MSC Meraviglia 7-Day Western Caribbean Cruise Review (Itinerary A)
The MSC Meraviglia is a modern, state-of-the-art cruise ship designed for luxury travel. It was built by STX France at their shipyard in Saint-Nazaire and entered service in June 2017.
The ship has a length of 315 meters (1,033 feet) and a width of 43 meters (141 feet), with a maximum capacity of 5,714 passengers and a crew of 1,536. It has 19 decks, with 2,244 staterooms and suites.
The ship is powered by two 16-cylinder diesel engines, each generating 16,800 kW of power, and two 20-cylinder diesel engines, each generating 22,400 kW of power. It has a maximum speed of 22.7 knots (42 km/h) and is equipped with four bow thrusters and two stern thrusters for maneuvering.
The MSC Meraviglia features a variety of entertainment options, including a water park with four slides, a full-size bowling alley, a casino, a 4D cinema, a Formula 1 simulator, and a theater with seating for 1,000 people. There are also numerous dining options, with 12 different restaurants and 20 bars and lounges.
The ship is equipped with advanced safety and environmental features, including an advanced wastewater treatment system, a ballast water treatment system, and a garbage management system. It also features a state-of-the-art fire detection and suppression system, as well as advanced navigation and communication equipment.
MSC Meraviglia 7-Day Western Caribbean Cruise Review
Date: October 23 – 30, 2022
Itinerary:
Port Canaveral, FL: The MSC Meraviglia is one of the cruise ships that regularly visit Port Canaveral, a major cruise port located on the east coast of Florida, USA. The ship typically docks at one of the port’s seven terminals, which are equipped to handle large cruise ships like the Meraviglia.
When the MSC Meraviglia calls at Port Canaveral, passengers can explore the local area, including nearby attractions like the Kennedy Space Center and the beaches of Cape Canaveral. The port is also a popular departure point for cruises to destinations in the Caribbean and the Bahamas, with the Meraviglia offering a range of itineraries to these regions.
Nassau, Bahamas: Nassau is the capital city of the Bahamas, located on the island of New Providence. It is a popular destination for cruise ships, with many major cruise lines including it as a port of call on their Caribbean itineraries. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and colorful architecture, and has a rich history and culture.
When cruise ships arrive in Nassau, passengers have the opportunity to explore the city and its surrounding area, including popular attractions such as the Queen’s Staircase, Fort Charlotte, and the Nassau Straw Market. The city is also home to a range of restaurants, bars, and shops, offering a taste of Bahamian cuisine and culture.
In addition to its cultural and historic attractions, Nassau is a popular destination for water sports and outdoor activities. The city is known for its world-class snorkeling and scuba diving sites, and there are numerous opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities.
Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas: Ocean Cay is a private island destination exclusively owned and operated by MSC Cruises, a major cruise line based in Geneva, Switzerland. The island is located in the Bahamas, close to the city of Nassau, and is part of the Bimini chain of islands.
The island was developed by MSC Cruises to serve as a destination for its cruise passengers and features a range of activities and amenities designed to offer a unique and immersive Caribbean island experience. The island is designed to be an eco-friendly destination, with a focus on sustainability and conservation.
Ocean Cay offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors, including swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding. There are also several beaches, a lighthouse, a marine reserve, and a variety of restaurants and bars serving local and international cuisine.
One of the main attractions of MSC Ocean Cay is the evening entertainment, which includes live music and dance performances, as well as a spectacular light show over the ocean. The island also offers a range of wellness activities, such as yoga and meditation sessions.
Overall, Ocean Cay is designed to offer cruise passengers a unique and immersive Caribbean island experience, with a focus on sustainability and conservation. The island is accessible exclusively to MSC Cruises’ passengers and is a popular destination on the company’s Caribbean itineraries.
Costa Maya, Mexico: Costa Maya is a popular cruise port located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. The port is situated in the state of Quintana Roo, near the town of Mahahual, and is a popular destination for cruise lines operating in the Western Caribbean.
The Costa Maya cruise port was built specifically for cruise ship passengers and features a range of amenities and attractions. The port has a large pier capable of accommodating several cruise ships at once, as well as extensive facilities for passenger check-in, baggage handling, and shore excursions.
One of the main attractions of Costa Maya is the nearby Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which is the second-largest coral reef system in the world. The port offers a range of activities for visitors, such as snorkeling and scuba diving, to explore the beautiful underwater world of the reef. Other activities available include swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding.
In addition to the natural attractions, the port has a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops offering local and international cuisine and souvenirs. There is also a cultural center showcasing the history and culture of the Mayan civilization, as well as a variety of other entertainment options such as dance performances and live music.
Cozumel, Mexico: Cozumel is a popular cruise port located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. It is the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean and is situated in the state of Quintana Roo, near the Yucatan Peninsula. The port is a popular destination for cruise lines operating in the Western Caribbean.
The Cozumel cruise port is one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean, with several large piers capable of accommodating multiple cruise ships at once. The port has extensive facilities for passenger check-in, baggage handling, and shore excursions, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants offering local and international cuisine and souvenirs.
Cozumel is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and coral reefs, making it a popular destination for water-based activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of other activities, such as exploring ancient Mayan ruins, zip-lining through the jungle, or taking a tour of the island’s tequila distilleries.
In addition to its natural attractions, Cozumel has a rich history and culture, with many museums and cultural centers showcasing the island’s past and present. The island is also known for its lively nightlife, with a variety of bars and nightclubs offering live music and entertainment.
MSC Meraviglia Accommodations:
For this 7-day Western Caribbean cruise on MSC Meraviglia, I booked a Deluxe Balcony stateroom with an obstructed balcony, 8108, on deck 8. The MSC Meraviglia has several categories of obstructed balcony staterooms, which are designed to offer guests a more affordable option for a balcony stateroom while still providing some views of the sea. These staterooms are located on various decks throughout the ship.
Obstructed balcony staterooms typically have a partially obstructed view due to the positioning of lifeboats or other equipment on the ship’s exterior. The specific level of obstruction can vary based on the location of the stateroom and the ship’s design.
The obstructed balcony staterooms on the MSC Meraviglia are generally similar in size and layout to the ship’s other balcony staterooms, with a few differences. The staterooms typically measure around 215-236 square feet and can accommodate up to four guests, with two twin beds that can convert to a queen-sized bed and a sofa bed or bunk bed.
The obstructed view from the balcony may vary depending on the location of the stateroom, but typically includes a view of the sea or the ship’s surroundings. The view may be partially obstructed by lifeboats or other equipment on the exterior of the ship, which may block some or all of the view depending on the specific location.
Overall, the obstructed balcony staterooms on the MSC Meraviglia offer guests a more affordable option for a balcony stateroom, while still providing some views of the sea. While the view may be partially obstructed, these staterooms still offer a private balcony space and the same range of amenities as the ship’s other balcony staterooms, including a private bathroom, air conditioning, a TV, and a minibar.
Personal Day-By-Day MSC Meraviglia Cruise Review:
Photo Tour of MSC Meraviglia
From its elegant design to its world-class amenities, the Meraviglia is an architectural masterpiece that combines the latest in technology, entertainment, and comfort. In my MSC Meraviglia Photo Tour, we will take you on a journey through the ship, highlighting some of its most impressive features and giving you a glimpse into what life is like onboard. From the stunning LED dome in the atrium to the thrilling water park, from the luxurious spa to the expansive dining options, the Meraviglia is a ship that truly has something for everyone.