MSC Meraviglia review: Pros, cons, and family-friendliness
Looking for an honest and comprehensive review of the MSC Meraviglia? We’ve got you covered! In this post, we’ll share our thoughts on the ship, including its pros and cons, and whether or not we think it’s a good fit for families.
MSC Meraviglia Overview and First Impressions
MSC Meraviglia is a modern cruise ship with a variety of amenities and activities to suit every traveler’s taste. With its many dining options, spacious cabins and ample storage, and a variety of entertainment, it’s designed to cater to a wide range of preferences.
Even if you are used to cruising, you’ll be impressed by the size of MSC Meraviglia. She is also well-designed and easy to navigate.
Here are some of the things that you can expect to find on MSC Meraviglia:
- A variety of dining options, including four main dining rooms, a buffet, and several specialty restaurants
- Spacious cabins with ample storage
- A variety of entertainment options, including a casino, a theater, and a nightclub
- A spa and fitness center
- A children’s play area
- A shopping mall
- And much more!
If you are looking for a cruise ship that has something to offer everyone, MSC Meraviglia is a great option.
Find out more
For more information about MSC Meraviglia or any other cruise line, please visit the MSC Website to book your cruise online or by contacting a travel agent.
Happy cruising!
Things to Know About MSC Meraviglia
- MSC Meraviglia is a large and modern cruise ship, with a capacity of over 4,500 passengers.
- The ship sails to a variety of destinations around the world, including the Caribbean, Europe, and the Mediterranean. It is also a popular choice for cruises to Alaska and Asia.
- MSC Meraviglia is a European cruise line, so the onboard atmosphere and culture may be different from what you are used to on American cruise lines. For example, the official language onboard is English, but Italian is also widely spoken.
- The ship may have a dress code, so be sure to check the cruise line’s website for details.
- MSC Meraviglia offers a variety of beverage packages and shore excursions, so you can customize your cruise to fit your budget and interests.
Cabin Comfort and Amenities on MSC Meraviglia
Types of cabins available
MSC Meraviglia offers a wide range of cabin options to suit all budgets and preferences, from interior cabins to spacious suites.
Here are some of the different types of cabins available on MSC Meraviglia:
Interior cabins: Interior cabins are the most affordable type of cabin on MSC Meraviglia. They do not have a window, but they are still comfortable and well-appointed.
Ocean view cabins: Ocean view cabins have a window or balcony that offers stunning views of the ocean.
Balcony cabins: Balcony cabins have a private balcony where guests can relax and enjoy the fresh air and sea views.
Suites: Suites are the most luxurious type of cabin on MSC Meraviglia. They offer more space, amenities, and perks than other cabin types.
Amenities provided in each category on MSC Meraviglia
All cabins on MSC Meraviglia are equipped with a variety of amenities, including:
- Comfortable bedding
- Well-appointed bathrooms
- Interactive TV
- Telephone
- Safe
- Minibar/ mini fridge
- Hairdryer
- Air conditioning
In addition to these standard amenities, some cabin categories also offer additional amenities, such as:
- Private balcony
- Whirlpool bathtub
- Walk-in closet
- Separate living and dining areas
- Butler service
A personal note on the MSC Meraviglia cabins:
I found the cabins on MSC Meraviglia to be very comfortable and well-appointed. The drawers were nice and upscale, and the muted colors created a relaxing atmosphere. The bathrooms were also spacious and had everything I needed.
Overall, I was very impressed with the cabins on MSC Meraviglia. They were clean, comfortable, and had all the amenities I needed for a relaxing and enjoyable cruise.
Stateroom accommodations MSC Meraviglia
We chose a balcony cabin for our cruise, and it was a great decision. Our specific stateroom, #9252, was ideally situated on the ship. It was only three floors down to the Broadway Theater or the dining room, and six floors up to the Market Place Buffet.
