MSC Meraviglia Review
Beautiful Ship, Helpful and Fun Staff, and Great Pizza
Rating by category
Additional details
The MSC was offering a Western Caribbean cruise in late January at a very reasonable price. We were able to book a balcony cabin for the same price as an inside cabin on another cruise line. We booked the Bella experience, the lowest priced room with the least perks, and were surprised when we were in a beautiful balcony cabin on the 12th deck. The room was serviced twice a day and we very clean. The only downsides were very little closet space and a small bathroom. Water pressure was excellent, and there was always plenty of hot water. The food was good, better than the food I had on Holland America in February 2019. We had the early time slot in one of the main dining rooms and had the same waiter each evening. The menu was rather unusual, with specialties changing each night and then some items that were always offered. We're not adventurous eaters, so we chose to eat at the buffet most mornings. There were numerous food options in the Marketplace buffet, including the fabulous pizza the Meraviglia is known for. The buffet could get crowded at peak meal times, but there wasn't a problem finding a place to sit in the dining rooms. We sat at the back of the ship in an outdoor patio, which was very pleasant.
The entertainment was nice, and there was a variety of shows, including a magician and a song/dance revue. Cirque du Soleil was an extra charge, $18 included a cocktail and the show. The Cirque has their own theater in the round on the ship, but the other shows were held in the large theater.
The ship itself has exquisite crystal stairs, a gleaming atrium and a promenade that includes high end shops, specialty restaurants and the LED light show. There are fun activities going on constantly in the promenade, and there's a British Pub we spent a few evenings in enjoying a cocktail. The pub also offers fish and chips for $5 - a bargain if you don't feel like eating in the main dining room or at the buffet.
Cabin Review
Fantastica Balcony Stateroom
Balcony cabin on the 12th deck. A large bed (2 twins pushed together), small tables on each side to hold water, glasses, etc. Flat screen TV, couch, and table that had one drawer that held the hair dryer and a few essentials. Under the table was a mini-bar and a stool/bench. Bathroom was bright and clean, shower has a plexiglass door that kept water from entering the bathroom. Great water pressure and plenty of hot water. Extra towels were provided when requested. There are no amenities other than shampoo/soap dispenser in the shower. Only "complaint" is that the closet was small and hard to get to because of the couch.
Port Reviews
Roatan
We hired a local company to drive us around and show us the island. We spent a good portion of the day in the West End. There is a beautiful beach there and several good restaurants and bars. Prices are very reasonable, too.
Belize City
Lots of places to go and restaurants on the water. The usual shopping and touristy things. We did hire Ecotours to take us on a bus ride through the city of Belize. It was very interesting. In the afternoon we stopped at a local bar, The Wet Lizard, for snacks and drinks.
Costa Maya
Nothing here but some souvenir shops and restaurants. No beach right off the ship, however there's a restaurant and a pool (full of kids). A tequila restaurant that was quite busy.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
This island is still a work in progress. MSC is trying very hard to turn this into a private paradise. There are some shops, lots of beach space and plenty of beach chairs. My only complaint is that the restrooms often lacked toilet paper, soap and hand towels. There are food trucks and a few bars, but the main attraction for most is the big food pavilion. It's very crowded during lunch time and has a very limited menu choice (burgers, hot dogs, and state fair food).