Quick review of Meraviglia 6/25/23 - 7/2/23

[Illbcruzn4life]

After about an hour and 30 minute drive up the Jersey turnpike we arrived to the mess at the parking lot around 10:15am.

 

It took some time to finally get parked and off to the cruise terminal which was another endless maze that lasted another hour or so.

We finally got through there and waited for our boarding group to be called, #32. I think we finally made it onboard about 1pm and headed for the buffet, ate some lunch and went to explore the ship as this was our first MSC cruise.

 

The ship was beautiful, the food was very good and the pizza was the best I've had on a cruise ship. This was my 40th cruise.

 

Then it was time to back to your room and watch the video of the muster station. After this you call a number and you think, "oh good , that was quick and painless only to be reminded that you then need to go your muster station where there is a mass of humanity all trying to get their cruise cards scanned so they could get the cruise started.

 

Never did meet our cabin steward. I think our carpet got vacuumed about day 4. When we first entered our room and saw the floor I was like what the heck. I was in the cleaning business for over 25 years so that didn't sit well. We also never got a wash clothe the whole week. Not a loofah guy but made it work as my wife brought them.

 

We had a total of 9 people ranging from 3 to 66. We got our cards and low and behold we had 2 different tables. #359 and #361. We were in the Waves dining room.

When we went for dinner at 5:30pm and saw this we went to the maitre'd but said there is nothing he can do tonight but stop on the way in tomorrow night and he might have good news. Fast forward to the next night and the maitre'd says nothing he can do, sorry.

 

We although our tables were close you really couldn't converse with each other, so we did musical chairs each night til the end of the cruise.

Like mentioned above the food was delicious, good variety, and small portions but we never left hungry.

 

The service at the larger table had a great waiter, (Redy) as he hustled around like nobody's business. The other table was kind of slow. The larger table would be finished way before the smaller table.

 

The shows were excellent. We even paid for the 2 extra shows in the Carousel which were very good. Even the crew talent show whch was held at 4pm one afternoon was very good.

 

The stores onboard are very small and sparsely stocked.

 

We had propulsion problems and got into Port Canaveral late. We were supposed to get there at 1pm but it was after 2pm when we finally arrived.

 

We were staying on the ship at this port and thought we would have the ship to ourselves. I think with getting in late that everybody did the same and it felt like the ship was still out at sea. lol

 

We did book an excursion for Disney Springs but canceled it online on June 2nd and was told it would take 1 billing cycle to get the refund and they would not give me a cancelation confirmation. I also booked 2 floating mats for Ocean Cay. When I got my excursion tickets instead of canceling my wife and myself for Disney Springs, they canceled me for Disney Springs and also canceled my floating mat. So off to the excursion desk to get this rectified. The nice young lady was very gracious and got me my excursion money for Disney Springs back as OBC for my wife at least. Today marks one month since I canceled. Hope the refund comes soon, but not holding my breath.

 

Got to Ocean Cay and went to pick up my mat and also got and umbrella. They said , "wherever you see a pole sticking out of the ground, put the top half of the umbrella on it."

Unfortunately, every pole was occupied at South Beach so we didn't use the umbrella. Lunch at the buffet was another adventure with more standing in line waiting. Got 2 sodas which were warm as the Caribbean air and lo and behold, no ice. Went to get ketchup for my fries, no ketchup. Oh well, I'm on vacation, we are going to have a good time no matter what.

 

Nassau was great. Went to Margaritaville and used their facilities and had an awesome day.

 

We hung out every night in the Meraviglia lounge and we had a great waiter by the name of Joseph. Best service ever.

 

Also thought the dome shows were pretty cool.  Also loved the grab and go station outside on deck 15 I believe. Very good idea.

 

I must say the kids were really out of control, running up and down the hallways at 1am banging on doors, taking peoples decoration off their doors, etc.

 

I remember now why I only cruise in the spring and fall. lol Didn't have any choice except to stay home.

 

Getting off the ship was pretty fast. The only snag we had was that the face recognition machines went down so they just looked at our passports and kept it moving.

 

We were home by about 12:30pm today and will probably do another MSC even after this. lol After the Nassau day it was all good for the rest of the cruise.

 

 One other not so cool thing was looking for our pictures. It was like cruising back in the 90's again where they put out all the pics and you have to hunt them down. They do have a kiosk but if the photographer doesn't scan your card there is no record of the digital copy. Only had 3 pics taken and not once was my card scanned. I did find them as I was determined. lol

 

Sorry about the rambling and being all over the place. I'd still book another MSC cruise. I guess this cruise was my hazing!

 

 

 

 

[EllieinNJ]

Thanks for sharing your experience.  We have reserved a rental car for our day in Port Canaveral but now am second guessing it.  We have to return it before 6pm and if the ship is delayed for any reason it doesn't give us much time. 

 

At Ocean Kay which beach is less rocky?  Also which beach has less sea lice?

 

In Nassau did you walk to Margaritaville or take a taxi?

[Illbcruzn4life]

50 minutes ago, EllieinNJ said:

Thanks for sharing your experience.  We have reserved a rental car for our day in Port Canaveral but now am second guessing it.  We have to return it before 6pm and if the ship is delayed for any reason it doesn't give us much time. 

 

At Ocean Kay which beach is less rocky?  Also which beach has less sea lice?

 

In Nassau did you walk to Margaritaville or take a taxi?

It is a short window in Port Canaveral but I doubt they will be delayed again as they did get the ship fixed. I would keep your car reservation.

 

I don’t know about any other beach but south beach. South beach there were no rocks and the water was very nice. If going there get there early as it fills up fast and the food is right there. There were sea lice there though.

 

Going to Margaritaville we walked going and got a cab coming back. Took about 15 minutes walking. They have small lockers and a changing room. We didn’t bring a change of clothes so we had to air dry before getting a cab. Cab charged us $20 to take us back.