Our stateroom held up to four guests. Our configuration was two twins pushed together to make a queen bed. For guests 3 and 4, a Pullman bunk bed came down from the ceiling, and the couch could also be converted into a twin bed.
Room 9252 was around 205 square feet. It was on the Alhambra Deck (deck 9) and was a category B2 Fantastica balcony. We noticed that this room, which was towards the aft of the ship, had a larger balcony than most we have stayed in.
Compared to a similar room category on Carnival Panorama and Carnival Magic, the Meraviglia had more storage space and a better layout.
Onboard Announcements
Unlike many cruises, MSC Meraviglia made relatively few overhead announcements.
The Captain announced important information once a day, around noon. The Cruise Director may have made two announcements on sea days.
No announcements were made in the cabins, and all public announcements overhead were only in English.
It would be convenient to be able to listen to or watch announcements on the stateroom television. This would be especially helpful when waiting for the “all clear” to disembark at a port of call, which we did several times on this cruise.
MSC Meraviglia Decor
The Promenade is the main thoroughfare on the ship, with many shops, restaurants, and the Dome (digital screen) above. It’s a great place to people-watch and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
MSC Meraviglia Champagne Bar
The Champagne Bar is located in the atrium of the ship and is flanked by MSC’s famous sparkling Swarovski crystal staircases. The bar has a sleek and stylish design, with shiny polished chrome barstools, white seats, and chrome inlays. The shelves are filled with champagne bottles, which glisten as you pass by.
Be sure to say hello to Bartender, Karen, and enjoy a variety of champagnes at the bar.
MSC Meraviglia Promenade
The Promenade is a long pedestrian walkway lined with high-end shops and stand-alone specialty restaurants. Above the Promenade is a larger-than-life LED screen that spans the avenue, reminiscent of The Freemont St Experience in Las Vegas. Ever-changing images are set to a musical score several times, day and night.
MSC Meraviglia Decor
MSC Meraviglia’s decor is impressive and stylish, with a chic quality that features touches like modern mid-century bar stools, thick black leather sofas, and plush red velvet armchairs. The furniture is luxurious and would only be found on a much more exclusive cruise line.
Modern and stylish decor can be found all over the ship, from beachy teak tables and chairs near the Bamboo Pool to thick, plush chairs dotting the bar areas.
Gallivanting Souls Personal Favorite Area
Our favorite area of the ship was the Galleria Meraviglia, or Promenade. This lively hub is filled with high-end shops, restaurants, and live music. The elegant and classy space also hosts the nightly Dome shows.
The Dome is always illuminated, but it’s even more stunning in the evening when it comes alive with music and light shows. As you disembark after your cruise, be sure to look up at the dome. Your staff will be waving goodbye as you leave the ship.
We usually caught the Dome shows on our way to the Broadway performances. Each show has different music and graphics.
Overall, the MSC Meraviglia’s decor and Promenade are impressive and stylish. There is a lot to see and do in this area of the ship, and it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
MSC Meraviglia Dining options
Main Dining Rooms
There are four main dining rooms on MSC Meraviglia:
- L’Olivia de Doreen
- L’Olivo de’ Oro
- The Panorama Restaurant
- Waves Restaurant
The first two restaurants are essentially one large restaurant with a walkway in between. Waves Restaurant is on Deck 5 and offers set dining times. The Panorama Restaurant is also on Deck 6 and offers anytime dining.
- Market Place Buffet
The buffet is open 20 hours per day and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts. It offers a variety of food options, including healthy items and fresh fruits, vegetables, and salads.
- Specialty Restaurants
MSC Meraviglia offers a variety of specialty restaurants, which are not included in the basic cruise fare. These restaurants offer a more elevated dining experience, with unique cuisine and personalized service. To dine at a specialty restaurant, simply make a reservation in advance.
Here are some of the specialty restaurants available on MSC Meraviglia:
- Butcher’s Cut – Classic American steakhouse with a modern twist.
- Kaito Sushi Bar & Teppanyaki – Authentic Japanese sushi and teppanyaki.
