MSC Meraviglia - September 17-24, 2017 - Trip Report and Review

[computerworks]

We kissed and promised to keep in touch... and hit the road for the ride back to the ship.

So nice to return the rental car and take a short walk back to the ship.... in plenty of time.

 

A walk thru the pool deck found us in the midst of the Snow Party...with "snow-making" machines blowing soap/snow over the crowds

 

Never a dull moment on the pool deck...Sailaway – 18:00

 

Clean up and change... then down to the Sushi restaurant. We ate again "outside" to people-watch the Promenade.

 

 

Staff was great and friendly... the place was quite empty.

The "package" menu consisted of a platter of sushi...their choice....half would not have been my choice.

 

 

The food was fresh and attractive...the taste was average but bland, and frankly not enough volume to qualify as a dinner meal. We ordered a few extra cost items, including some delicious tempura, to complete our meal.

Nice place to try...once. Would rather have done the Teppanyaki.

 

After dinner, we went to the evening show... "Way"

 

The theater shows have a very weird system. There are usually two or three shows per evening; you make your theater reservation thru the MSC app or at any of the big screen wall kiosks around the ship.

In theory...when you show up, a greeter scans your card with a handheld to confirm the reservation... then, lets you in.

 

The problem is... it seems everyone shows up as close as 20 minutes before the show starts, and consequently, there is an immediate gridlock at the entrance...they can't scan people fast enough.

 

The rules are that "...10-15 minutes before showtime, they release all reservations."

 

In real-life, that means they stop scanning and throw the doors open to everyone...for a group mad-dash.

 

When the smoke clears... there is always open seats.

 

Reservations for a free show, in fact three shows a night, where there appears to be always room in that giant theater... seems like a really dumb system.

 

Why not just open the theater doors 30 mins before show time, and first-come, first-seated?

Shut it off when it gets to be SRO.

 

For the rest of the cruise, we just showed up 10 mins before the shows without reservations.

 

All theater shows were very good...a troupe of as many as 21 cast members.

I never criticize live entertainment... all the shows were fun and nicely produced.

 

Officers were introduced in an event in the Promenade after the show...and we stopped by the Gatsby Party in the Sportsplex around midnight. There is no going to bed early on this ship.... The Sportsplex (Deck 16)is converted to a party venue at night.

 

Tomorrow, we have a recovery day...easy off in Valletta, Malta... a place we have been many times....

Plan to show our friends the highlights...

 

So...tomorrow = Malta.

[Clarea]

Enjoying the fantastic photos, thanks!

[easyboy]

Enjoying much your review. Very nice photos too!

 

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[computerworks]

Meraviglia - Day 4 - Malta

 

Today, we port in Valletta, Malta. This is an easy and fun port; we have been here several times before.

You can simply walk off and explore on your own, if you like.

 

We had two places that we wanted to visit, and it was easy and inexpensive to make it happen.

 

We wanted to tour Mdina, and visit the church in Mosta.... a perfect match for a Hop On Hop Off bus.

 

We slept in a bit, to let the crowds off first. We have been having breakfast in Waves and it has been fine... swift and pleasant service and good food. So much better than a hectic buffet breakfast.

 

The ship literally docks next to a main thoroughfare... just walk off, thru the terminal and you are in town.

A brisk walk down the street gets you to the area where the Hop on Hop off buses meet. 20€ lets you ride them all day.

 

 

 

There are several routes for the buses... we chose the North route to see our sights....

 

 

There are two companies that run the buses... we chose City Sightseeing (the red buses)...but both are similar.... you just need to stay with the same company as you get on and off.

 

A short ride brought us to the main gate at Mdina

 

[computerworks]

We strolled around the city, exploring the alley ways...and visited the Knights of Malta Museum. They has a great exhibit and an very informative film.

 

Malta's history is amazing and worth a quick read before you visit.

 

 

 

 

 

The upper wall yields a beautiful vista of Malta

 

[computerworks]

Back to the Hop On bus for a few stops, to the town of Mosta...

 

 

The church has one of the largest self-supporting domes in Europe....

 

 

 

The church is closed from 1pm to 3pm, so we grabbed some snacks at a local vendor and waited until they opened.

