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15 Things You Need To Know Before Cruising With MSC

MSC Cruise - Things to Know Before You Cruise

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Stepping onto my first MSC cruise, I was prepared for a different cruise experience. I found myself in a state of uncertainty, unsure if I would fall in love with the experience or be left disappointed.

Since MSC Cruises is an Italian cruise line, the onboard experience is somewhat different from that of most mainstream cruise lines. These differences lead to a lot of uncertainty around MSC, which causes many cruisers to wonder if they would enjoy the experience.

While MSC Cruises may be different, the experience is undeniably enjoyable. However, there are some key aspects that every cruiser should be aware of before embarking on their first MSC cruise.

In this post, I share everything you should know before you take your first MSC cruise. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned cruise, this will help you know what to expect on an MSC cruise.

15 Things To Know Before Cruising With MSC

1. the food on msc is different from other cruise lines.

If you’ve been on contemporary mainstream cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, or Carnival, you’ll find MSC’s dining experience different. In particular, MSC cruise ships have fewer casual dining options.

Onboard MSC, you can eat in the buffet, main dining room, or specialty restaurants. Unlike other mainstream cruise lines, there’s no pool-side grill, cafe or included casual fast food options disbursed around the cruise ship.

Throughout the day, the main place to eat is in the buffet. However, the buffet onboard MSC is good and plentiful, serving a variety of classical American dishes, Italian dishes, fresh fruit, and other healthy options. There’s also MSC’s famous pizza, which lives up to the hype.

Furthermore, the buffet has a kids-only section, serving children’s food options at a lower counter height.

Before we went on our MSC Seascape cruise, we heard some mixed reviews and criticisms of the food onboard. However, in our experience, the food was quite tasty, and there was always a wide variety of choices.

2. MSC Safety Drill

MSC’s safety drill is done a little differently from most other cruise lines. This is important to know as it’s one of the things you’ll need to do on embarkation day.

Nowadays, most cruise lines have a virtual or e-muster drill, which includes watching a safety video on a cell phone via the cruise line app, as well as a check in at the muster station. It’s fast and efficient.

However, this is just one thing that is different about boarding day on an MSC cruise.

On MSC cruises, you must watch the safety video on your stateroom TV, then use the in cabin phone and call #881 to confirm this is done. You’ll also need to check-in at your muster station and have your cruise card scanned.

This is definately something I wish I knew before I went on my first MSC cruise. It only takes an extra few minutes, but it’s important to be aware.

3. Elevators

MSC Cruises has a different elevator system than traditional cruise lines. Instead of pressing a button to go up or down, you press which floor you’d like to go to on a screen outside of the elevator, and then it will assign you an elevator.

Although this elevator system differs, I have seen a similar elevator system on Carnival Venezia and the brand-new Sun Princess .

The elevators are different and takes some time to get used to. While sometimes we felt like we waited longer than on other cruise ships, it is fast and efficient when the cruise ship is quiet. The best part is that an accurate waiting time is indicated.

4. Bring a White Outfit

When you cruise with MSC, packing a white outfit is important. During your MSC cruise, you’ll have a white party, during which everyone will dress in white. The white night begins at dinner and ends with a deck party!

One of the most memorable aspects of our MSC cruise was the white night event. I was pleasantly surprised to see how many people had packed their best white outfits , ready to join in the fun.

The fact that every cruise passenger participated, from the youngest to the oldest, created a sense of unity and made the white night even more special.

Our cruise was filled with a variety of themed parties, from a tropical party to the glow party. Each one was a unique experience, offering a different atmosphere and style of entertainment.

These themed parties are a must-attend and a fun time for everyone.

Related: 25 Gorgeous White Dresses to Wear on a Cruise

5. Guests Speak Many Different Languages

When you sail with MSC, be prepared for guests to speak different languages. Compared to American cruise lines, MSC passengers come from all over the world.

During our cruise, I heard people speaking English, French, Spanish, German, Dutch, Portugese, Mandarin and more. Although you may hear many unfamiliar languages, this created a unique cruising experience.

At times, you may be in an elevator, and you’ll hear 5 different languages being spoken. For the most part, cruise passengers understand English. However, it’s not the first language for many people on an MSC cruise.

Rest assured, the crew onboard MSC is fluent in English, ensuring smooth and effortless communication throughout your cruise vacation.

Related: Why We’re Excited for the New MSC World America

6. Status Match

The MSC Status Match program allows cruise passengers to receive comparable or even better loyalty benefits than they would receive on other cruise lines.

To receive the benefits, you must join the MSC Voyagers Club. Once approved, you will receive an immediate 5% discount on any future MSC cruises, onboard discounts for spa services, photo packages, Wi-Fi, complimentary gifts, and other valuable savings.

If you have a high status on another cruise line, you’ll definitely want to apply for the MSC Voyagers Club. They offer some great benefits that are worth taking advantage of.

7. MSC Cruise Ship Hot Tubs Aren’t Actually Hot

Something that is very different on an MSC cruise is the hot tubs. To our surprise, the hot tubs onboard were not hot!

Instead, the hot tubs were lukewarm at best, which wasn’t exactly our cup of tea. When checking the various hot tubs around the cruise ship, we came to find out that this was the norm, unless you were at the spa.

If you like a very warm or hot traditional jacuzzi style hot tub, you might be dissapointed.

8. Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve Private Island

If you’re taking a Caribbean cruise with MSC, there’s a good chance that your itinerary will include Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Ocean Cay is MSC’s private island , and it is a perfect place for an amazing beach day.

When you visit Ocean Cay, you’ll have free beach access and lounge chairs, and your drink package works on land. Furthermore, if you’ve purchased the ship’s Wi-Fi, you will get Wi-Fi on the island.

The private island consists of eight different beach areas, each offering a unique ambiance. You’ll also find several bars, a charming lighthouse, and an included dining when you where you can eat a delicious barbecue buffet lunch.

Related: 10 Mistakes to Avoid on Cruise Private Islands

9. MSC For Me Wristband

In addition to a cruise card, MSC has an optional wristband wearable device available at an extra charge. The MSC For Me waterproof wearable device has some similarities to the Princess Medallion or The Band on Virgin Voyages .

With the MSC Wristband, you can get into your room and get drinks instead of using your cruise card. However, you do still need to use your cruise card to get on and off the cruise ship in ports of call.

The MSC For Me Wristband is available for guests to purchase onboard most newer MSC cruises. However, The MSC Wristband is provided free of charge for Yacht Club and Aurea members.

10. Bars Serve Espresso and Specialty Coffee

MSC offers a unique feature that you won’t find on other cruise ships – specialty coffee and espresso served at all the bars. As a coffee lover, I really enjoyed this feature.

Rather than having to go to a cafe in the atrium or promenade (like on other cruise ships), on MSC you can order a coffee at any of the bars. This was super convenient, as I never had to wait in long lines to get my morning coffee.

11. Certain Activities Cost Extra

It’s important to note that certain activities have an additional charge onboard MSC cruise ships. Attractions like Robotron and the Formula 1 Racing Simulator have an extra charge.

However, there are also many fun activities that are free or included. For example, on our recent MSC Seascape cruise, the Pirates Cove Aqua Park and 4 water slides were included.

You’ll also find a kid’s club, sports court and other included activities and entertainment options that the whole family can enjoy.

12. There Won’t Be Many Americans on European Sailings

Since MSC is a European cruise line, they are much more popular in Europe than they are in North America. So, if you’re thinking of booking an MSC cruise in Europe, something to know is that Americans won’t make up the majority of passengers.

Typically, MSC sailings in Europe attract more Europeans than Americans. There’s nothing wrong with this, but it can be a different cruise experience than other American cruise lines.

For example, announcements are likely to be in several languages, the entertainment may rely on music and visuals, so as to appeal to the multiple languages of the guests.

While MSC is growing rapidly in the USA and attracting more American and Canadian passengers for Caribbean and other North American sailings, MSC’s European cruises will feel a bit different.

Related: 10 Things I Wish I knew Before Going on my Mediterranean Cruise

13. Different Booking Process

It’s important to know that MSC has a different booking process and offers three different types of cruise experiences at different price points.

Bella is your introductory package, Fantastica is the mid-tier package, which includes choosing your own dining time and a few perks, and Aurea includes spa access and other perks.

Before booking your cruise, it’s important to consider which package aligns with your budget and vacation style. We, for instance, found the Fantastica package to be a perfect fit for our needs and thoroughly enjoyed our cruise.

14. MSC Yacht Club

MSC Yacht Club is for those who want the ultimate cruise experience. You’ll have access to private dining venues, an exclusive sun deck, and 24-hour butler service when you’re a Yacht Club member.

You’ll also get priority check-in and check-out, the premium drinks package, the premium Wi-Fi package, and a dedicated concierge.

While we didn’t have the opportunity to experience the MSC Yacht Club on our recent MSC cruise, we were captivated by this exclusive retreat. In fact, we’ve heard from many cruisers who have tried MSC Yacht Club and say they could never go back!

It’s a testament to the fact that the MSC Yacht Club offers a transformative experience that can truly enhance your cruise vacation.

15. The Pizza Lives Up to the Hype

Since MSC Cruises is an Italian cruise line, they are known for having some of the best cruise pizza at sea. As a pizza lover, I have to admit that MSC really does have a great pizza!

The pizza they served had large slices, was freshly made, and they offered a variety of tasty flavors. When you sail with MSC, you have to give their pizza a try.

Bonus: Download The MSC App

If you have an upcoming MSC cruise, remember to download the MSC App!

On the MSC App, you can view your daily activities and dining times, book excursions, dining reservations, and spa appointments, and access your spa treatments. It’s best to download the app in advance, as the Wi-Fi may not be great at the cruise port.

Video: Our First MSC Cruise Wasn’t What We Expected. Here’s Why

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Final Thoughts On Things To Know About Cruising With MSC

MSC Cruises is one of my favorite cruise lines as it has a great variety of activities and a fun nightlife, and they offer a unique cruising experience.

As someone who has taken over 35 cruises, cruising with MSC was a better than I expected. The price was competitive and the experience was in line with what we would expect from a contemporary cruise line.

Although MSC may not be for everyone, it is worth trying. You never know, you may just love it!

