I am an experienced cruiser, with over 25 cruises taken. However, most of them were taken during the time period 1980-2010. I have only started cruising again recently, and this was my first post-Covid cruise. Times sure have changed!

The cruises I remember from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s were much more formal, much more adult oriented, had much better food and much better entertainment. The cruise my wife and I just took on the MSC Meraviglia was quite a contrast from my early cruising days!

First, let me talk about the good things on this cruise. First and foremost, it was cheap. By far the cheapest cruise we could find at the time (January 2-9). We found the crew to be friendly and helpful. The ship itself was beautiful and well maintained. Their private island was by far the best I’ve ever seen. The sanitation efforts were strong. Hands had to be washed before entering any food area or dining room, temperature checks were done daily, and everyone had to be COVID rapid tested midway through the 7-day cruise. Masks were required at all times except when you were eating or drinking. We felt well protected from COVID. Read more