PART 2
MSC MERAVIGLIA – The Eighth Wonder of the World
By John Treacy
We continue our report on this glamorous and magnificent new ship which was christened in Le Havre , France on 3 June 2017 by Sophia Loren .
MSC Meraviglia is some 18 metres shorter at 315.83 metres than MSC Preziosa but carries 1,000 more passengers and is over 13 % wider at 43 metres . This extra width gives the impression of spaciousness and with extra large lobbies , deep lifts and wide stairways ; this extra space allows easier movement around the many public spaces . ( Deck plan is on page 36 ).
The upper levels , decks 15 , 16 , 17 and 18 have the pools , water splash park and trio of slides ( one is transparent and hangs over the side of the ship ) plus the huge Horizon Amphitheatre .
The MSC Yacht Club with its own Club Grill and Pool , Restaurant , Sundeck and bar plus the Top Sail Lounge is spread over these four decks at the forward of the ship – very impressive !
On deck 19 is the exclusive Solarium plus towards the aft all areas for the kids from Doremiland , Chicco Baby Club , Junior Lego Club and the Young Teen Club – excellent well presented facilities . Deck 16 has the F1 and flight simulators , 4D Cinema , Bowling , Sportsplex , virtual Games Arcade , Gym and Power Walking Track .
Deck 15 is home to the Marketplace Buffet ( where you can watch the pizzas and pasta being prepared ), Pool , Bars and Ice-Creamery . The Marketplace is open for 20 hours
24 Issue 27 a day , but is very busy during the traditional lunch hours 11.30 to 2.30 .
Decks 8 to 15 have the many different style suites and cabins . There are super family cabins for accommodation of up to 10 and 8 duplex suites over two levels with veranda whirlpool bath . 54 cabins are available for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility . Our cabin was well appointed with great bathroom , storage , balcony and interactive TV .
Decks 5 , 6 and 7 are where the interior activity is day and night . The beautiful Broadway Theatre is over two decks at the front of the ship and the shows we went to were very impressive . The huge Aurea Spa is on deck 7 and is always popular . It is best you book early .
Deck 6 has the extra large Galleria with its ever changing LED Dome , LED illuminated Swarovski crystal staircase as pictured in our August issue . Both were being constantly photographed by passengers . Although a gathering point there were occasions when there were hardly any other passengers around , then you saw how huge an area it is . Also on this deck are the Eataly Food Markets and Ristorante ( extra charge ) plus the Jean-Philippe Chocolate & Cafe as well as his Crepes and Gelato outlets – always popular . You can watch the chocolate makers in action and it is difficult not to make a multi chocolate purchase . As well , delicious tasty macaroons were available .
Deck 5 has the Business Centre ,
MSC Excursions and Reception plus Waves Restaurant with the Panorama Restaurant at the aft on deck 6 and forward the other restaurants L ’ Olivo Doree and L ’ Olivo DÓro – you can opt for flexi-dining or the traditional dining first or second sittings . Otherwise for an extra charge you can enjoy delicious meals at the Butcher ’ s Cut and Kaito Sushi Bar and Teppanyaki . A very popular venue was the Brass Anchor Pub with its multi-beers on tap and another was the Champagne Bar as well as the TV Studio / Bar .
The Carousel Lounge is an intimate option and home to the Cirque du Soleil shows at the aft on Deck 7 .
MSC is well renowned for its boutique shopping – clothing and accessories , perfumes , cosmetics , jewellery , fine watches , the latest sunglasses , handbags plus the mini mall for tobacco products , liquor and snacks and the MSC Logo shop – always busy with extensive choice and realistic pricing .
Must mention embarkation and disembarkation – ultra smooth and very quick .
This is a quick overview of this magnificent ship – add the food , entertainment and incredible staff – you are in for a great time .
We now await the MSC Seaside at the end of the year with its christening in Miami just before Christmas and the World Class vessels in 2022 – wonder what surprises are in store ?