- L’Atelier Bistrot – French-inspired bistro with an art gallery ambiance.
- Hola! Tapas Bar by Ramón Freixa – Creative and innovative tapas from Michelin-starred chef Ramón Freixa.
- Ocean Cay Seafood Restaurant – Fresh seafood dishes in a casual and elegant setting.
Hola! Tacos and Cantina
Hola! Tacos and Cantina is a specialty restaurant on MSC Meraviglia that offers all-you-can-eat tacos and other Mexican dishes for $17.99 per person. The menu includes a variety of tacos, burritos, enchiladas, chips, dip, and desserts.
Tips for making the most of eating at Hola!
- Look at the menu and order all of your items at once. If you wait and order one item at a time, you will have to wait longer for your food.
- The food is not very spicy, so even if you are not a spice wimp, you should be able to enjoy the food.
Overall, MSC Meraviglia offers a wide variety of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether you are looking for a casual meal at the buffet or a more elevated dining experience at a specialty restaurant, you are sure to find something to your liking.
Main Dining Team on MSC Meraviglia
We had the pleasure of being served by a fantastic team of five in the main dining room: one waiter, one assistant waiter, two dining service waiters, and one head waiter.
The head waiter was responsible for overseeing the team and ensuring that all of our needs were met. We had food allergies, so the head waiter was particularly helpful in making sure that our meals were safe and enjoyable.
If you have food allergies, please be sure to note them in your reservation and notify your dining team on the first day. You may also want to give your team a special card that lists your food allergies.
How Does MSC Handle Food Allergies?
MSC provides passengers with food allergies with a dedicated staff member who takes your order each night for the following night’s dinner. This person is knowledgeable about the menu and ingredients, and will go back to the kitchen to ask questions if necessary. All food for passengers with food allergies is prepared in a “clean kitchen” to avoid cross-contamination.
My Experience with Food Allergies on MSC Meraviglia
My only gripe with MSC menus was the lack of variety for someone with a fish or shellfish allergy. If you enjoy fish or shellfish, you will love the selection, but if you have an allergy, you may find your options limited.
MSC’s menu is Mediterranean and Italian, so there are typically several dishes with fish or shellfish in both the appetizers and main courses. I am allergic to shellfish, so I found myself eating chicken most nights.
One night, I couldn’t find anything on the menu that looked appealing to me. I told my waiter that I would like cream of mushroom soup, and he had it made specially for me the next night.
I really appreciated the personal attention and care that my main dining team showed us. They went above and beyond to make sure that we enjoyed our meals, despite our food allergies.
Overall, I was very impressed with how MSC handled food allergies. I felt safe and confident that my meals were prepared safely and that my allergies were taken seriously.
Food and Drink on MSC Meraviglia
Variety
MSC Meraviglia offers a wide variety of food and drink options to suit all tastes and budgets. There are four main dining rooms, a buffet, and a variety of specialty restaurants. The ship also has a number of bars and lounges, including a wine bar and a martini bar.
Food
All the food on MSC Meraviglia is served at the correct temperature and has appropriate seasoning. Fresh cracked salt and pepper are available by asking your waiter.
My Personal Favorite Dishes
I tried a variety of dishes on MSC Meraviglia, but my personal favorites were:
- Mushroom Risotto
- Meatballs
- Arancini (Italian Rice Balls)
- Brownie Stack
The Mushroom Risotto was creamy and flavorful, and the Meatballs were tender and juicy. The Arancini were crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. And the Brownie Stack was a delicious way to end a meal.
Other Popular Dishes
Other popular dishes on MSC Meraviglia include:
- Lasagna
- Pizza
- Tiramisu
Drinks
MSC Meraviglia offers a variety of drink packages, as well as individual drinks. The Easy Drink Package is the less expensive drink package and includes beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages.
If you don’t purchase a drink package, you can still order individual drinks. However, the prices of individual drinks can be high.
