MSC Meraviglia

Theater and Shows on MSC Meraviglia

Broadway Theatre (Deck 6): The 985-seat, 100 square foot main theater, at the front of the ship, shows six different shows per cruise including a flamenco show, an opera and then a few productions from the school of eccentric theater including Virtual, which is based on phone apps including dating apps, maps and even a sequence of doctors and nurses -- all to an insanely energetic dance background.

The shows run three times a night to cater for the different dining times, and last about 40 minutes each. They vary in quality and theme, with the flamenco and opera being distinctly high-brow, and more adult-oriented; with Virtual being firmly aimed at the kids in the auditorium. There are good sightlines and comfy seats, though, oddly, no glass holders.

During the day, the theatre is used for various activities including some of the children's activity program like Doremi Music Match, part of the Kelly & Kloe program and the Doremi live talent show.

Carousel Lounge (Deck 7): The Carousel Lounge had been built for MSC's partnership with Cirque du Soleil, which ended in 2020.

Daily Things to Do on MSC Meraviglia

The fun never stops on Meraviglia, pretty well everywhere you are. Throughout the day you'll find most of the action around the main pool, with pool games, dance classes, quizzes, darts and line dancing and table tennis tournaments in the adjacent Bamboo Lounge.

Elsewhere on the ship, you'll find bingo in the Casino, a video quiz in the TV Studio and even midday parades along the main promenade, Galleria Meraviglia. The Galleria's showpiece -- the 80m LED ceiling -- displays various scenes throughout the day and night which are listed on the daily planner.

Nightlife on MSC Meraviglia

You'll find music almost everywhere you go on MSC Meraviglia, whether that's live or pumped out of the speakers. As well as in the bars and lounges, you'll also find live music in the reception area at times throughout the day and in the evenings.

There is a White Party around the main pool area which takes place once a cruise and goes on till late.

There are also various themed parties in the main Galleria Meraviglia, when the whole promenade resembles a street party, with music and dancing till late.

Casino Imperiale (Deck 7): This is a huge casino, but unlike on many megaships today, it's tucked away at the back of Deck 7\. There are numerous slots and gaming tables, as well as daily tournaments and bingo.

MSC Meraviglia Bars and Lounges

Infinity Bar (Deck 5, midship): Right by reception, at the base of the atrium, this bar is a popular meeting place for coffees during the day and pre- and post-dinner cocktails in the evening.

Champagne Bar (Deck 6, midship): Classy second deck Atrium bar serving various Champagne brands. The bar itself is on one side, with seats right round the atrium.

Edge Bar (Deck 7, midship): Another popular pre- and post-dinner cocktail bar, with a full-size motorbike and side car signature centerpiece.

Meraviglia Bar & Lounge (Deck 6, forward): This is the main promenade bar, at the aft end of the ship, just outside the Broadway Theatre. It's a lively spot in the early evening, with a dance floor which is usually full.

TV Studio & Bar (Deck 7, forward): An enclosed bar on the upper deck of the Galleria Meraviglia which has live music, a dance floor and late-night karaoke. It's a full TV studio which broadcasts live games, quizzes and talent contests.

Brass Anchor Pub (Deck 7, forward): This is MSC's version of a "British" pub, complete with a picture of London on the wall outside, and they have done a pretty good job. It sits on the upper section of the Galleria, with tables outside overlooking the promenade. Inside, it's nicely designed in soft greens, with low lighting and plenty of booth seating. There's even space for a small band, which to be honest makes it more reminiscent of an Irish Pub. There are 12 beers on tap and 47 bottles, though nothing unusual, just a variety of well-known brands from around the world. Can't decide? Have a yard of beer -- a snip at 22 euros. There is also cider and bar snacks, including fish 'n' chips starting at a very reasonable three euros.

Bamboo Bar (Deck 15, forward): Inside poolside bar in the solarium area.

Top Sail Lounge (Deck 15, forward): This gorgeous spot in the exclusive surrounds of the Yacht Club is only open to YC guests, so it's never crowded either during the day or night. It's at the front of the ship, with large glass windows right round the room giving great views. There are plenty of tables and sofa chairs and a bar with table service. All drinks are free to YC guests and snacks are available throughout the day.