Have you taken an MSC Cruise, or would you consider it? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

If you enjoy this post please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please feel free to share on Facebook or Pinterest (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

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MSC for Me App

MSC TECHNOLOGY AT THE SERVICE OF THE ART OF HOSPITALITY

DOWNLOAD THE FREE MSC FOR ME APP BEFORE YOU CRUISE

MSC FOR ME FEATURES

Save valuable time.

Every cruise represents a special moment, and time onboard is precious. With new features on the MSC for Me app, Guests access the information they need, when they need it. Saving time during arrival and departure. And on getting oriented once on board.

DON'T MISS A THING

Miss a chance to have fun...Never! But with so many exciting possibilities on board, how can Guests decide? MSC for Me has additional features that help Guests plan their holiday, providing them with the information they need, when they need it.

Guests can plan their cruise in real time, browsing through daily events, activities, and highlights
Guests get notifications on relevant promotions, offers and events
Guests can add a credit card and keep track of the onboard expenses
Discover The MSC Starship club with Rob, the first humanoid robotic bartender at sea: an immersive and futuristic experience for the full family - exclusively on MSC Virtuosa

TAILORED TO YOU

New MSC for Me features personalize guests’ cruise experience even more, for a holiday that meets their individual needs. When and where they want.

MSC for Me Wristband* (from age 12) a wearable waterproof device, to enjoy ship without cruise card, making purchases, booking services and unlocking cabin
Taste your personalized cocktails prepared by the first-ever humanoid, robotic bartender at sea – exclusively on MSC Virtuosa
Pre-cruise booking means Guests can access MSC for me and start planning and purchasing services in advance. And mobile check-in enables a smoother embarkation
Zoe, your in-cabin Bluetooth speaker**. Connect with your mobile device, and enjoy your favourite playlist and songs throughout the cruise!

*Included for MSC Yacht Club benefits. **Available for guests travelling on MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa and MSC Virtuosa.

STAY IN TOUCH WITH EACH OTHER

Peace of mind is at the heart of a happy holiday. With messaging features, MSC for Me helps Guests stay in touch with loved ones. So they can take some time for themselves.

MSC for Me Chat - message directly through the app without an internet package

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By talkone , January 12, 2023 in MSC Cruises

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You don't buy the wirstbands, so you have to leave the band on the ship at the end of the cruise.

You don't buy them. But they didn't collect them from us when we left. So far, no place I've been that uses wrist bands has re-used them. They always issue new ones.

Not officially collect, but they do have boxes set up by the security station when you leave. At least they had them the last three times we were on.

2 hours ago, Nikita4 said: You don't buy the wirstbands, so you have to leave the band on the ship at the end of the cruise.

Always had to buy in Carribbean,$12

7 months later...

On 1/12/2023 at 10:13 AM, JAGR said: Not officially collect, but they do have boxes set up by the security station when you leave. At least they had them the last three times we were on.

I"m hoping you might know the answer to the OP's original question. Will my wristband from a previous Seaside sailing work for my Seaside sailing coming up Sept. 10th? I did buy it (for $5) the first time. I don't recall them asking for it back. Just curious. Thanks, Ann

New to MSC, what is the wristband for?

oceans.calling

They are free in the Yacht Club but I think others can purchase them for $5.00 if they rather have them then use the sea card all the time. I have never been asked to return ours.

It’s possible it can be reused…but I don’t know if they will. The band has the ship and muster station on it. Last month on my B2B they just reprogrammed it for the second leg, but I was only moving four cabins away, so same muster station. Another question to ask on my next cruise…. EM

2 hours ago, Anubi said: New to MSC, what is the wristband for?

Wristbands can be used on the ship to open the cabin door, make purchases in bars and shops, and to enter the theater shows when reservations are needed. You will need to use the regular cruise card for getting off and back on the ship at ports.

1 hour ago, Essiesmom said: It’s possible it can be reused…but I don’t know if they will. The band has the ship and muster station on it. Last month on my B2B they just reprogrammed it for the second leg, but I was only moving four cabins away, so same muster station. Another question to ask on my next cruise…. EM

Thank you for this insight. I'd forgotten.... yes it does have the muster station which will definitely be different (14th floor last time, 9th floor this time). I'll take it with me and find out the answer in a week.

18 hours ago, wikoffclan said: I"m hoping you might know the answer to the OP's original question. Will my wristband from a previous Seaside sailing work for my Seaside sailing coming up Sept. 10th? I did buy it (for $5) the first time. I don't recall them asking for it back. Just curious. Thanks, Ann

They are RFID-based, and have to be reprogrammed. They would only be jewelry until the are reset, and I suspect that they would notice then that it was an old one. That would be a problem in addition to the Muster Station.

17 hours ago, Anubi said: New to MSC, what is the wristband for?

The usage that Ate provides is correct. I would add that it is limited to the newer "smart ships", which would be Meraviglia and Seaside classes and newer. Also, note that they are complimentary for Aurea and Yacht Club experience. You would have to pay for the use of them in the Bella and Fantastica experiences. You can get by easily with you card only, so there isn't a real reason to rent them if you don't want to pay.

2 hours ago, JAGR said: The usage that Ate provides is correct. I would add that it is limited to the newer "smart ships", which would be Meraviglia and Seaside classes and newer. Also, note that they are complimentary for Aurea and Yacht Club experience. You would have to pay for the use of them in the Bella and Fantastica experiences. You can get by easily with you card only, so there isn't a real reason to rent them if you don't want to pay.

Excellent. Thanks for the information. 🙂

SparklingBlonde

Are they still giving out wristbands in YC? Everyone on FB is saying they don’t at least on the Virtuosa.

They were in use on Seaside last month. EM

Brighton Line

Just a reference point, the Casino bar Meraviglia on two occasions insisted that I give them my sail card and would not take the band for payment.

I had the wrong level card, I was basic and Mrs. Brightonline was silver when we both matched to Gold.

When I went to the concierge to ensure they had me as gold, he insisted on giving me new cards and once he gave me the cards he said the bands had to be updated or they would not work.

This points to the bands being tied to the card, if they don't match the band won't work. Did prove the point as when I was doing this my dear wife was not with me but I had her card. She had to come to the Concierge desk later on to update her band and it didn't work until the update after I got her new card.

Hi. Where and when to buy them?

You get them at the photo gallery desk. EM

morpheusofthesea

Wristbands are used by Yacht Club guests to give to their friends and family residing in cabins outside the YC to gain access to the YC and all its privileges.

20 minutes ago, morpheusofthesea said: Wristbands are used by Yacht Club guests to give to their friends and family residing in cabins outside the YC to gain access to the YC and all its privileges.

Hope not, but probably happens all too often!

Sailed on Seaside, Seashore and Meraviglia on B2B in same cabin and each week we got a new band.

Have never brought a band back to be reused but should be able to as it is just a RFID chip that can be added to the system.

I am looking forward to playing around with the wristband with some of the RFID tools I have that can read and write RFID information. Something along these lines is what I have in mind.

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MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club Sails to the Top

MSC Cruises is a Swiss global cruise line based in Geneva, Switzerland, with U.S. cruises departing from Miami, Port Canaveral and New York. Next year, they will add Galveston to their port repertoire.

I hadn’t heard of MSC Cruise line until they reached out to me last year, and every time I mentioned it to someone in Texas, no one was familiar with it. So let’s change that.

I feel like you’re either a cruiser or a staunch anti-cruiser. People are either all in on cruising or despise the idea of vacationing on a city-on-the-sea. But what if you could have all of the benefits of cruising, visiting four different countries in a week from the comfort of one closet and cabin, access to a great restaurant every night, heaps of top-shelf nightly entertainment, and you could pair that with all of the benefits of cruising on a small ship?

That’s really what MSC Cruises offers with its Yacht Club. Yacht Club is like a small ship within a large ship. Just like I mentioned on this TV segment , the Yacht Club experience of MSC Cruises is very comparable to taking a journey on a small cruise line. Some of the things that I love about cruising on a small ship, such as really getting to know specific crew members and other passengers, one can experience cruising as a Yacht Club member of MSC Cruises.

The luxury experience of the MSC Yacht Club starts weeks before your sailing. They send emails reminding you to sign up for various accouterments. And one week prior to your sailing, you get an email asking you to fill out a form indicating your preferences for your daily newspaper, mini bar selections and even pillow choice!

Membership has ample privileges within the Yacht Club. From getting to board the ship early, being served drinks and snacks while you wait to go aboard, access to 24 hour butler service, getting a fast pass to disembark for ports and come back aboard the ship, it’s all available to Yacht Club cruisers on MSC Cruises.

A week-long cruise is just about the only trip I will take where I will actually unpack my suitcase into drawers and hang up clothes in a closet. I love being able to unpack a bag and have the world at my fingertips, essentially. For someone who likes to explore a new area like I do, and enjoys dancing, shows, and other live music options, vacationing on a cruise ship features all of these perks.

All up in the club

I didn’t have to experience any of the vacation buzz kills of a cruise (long lines, big crowds, no space at the pool) within the Yacht Club of MSC Cruises. I adored having a special part of the ship where we could enjoy our own delicious restaurant with the same server that we got to know really well. Edgar took great care of us, along with the rest of his team. I also loved the uncrowded pool deck at the Yacht Club pool on deck 20. I loved really getting to know and trust our two butlers who also served as our cabin stewards, Meri and Mark.

But I also really enjoyed having access to features outside of the Yacht Club. The MSC Seascape features five specialty dining options, all with a different flare.

Butcher’s Cut is a traditional steakhouse featuring prime cuts of beef alongside hearty, cheesy sides, such as jalapeño cream corn, mashed potatoes, and mac & cheese. Do not bypass their cheese rolls in the bread basket. Those, paired with an Oberon Cabernet, provide a delicious start to a wonderful dinner.

Kaito Sushi Bar features one of the most unique concepts I’ve ever seen in dining. I’m not even a raw sushi fan, but I was entranced by their conveyor belt, carrying colorful plates of raw sushi around the restaurant. Within this concept, one can choose eight plates of sushi to enjoy. If you’re like me and not a raw sushi connoisseur, you can order off the menu and enjoy fabulous dishes like fried rice with chicken, tempura veggies, or a fresh carrot salad.

Ocean Cay is the private island of MSC Cruises, and also the name of their seafood restaurant on board. One of their most popular features is their Sea Bass, which comes to the table as a whole fish and is carved out onto individual plates, definitely serving two people. Starters include savory crab cakes, and as always, dinner ends with a sweet dessert.