Tips
- If you have food allergies, be sure to note them in your reservation and notify your dining team on the first day.
- If you enjoy fish or shellfish, you will love the selection on MSC Meraviglia. However, if you have an allergy, you may find your options limited.
- If you don’t purchase a drink package but still enjoy wine, ask your server about wine specials. There may be a special price for a bottle of wine, which you can have saved for you and drink at your table.
Overall, MSC Meraviglia offers a good variety of food and drink options. The food is well-prepared and the drinks are delicious. However, the prices of individual drinks can be high.
Friendliness and efficiency of the MSC crew
The crew on MSC Meraviglia provided excellent service. Upon boarding, we were welcomed with warm smiles and genuine helpfulness.
During the journey, some crew members even called us by name, which added a personal touch and made us feel valued.
We really appreciated the extra effort that our dining room waiters took with us to make sure we enjoyed the food.
Things to do on MSC Meraviglia for adults and kids
Here are some things to do on the MSC Meraviglia for adults and kids:
For adults:
- Relax in the Aurea Spa. This luxurious spa offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps.
- Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the many specialty restaurants. The MSC Meraviglia has a variety of restaurants to choose from, including Italian, Japanese, and French cuisine.
- Catch a show in the Carousel Lounge. This state-of-the-art theater hosts a variety of shows, including magic shows, comedy shows, and musical productions.
- Try your luck at the casino. The MSC Meraviglia has a large casino with a variety of slot machines and table games.
- Dance the night away in the disco. The MSC Meraviglia has a disco where you can dance to your favorite tunes until the early hours of the morning.
For kids:
- Have fun in the Doremi Lab. This interactive kids’ club offers a variety of activities for children of all ages, including games, crafts, and science experiments.
- Cool off in the Polar Aqua Park. This water park has slides, pools, and splash zones for all ages.
- Play games in the Sportplex. This sports complex has a variety of games and activities for kids, including basketball, volleyball, and mini-golf.
- Watch a movie in the 4D cinema. This cinema shows movies in 4D, so you can feel the action all around you.
- Meet the mascots. The MSC Meraviglia has several mascots that kids can meet and take pictures with.
MSC Meraviglia Family Friendly Activities
Families have many choices of things to do, with a wide range of kid-friendly activities and programs available.
From supervised kids’ clubs to movies on the huge LED screen, parents can relax knowing their little ones are having a blast in a safe and stimulating environment.
Some of the activities that your kids can look forward to are:
- Doremi Lab: This interactive kids’ club offers a variety of activities for children of all ages, including games, crafts, and science experiments.
- Polar Aqua Park: This water park has slides, pools, and splash zones for all ages.
- Sportplex: This sports complex has a variety of games and activities for kids, including basketball, volleyball, and mini-golf.
- 4D cinema: This cinema shows movies in 4D, so you can feel the action all around you.
- Family pool area: This dedicated pool area is perfect for families with young children. It has a shallow pool, water features, and plenty of shade.
- Family shows: The MSC Meraviglia offers a variety of family-friendly shows, including magic shows, comedy shows, and musical productions.
- Family shore excursions: The MSC Meraviglia offers a variety of shore excursions that are perfect for families. These excursions typically include activities that everyone in the family can enjoy, such as visiting beaches, water parks, and amusement parks.
In addition to these activities, the MSC Meraviglia also has a number of family-friendly amenities, such as family cabins and suites, a baby care center, and a kids’ menu in the restaurants.
Overall, the MSC Meraviglia is a great choice for a family cruise vacation. It has a variety of activities and amenities that are perfect for families of all ages. Some of these activities have added fees.
Itinerary
Original itinerary:
- Miami, Florida
- At Sea
- Ocean Cay, Bahamas
- Ocean Cay, Bahamas
- Cozumel, Mexico
- Costa Maya, Mexico | Nassau, Bahamas
- Miami, Florida
Surprise Port Change
We were originally scheduled to spend two days at Ocean Cay, Bahamas, but our itinerary changed due to unforeseen circumstances. When we arrived at the ship, we learned that we would be stopping in Nassau, Bahamas instead.