Sports Bar (Deck 16, aft): Adjacent to the amusement arcade, this American-diner type bar serves a variety of beers, soft drinks, pop corns, hot dogs, snack bars and assorted energy and protein drinks as well as shakes and juices.

Horizon Bar (Deck 18, aft): Outside bar which serves the Horizon Amphitheater and Pool. This gets especially busy at night as it's a tiny bar serving a huge space. You might be better off going inside to the Attic Club or a deck below to the Sports Bar, if it's very crowded.

Attic Club (Deck 18, aft): This is the inside bar area of the Horizon Bar, also encompasses a dance floor which plays predominantly techno music and overlooks the Seaplex.

**Sky Lounge (Deck 18, midship): **This gorgeous lounge, designed in elegant black and white and chrome, is a sanctuary from the mayhem going on in the rest of the ship. It has floor-to-ceiling glass windows which run right round the semi-circular space, overlooking the main pool deck and either side of the ship. It's a perfect spot for a quiet pre- or post-dinner cocktail. After dinner, a talented trio -- pianist, guitarist and singer -- from Buenos Aires entertain with smoky jazz tunes. The drinks menu includes various "molecular" cocktails. On one side, you'll find a cigar room.

MSC Meraviglia Outside Recreation

Pools on MSC Meraviglia

Main Pool (Deck 15):  A large, noisy, smoky (on the starboard side) area which gets extremely crowded and raucous on most days, with loud music and poolside games and dancing going on every day, all day. There are two pools connected by a shallow area in the center. Double loungers are built into the side of the pools, which are available on a first-come first served basis; and there are plenty of loungers set back from here. Note that tiny kids are not permitted to use the pools.

Bamboo Pool (Deck 15): Just beyond the main pool area you'll find the Bamboo Pool, which consists of a pool with two large whirlpool tubs either side. There is a retractable roof, a bar and plenty of loungers. On the upper level is the solarium.

Solarium (Deck 16): This is the upper level of the Bamboo Pool and has two large whirlpools, table tennis, foosball and plenty of chairs and tables ranged round the gallery.

Horizon Pool (Deck 16): A square-shaped pool right at the back of the ship with lovely views. It is surrounded by a tiered amphitheater with loungers on the pool deck area, and tables and chairs on the tiers.

Yacht Club (Deck 19): This exclusive pool area includes a small saltwater pool and an adjoining hot tub. There are plenty of loungers, and even on a sea day this tranquil area high atop the ship is never full. Breakfast and a buffet lunch are served up here, and drinks are available all day.

Recreation, Ropes Course and Aqua Park on MSC Meraviglia

At the back of the ship you'll find the Himalayan Ropes Course and the Polar Aqua Park, both of which are impressive by any standards. The ropes course takes you right round the edge of the ship and includes two tracks side by side, one trickier than the other and neither for the fainthearted.

The Polar Aqua Park is a kids' splash park on the lower level, with spray guns, water dunkers and a small slide. Above it are three water slides, which are open to anyone over 1m 20 cms, or four feet, (no age restriction). Two involve sitting in tubes and take you down to a watery finish via numerous twists and turns, often in the dark. The third is known as the Champagne Glass because after a very fast slide you end up going round and round in an open circular glass-shaped space.

Inside you'll find the Sportplex, which is a multi-use facility, primarily for basketball, tennis and volleyball and for kids' organized games during the day as it's right beside the kids' club, but at night it evolves into a disco, with a DJ, decks and podiums.

Beside here is the extremely expensive Amusement Park, which includes two F1 simulators (10 euros for six minutes), a bowling alley with two lanes (30 euros for 30 minutes), a 4D cinema (eight euros or six for kids), a flight simulator (12 euros for a five-minute ride) and a video games arcade next door. There are also passes available which start at 25 euros, for which you get five euros free credit, and go up to 100 euros (plus 60 euros credit). These can be used on all the games.