But if you are cruising within the Yacht Club, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner ordered off a menu within the Yacht Club restaurant on the 18th deck. Not only is the food above par, the service is absolutely exceptional, and the view of the ocean is like no other on the ship. If you happen to miss the two-hour window for a meal, you can access a buffet up at the Yacht Club pool on the 20th deck.

Uncompromising spa offerings

As a Yacht Club member, you can visit the thermal area of the spa each day if you like. Now, I found this name confusing, thermal area. What this amazing section of the spa offers is a relaxing water circuit that rivals some of the best spas I’ve ever visited. Sensory cold plunge showers to a dry sauna and a bubbling hot tub, to even a snow room where you actually sit among flakes of fresh snow, this water circuit provides the perfect respite from a busy ship and a busy life. I do recommend spending an hour a day in this thermal area if you can fit it into your busy cruise schedule. It’s a wonderful way to give a gift to your nervous and circulatory systems by way of the wonder of water.

In addition, I recommend booking a 50-minute Balinese massage. This smooth, relaxing bodywork is the perfect compliment to your cruise. I would recommend treating yourself on the first day at sea, to really fall into a relaxed vacay mode.

So many countries, so little time

I truly love getting to sample so many different countries on a one-week cruise. The Seascape’s Caribbean cruise docks at Falmouth, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; and MSC’s private island called Ocean Cay.

When it comes to excursions, I would urge you to book those as early as possible in order to get your first selection. However, it is possible to add excursions on board as well. I highly recommend rafting down the Martha Brae River with a guide for a very peaceful excursion at Falmouth, Jamaica. And make sure you bring your patience so that if mother nature decides to visit with bad weather, be okay with a pivot if needed and be flexible.

Here’s another excursion tip, if your flight is leaving later in the day when you disembark the ship, which is usually around 8 a.m., consider booking an excursion to enjoy a hop-on hop-off tour of the city. We were able to fill our time between getting off the ship and going to the airport with a very interesting tour of Miami this way.

Here are some of my most favorite MSC Cruise travel tips:

Make use of the Yacht Club (YC) priority elevator, where you simply scan your wristband for quick access.
Enjoy getting to know the YC crew, representing 65 countries.
Within our Yacht Club cabin, I found the largest cruise ship bathroom I’ve ever experienced, with an actual vanity counter and rainwater faucet in the shower.
While sitting on a chaise lounge at the YC pool deck, enjoy an offer for sunglasses cleaning.
At Gala Night, enjoy lobster from New Zealand and snails from Indonesia.
Nowhere but on a cruise ship, can you catch trivia, dinner, another game of trivia, a dance class and then a comedy show.
Ask for a pool towel to take with you to the beach when you port and grab a few water bottles.
Use the lending library behind the YC concierge desk.
On the island of Ocean Cay, which was the last stop, YC members experience a special area on the island with their own staff and lunch.

As the welcome letter says, “ The MSC Yacht Club offers the exclusivity and privacy of a members only club, where you can relax and feel pampered in an all inclusive experience. We invite you to savor the exquisite Mediterranean and international recipes at your private à la carte restaurant. Enjoy your favorite beverage, gourmet bites and afternoon tea as you take in the panoramic views from the comfort of the Top Sail Lounge. Soak up the sun at the One Pool sundeck while sampling a wide selection of refreshments. Unwind and recharge at the MSC spa with complimentary access to the thermal area. ”

I would surely cruise again with MSC Yacht Club. It is a club where all the cool kids hang out and I’m happy to wear this member’s only jacket.

Fun Facts from MSC Cruises:

MSC is the third largest cruise line with a fleet of 23 modern ships offering sailings around the world and in the U.S. from Miami, Port Canaveral and New York.
In November 2025, MSC Cruises will begin sailing from Galveston with 7-night Western Caribbean sailings onboard MSC Seascape .
Launched in December 2022, MSC Seascape is a great ship for families with outstanding entertainment and activities including Robotron, a thrilling amusement ride available at sea for the first time, fun shows and a variety of specialty dining options.
In April 2025, MSC Cruises will also be launching its newest flagship from Miami, MSC World America – the cruise line’s largest ship sailing in the U.S.
Many U.S. sailings visit MSC Cruises’ tranquil private island in The Bahamas – Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, where guests can connect with their natural surroundings and enjoy a variety of activities from snorkeling to paddleboarding and kayaking.

_______________________________________________________________________

Cover Photo courtesy MSC Cruises

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as Great Day Houston , San Antonio Living , Spectrum News , Good Morning Texas , KVUE , Daytime (FOX), and Studio 512 ! She enjoyed cruising with her cabinmate, Finn.

LOOK FOR TLM ON THESE TEXAS MEDIA OUTLETS

MSC Meraviglia review: What it's like to cruise on MSC's 1st New York-based ship

For the first time, MSC Cruises has based a ship in New York. Given that the vessel, MSC Meraviglia, is the fifth-largest in the line's fleet of two dozen ships in terms of tonnage and the sixth-largest by passenger capacity, the ship's presence in the Big Apple is a big deal. As one colleague astutely pointed out, when it's docked there, it's the largest hotel in the city .

I recently sailed on MSC Meraviglia out of its Red Hook homeport in Brooklyn, and I have mixed feelings. Overall, the ship is lively and aesthetically beautiful. Its specialty restaurants and nightly shows are some of the most consistently superb on any vessel, and it offers one heck of a luxury product in its Yacht Club suite enclave .

However, passenger flow is an issue, with many public spaces so crowded they're uncomfortable, and service is painfully slow in some bars and restaurants. You'll likely end up paying a lot more than you originally planned because some of the most enticing things to do come with added fees. And, as my travel companion so succinctly put it, I've never been told "no" so many times on a cruise.

Here, I'll take you through some of the activities I tried, the places I ate and the experience I had so you can better determine if MSC Meraviglia is right for your next voyage.

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Overview of MSC Meraviglia

MSC Cruises' Meraviglia was the first in the line's Meraviglia Class of ships. When it debuted in 2017, it became the line's largest vessel, with space for up to 5,655 people at capacity (4,475 at double occupancy). It has since been overtaken, in terms of passenger capacity, by subsequent vessels in the Meraviglia Class, as well as those in the World Class.

The ship exudes the same glitz that's typical of other MSC vessels, despite its mass-market appeal and penchant for attracting budget travelers. Lavish artwork, chrome accents and bold jewel tones convey a sense of opulence throughout public spaces, and no ship in the fleet would be complete without an atrium staircase adorned with thousands of Swarovski crystals.

Like MSC's other modern ships, MSC Meraviglia has an extra-fee chocolate shop on board — this one through a partnership with chocolatier and pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury — where you can purchase chocolate, macarons, candy and specialty coffees.

There's also a sizable water park on the top deck, a shopping mall-style promenade area and several decks of cabins that are part of the line's Yacht Club, which affords passengers exclusive access to a dedicated restaurant, lounge, bar and pool deck just for them, as well as butler service.

What I loved about MSC Meraviglia

Largely, my onboard experience was great. Crew members were friendly, my cabin was comfortable, and the daily activity options were plentiful, varied and fun. At night, most shows fell into the "excellent" category, and the food in every extra-fee restaurant and the Yacht Club was phenomenal.

Specialty dining

MSC's food consistently receives less-than-stellar reviews from passengers, particularly regarding the line's complimentary dining experiences. Much of the main dining room fare is indeed so-so — palatable but largely underseasoned and mass-produced, so that it often looks like it's been sitting under a heat lamp when it reaches you. Food in the buffet is varied and tasty, but it can also become repetitive after a week, and the space is frequently crowded and confusing to navigate.

So why am I including food under the "what I loved" category? I think that MSC's alternative, for-fee restaurants — including the ones on MSC Meraviglia — are some of the best. If you're willing to shell out the money, you can have a fantastic meal on this ship.

Of the ship's specialty restaurants, my favorites are Hola! Tacos & Cantina and Kaito Teppanyaki.

Even though Hola! levies extra charges, passengers have the option of paying a la carte for items individually priced as low as $2.95 or paying $17.99 for unlimited menu items. The salsa and guacamole are wonderful, the tortilla soup always hits the spot for me, and the tacos are small, so you'll be able to try several to find your favorite without feeling overstuffed.

If you know me, you know the fact that I'm recommending Kaito Teppanyaki is shocking. I'm notoriously not a fan of this type of cooking, particularly when it comes with a side of cringeworthy performances by the chefs. However, the food there on MSC Meraviglia was so great that I didn't mind the cook's jokes.

The MSC Yacht Club is a private section on select MSC ships that offers cabins across several categories, including suites. Passengers booked in those cabins have special keycard access to a dedicated guest services and concierge desk; an exclusive pool, sun deck, lounge and bar (with free drinks); and complimentary anytime dining at a special restaurant just for Yacht Club cruisers.

Cabins are outfitted with higher-quality materials and furnishings, and each comes with the services of a butler. Meri was mine, and she was the best. She was able to make dining and spa reservations for me, escort me to priority seating in the theater for nightly shows and have crackers and green apples delivered to my cabin when the second night's rough seas made me feel seasick.

I absolutely loved the special touches MSC provides to Yacht Club passengers, including a special afternoon tea service and a private, intimate final-night performance by Lorraine Crosby — the female vocalist from Meat Loaf's "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" — who sometimes makes guest appearances on board. (She also put on two larger shows for the entire ship earlier in the sailing.) Additionally, I had access to Yacht Club perks at private island Ocean Cay Marine Reserve , including dedicated trams, a shaded waiting area with cold water and access to a private beach and restaurant.

Although the Yacht Club comes at a premium — at the time of publication, rooms on MSC Meraviglia started at $1,199 per person for a Yacht Club inside cabin on a six-night Bermuda sailing — fares include drinks and tips, along with Venchi pillow chocolates, free room service and minibar selections, plus one round of in-cabin snacks and a choice of one bottle of vodka, gin or whiskey delivered to your room. (I normally drink rum, and they were able to substitute it for me, even though it's not one of the spirits normally offered.)

Above all, the most valuable component of the Yacht Club for me on this sailing was the ability to escape the general chaos that is the rest of the ship. Don't get me wrong: I immersed myself in the buzz outside of the Yacht Club as often as possible, but as an introvert who dislikes crowds and noise more and more the older she gets, I found it essential to have a separate area to which I could retreat.

Galleria Meraviglia

One of the most fun and flashy locations on MSC Meraviglia cruises is the Galleria Meraviglia, a central indoor walkway similar to the Royal Promenade on Royal Caribbean ships. It's a long space flanked by bars, restaurants and shops with a feel similar to a shopping mall. However, the highlight for me is the giant LED screen, which runs the length of the space and hosts what the line calls "dome shows."

During these shows, themed scenes — including deck plans for the muster drill, dinosaurs and volcanos during the "Jurassic" dome show and even famous ceilings — appear overhead. They're the metaphorical heartbeat of the ship, and you can't help but stop to watch.

The nearby chocolateria, Jean-Philippe Chocolate & Cafe, is an excellent place to grab a cuppa, and the adjacent Meraviglia Bar & Lounge is home to trivia, live music and more. Mix in a shore excursion desk; shops that sell high-end jewelry and purses; a counter serving for-fee gelato, crepes and smoothies; and Hola! Tacos & Cantina (one of the best Mexican restaurants at sea), and Galleria Meraviglia feels like the place to be.

There's little I enjoy more than a relaxing arcade day , and MSC delivers with its Sportplex gaming complex. It features a small traditional arcade with air hockey, alien shooter games and first-person driving games, as well as prize machines; several immersive virtual-reality pods (most of which were down for maintenance during my sailing); two Formula One racing simulators; a 4D cinema where several players attempt to take out zombies and killer clowns; and a sports court that hosts basketball, pickleball, dodgeball and other activities.

But my ultimate favorite was the bowling alley. My travel companion and I inexplicably wound up in Sportplex after dinner on formal night. We played for half an hour — enough time for two games if it's only two people and you move quickly — and were ultimately joined by the Yacht Club director, Craig (who won easily). It was a ton of fun, but I don't recommend bowling in a ballgown.

The drawback is that, like lots of other cool pastimes on MSC Meraviglia, it all costs extra (except for sports court use). The arcade charges per game with the tap of your keycard. The simulators can be purchased on a per-ride basis, and bowling is charged in chunks of either 30 or 60 minutes.

To save money, passengers can purchase packages where you get a certain dollar amount free. (For example, if you prepurchase $150 worth of gaming credits, your card will be loaded with $220.)

What I didn't love about MSC Meraviglia

As with all things, in travel we take the bad with the good. While most experiences on this sailing fell in the latter category, it wouldn't be a fair review without calling attention to the things that I think the line needs to address.

The departure port

When MSC first announced that MSC Meraviglia would be sailing from New York, the ship's homeport was Manhattan. I groaned when I heard its docking spot had changed to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood.

Brooklyn's terminal is difficult to reach, particularly if you don't have a car. Anyone venturing to the port from Manhattan will need to take the subway, followed by a ferry — not an easy feat if you're toting luggage. Park-and-ride-style buses also seemed to be an option, according to several passengers on my sailing who arrived from outside of the city. If you're like me and decide to drive to the port, know that parking is at a premium, and fees are steep. (At $45 per night, I paid $360 to park there for eight nights.)

Waits on embarkation day are another concern. When I arrived, lines snaked outside the terminal and down the sidewalk in front of the building. I had multiple passengers throughout my voyage tell me that they waited between two and three hours in line to board the vessel.

It's unclear whether the terminal is ill-equipped to deal with passenger flow for such a large ship or if MSC hasn't quite brought its embarkation processes up to speed, but if you don't have priority boarding privileges, either through a high loyalty status tier or a Yacht Club booking, expect the process to take a while.

On the plus side, you'll have great views of the Statue of Liberty as you sail away, assuming the weather isn't rainy or foggy.

At 19 decks, MSC Meraviglia is huge. On my voyage, the ship was only sailing at about half capacity (about 3,000 passengers out of a possible 5,655, or 53%). However, a perfect storm of events converged to create a situation that was less than pleasant for anyone not booked in a Yacht Club cabin.

A large group booking of about 1,000 people overtook many of the public areas on a daily basis, which drew complaints from cruisers who weren't in the group. For example, trivia was standing-room-only on several days, and the buffet was so continuously crowded that I ate there only twice on the entire voyage.

Additionally, it rained during our first two days on board — embarkation day and the following sea day — meaning that the ship's outdoor spaces weren't utilized. Because everyone was stuck inside, the ship felt even more crowded. (I shudder to imagine what it would have been like if the ship had been sailing completely full.)

Although the weather certainly isn't the cruise line's fault, it seems that the ship should be better equipped to deal with situations where passengers are stuck inside. I also thought that, perhaps, the large group booking was a one-off and that it wouldn't be the norm on other sailings. However, I spoke with one of the officers on board who told me that the cruise line is actively recruiting similar large group bookings.

One of the biggest contributing factors was the ship's layout and flow. Some areas lead to dead ends, while others force you to enter busy areas — like the massive Marketplace Buffet — to find stairs to go up or down a deck. In several bars and lounges in the main atrium, tables and chairs are scattered so close to the main staircase that it's difficult for two-way passenger traffic to move through the space.

The feeling of overcrowding was exacerbated by service inconveniences like long waits for drinks, meals and elevators.

Confusing policies and procedures

Some of the things MSC does truly confuse me, and they began almost immediately after boarding.

When cruises first returned following the 18-month COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, many lines decided to go digital with their muster drills. Passengers watched videos on their mobile apps or on their cabin TVs before reporting, at their leisure (to maintain social distancing), to their muster stations for verification. MSC has chosen to institute a bizarre version where all passengers watch a video and then report to their muster stations at the same time.

If everyone is going to the same place at the same time, why not do the muster drill in person? On the flip side, if you're going to make people watch a video instead of doing a live demonstration, why make everyone go to their stations simultaneously? The process creates a chaotic environment where, in my case, people were required to walk into the theater, do a lap around it (for reasons nobody ever actually explained) and immediately exit again.

Speaking of the theater, no drinks are allowed in there, which is odd, given that all other cruise lines allow passengers to order drinks during shows or at least carry them in with them to enjoy while they watch. We saw several surprised cruisers being told they had to dump their beverages or drink them before they'd be allowed inside.

The drink situation gets worse when you try to order cocktails in the ship's restaurants. When I did so in one of the main dining rooms, I was told that only wine was available. When I visited the alternative eateries, I was told I could only order from what was on the menu, some of which wasn't included with the beverage package. What's the point of selling pricey beverage packages (which can cost more than $70 per person, per day, for the most expensive) if there are so many exclusions?

Specialty coffee from the onboard chocolate shop also isn't included with the packages, nor are coffees on private island Ocean Cay, which leads me to my next head-scratcher. I had the single best coffee drink of my life when we called on Ocean Cay. The Coco-Nilla Latte is espresso, vanilla flavoring and coconut milk, and I loved it so much that I tried to have it replicated on board.

I went to three of the ship's regular bars, each of which is equipped to make espresso that's included in the line's beverage packages, as well as the specialty coffee bar at the for-fee chocolate shop. At each location, I was given some sort of excuse:

"We don't have vanilla syrup at this bar."

"We don't have coconut milk here."

"Oh, those are only made at Ocean Cay."

It's likely if this happened on a ship in any other fleet, the response would have been, "We don't have the ingredients, but let me see if we can find them."

The crew culture on MSC Meraviglia seems to be one that either doesn't encourage them or doesn't allow them to go the extra mile. My request wasn't a lavish one; vanilla syrup and coconut milk are standard accouterments at most cafes on land. The ship has a passenger-to-crew ratio of 3:1, which is better than that of other cruise lines with fares at a similar price point, so I don't feel like I'm asking too much from an affordable cruise line.

I must also mention some weird food-related practices I saw on board. Both times I ate at the Marketplace Buffet, I witnessed crew members stopping adults from taking food from a particular section of kid-friendly foods. "No, those are for children only," a crew member behind the counter told a parent who was trying to grab dessert for his son, who was outside by the pool.

"You mean I can't take this out to my kid?" the guy asked in shock. The crew member told him he would have to go to the pool, get his son, bring him inside and have him pick out the dessert, which he grudgingly did. But talk about a disruptive experience.

On the other occasion, I saw a couple of adults eyeing the chicken nuggets that were on offer. They were forbidden by a crew member from taking any. I have never seen something so absurd on a sailing in my life. Children aren't the only ones who enjoy chicken nuggets, nor are they the ones who pay the cruise fares. Adults, whether they have kids on board or not, should be allowed to eat whatever they wish from the buffet that they paid for — even if it comes from the children's menu.

Another head-scratcher is you might still have to pay a supplement to eat in certain restaurants, even if you booked a dining package that includes a set number of specialty restaurants for a set fee. It depends on what you order.

For example, I had a dining package, but when I dined at Kaito Teppanyaki, the waiter informed me that there would be an extra $10 surcharge to order the Geisha and Samurai options and a $30 upcharge for the Emperor option. Again, what's the point of selling dining packages if they don't cover what they're supposed to?

Additionally, on a ship of 3,000 people, MSC Meraviglia had only one of four main dining rooms open for lunch on a rainy sea day when everyone was stuck inside. It was open for one measly hour, from noon to 1 p.m. I saw the hours posted as I was passing by the line that was quickly forming, so I decided to eat there to evaluate the situation. Spoiler alert: It wasn't great.

Finally, MSC Meraviglia's sports equipment is kept under actual lock and key. You have to sign out everything from pickleball paddles to basketballs for use on the indoor sports court and volleyballs for the pits on Ocean Cay. However, when I tried to sign out a basketball during posted rental hours, the person working told me no and offered no explanation. When I checked with guest services, they told me that shouldn't have happened. But it did. Twice.

On a separate occasion, when my travel companion and I showed up for scheduled volleyball time, the attendant cut the game off at 45 minutes because he said he had to leave. When we asked if we could keep the ball to continue playing, he refused. There seems to be no flexibility, and staff members are not empowered to deviate from protocol on the fly, even when it makes sense.

Most cruise lines' ships have unmonitored equipment available for passengers to use when the courts are open. It's often stored in unlocked chests that passengers can access at any time. Sign-out, which seems like an unnecessary step, is not required with most other cruise lines, which brings me to this: To quote one of my TPG colleagues when she referenced an MSC sailing on a different ship, "I have never said, 'No other cruise line does it like this,' as much as I did on [my cruise]. And it wasn't a good thing."

MSC Meraviglia cabins and suites

MSC bookings can be confusing for first-timers because, in addition to selecting a cabin type (inside, outside, balcony or suite), passengers must also choose from one of three experience packages. Dubbed Bella, Fantastica and Aurea, they all come with different perks and inclusions, as noted below.

Bella: This is the most basic, bare-bones package. It includes accommodations, free meals in the main dining rooms and buffet, and free daily activities and nightly entertainment. Passengers with this package will be assigned to set-seating dining times after they board. They also will be charged for any room service orders, as well as changes to their cruise booking reservations.

Fantastica: This package includes everything listed under the Bella package, plus the ability to change sailing date reservations one time for free, complimentary delivery of room service breakfast and the ability to choose a preferred set-seating dining time for dinner prior to embarkation.

Aurea: Aurea comes with everything in the Bella and Fantastica packages, as well as free access to the ship's top-deck Solarium area, a welcome package that includes prosecco and chocolates, anytime dining (go whenever you want with no set seating time), a 10% discount on spa treatments, priority boarding and free 24-hour room service (not just at breakfast).

MSC Meraviglia houses 2,244 rooms in various types with several configurations, some of which sleep more than two passengers. Of those staterooms, 55 are accessible for cruisers with mobility issues. In those cabins, passengers will find additional space for maneuvering things like wheelchairs and scooters, as well as zero-entry door thresholds and shower grab bars. (Theaters and most public areas are also accessible, but unfortunately, I didn't see a single lift at any of the ship's four pools.)

Cabin types are the standard ones found on just about all cruise ships: inside or interior (no windows or balcony), outside or ocean-view (a window or porthole that doesn't open), balcony or verandah (a sliding glass door that opens onto a small balcony, usually with chairs and a small table) and suite (cabins with balconies and more square footage and/or special perks like those afforded in the Yacht Club).

On my Meraviglia sailing, I was booked in an MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite — a balcony cabin in the Yacht Club suite area — on Deck 18. At about 280 square feet, plus an additional 54 square feet of balcony space, the room felt generously sized for two people. (Note: Yacht Club has all types of cabins, from insides all the way up through massive Royal Suites and two-deck duplexes.)

The room was furnished with a king-size bed that converts into two twins on request, a couch and a desk/vanity area. It featured a closet and cabinet space for storage and an en suite bathroom.

Standard amenities included a hair dryer and a TV (with a random smattering of TV channels, for-fee movies and ship-created programs like jewelry and port seminars and navigational information). My cabin had several electrical outlets, including three 110-volt North American outlets, three 220-volt European outlets and one USB port at the desk/vanity area. One USB port is not enough, and there were no outlets near the bed, which was frustrating.

Special for Yacht Club guests, the suite was equipped with a Nespresso machine, free minibar drinks restocked daily (including bottled water, San Pellegrino, juices, flavored iced teas, soda and beer), one complimentary round of snacks (Toblerone chocolate, Pringles and mixed nuts) and a choice of one complimentary bottle of spirits (whiskey, gin or vodka).

My cabin came with a pillow menu, which I only discovered after two nights of neck pain, thanks to mismatched pillows. The bed was topped with a memory foam mattress, which was like sleeping on a cloud.

Closets in my cabin were just the right size for two people. There were two, one with a bar to hang clothes and another with cubbies for shoes, intimates and the cabin safe. I did find the closets' location in a small enclave that led to the bathroom a bit awkward.

Underbed storage was perfect for hiding empty suitcases. Bathrobes and slippers were provided, and I made good use of both when I went for a massage at the spa.

Cabin bathrooms in the Yacht Club are stocked with MSC's own brand of toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, bar soap, a shower cap and sewing kit. Fluffy white towels and elevated fixtures like marble countertops and floors and showers with both standard and rainfall showerheads add to the air of elegance.

However, some of that was offset by the fact that the shower in my bathroom had no lip, so water leaked all over the first time I used it. Each time after, I put towels outside the door to sop up the mess. The toilet also often smelled like sewage, even when not in use.

The storage space for toiletries could also have been more generous. There were only two small metal shelves, which weren't enough for two people's things. The rest had to be stored inside cabinets where the garbage can was located.

Gratuities, room service and premium alcohol and Wi-Fi packages are included in all Yacht Club fares. You do not need to purchase add-ons or pay added fees like you would in cabins outside the Yacht Club.

A Yacht Club booking also entitles you to priority embarkation, disembarkation and tender access; 24-hour butler and concierge services; complimentary spa thermal suite access; luggage unpacking and repacking services; daily newspaper delivery and one free pre-cruise booking change.

I made good use of the free Wi-Fi inclusion (for two devices per person). The free room service was handy when I just had to order late-night pizza. Plus, the priority boarding perk meant we went from shore to ship in less than 10 minutes while other passengers waited two to three hours in rainy conditions to embark.

My butler, Meri, went above and beyond to help me make spa and specialty restaurant reservations, and she met us each evening to escort us to dinner and to the theater, where reserved Yacht Club seating was waiting. She did her job superbly, but I generally like to do things for myself. Having someone else handling the minutia felt frivolous and unnecessary; it took a few days for me to acclimate.

Concierge service was generally good. However, on the first day, when I had questions about dining, the person who assisted me waived me off in the face of a long line at the desk and told me to ask my butler. My interactions there improved markedly after the stress of the first day calmed down, and all of my subsequent questions were answered promptly and cheerfully.

The exclusive Top Sail Lounge was a great place to relax with a drink and view, read or get some work done. The Yacht Club sun deck was a lovely space, but it was often too hot for me, so I didn't spend much time up there. The area was home to a pool, a hot tub, tons of seating, solarium access and a daily outdoor buffet at the Yacht Club Grill. Although the food looked tasty, it was, unfortunately, often surrounded by flies.

The indoor Yacht Club Restaurant, however, was a dream. Everything I ordered was fantastic — flavorful, well prepared and cooked to order instead of looking like it had been sitting out for a while. I particularly enjoyed the breakfasts there and highly suggest the omelets and pancakes.

Overall, I found my Yacht Club experience to be a great way to escape when other areas of the ship felt overwhelming, which they often did.

MSC Meraviglia restaurants and bars

Included in the price of each sailing is free dining at the massive Marketplace Buffet, in one of four main dining rooms or in the Yacht Club Restaurant (depending on your booking). The four main dining rooms often felt crowded, and service was inconsistent. The buffet was even worse.

The quality of the complimentary food was unremarkable — not great but not terrible, either. Waiters in the dining rooms often seemed rushed and unwilling to fill drink orders. (I found out later it's because the galleys don't have bars, so waiters have to run all over the ship to fill drink orders, which often take an inordinate amount of time to arrive.)

Due to its size, MSC Meraviglia can offer lots of different cuisines. While the Marketplace Buffet has an "ethnic" section typically serving Asian and Indian fare, the largest variety and the highest quality come from the specialty restaurants. They include seafood, steak, Mexican, sushi and teppanyaki, and all cost extra.

MSC offers dining packages, which allow passengers to pre-purchase a set number of meals in alternative restaurants. When those meals are cashed in, cruisers can choose from a preselected list of menu items designated for package holders. Generally, if you're planning to eat at more than two or three specialty restaurants, booking a package will save you money.

There's at least one bar in every public space, so you won't have to go far to whet your whistle.

Restaurants

Free restaurants

Waves, Panorama, L'Olive Dorée and L'Olivo D'Oro are MSC Meraviglia's four main dining rooms, where passengers can eat dinner for free. (Specific restaurants will also be open on certain days for breakfast and lunch, depending on the day's schedule.) Menus, which change daily, are the same across all four.

Waves, on Deck 5, is the smallest. The largest — L'Olive Dorée and L'Olivo D'Oro, which are mirrors of one another — are found on Deck 6, across from one another and flanking the hallway that eventually leads to Panorama. All four dining rooms offer set seating, except Panorama, which also accommodates passengers with Aurea bookings who have anytime dining.

As mentioned above, I was booked in the Yacht Club and dined in either the Yacht Club Restaurant or one of the specialty restaurants for dinner each night.

However, I did try lunch in Waves twice, as it was the only main dining room open to the ship's 3,000 passengers for lunch. The first time, we were seated at a table for two that might as well have been a table for six; it was so close to the tables for two on either side of it that there were only about 2 or 3 inches separating them.

After we sat, it took 15 minutes for someone to bring us water. We never received bread. It was another 10 minutes until our waiter took our food order, and not once did anyone ask us if we'd like something other than water to drink. When my travel companion finally requested a beer, the waiter's response was, "Be patient, sir." My jaw dropped.

The pacing between courses was silly. Our appetizers arrived shortly after we ordered, which was great, but mine — spinach and artichoke dip — arrived looking dried out and crusty with five broken chips on the side. (The waiter obliged when I requested a few more.) After the starters were cleared, it was another 10 minutes until our mains were delivered. I thoroughly enjoyed my cobb salad, but my beef burrito was build-your-own style, and it was largely flavorless.

My companion never did see the beer he ordered. Eventually, we gave up and left, as did the man at the table next to us, who said he had been waiting half an hour for a dessert that didn't materialize.

The second experience was significantly better, with our waiter seating us at a table for two near a window and asking if we wanted drinks (which arrived quickly). The food was still just OK, and both experiences were crowded and exceptionally loud.

MSC Meraviglia's buffet, Marketplace, spans the entire aft of Deck 15. It has a decent variety of stations, but the food is often the same from day to day. The layout is confusing to navigate, too, with lots of nooks and crannies that can make it difficult to find what you're looking for. It was crowded beyond reason during mealtimes, so I avoided it whenever possible, only eating there twice during the voyage for research purposes.

Stations include bread; salad; soup and pasta; a rotisserie section with a carving station and sides like mashed potatoes, rice and baked beans; cold cuts and cheeses; an "ethnic" counter, which tended to serve Asian and Indian cuisine; and outposts for desserts and both hot and cold drinks.

The pizza was both a highlight and a pleasant surprise. It comes out hot and fresh, and it's available by the slice in several types from two separate counters in the buffet.

There are some other small complimentary food locations throughout the ship, too, including a poolside grill with burgers, fries and hot dogs and an ice cream counter with free soft-serve in cones or cups and optional toppings.

Restaurants that cost extra

Hola! Tacos & Cantina is the Mexican restaurant on MSC's newest vessels. It offers tapas-style small plates; I highly encourage you to order a few, as there's a lot on the menu that's delicious. My favorites are the guacamole, tortilla soup and cheese quesadillas. For tacos, I highly recommend the Chipotle Carnitas (pulled pork with chipotle, black bean salsa and cilantro), Barbacoa (ancho-chili beef, chipotle and red cabbage) and Ancho Tingo (shredded chicken, poblano peppers and pico de gallo).

You can pay a la carte if you're in the mood for something light or go with the all-you-can-eat option if you've worked up a serious appetite.

Margaritas are also a must if you're craving an adult beverage. Basic margs are included in the line's alcohol packages, but specialty ones — featuring frozen flavors like mango and strawberry and on-the-rocks selections with smoky salt or sweet berry sugar rims — cost extra, ranging from $11.99 for a single drink to $30 for a 1-liter pitcher. There's also a selection of Spanish beer, fresh fruit juices, spiked milkshakes and other fun concoctions. The service was so great there that I returned on a different night just to order drinks.

If you've done one teppanyaki restaurant, you've done them all. Or at least that's what I thought when I grudgingly made a reservation at Kaito Teppanyaki, another of MSC's extra-charge dining choices.

Yes, the cheesy jokes, singalongs, "catch this food in your mouth when I throw it" challenges and other performative cooking are standard, but the actual dishes are so much tastier than any of a similar variety I've had on land. Top-notch quality and expert seasoning make the dishes stand out. (For context, I usually skip meat when I order teppanyaki, but the sirloin steak looked so good that I ordered it. I'm glad I did.)

Every person who orders receives miso soup and a small salad as starters, along with sushi and sashimi with tempura vegetables. Then they choose from one of several prix fixe menu options: Geisha (sea bass fillet and chicken breast), Samurai (Scottish salmon, tiger prawns and sirloin), Emperor (yellowfin tuna tataki, scallops and half of a Maine lobster), vegetarian (egg wash roll and sesame tofu steak) and a kids menu (spring chicken teriyaki with vegetables).

I ordered the Samurai, and the salmon and sirloin were absolutely delicious. All options include egg fried rice and a dessert of caramelized pineapple, ginger ice cream and mint. The latter was underwhelming. Drinks are limited to what's on the Kaito-specific menu (Japanese beer, whisky and sake, plus a small selection of wine by the glass and Champagne by the bottle).

Kaito also has a separate sushi bar with an a la carte selection of sushi, sashimi, nigiri, tataki, yakitori and other items, including combo platters and desserts.

Butcher's Cut, MSC Meraviglia's a la carte steakhouse, is heaven for meat lovers, but vegetarians beware: As expected, there's not a lot on the menu for you to eat, with the exception of some of the starters.

When you arrive, your waiter will bring a breadbasket for the table. Ours included baguettes, raisin walnut bread and bacon cheese rolls, but what stood out to me were the smoked maple and paprika butters served alongside them. They were so good.

Appetizers include burrata and beet salad, Caesar and house salads, hearts of palm, a goat cheese tart, shrimp, crabcakes and oysters Rockefeller. Or, if you're feeling extra-spendy, try one of the featured starters, such as caviar, a shellfish platter, bone marrow, Kobe sliders and foie deviled eggs. For soups, choose between smoked tomato and lobster chowder.

Non-steak mains consist of roasted chicken, scallops Benedict, halibut and sockeye salmon. However, if steak is what you're after, you can choose from a 36-ounce dry-aged tomahawk for two, 24-ounce dry-aged T-bone, 12-ounce flat iron, 8-ounce filet mignon, 20-ounce rib-eye, 14-ounce New York sirloin, 16-ounce American bison and 13-ounce double lamb chops.

I ate there on one night of my sailing and decided to go big by adding jumbo lump crab to my filet mignon. However, I misread the menu and didn't realize it was actually jumbo lump crab Oscar, which meant it arrived mixed with hollandaise sauce. It looked like scrambled eggs, and I'm not a hollandaise fan, so I didn't eat it.

The steak, however, was phenomenal, particularly with the accompanying sauces (mushroom, peppercorn, chimichurri and bearnaise). Each steak comes with one side; additional sides cost extra. Choose from Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, French fries, asparagus, onion rings, macaroni and cheese, and more.

Among the dessert options, the best are the chocolate lava cake, the New York cheesecake and the peanut butter and milk chocolate cookie.

I'm not a huge seafood fan, so I avoided Ocean Cay, but I heard rave reviews from other passengers. This intimate restaurant, found on Seaside-class ships and MSC Meraviglia, offers a menu of fresh fish and seafood dishes, as well as a selection of wines for appropriate pairing.

For a between-meal treat or a caffeinated pick-me-up, snacks and coffee tied to chocolatier and pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury are solid options. The cookies-and-cream gelato at the Jean-Philippe Crepes & Ice Cream counter is to die for, as is the Green Goddess smoothie, made with coconut juice, spinach, fresh mint, banana, passion fruit and lemon sorbet. They didn't have the lemon sorbet when I ordered, but I asked to substitute mango instead. It was exceptionally good.

At the cafe just across the way, you can buy chocolate replicas of the ship, chocolate bars with fun toppings like nuts and berries, macarons and candy by the pound, as well as gift boxes of sweets. It also sells coffee drinks that include espresso, cappuccino, Americano, lattes and spiked coffees.

If you're a coffee lover who's heading ashore at MSC's private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve , you won't want to miss the extra-fee Coco-Nilla Latte, found at The Smiling Fish. A combination of espresso, vanilla syrup and coconut milk, either hot or iced, it's far and away my favorite coffee drink anywhere, ever.

A more affordable option than most alternative restaurants is room service. My pick is the pizza, which will be delivered to your room hot and fresh, with a variety of options available, including Margherita, vegetable, pepperoni, four cheese, marinara, MSC style (tomato sauce, ham, arugula, mozzarella, Grana Padano cheese and olive oil) and supreme. It's free if you're staying in the Yacht Club. A la carte pricing and delivery fees will apply to other cabin types, depending on the experience package you book.

As with most cruise ships, you don't have to go far to find a stiff drink on MSC Meraviglia.

My go-to was the Brass Anchor Pub, reminiscent of an English local where you can snag a bottle or a pint and some extra-fee pub grub. TVs throughout the space broadcast a variety of sporting events (subject to satellite availability), and trivia and live music take place there throughout the sailing.

I also spent some time at the Casino Imperiale bar, which was open on my sailing longer than any of the other onboard watering holes. It serves a selection of beer and cocktails.

The centrally located Meraviglia Bar & Lounge, found along Galleria Meraviglia (the ship's promenade) next to Jean-Philippe Chocolate & Cafe, is also home to trivia competitions, live music and dancing throughout the day. It's the bar often frequented by passengers before and after shows in the nearby Broadway Theatre.

Sky Lounge is the place to be for sweeping views through floor-to-ceiling windows. It provides a comfy and often quiet space to read, work or gather with friends.

If you're seeking the oft-missed cigar lounge, look for the entrance on the starboard (right, when facing forward) side of the Sky Lounge entrance, or enter the lounge and follow it around to the starboard side.

Edge Cocktail Bar is another centrally located place to grab beer, wine and specialty cocktails — including the delicious Purple Rain, a combo of vodka, white rum, blue curacao, gin, peach schnapps, sweet and sour, and grenadine that turns a shade of purple when you mix it. One deck above it is the Champagne Bar, which sometimes also serves seafood. One deck below is the Infinity Bar, so named because it's found at the base of the Infinity Atrium.

The ship's TV Studio & Bar is where you can find the cruise director filming the ship's daily morning show the night before. It's also the site of trivia competitions, several of which were standing-room-only.

There's a Sports Bar in the ship's Sportplex, but I never saw it open, even when the area was crowded. Three bars (Atmosphere Bar North, Atmosphere Bar South and Bamboo Bar) by the main Atmosphere Pool serve up classic umbrella drinks, as well as beer and other libations. You'll also find bars in the Marketplace Buffet, on the Yacht Club sun deck and in the Yacht Club Top Sail Lounge.

MSC Meraviglia activities

MSC Meraviglia hosts a variety of activities to keep you busy when you're not ashore. You might start your day with a free guided morning stretch or aerobics, or pop into the gym for a self-led session or a for-fee class like yoga or spin.

The daytime schedule features plenty of options for those with a competitive spirit. They range from golf putting, foosball, Ping-Pong soccer and pickleball tournaments to giant darts and trivia (visual trivia like airline logos and "name that place," as well as "name that tune" and general knowledge trivia).

If you'd rather get your groove on, keep an eye out for dance lessons and themed parties hosted by the entertainment team. My favorite was the Snow Party, when the crew blasted fake snow (which appeared to be suds of some sort) as we danced on the blazing hot pool deck.

Napkin folding, bingo, movie screenings, arts and crafts, and passenger talent shows (yes, you have to audition) round out the list of pastimes.

As you pass back and forth between events, don't miss the regularly scheduled dome shows along the Galleria Meraviglia promenade. You'll see the LED projections on the ceiling, covering topics like famous ceilings, dinosaurs, space and the changing of the seasons.

Beware of seminars on jewelry, health and wellness, and other topics that are thinly veiled sales pitches.

Feeling like a day of swimming or sunbathing? Pull up a lounge chair by the main Atmosphere Pool. If you're looking for a more sauna-like experience, head to the Solarium's covered Bamboo Pool; check out the aft Horizon Pool for better views and more peace and quiet. There's also a small pool on the private Yacht Club sun deck.

Looking to relax in a hot tub instead? You can find two of them one deck up from the Atmosphere Pool, as well as two at the Bamboo Pool and one on Deck 18's aft sun deck (behind Sportplex). There's also one at the Yacht Club Pool.

The Polar Aquapark on Deck 19 aft offers plenty of wet fun for kids and adults. Attractions include three slides — a bowl slide, where riders awkwardly end in the bowl and then exit via a flight of steps, and two twisty slides that require rafts — and a splash area with sprayers and dump buckets. There's no fee to use the space, but you'll need to sign a waiver and obtain a wristband before riding the waterslides.

Speaking of children, the ship has a dedicated kids club, called Doremiland (named after the cruise line's mascot, Doremi, as in the first three notes of a musical scale). The club is divided into Baby Club (infants and toddlers up to 3 years), Mini Club (ages 3 to 6 years), Junior Club (7 to 11 years), Young Club (12 to 14 years) and Teen Club (15 to 17 years).

Each group has age-appropriate activities scheduled, and all — except the tweens and teens, who can come and go as they please — are heavily supervised by qualified staff. Sample activities might include storytime, arts and crafts, and Lego playtime for younger children, while tweens and teens enjoy less structured pastimes like video games and dance parties.

MSC Meraviglia shows

As with most MSC ships, MSC Meraviglia's entertainment is stellar. From free live music, theater shows and promenade dance parties to extra-fee Cirque du Soleil-style performances, the options are varied and feature talented singers, dancers, magicians, acrobats and more.

Each production show is offered once per sailing, at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. in the Broadway Theatre. Some are staples, while others rotate.

"Born to Rock," "One Day More," "Cool" and "Journey" are the ship's recurring shows, which each appear once per weeklong cruise. They focus on popular songs in the rock 'n' roll and pop genres, Broadway hits, music from the '70s and '80s, and cultural favorites from Spain, Italy, France and more.

As part of a rotating selection of limited-time performers, English duo The Conjurors performed two shows during my sailing, featuring numbers games, mindreading and pre-show predictions that impressively came true by the end. The duo is scheduled for more than a dozen sailings. Other limited-engagement performers include comedians and pianists.

Speaking of limited-time performances, on the second-to-last night of the voyage, I sat in the theater unsure of what to expect from the headliner, Lorraine Crosby. "You might be thinking, 'She sounds like the lady who sings that Meat Loaf song.' Well, that's because I am the lady who sings that Meat Loaf song," Crosby joked. Her biggest claim to fame is that she rocked the female vocals in Meat Loaf's "I'd Do Anything for Love, But I Won't Do That."

What followed was a vocal performance that gave me chills. Crosby's range and ability to adapt to different genres are astounding. She belted out favorites by Queen, Tina Turner and Celine Dion and arguably did a better job of it than they did.

On the final night on board, she held an intimate performance for Yacht Club passengers in the suite area's private lounge. Again, I shivered as she took on the likes of Adele, AC/DC and others.

Another free entertainment option worth mentioning is daytime street theater that includes contortionists, roving musicians, magic workshops and flash mob-style performances by the onboard singers and dancers. If you happen to be passing through the promenade area when a flash mob happens, you're likely to see a punk rock-themed song-and-dance routine or, perhaps, one where the cast is dressed up like flowers, insects and birds.

Shows for a fee

Carousel Productions, MSC's own brand of Cirque du Soleil-style shows, are offered six days a week on MSC Meraviglia, with each of two shows — "House of Houdini" and "Rock Circus" — running three nights, on alternating days, with two performances each night (8 p.m. and 10 p.m.). Originally designed to house dinner theater, the Carousel Lounge is set up as a theater in the round and no longer serves food. (That ended when the cruise line shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the line has no current plans to bring it back.)

The for-fee performances levy a nominal charge for attendance and include a welcome drink for each showgoer.

"Rock Circus" is a mix of acrobatics, aerial performances, and song and dance to some of rock's greatest hits, including songs by Guns N' Roses and AC/DC.

"House of Houdini," which follows a clearer storyline than "Rock Circus," loosely tells the tale of Houdini's great underwater escape from a straitjacket and chains. A group of singers, dancers, acrobats and aerialists dressed as circus performers show Houdini the ropes as he prepares for his greatest feat.

MSC Meraviglia itineraries and pricing

Through at least September 2024, MSC Meraviglia is sailing seven- and eight-night voyages to Nassau and Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas from Brooklyn.

It also features six-night Bermuda cruises that spend three days docked at King's Wharf, as well as 10- and 11-night Canada and New England sailings that feature calls on Boston; Portland, Maine; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; and Saint John, New Brunswick. The 11-night itinerary also visits Newport, Rhode Island.

A couple of 11-night Western Caribbean voyages visit Port Canaveral (the port for Orlando) and Miami in Florida, Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico and Ocean Cay.

MSC Meraviglia offers some of the lowest prices in the industry. At the time of publication, inside cabin prices were starting from $299 per person ($43 per person per night) for a seven-night Bahamas cruise, $379 per person ($63 per person per night) for a six-night Bermuda sailing, $449 per person ($41 per person per night) for an 11-night Western Caribbean voyage and $619 per person ($56 per person per night) for an 11-night trip to Canada and New England.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

As with a sailing on any ship, there's certain paperwork you'll need to cruise on MSC Meraviglia. If you're a U.S. citizen sailing from and returning to a U.S. port, you can sail with either an official copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license (both are required) or a passport. I recommend the latter, and it must be valid for at least six months.

MSC Cruises adds an automatic service charge of $14.50 per person, per day, to final bills on all sailings. For children 2 and older, the daily charge is half, or $7.25.

Also, a 15% gratuity is added to bills at bars for cruisers who do not have a drinks package. If you have a drinks package, you'll pay a 15% service charge when you purchase the package, but not on individual drinks. A 15% service charge is also added to items in minibars, salons and spas.

MSC Cruises' Wi-Fi, available through the MSC for Me app, is fast enough to be competitive with all of the other major cruise lines. But pricing varies, based on the number of devices you use and whether you're OK with simply browsing the web and checking e-mail or would prefer to use Netflix or other streaming services.

Expect to pay about $72 for one device with unlimited data on a basic package. A two-device plan for the same runs about $109. There's also a four-device plan for about $223. If streaming video is what you're hoping to do, you'll need one of the more expensive plans, which range from about $100 to more than $300.

Be warned that plans are tied to specific devices, and you cannot switch between them. For example, if you buy a one-device package, you cannot use it for your cellphone, log out and then log back in with your tablet. In that case, you would need to purchase a two-device package.

MSC's MSC for Me app allows passengers on the same ship to chat with one another for free without purchasing a Wi-Fi package. The app also lets you make dining reservations, check the daily schedule and view your onboard bill.

Carry-on drinks policy

MSC does not allow passengers to bring any of their own alcohol on board.

Smoking policy

Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is permitted in a few designated areas, including the port side of the main pool deck. It's also allowed on one side of the casino. Nonsmokers, beware: The separate sides do nothing to keep the smell from wafting. It was enough to keep me away from the area for the duration of my sailing. Smoking isn't allowed in cabins or on cabin balconies; violators will receive a $250 fine.

MSC Cruises does not offer self-service laundry facilities on any of its ships. However, passengers can send their clothing out to be washed, folded, pressed or dry-cleaned for a fee.

Electrical outlets

MSC Meraviglia's cabins all have a mix of 110-volt North American outlets, 220-volt European outlets and USB ports. In my Yacht Club balcony stateroom, I had three North American outlets, three European outlets and one USB port, all at the desk/vanity area — none near the bed.

The onboard currency for MSC Meraviglia when it sails from New York is the U.S. dollar.

Drinking age

You must be 21 to consume alcohol on MSC Meraviglia's sailings from the U.S.

Passengers on MSC Meraviglia's warm-weather itineraries from Brooklyn can be found in T-shirts, shorts, bathing suits and cover-ups during the day, when there's no set dress code.

The line's American clientele tends to dress more casually at night, as well, but the line suggests "smart casual" attire for dinner. That might include khakis with button-down or polo-style collared shirts for men and sundresses or nice pants with a flowy top for women. Dark, unripped jeans are also acceptable for both men and women.

On "gala" evenings (usually one per weeklong sailing), the dress code is more refined. Passengers might choose to wear tuxedos, suits, khakis with button-downs and blazers, cocktail dresses or sparkly ball gowns.

On my sailing, the ship also had "tropical" and "white" listed on the daily schedule as suggested attire. Pack accordingly.

Bottom line

MSC Meraviglia is a beautiful ship with great food, shows and public spaces, but it has a few pain points.

In addition to feeling crowded, the vessel charges extra for many things that will make your overall cruise better. If you're on a strict budget, either resign yourself to doing only the free activities and eating in the main dining room and buffet, or plan to sail with a different cruise line.

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MSC for Me App

MSC TECHNOLOGY AT THE SERVICE OF THE ART OF HOSPITALITY Every cruise is a special time. And now, MSC for Me , available on all the smart ships in our fleet*, helps each guest enjoy every moment in their own special way.

Using digital technology that literally interconnects the guests, the crew and the ship, your time on board is in your hands. Guests will experience a more seamless, connected, carefree holiday, at no extra charge. The easy-to-use interactive touchscreens around the ship, the In-Cabin Smart TV and the app are all designed to help Guests better relax and enjoy their holiday with family and friends. DOWNLOAD THE FREE MSC FOR ME APP BEFORE YOU LEAVE TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR CRUISE

*Available for guests travelling on all ships except for MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera and MSC Orchestra. Coming soon on MSC World America. The MSC for Me app functionality may vary from ship to ship and across different countries

MSC for me FEATURES

Save valuable time.

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New MSC for Me features personalize guests’ cruise experience even more, for a holiday that meets their individual needs. When and where they want.

MSC for Me Wristband* (from age 12) a wearable waterproof device, to enjoy ship without cruise card, making purchases, booking services and unlocking cabin
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Pre-cruise booking means Guests can access MSC for me and start planning and purchasing services in advance. And mobile check-in enables a smoother embarkation
Zoe**, your in-cabin Bluetooth speaker. Connect with your mobile device, and enjoy your favourite playlist and songs throughout the cruise!

*Included for MSC Yacht Club benefits. **Available for guests travelling on MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa and MSC Virtuosa.

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Are the wrist bands reusable?

By Skier52 , March 13, 2018 in MSC Cruises

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sandpiper35

If it is the same RFID technology used in other vacation resorts, they should be. The system can be programed to read them.

Technically I´d say yes. On RCI ships they can be reprogrammed. Anyway we´ve been told "no". The wristbands do have the muster station printed on them. So they might not do it.

Thank you both for the information

Given the fact that ship specific safety information is printed on the band, I have to conclude that I won't be able to reuse it on Seaview

Thanks once again

Thank you both for the information Given the fact that ship specific safety information is printed on the band, I have to conclude that I won't be able to reuse it on Seaview Thanks once again Pete

You should take them, because they might exchange it for a relevant band at no charge. Royal Caribbean says you can reuse the bands and I assume that's what they'll do, since the muster station is printed on theirs also.

That's a good idea and I shall certainly try it

Pete - we were given to believe that our Meraviglia bands were re-usable (though that doesn't make sense, unless, as another poster has said, they can be re-programmed). I'd say bring them and ask for an exchange on that basis. Our next outing on Meraviglia will, again, be in YC, so I won't have to do it.

1fifthavenue

Just out of interest, and sorry to hijack your thread Pete! How do you find the wristbands? Personally I can't see that I'd like wearing one - I struggle to keep a watch on for the whole day

Just out of interest, and sorry to hijack your thread Pete! How do you find the wristbands? Personally I can't see that I'd like wearing one - I struggle to keep a watch on for the whole day Tim

We gave up using them after the first day or so. One of the reasons was that I was afraid that by getting too used to them, I'd forget to have my cruisecard on me when getting off at ports (which you must still use at security). Another was, it was a bit of a nuisance and not easy to put on/remove.

Pete ... I think the fact that they have the muster station on them will negate further use on other ships.

I would give it a try and ask at guest services whether they can be reprogrammed. As I said technically it should be possible.

I do have similar bands from RCI - two different ships, some with muster station, some without - we were able to use both on another RCI ship - despite the fact that at least one of them had a muster station printed on it.

despite the fact that at least one of them had a muster station printed on it.

SB ... The problem is that should there be an issue with the ship people will look at the wristband see the details of the muster station and go there instead of where they should go!

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COMMENTS

Yacht Club Wristbands?
Rare. Members. 4.7k. September 25, 2003. Newquay, Cornwall, UK. #3. Posted September 6. We've been on Virtuosa 3 times all in YC, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The only time we had wristbands was in 2021 when all the covid restrictions were in place, never seen them since.
MSC Wristbands
MSC Wristbands. By sailorchick17, December 2, 2019 in MSC Cruises. Share More sharing options... Followers 1. Recommended Posts. sailorchick17. Posted December 2, 2019. sailorchick17. Members; ... Our Yacht Club wristbands were in the cabin with the cruise cards on embarking day.
Wrist bands??
APDMOM. On 2/5/2023 at 12:11 PM, Até said: Wrist bands are only available on newer ships, Meraviglia and later. Aurea and Yacht Club experiences get wrist bands and regular cards. Bella and Fantastica experiences can purchase the wrist bands for a nominal fee. We were Fantastica on Meraviglia in November.
25 ways to take advantage of staying in MSC Cruises Yacht Club
11. Visit Ocean House at Ocean Cay. One of the major perks of staying in the Yacht Club is access to the suite-only area at Ocean Cay. MSC has gone to great lengths to reinvigorate these islands, planting thousands of bushes and trees, along with recolonizing coral reefs.
MSC Wristbands : r/MSCCruises
MSC Wristbands . My husband and I bought the MSC wristbands that can be used instead of your keycard for ordering drinks and scanning into your room while on the Meraviglia. Does anyone know if these can be used on future MSC cruises? ... Included if yacht club members. Also, for yacht club members, they double as a priority elevator token ...
15 Things You Need To Know Before Cruising With MSC
MSC For Me Wristband. In addition to a cruise card, MSC has an optional wristband wearable device available at an extra charge. ... MSC Yacht Club is for those who want the ultimate cruise experience. You'll have access to private dining venues, an exclusive sun deck, and 24-hour butler service when you're a Yacht Club member. ...
Our All-You-Need-To-Know Guide To MSC Yacht Club
MSC for Me Wristband (on all digital ships) for making purchases, booking services and unlocking your cabin; MSC Yacht Club adds the personal, exclusive element to the large cruise ship experience. You still get to enjoy all the new, exciting features of the mega-style cruise ships but then have a haven of first-class luxury where you can enjoy ...
MSC Yacht Club: An overview of what's included
The MSC Yacht Club experience offers a wide arrange of benefits, most included in the cruise fare: General: Dedicated priority check-in and check-out, along with priority departure and return on port days. 24-hour butler and room service, as well as a dedicated concierge. MSC for Me wristband (where available)
MSC Yacht Club Wristbands From MSC Seascape 2024
Explore the high seas with these exclusive MSC Yacht Club Wristbands from the MSC Seascape 2024. These wristbands are a must-have for any cruise ship enthusiast who wants to add a touch of elegance to their collection. The design features the iconic MSC Yacht Club logo and is made with high-quality materials that will withstand the test of time. </p><br /><p>Perfect for collectors of all ages ...
MSC for Me: discover the new MSC Cruise Ship app
MSC for Me Wristband* (from age 12) a wearable waterproof device, to enjoy ship without cruise card, making purchases, booking services and unlocking cabin ... *Included for MSC Yacht Club benefits. **Available for guests travelling on MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa and MSC Virtuosa. TAILORED TO YOU STAY IN TOUCH WITH EACH OTHER Peace of mind is ...
Wristband
New to MSC, what is the wristband for? Wristbands can be used on the ship to open the cabin door, make purchases in bars and shops, and to enter the theater shows when reservations are needed. ... Wristbands are used by Yacht Club guests to give to their friends and family residing in cabins outside the YC to gain access to the YC and all its ...
MSC Wristbands
February 19, 2008. #7. Posted March 18, 2022. To clarify, not all wristbands created equally. Mera had a Fitbit slim style. On Divinia if in YC, to go to OH you were given the old style rubber bands. Never recall being so hard to get on.
Cruise Review: MSC Yacht Club on MSC Meraviglia
MSC Yacht Club is offered on many MSC ships, and on Meraviglia it is located in a complex spanning Decks 14 to 19 at the front of the ship and only accessible by your key card or a wristband (wearable wireless tech that acts the same as your sea pass card). This was our first stay in MSC Yacht Club.
MSC Cruises' Yacht Club Sails to the Top
MSC is the third largest cruise line with a fleet of 23 modern ships offering sailings around the world and in the U.S. from Miami, Port Canaveral and New York. In November 2025, MSC Cruises will begin sailing from Galveston with 7-night Western Caribbean sailings onboard MSC Seascape. Launched in December 2022, MSC Seascape is a great ship for ...
Why MSC Cruises' New Ship Is the Caribbean's Best Kept Secret: Live
Our MSC for Me wristband worked to access the MSC Yacht Club, open our cabin door and order drinks throughout the ship. We were also readily able to access the MSC app to check schedules and ...
MSC Cruises MSC Meraviglia ship review
The MSC Yacht Club is a private section on select MSC ships that offers cabins across several categories, including suites. ... area with sprayers and dump buckets. There's no fee to use the space, but you'll need to sign a waiver and obtain a wristband before riding the waterslides. Speaking of children, the ship has a dedicated kids club ...
Just scored an upgrade to Yacht Club on the Meraviglia
You'll have a wristband that does everything except let you on/off the boat as far as charging for things or unlocking your door. ... So from that perspective, the two things that are most intoxicatingly delightful for me about MSC Yacht Club are: (1) anything that is slightly "askew" or would require waiting in line is taken care of, such as ...
Safety for foreigners in Krasnodar
I spent time in Krasnodar, Simferopol, Sevastopol, last summer. The only danger or annoyance is the sun. From 15°C with rain home to 35°C sunny, it was a shock.
MSC for Me App: Download the MSC Cruises App
MSC for Me Wristband* (from age 12) a wearable waterproof device, to enjoy ship without cruise card, making purchases, booking services and unlocking cabin ... *Included for MSC Yacht Club benefits. **Available for guests travelling on MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa and MSC Virtuosa. TAILORED TO YOU STAY IN TOUCH WITH EACH OTHER Peace of mind is ...
Anapa-Marina Yacht Club
Anapa-Marina Yacht Club. 7 reviews. Boat ToursWater Sports. This location was reported permanently closed. Write a review. See all photos. About. Anapa, Krasnodar Krai, Russia. Contact.
Confused
Posted August 31, 2022. Depends on the ship. Only ships with MSC for Me installed (Seaside-class and Meraviglia-class) can use the wristbands that do anything. The wristbands used on the Fantasia-class (Divina etc) for Yacht Club are purely for visual identification. All MSC cruise cards on all ships have a hole prepunched for lanyard use.
Yacht club Sochi
Yacht club Sochi. 4.5. 16 reviews. Boat Tours. This location was reported permanently closed. Write a review. See all photos. Full view. 4. About. Read more. Sochi, Krasnodar Krai, Russia. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Improve this listing. Yacht club Sochi. Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor.
Krasnodar Krai
The capital Krasnodar is located on the Kuban River. The Krasnodar Krai is home to Sochi, Russia's most famous resort city. It is located on the black sea coast and is one of the warmest areas within Russia. Sochi will host the 2014 Winter Olympic Games and Paralympic Winter Games. The city is also expected to host games of the Football World ...
Are the wrist bands reusable?
Hey Tina said: You should take them, because they might exchange it for a relevant band at no charge. Royal Caribbean says you can reuse the bands and I assume that's what they'll do, since the muster station is printed on theirs also. That's a good idea and I shall certainly try it. Thanks. Pete.

15 Things You Need To Know Before Cruising With MSC

15 Things To Know Before Cruising With MSC

2. MSC Safety Drill

3. Elevators

4. Bring a White Outfit

5. Guests Speak Many Different Languages

6. Status Match

7. MSC Cruise Ship Hot Tubs Aren’t Actually Hot

8. Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve Private Island

9. MSC For Me Wristband

10. Bars Serve Espresso and Specialty Coffee

11. Certain Activities Cost Extra

12. There Won’t Be Many Americans on European Sailings

13. Different Booking Process

14. MSC Yacht Club

15. The Pizza Lives Up to the Hype

Bonus: Download The MSC App

Video: Our First MSC Cruise Wasn’t What We Expected. Here’s Why

Final Thoughts On Things To Know About Cruising With MSC

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MSC Cruises is a Swiss global cruise line based in Geneva, Switzerland, with U.S. cruises departing from Miami, Port Canaveral and New York. Next year, they will add Galveston to their port repertoire.

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