We had already booked private tours in Cozumel and Costa Maya, so we sent emails to the tour companies as soon as we found out about the change in itinerary. They were able to make the changes with no problem.
Exploring the ports
We did our research and booked two independent tours before we left home: a Jeep tour around Cozumel with Jeep Riders Cozumel and a day at the Maya Chan Beach Club in Costa Maya.
MSC Meraviglia Walkthrough 2023
Best Spots on MSC Meraviglia for Photos
MSC Meraviglia is a beautiful ship with many stunning photo opportunities. Here are some of the best spots to take photos, both paid professional and on your own:
- Swarovski Crystal Staircases: These sparkling staircases are one of the most iconic features of MSC Meraviglia. They are a great place to take a formal photo or a fun selfie.
- Champagne Bar: This elegant bar is located in the Galleria Meraviglia and is a great place to sip on a glass of bubbly while taking in the beautiful views.
- Promenade with The Dome lit up: The Promenade is a lively walkway that runs through the heart of the ship. At night, The Dome, a giant LED screen, comes alive with colorful lights and images. This is a great place to take a photo of the whole family.
- Atmosphere Pool: This adults-only pool area has a stylish and modern design. It’s a great place to relax and take a photo of yourself enjoying your vacation.
- Ocean Cay: MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve is MSC Cruises’ private island in the Bahamas. It’s a beautiful island with white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush palm trees. There are many great photo opportunities on Ocean Cay, including the lighthouse, the shipwreck, and the infinity pool.
If you’re looking for a more professional photo shoot, MSC Meraviglia has a team of photographers who can take your photos all over the ship. They can also take photos of you on Ocean Cay.
Tips for Taking Great Photos on MSC Meraviglia
Here are a few tips for taking great photos on MSC Meraviglia:
- Use natural light whenever possible. Natural light is the best light for photography. Try to take your photos during the day or in well-lit areas of the ship.
- Compose your shots carefully. Take some time to think about what you want to include in your photos and how you want to frame them.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative. Experiment with different angles and perspectives. Try taking photos from below or above your subject.
- Use a tripod or selfie stick. This will help you to take steady photos and avoid blurry images.
- Edit your photos. Once you’ve taken your photos, you can use a photo editing app to improve the colors and brightness.
Share Your Photos on Social Media
Once you’ve taken some great photos on MSC Meraviglia, be sure to share them on social media. Tag @MSCCruises and @GallivantingSoulsTravel in your posts. You can also use the hashtag #MSCMeraviglia.
Sure, here is a revised version of the section on printing out your photos, with a segway to home décor:
Print Out Your Photos and Turn Them into Home Décor
In addition to sharing your photos on social media, consider printing out your best photos and displaying them in your home. This is a great way to preserve your travel memories and enjoy them for years to come.
If you’re looking for a creative way to display your photos, consider turning them into home décor. There are many ways to do this, such as:
- Creating a photo collage: Cut out your favorite photos and arrange them on a canvas or piece of wood. You can then glue or tape the photos in place and frame the collage.
- Making a photo canvas: Print your favorite photo on a canvas wrap. This is a great way to create a large and eye-catching piece of art.
- Turning your photos into pillows: You can have your photos printed on fabric and then sewn into pillows. This is a great way to add a personal touch to your décor.
- Creating a photo album: A photo album is a classic way to display and preserve your photos. You can find photo albums in a variety of styles and sizes.
No matter how you choose to display your photos, printing them out is a great way to enjoy them and keep your travel memories fresh.
Related Post: How to Make a Cruise Travel Sign
We hope these tips help you to take great photos on your next cruise on MSC Meraviglia!