 

Worth doing a Google search on the history of this church... during WWII, a large bomb was dropped on the church on a Sunday morning...full of worshipers...It landed in the center aisle...and was a dud....a miracle, they say.

 

 

 

Still a big part of the church's history

 

 

Checking the time when we were done, we felt the return trip in the bus would be too long...so we grabbed a cab back to Valletta... about 20€... well worth it. Got us back in plenty of time with no stress.

[computerworks]

A quick clean-up and change...and down to the Panorama Main Dining room for dinner.

Again... great friendly service...quick and accurate... food was mediocre and menu choices were strange.

 

I have come to the conclusion that the MDR problem with food is that the dishes (recipes) are too ambitious for mass catering.....they would be better served with simpler dishes that can be satisfactorily served in volume.

 

We stopped in the Sky lounge for an after dinner drink.... by far the prettiest lounge on the ship.

 

 

The most important mission we had tonite was to watch a soccer game with our team, Real Madrid.

 

I was amazed that the Sports Bar in the Sportsplex has NO screens... no games to watch there. ...Huh?

 

Thankfully, the place to watch was the Brass Anchor Pub..

 

 

Great seats at the bar and we thoroughly enjoyed watching it there.

 

That also gave us great seats to enjoy the Promenade party after the game...from a sane vantage point.

 

 

 

 

[computerworks]

It is worthwhile to mention here... the Entertainment staff is the hardest working team I have ever seen on a ship... there seems to be something going on indoors and outdoors all the time...Exercise, dance lessons, poolside games...and parties galore.

 

 

They are a hard working bunch and deserve much credit for the energy onboard

 

 

Nobody...and I mean nobody...throws a better party than these guys....

 

 

t1cem-uSnAI

 

 

 

Tomorrow....ahhh, a Sea Day. ...Time to relax and regroup... and a dinner at the Chef's Table is planned.

[red29er]

Great review! Thinking about cruising there in the Med.on MSC in spring of 2019. Is there a lot of smoking on the Meraviglia? Also does the cruise director and staff speak english are the ship announcements in english? Thanks

[computerworks]

Is there a lot of smoking on the Meraviglia? Also does the cruise director and staff speak english are the ship announcements in english? Thanks

 

Smoking areas are very limited...one side of the pool deck table area...and a small area in the Casino....and a Cigar lounge outside of the Sky Lounge.

 

Very, very few announcements are made... but those that are...are done in several languages, including English.

The desk staff and CD/team all speak perfect English... never a problem.

[Beamafar]

Smoking areas are very limited...one side of the pool deck table area...and a small area in the Casino....and a Cigar lounge outside of the Sky Lounge.

 

There was no smoking in the casino when we were onboard, Ron.

[Frankmac]

We were on the same cruise as you Ron and have to agree with you about the entertainment staff. . Unbelieveable energy and more importantly interaction with the guests. The friendliest bunch we have ever encountered when cruising.

[computerworks]

There was no smoking in the casino when we were onboard, Ron.

 

I remember... they selected a small area of slots on one side, away from the table games...and now designated it a smoking area.

[computerworks]

The friendliest bunch we have ever encountered when cruising.

 

By far. we met several of them that we knew from the Divina... they were transferred to bring out the Meraviglia.

At least two of the staff we knew are changing to the Seaside to bring her over at the end of the year.

[keeponcruising]

It is worthwhile to mention here... the Entertainment staff is the hardest working team I have ever seen on a ship... there seems to be something going on indoors and outdoors all the time...Exercise, dance lessons, poolside games...and parties galore.

 

 

They are a hard working bunch and deserve much credit for the energy onboard

 

 

Nobody...and I mean nobody...throws a better party than these guys....

 

 

t1cem-uSnAI

 

 

 

Tomorrow....ahhh, a Sea Day. ...Time to relax and regroup... and a dinner at the Chef's Table is planned.

 

I had to turn the video off. All I could imagine is one of them going over the side. What were they thinking dancing and jumping around with no protection from falling down below?

[Beamafar]

I remember... they selected a small area of slots on one side, away from the table games...and now designated it a smoking area.

 

I'm not really surprised. They were considering having a smoking area in the Brass Anchor. Sounds like they opted for an area in the casino instead which is the case on all the ships in the Med.

