New To MSC & Mediterranean

[SarafinaPink]

Hi all, we are a family of 4 adults looking to take our first cruise into the Mediterranean and are choosing between NCL and MSC. We have had prior cruising experience on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Princess. I have a few questions about MSC and the Meraviglia ship.

 

1. What is the currency onboard? I see I can book the ship in USD, but not sure what excursions, drink packages, and any other extras would be in

2. We are looking at the Family Balcony cabin. I understand the Meraviglia ship is very new so there aren't many pictures online of this cabin, but is there any pictures of this type of cabin in other ships? I feel like it would work well for 4 adults, but just want to make sure the beds are all adult sized (sometimes bunks are child size)

3. It looks like the sailings for the Meraviglia ships are different from what I'm used to and allow people to board at any of the ports on the route. So how does that work and does it mean that embarkation day is easier or harder?

4. What is the comparison between MSC, NCL, Carnival, and RC? We are mostly concerned about food, ease of booking (includes shore excursions and extras), and evening entertainment.

5. What is the dining like? Is it set times or anytime?

6. What kind of extras are not included in our cruise fair other than the obvious ones (excursions and alcohol)? Is there a beverage package for alcohol and what does that include? 3 of us enjoy our adult beverages on vacation, but the 4th is not a drinker so if that okay to only purchase 3 packages?

 

Anythings else we should know if we are MSC and Mediterranean newbies?