Ocean Cay Marine Reserve
MSC private island
Ocean Cay is MSC’s private island located in the Bahamas. We visited in January 2020, just before the pandemic began. The island had just opened two weeks before our arrival.
Originally, the island was an aragonite sand extraction site. MSC had a dream of restoring the coral reef on the island.
With over 2 miles of white sand beaches, crystal blue water, and activities for all ages, day and night, Ocean Cay is one of the prettiest islands, private or otherwise, that we have ever visited. It is also a marine reserve. MSC started with a wasteland of an island, a diamond in the rough.
Things to do on MSC’s private island
There are many different areas for you to enjoy depending on what activity you might like to do. Sun loungers are plentiful, with some natural shade and some umbrella spots.
Excursions at Ocean Cay:
- Kayak tours
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Jet ski tours
- Tours of the lighthouse
- Moonlight picnics
- Astronomy tours
- Boat tours
- Snorkeling tours
Umbrellas can be rented for \$15 for the day. If you know you want an umbrella, reserve it through the MSC for Me app. You can save a couple of dollars if you reserve it before your cruise.
Water floats and cabanas can also be rented by the day. See the app or excursion desk for current pricing. Kayaks, SUPs, and jet skis can be rented for half an hour. If you want to do a jet ski tour, those as well as boat tours are available.
Although jet ski tours are available, they are out in the open water. Only non-motorized activities are available inside the island waters.
Our experience
Since we were scheduled to spend two days at Ocean Cay, we brought our snorkel gear and pocket kites. However, we ended up only spending one afternoon there, walking around, taking photos, having lunch, and enjoying our surroundings.
We saw groups of kids and families doing organized activities like beach volleyball. We also saw that MSC Ocean Cay had beach wheelchairs available.
We’re not sure if you have to rent them or just ask for them, but they are a great option for those who can’t get their regular wheelchair or power chair and want to get close to or in the water without being carried.
MSC Dome shows and Ocean Cay Lighthouse Spectacular
The MSC Dome show is a 360-degree immersive experience that tells the story of Ocean Cay and its transformation from an industrial site to a marine reserve.
The Ocean Cay Lighthouse Spectacular is a nightly light show that illuminates the lighthouse and the surrounding area.
Overall, we had a wonderful time at Ocean Cay. It is a beautiful island with a lot to offer visitors of all ages. In my opinion, Ocean Cay will just get better with time!
Getting around the island
There are many paved walking paths on Ocean Cay, so you can easily walk around the island. Open-air shuttles and large golf cart vehicles are also available for those who don’t want to walk or are not able.
If you are staying on the island late, there is a junkanoo parade and light show at the lighthouse. You can be part of the parade if you want. Just make sure to be off the ship and close to the shops before the start time.
Other frequently asked questions about Ocean Cay:
- Can I bring my own snorkel gear to Ocean Cay? Yes, you can bring your own snorkel gear.
- Can I bring my own chair to Ocean Cay? Yes, you can bring your own chair.
- Can I bring a kite to Ocean Cay? Yes, you can bring a kite.
- Can I bring a foldable wagon to Ocean Cay? Yes, you can bring a foldable wagon. However, please do not use a wagon on the ship.
The Complete Guide to Ocean Cay Marine Reserve
https://youtu.be/eDKIcfPXaWw
Food options on Ocean Cay
Ocean Cay has a variety of places to eat and drink, including:
Seekers Buffet
This buffet serves a variety of food, including salads, burgers, hot dogs, jerk chicken, cookies, and brownies.
Food trucks
There are several food trucks on the island serving items like hamburgers, hot dogs, and seafood.
Bars
There are several bars on the island that accept cruise cards and drink packages.
Can I use my drink package on Ocean Cay?
Yes, you can use your drink package on Ocean Cay.
If you don’t have a beverage package, don’t worry,all the beverages that are available at the ship buffet are also available on the island.
To order alcoholic beverages,ask an employee in a Bar Staff shirt.
