in the U.K. so need to decide by next week as need to book on board.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[1fifthavenue]

The itinerary is 3 sea days then pretty port intensive. We can’t book it in the U.K. so need to decide by next week as need to book on board.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

If you can get a good deal, go for it. 3 sea days will fly by and there's plenty to do. The only thing I would say though is that deck space for sunbathing could be an issue on those sea days - depends if you're a sun worshipper? Also how much do you pack that needs to be hung up or can it go in a case under the bed - they'd be my main considerations with this one - hope that makes sense

[nikkiw60]

If you can get a good deal, go for it. 3 sea days will fly by and there's plenty to do. The only thing I would say though is that deck space for sunbathing could be an issue on those sea days - depends if you're a sun worshipper? Also how much do you pack that needs to be hung up or can it go in a case under the bed - they'd be my main considerations with this one - hope that makes sense

 

 

Thank you for the good advice.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Lindagop]

What EXACTLY are you meaning about “you can guess the race who goes around in packs”? OFFENSIVE!

[Two 2 Tango]

What EXACTLY are you meaning about “you can guess the race who goes around in packs”? OFFENSIVE!

 

You are obviously the kind of person who gets a great deal of pleasure misquoting others. If you are quoting as you have done using "" then you are supposed to use the actual words and not your own words. What you have actually done is quote yourself. What a numpty. Why the capital letters is that shouting in text? Answer if you wish but I am fed up with the trolls on here so won't be checking.

[meandmydeckchair]

You are obviously the kind of person who gets a great deal of pleasure misquoting others. If you are quoting as you have done using "" then you are supposed to use the actual words and not your own words. What you have actually done is quote yourself. What a numpty.

As a quote, it's a fail. But remove the "" and as a paraphrase, it's spot on.

[jkrislc]

I enjoyed my sailing on the Meraviglia in January, but not enough to keep my booking for July on her to Norway. We opted for Holland America instead. For a week, the Meraviglia was fine, but not for two weeks and six sea days.

 

I agree that the theater was small for the size of the ship. We also had a serious problem with smoking on the balconies disrupting our enjoyment of our balcony. My impression is that while the balconies are "no smoking" as indicated on the door sign, they don't really care and have no interest in enforcing it.

[nikkiw60]

I enjoyed my sailing on the Meraviglia in January, but not enough to keep my booking for July on her to Norway. We opted for Holland America instead. For a week, the Meraviglia was fine, but not for two weeks and six sea days.

 

I agree that the theater was small for the size of the ship. We also had a serious problem with smoking on the balconies disrupting our enjoyment of our balcony. My impression is that while the balconies are "no smoking" as indicated on the door sign, they don't really care and have no interest in enforcing it.

 

 

 

We have just booked 13 days out of New York to Miami the first 3 days will be sea days so will be interesting.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums