MSC MERAVIGLIA DUBLIN VISIT
I was lucky enough to be invited to the Launch of MSC Meraviglia in Le Harve, although there we stayed on board for 1 night I really felt like we missed a lot of the the facilities and features so when she came to Dublin for the day myself and the team jumped at the chance to go on-board to explore. As Meraviglia is so big and to ensure we saw as much as possible MSC decided to split us into difference groups, I did a ship tour and experienced the specialty dinning on-board, Linda was lucky to be pampered in the exclusive Yacht Club and Sinead who is a big child at heart got to explore the kids facilities on-board. All 3 of us were so impressed with Meraviglia and would HIGHLY recommend her.
Overview.
MSC Meraviglia (Pronounced MEER-A-VEEL-YA) translated from Italian means Wonder & MSC have certainly created a ship that is not only WONDERful but is a game changer in the cruise industry. Meraviglia marks a brand new chapter for MSC Cruises as she is the first of their ultra modern Vista Class Ships. She combines State-of -the -art technology with elegance & Style.
Kids Entertainment
Meraviglia is the ultimate kids playground for the young and young at heart. We had a fantastic time trying out the flight simulator on board, although our piloting skills left a lot to be desired!! For a bit of adrenaline the 5D Cinema was super and the F1 Simulator was a huge hit with some of the more competitive agents on board 🙂 Meraviglia also have a full size bowling alley & a 2 storey indoor sports court which overlooks the ocean. But one of the best parts of the entertainment options has to be the Waterslides and Aqua Park on the top deck, The bigger kids loved the super slides and the younger kids with us really had a great time in the water park. For the really brave there is a high ropes course on the top deck which affords incredible views but none of us were brave enough to give it a go!!
MSC’S kids & teen club are fantastic. They have an exclusive partnership with Lego (So there is lots of lego play onboard) and Chicco so there are buggies, bottle warmers and Bouncy chairs available on-board. The designated Kids areas are very spacious which tons of toys and facilities. They run from 0900 – 2300 everyday.
Entertainment & Dining
The Interior design of Meraviglia is very glamours which crystal encrusted staircases and lots of sparkle. One of the most breath-taking areas on Meraviglia is the 315ft promenade with LED ceiling, this incredible ceiling changes its visual shows throughout the day and night. It displays everything from the sparkling stars at night, The Cistine Chapel, Pre-Historic Dinosaurs and Fireworks. Along the promenade you’ll find lots of restaurants, bars and shops. It really feels like an Italian street with it’s faux brick décor and Med design.
There is over 20 bars & Restaurants on-board Meraviglia including Japanese Teppanyaki which is a fantastic show from the chefs, the biggest buffet restaurant I’ve ever seen where they freshly bake Bread, pizza’s and make their own Mozzarella daily, The stunning main dinning room, An American Steak House, An Italian, a Poolside Snack bar and even a sushi bar. If you fancy a tipple you can sup a pint in the Brass Anchor traditional pub, have a cool cocktail at the pool or sip a glass of Champagne in the Champagne Bar.
I eat in the Japanese restaurant when she was in Dublin and the food was great but there was a lot of it! We had Tempura for the 1st course, Then Miso Soup, Then Pan Fried Hake & Asparagus, The Egg Fried Rice, Then Chicken & Vegetable Stir-Fry and finally a dessert!!!! It was fabulous but the star of the show was our chef, he made the whole experience such fun.
The other amazing area of the ship is the Sky Bar which is Adults Only, it has stunning views of the Big Screen over the pool with floor to ceiling windows. They have live piano and classical music in the background which is wonderfully relaxing.
Cabin Details
Although all the cabins were full on the day and we couldn’t get access to any of the cabins I had seen a selection of their cabins when I was on the launch. Meraviglia offer a range of cabins, Inside (No Window), Ocean View (Window./Porthole), Balcony Cabin, Family Plus Cabins, Super Family Cabins and Aurea Suites.
Balcony Cabins
We stayed in a balcony cabin which was lovely. The cabin was spacious and very well equipped, it had everything you would need including a sofa, flat screen TV and proper hair dryer.
Family Cabins
Meraviglia has outstanding family cabins, they offer Family Plus Cabins & Super Family Cabins for up to 10 passengers. These fabulous cabins are interconnecting so they offer plenty of space with the added convenience of larger parties being altogether.
We were all so very impressed with Meraviglia. This ship is perfect for everyone who likes big ships with lots of activities, good food and excellent entertainment. It is ideal for Families in particular Multi -generational families & couples. There simply is something for everyone.