Pre-cruise shore side customer service
Not everything was perfect, but we are easy-going people and won’t let the small stuff ruin our vacation.
- Waiting for documents
- Several itinerary changes
- Changing the check-in window at the last minute
Dealing with customer service before the cruise was our worst experience. Hold times were long and when you finally thought, they either didn’t know the answer or ended up disconnecting you, and then you had to begin again.
Pre-cruise paperwork
- I could not get cruise paperwork boarding passes on the MSC website or through the app.
- I called and was told that paperwork would be available twenty days prior to sailing.
- Twenty days came and went.
- When I still did not have a link to print out my boarding pass, I called back again. The paperwork was immediately emailed to me while still on the phone.
- I still could not access it on the web.
Entering information into the app over and over.
Uploading photos. I made the effort to find suitable photos for us, crop them to the proper size, and upload them, only to find they weren’t needed.
Entering credit card information
- I wasted much time trying to enter my credit card for onboard spending.
Pro tip: don’t waste a moment trying to upload a photo or credit card to the website or app.
After hearing that check-in times were charged on the Meraviglia Facebook page, I pulled up my paperwork again and saw that our check-in window had changed from 11 AM to 300 to 330 PM.
No notification was given or any explanation.
I printed out the new paperwork but hung on to the old one. We decided after hearing all the FB Group getting on early, that we would use our original check-in window.
After handing off our luggage to the porter and tip, we went through the check-in process and walked over the gangway onto the ship. This took about 30 minutes.
What an improvement from our last MSC cruise! Embarkation took close to 90 minutes pre-COVID.
When we got our bags, one of them had a hole in it that was not there before. This was a brand new hard-sided suitcase. I guess the porter thought our $5 tip was not enough to lift our two cases 2 feet.
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Message to MSC Corporate
Please fix shoreside customer service!!!
Every interaction that I had with shoreside customer service was below the standards of similar experiences with other cruise lines. Many of my fellow travel agents avoid booking or will not book any MSC at all for these reasons.
Long waits, incompetent employees, or employees who are unable or unwilling to make decisions are all common complaints about shoreside customer service.
Shoreside is the first impression for all guests, and there is room to improve. If I weren’t a travel professional, or someone getting this cruise non-rev, I would have probably canceled after these experiences. The shipboard staff would have never gotten the chance to change my mind.
Something needs to be done about the MSC website and accessing documents. The same goes for the MSC For Me app.
Such poor service could be enough to frustrate the average cruiser and lose a customer for life.
The MSC website and MSC For Me app should be easy to use and navigate. Boarding documents should be easy to access.
The post-cruise survey needs to be changed to be more clear.
How about a section that says: “Do you want to recognize anyone?” Or “Please list any employees that went above and beyond.”
- Stop printing photos unless purchased.
- With such great technology, guests can already view their photos.
- Utilize the LED screens to get people’s attention to try the photo service.
- Showcase the best photos.
Not a new idea, Carnival Corporation does this. If you see your photo on the screen and come to the photo desk and let them know before the end of the day, you get that photo free.
By not printing every photo, MSC can save money, and resources such as paper, ink, chemicals, and wear and tear on printers.
Conclusion
Our cruise on MSC Meraviglia was a great experience. We felt safe knowing that MSC had protocols in place and was following them.
The employees worked very hard to make sure that our experience exceeded our expectations.
The ship is beautiful, and Ocean Cay is a tropical jewel. There are plenty of entertainment options for both families and non-families alike.
Was our cruise perfect? No, but there are always opportunities for improvement. I have provided some specific suggestions in my message to management.
One thing that I really appreciated about MSC Meraviglia is the location of the casino. It is not located in a high-traffic area, so you don’t have to walk through it to get to other public areas. This is a nice feature for those who don’t smoke or don’t enjoy being in crowded areas.
So,you are wondering, will I book myself on another MSC cruise?
YES
Will I book my customers on MSC?
Yes, but I’m really hoping for better shoreside customer service.