Sun Decks on MSC Meraviglia

Deck 16: Around two thirds of Deck 16 -- the part overlooking the main pool deck all the way back to the Amphitheatre -- is a sun deck. And despite the crowding on the main pool deck and the sheer volume of people on this ship, you are unlikely to struggle to find a space, even on a sea day. Basically, the further towards the aft you go, the more likely you'll find a spot (maybe even a quiet one). Chair hogging did not seem to be an issue on this ship. You'll find two whirlpool tubs up here, jutting out slightly from the main body of the ship.

Top 19 (Deck 19): This is an exclusive Sun Deck, available only to Aurea and Wellness passengers, situated high atop the ship. There is a towel service available, but nothing else (you will have to get your own drinks).

MSC Meraviglia Services and Wi-Fi

The main reception area is an elegant space on Deck 5, at the aft end of the main promenade and forming part of the Infinity Atrium. It consists of Reception, the main Shore Excursions desk (there is a second one part-way down the Galleria); the Infinity Bar and a small Business Center, which is a conference room -- not an internet center. There are also several machines dotted around here for activating your key card.

The space above is given over to the photo gallery, a tiny library (really just a few book shelves) and the Champagne Bar.

The atrium rises three decks and is criss-crossed by four chrome staircases, every stair encrusted with Swarovski crystals -- more than 31,000 in total. There is a grand piano on a raised dais, with performances in the early evening.

Most of the shops are clustered along the aft end of the Galleria, just above reception on Deck 6, and include a logo shop, watches, handbags and designer sunglasses; half way down the promenade is Plaza Meraviglia, which includes duty free shops. There are often sales here throughout the day, in this semi-circular space. There are also a couple of shops at the forward end of the promenade selling high-end items.

Meraviglia has excellent Wi-Fi and has two different packages available, depending on how much you anticipating using your phone and/or laptop: Browse and Browse + Stream.

There is no self-service laundry, but you can get washing done for a fee.

MSC and dining quality have not had a great relationship. However, the line has clearly taken onboard the criticism and has rethought its approach to cuisine, drafting in a name chef -- Carlo Cracco, the Gordon Ramsay of the Italian cooking scene (apparently) -- to oversee things. Cracco also does the weekly Gala Dinner. As a result, food-wise, things have definitely picked up, both in terms of quality and presentation. It also helps that pasta, pastries, bread, cakes and mozzarella are all baked or made fresh onboard daily. MSC Meraviglia menus range from ample buffet options to Mexican and steakhouse favorites.

Despite its size, there aren't the number of specialty dining options on Meraviglia compared, say, to Norwegian Breakaway or Oasis of the Seas, where you are looking at upward of 10. There are just six but what the ship does have, it does well. Moving away from its comfort zone of Italian fare (and perhaps with an eye on the ship's North American passengers) its Teppanyaki restaurant and American Steak House are outstanding. MSC Meraviglia specialty restaurants are either a la carte or have prix-fixe menus. In some cases, both options are available.

MSC caters well for dietary needs and allergies, with a separate galley where specific requests are catered for. It's worth advising at time of booking, but also before each meal.

Water, tea, iced tea and coffee – plus juice at breakfast – are the only drinks available free of charge on MSC Meraviglia. Individual drink prices are high, and most guests will find beverage packages to be a good deal. Drink plans range from kids’ and alcohol-free ones to premium packages that include almost everything.

All bar purchases are subject to a 15% gratuity on MSC Meraviglia, which is added on top to the daily service charge applied to all passengers 2 years old or older. Service charges vary based on itinerary and length of sailing.

Free Restaurants on MSC Meraviglia

MSC Meraviglia has two restaurants included in the cruise fare: the main dining room and the buffet. There is not a single main dining room onboard, but four, which represent different types of dining experience -- classic, flexi or fixed which you have to choose at time of booking. Details below. The food and menus are exactly the same in each.

Yacht Club passengers have access to two additional options, located on decks 18 and 19.

Waves (Deck 5): This restaurant is for "classic" dining -- i.e. fixed time dining. It is also the only one which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is hidden behind reception on Deck 5 and though at the aft of the ship it doesn't have windows at the back, just porthole windows at the side, so it's quite dark with deep red decor and low ceilings. Tables are closely packed and vary in size from two- to eight-person.

