ZandZ

Hi. I was on the same cruise as you. I am sorry you got stuck in a sucky cabin! This was my second time with MSC and while I am planning another cruise on the Meraviglia, I will not be back on Magnifica. Maybe it is just too small for me, although I really liked all my cruises with Majesty of the Sea which is also a smaller ship. And yes, finding public bathrooms was a pain! They are not marked properly and I had to keep asking staff. My son and I had the non-alcoholic package and every venue we went to for drinks was great. Bar service was one of the best out of any cruise I've been on. I agree with your overall assessment of the MDR - I wasn't crazy about any of the entrees, the appetizers were fine. I do not like sweets but my son said the cheesecake was good. As a mafist (pescatarian+poultry, basically no mammals, and yes, there is a name for everything nowdays), I found that my body was craving protein other than eggs and salmon, and there wasn't much there unless i wanted to eat the dry chicken breast. Again, I did not have this issue on the Mera, there were more choices both in the buffet and the dining room. Plus the low ceiling in the MDR made me a bit uncomfortable. Our room was tidied up *at least* 3 times a day, and that was very impressive. That was actually better that the other MSC cruise I was on. The gym was surprisingly large and really nice. The Spa area (I purchased the Aurea experience) was ok but not enough variety and I really only used it once vs. on Mera where we went at least once a day. Again, maybe it the smaller ship/lower ceiling, but something was off for me. We did not partake in any entertainment so I cannot comment on that. I do think it was a good value for how much I paid (and we were upgraded to a balcony from an inside) but I would not do it again.

I've cruised RCI exclusively pre-pandemic. My last two cruises with them I began to get tired of the food options, especially at the buffet. Cruised with MSC last May, really enjoyed it, so much more than RCI. We were Balcony Aurea, which gave us the "my time dining" experience. We used the spa heavily and stayed clear of entertainment - just best friends enjoying card games, Netflix and books. My only dislike about MSC Meraviglia was that for me, their gym was too small and crowded, as compared to most RCI gyms. Booked into Magnifica with my 14yo later this month. We plan on doing more "partying" and socializing than my last cruise. For me, even if price and itinerary are the same, I would chose MSC at this point. Maybe I will go back to RCI at some point, but certainly not at their current prices!

Booked a Bella Guarantee inside cabin, received my stateroom assignment today and its a BM2 balcony room, towards the back.

Customer service not willing to accept you as the speaker for another passenger - that one is a positive. Imagine how upset you would be if someone spoke in your name without your permission.

Cannot wait to check her out! Thank you.

In May on Meraviglia it was never overly crowded but went from busy to completely empty. We went at least once a day - it was that type of vacation.

Thank you, great review. Will be on next month. Second MSC cruise, first time ever traveling in an inside cabin. Your review gave me Majesty of the Seas vibe... is that accurate?

Hello and thank you so much for taking the time to take questions! I am curious about the smoking policy and how its being enforced. I've heard that the cruise line tends to slack on this and lots of areas smell like smoke and folks smoke in their cabins/balconies. Are you experiencing any of this? Thanks!

After 40 plus years on this earth i still stumble over folks who surprise me, in a same way as the nasty old oil smell while walking past a a take out place in Brooklyn in the middle of August does... meh. I sure wish you voice that opinion when you get the opportunity - see where it gets you 🙂