Onboard Review: MSC Meraviglia Relocates

PORTMSC Meraviglia RelocatesBy Regina BarabanVisiting the MSC Meraviglia to celebrate the mega ship’s year-round sailings from its new homeport of New York City, I was blown away by the wow. Glittering Swarovski crystal-studded staircase define the main atrium. A grand promenade of shops and restaurants that stretches more than half a mile is capped with a massive, domed LED “sky screen” glowing overhead. These are just two of many areas on the 5,700-passenger ship worthy of its name, which means “wonder” in Italian. Whether clients are looking for razzle-dazzle, relaxation, first-class entertainment or a different dining option every day of vacation, they’ll find it on this 19-deck vessel, which has 10 different types of staterooms. Notes Koreen McNutt, MSC Cruises’ sr. v.p. of sales and trade engagement and commercial sales officer: “The ship has something for everyone, from delicious bars, restaurants and curated family fun to places to wind down and activities for thrill seekers.” And, she adds, “our international flare is something that really appeals to guests.”PROMINADENew York City HomeportThe big news, especially for your Northeast-based clients, is that the MSC Meraviglia has relocated to its year-round homeport of Brooklyn, New York. “This makes MSC Cruises more accessible to travelers who can now take the train or drive to embark on their cruise vacation, instead of taking a flight,” says McNutt. In my case, it was also exciting to fly to New York City, take in a show at Lincoln Center and overnight at Hilton Downtown in Manhattan before a quick ride to the port the next day. The bling and glamour of this ship echoes Big Apple vibes—it feels like there’s always a party somewhere on board. But there are also low-key escapes. For a laid-back atmosphere and a spectacular view of Lady Liberty from floor-to-ceiling windows while the ship is in port, advise clients to head over to the Sky Lounge on the 18th floor, which also features jazz in the evening. “A ship for all seasons, MSC Meraviglia was built to be enjoyed in different climates, from the warm waters of the Bahamas to the crisp air in New England and everywhere in between,” says McNutt. There are three initial itineraries sailing from Brooklyn. The 7- to 11-night voyages to tropical destinations include Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida; Nassau, The Bahamas; Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; and MSC’s fan-favorite Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve private island, focused on sustainability. In August, the ship embarks on 5- and 6-night sailings to Kings Wharf in Bermuda, with several days in port for clients to explore the beauty of the island. Canada and New England sailings in the fall include 10- and 11-night itineraries to Newport, Rhode Island; Boston; Portland, Maine; and the Canadian destinations of Saint John, Halifax, Charlottetown and Sydney.CARShip HighlightsDuring one whirlwind day, I toured different areas of the MSC Meraviglia and experienced a small sample of what the ship has to offer. Even in an 11-night sailing, there are more choices than one client can experience, what with 20 bars and 12 restaurants; four pools and nine hot tubs; an entertainment area that includes the MSC Formula Racer, a full-sized bowling alley with two lanes, an interactive XD cinema, a flight simulator and a video games arcade; a Sportsplex with facilities for basketball, tennis, squash, volleyball, pickle ball, mini golf and five-a-side soccer; an intricate water park with three twisting slides and a ropes course; a 985-seat theater with seven different shows; an intimate theater with Cirque du Soleil-style entertainment and more. The beauty of the vast onboard eateries and activities is that clients can pick and choose those best suited to their tastes and preferences. There are great options for families as well, with an MSC Kids’ Club for children up to 17 that includes dedicated spaces for all ages and a colorful Lego Experience play area iconic to the MSC brand. ROOM My day of fun, food and entertainment gave me a peek into the diverse choices. In the entertainment area, I would never have guessed that shooting terrifying zombies leaping out of the screen in a chaotic 3D battle with the forces of good was my cup of tea. But even coming in dead last in zombie elimination, I found the adrenalin-fueled battle to be hilarious and addictive. It felt like a big draw for family fun, along with other activities in the area. An equally thrilling but more refined entertainment, the Houdini show in the ship’s Carousel Lounge showcased amazing acrobatics in an intimate atmosphere. Note for clients: This is not a magic show. It’s a character-driven theatrical production in the style of Cirque du Soleil. STAIRS My favorite area of MSC Meraviglia was the Yacht Club, an expansive luxury upsell with 94 suites that lives up to its billing as a “ship within a ship.” Among additional perks and services are a large pool area, plush lounge, exclusive restaurant and butler service. In the Yacht Club, Swarovski crystal steps carry through the iconic MSC vibe but are a small accent in the toned-down aesthetic. It’s the perfect enclave for clients who want to relax in luxury while also experiencing the entertainment and amenities on the rest of the ship. While I enjoyed tasty bites in some of the ship’s specialty restaurants, dinner at the Yacht Club exceeded expectations. The traditional choices of Maine lobster and beef tenderloin looked delicious, but I went out on a limb to try the vegan vegetarian option of roasted cauliflower steak. It sounds simple, but the purple cauliflower with minted chimichurri, crispy chickpeas and piquillo pepper sauce was a sophisticated dish—complex, beautifully composed, with each individual flavor tingling the palate. This dish takes it up a notch for onboard vegetarian cuisine. Contact InformationMSC Cruises: msccruisesusa.com

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