L'Olive Doree & L'Olivo D'Oro (Deck 6): These have different names but are in effect the same restaurant, divided by a central walkway which includes a stunning wine display in the center and Enomatic wine-dispensing machines. These are for Flexi and MyTime Dining -- in other words, you choose when you want to eat. They look and feel upmarket; steel gray and deep green are the dominant colors. Tables are ranged quite tightly round the room in different sizes, and there is a "path" which wends its way through to the back. Opens for dinner only.

Panorama (Deck 6): This restaurant, right at the back of the ship, is the one with the most ambiance, with large windows looking out over the wake, offering gorgeous views. Panorama is also for Flexi and MyTime Dining. You reach the restaurant via the corridor which cuts through L'Olive and L'Olivo, so passing the wine cellar. It also has a higher ceiling and more of an open feel than Waves. Burnt oranges and browns are the dominant color scheme. If you have the choice, request this over the others, as it has much more of a "special" feel to it. Open for dinner.

Breakfast: Breakfast is only available in Waves. It is served buffet style, but with an a la carte menu for omelets and Eggs Benedict, for example. Hot food includes buttermilk pancakes, Belgian waffles and cinnamon raisin French toast, as well as fresh-baked pastries. There is a "MSC Express" meal which consists of eggs, bacon, sausages and hash browns; or you can order your choice of eggs and omelet. There are also cereals, yoghurts, toast and tea and coffee available.

Lunch: Lunch changes daily and is a three-course meal which consists of a choice of starters, a choice of mains which will always include a meat, fish and veg dish and dessert.

Dinner: Dinner is a four-course affair (if you include cheese), but you can always order a soup and a starter, making it five.

Starters might include smoked salmon, Caesar salad or shrimp cocktail. Soups include cream of asparagus and beef consomme, the latter of which -- with delicate parcels of beef-filled tortellini -- was delicious.

Mains always include a pasta dish, a meat dish (beef or lamb) and a fish dish. The quality is surprisingly high: dishes come warm and not overcooked; pastas and breads are all freshly made, and you can tell; service is consistently good -- warm, friendly and helpful.

The only duff note was an inedible Baked Alaska, but there are always alternatives such a fresh fruit or a French vanilla cream.

There is always a vegetarian option and often a vegan option on the menu, denoted by symbols.

There is no obvious "always available" menu, but you can ask for off-menu items such as poached salmon and grilled chicken breast.

There is always a kids' menu available in all restaurants, which will include favorites such as burgers, hot dogs, penne pasta and grilled chicken.

Marketplace Buffet (Deck 15): MSC Meraviglia's buffet is huge, taking up a large chunk of the back of the ship on Deck 15. As a result, it rarely feels crowded. This is largely to do with design: as well as a central food area (the "marketplace"), there are also food areas either side, plus an enormous number of seats, which include an area at the very back, as well as two wings which get progressively less crowded the nearer towards the open pool area you go.

There are also numerous handwashing stations as you enter, but they were rarely policed.

The food is good, not outstanding, but definitely better than your average cruise ship buffet, with a bit of flair and fun. There are plenty of open kitchens where you can watch the chefs prepare the fresh food. These include pasta, pizza, focaccia, an open grill and a rotisserie. There is also plenty of ethnic cuisine including Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean etc. Other features include a mozzarella production area where you can watch it being made and a "fruit and veg market" where you can pick up fresh food.

It's open all day and serves afternoon snacks and offers late-night dining.

Yacht Club Restaurant (Deck 18): Only available to YC guests, and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. There's a different menu every day, reflecting the region in which the ship is sailing through. No fixed times, just turn up when you want to. The food in the Yacht Club is definitely a cut above what you find on the rest of the ship.

Yacht Club Solarium Grill (Deck 19): Again, only open to YC guests, this lovely spot at the top of the ship serves a buffet breakfast and a delicious light lunch, which often includes specials such as grilled shrimp, turbot or fresh pasta. There is also a carvery, a delicious selection of salads and fresh vegetables.

MSC Meraviglia Specialty Restaurants

Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar (Deck 7, midship); a la carte pricing: Anyone familiar with the Teppanyaki concept either on sea or land will know exactly what to expect -- right down to the knife juggling, egg throwing and even cheesy jokes. But it's a lot of fun -- and more importantly, the food is delicious.