[computerworks]

I had to turn the video off. All I could imagine is one of them going over the side.

 

Spoiler alert... no one fell. :cool:

Sometimes...ya gotta live life without a net....

[Bra_BE2014]

There was no smoking in the casino when we were onboard, Ron.

 

 

 

Hi Bea!

 

Tonight is my last night (sob) and unfortunately, some heavy smoking going on in the cassino.

So people passing by to go to the Carrousel lounge have no choice other then get stinky clothes and hair. A shame.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Beamafar]

Hi Bea!

 

Tonight is my last night (sob) and unfortunately, some heavy smoking going on in the cassino.

So people passing by to go to the Carrousel lounge have no choice other then get stinky clothes and hair. A shame.

 

Hi Priscila ............ was just thinking of you and wondering how your trip was going!

 

It's a shame that MSC has introduced the smoking zone, though I imagine it came from passenger pressure due to the fact that it's often too breezy on the decks - especially at sea and/or at night. DH used to go outside from the casino area while I was on the slots. I think MSC made a huge mistake in locating the smoking room on Meraviglia where they did - it's too out-of-the-way, hence them having to create the smoking zone in the casino which, as you say, Priscila, is not pleasant for those who have to walk thru' for the Carousel lounge.

[computerworks]

Well...it is what it is.

 

I'd like to respectfully ask that the gang not "stink" up my review with a smoking discourse.

 

Thanks in advance. :-)

[Frankmac]

Well...it is what it is.

 

I'd like to respectfully ask that the gang not "stink" up my review with a smoking discourse.

 

Thanks in advance. :-)

 

Yep I have to say that as a very anti smoking person, I was in all the smoking areas - pool - casino- never bothered me even when queueing for cirque de soleil in the Casino area.

 

Looking forward to next installment of the review.

[Bra_BE2014]

Well...it is what it is.

 

 

 

I'd like to respectfully ask that the gang not "stink" up my review with a smoking discourse.

 

 

 

Thanks in advance. :-)

 

 

 

Sorry [emoji56]

Great review [emoji12]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[computerworks]

Meraviglia - Day 5 - Sea Day

 

A Sea Day is always welcomed; we have done Med cruises in the past with no sea days...and it can run you down. You need a day at least to recharge and enjoy the ship.

 

 

A chance to sleep in, with a Room Service breakfast (always has been delivered right on time).

 

 

We scheduled an Italian Wine Tasting session at 12:00 in the Eataly Food Market and a casual lunch at the buffet.

 

 

In advance, we booked the Chef's Table dinner, but had no way to specify the date when booked in advance... today was my wife's birthday and we did so want to make it a special birthday dinner.

As luck would have it, we found out, once we boarded, that the Chef's Table dinner is only on the Sea Day...so we were quite happy with that.

 

 

Eataly has two venues on Deck 6... the Food Market and the Ristorante. The latter is the specialty restaurant; the Market is for snacks and pizza, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Wine Tasting began at noon in The Market... we always enjoy events like this. I believe the cost was 20€.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We began to understand the "house" labels that MSC favors..we have seen them during other meals

 

 

They presented a wonderful cheese and ham plate to pair with the various wine types.

 

 

Upon leaving, we met a crowd in the Promenade...doing some spontaneous dance lessons.. or exercise...hard to tell.

 

 

 

 

Up to the pool after that...for lunch and some sun.

 

 

There was a medical emergency that required a passenger transfer...so the Captain swung near Sardinia for a swift removal to small tender

 

 

 

 

It was swift, discrete, and did not affect the arrival time at the next port.

 

 

On the pool deck, we met one of the Kids Club age groups doing a "march thru"... cute kids...

 

 

 

[computerworks]

Back downstairs, the "exercise" group had broken out into a full-fledged mid-day party...

 

 

 

[

 

I have no idea what the theme was... but folks were having a blast.

[computerworks]

Time to rest and change for dinner at the Chef's Table.

It is located in a private dining room within the Eataly Ristorante, with seating for twelve.

 

At the head of the table are windows that open to the kitchen, where the chefs work their magic.

 

 

 

 

We had one ship's Officer join the rest of the guests

 

It was fun to get up now and then and peek into the kitchen