There are three menu choices -- Geisha, Samurai and Emperor – each with its own price. The price differential reflects the meat and seafood choices -- halibut and chicken; shrimp, salmon and steak or tuna lobster, scallop and wagyu, respectively.

The Teppanyaki restaurant, which is on the upper deck of the Galleria, has seating for 32 people -- two cooking areas, with eight people sat on stools either side.

All meals start with miso soup and a small plate of sushi and tempura, before going into the main event. You specify how you'd like your meat done and the chef prepares it in front of you -- keeping up a non-stop stream of jokes and juggling. The whole experience lasts around two hours or so. Reservations essential in the evening; walk-in during the day.

Outside Kaito there’s the MSC Meraviglia sushi bar with a menu that includes sushi, sashimi, maki, nigiri, soups, combos, noodles, rice dishes, and other Japanese dishes. You can sit at the bar or at tables overlooking the promenade. Open for lunch and dinner.

Butcher's Cut (Deck 7, midship); a la carte pricing: This American steakhouse restaurant is new to MSC, and will appear on all subsequent new builds. It's situated on the upper floor of the Galleria, with a main restaurant and open kitchen, as well as numerous tables outside overlooking the promenade. One wall is given over to a glass wine cabinet and there are windows inside looking out to the ocean. Decor is all rawhide and ersatz old photos and posters.

The food is, as you might expect, no-nonsense: big cuts of various different meats, steak in the main, but also lamb and even bison. The one nod to non-carnivores can be found in the salad starters and prawn cocktail, which is served beautifully on ice, with the dipping sauces on the side, rather than in one big mush.

The steaks are delicious: thick, juicy and tender and cooked and served with real skill and precision. Steak can be tricky to get just right, but they've succeeded here. If you have any space left, there is also a delicious selection of desserts including New York cheesecake and a signature lava cake (made in the chocolate shop just below). Open for lunch and dinner.

Ocean Cay Restaurant (Deck 6, midship); a la carte: This rather formal restaurant is located directly off the promenade and offers a seafood menu along with one of the most extensive wine lists on MSC Meraviglia.

Jean-Philippe Chocolate & Cafe (Deck 6, midship); a la carte: The French master chocolatier gets some prime real estate on the Galleria Meraviglia -- the main promenade -- with this showcase to his and his sous-chefs' talents. The cafe is part open kitchen, part display, part cafe and part chocolate shop, with a few seats by the porthole windows to relax over a cup. The emphasis is really on the extraordinary creations that the chocolate team make onboard (turtles, octopuses, reefs), which are displayed in glass cases, like expensive watches or jewelry, in front of the open kitchen. You can't buy these, but you can buy an exquisite chocolate shoe for a reasonable 29 euros (for one, not a pair), and which are apparently the best-selling chocolate item for sale onboard. The coffee's not too bad, either. Opens early in the morning and closes late at night.

Jean-Philippe Crepes & Gelato; a la carte (Deck 6, midship); a la carte: Not so much a restaurant, but a spot along the main promenade serving crepes, ice cream and various ice cream sundaes from five euros fifty cents.

Hola! Tacos & Cantina (Deck 6, midship); a la carte options and prix fixe menus: Located right off the promenade and across the way from Jean-Philippe, Hola! serves tasty Mexican street food and other Latin American bites. It’s a casual spot with high and low tables and a good selection of beers, tequilas, mezcales and frozen drinks.

Chef's Table (Deck 6, midship); prix fixe: For your money you get: seven dishes and seven wines as well as your own chef and your own sommelier to talk you through it! The tailored menu made by the chef consists of two starters, two pasta or rice dishes, two main courses and one dessert. The dishes are accompanied with a different kind of wine, and the sommelier attends your table to tell you all about the wines that will be served. There is a maximum of eight people on this experience.

Room Service: Available 24/7 with paid and free options. The menu includes pizza, soups, salads and sandwiches, as well as a number of heartier entrees and a few snacks. Breakfast is free and includes cold items such as cereals and yoghurts, as well as juices, tea and coffee.