Review: Meraviglia 8 nighter November 19, 2023

[mizLORInj]

Hi all.  New to MSC, but not new to cruising the various mainstream cruise lines.   We wanted to see what MSC was all about, and it was a plus not to have to fly to a port.  Booked a balcony cabin we chose ourselves (therefore, a Fantastica experience per MSC) that included the drink package and internet for 1 device per person.   We had learned that we could apply for a status match, so we sent a pic of a recent Royal Caribbean cruise card and a few weeks later we received our Voyager # at the gold level.   Some issues with connecting our reservation with our Voyager #s, and after some time on hold with MSC, it appeared straightened out; our accounts showed gold so we thought we were good to go.   

 

Continued check-in process as the cruise date got closer.   Thought it was strange that there were paper forms we had to print and bring along.   We had a 9:30am check in time which is way too early for us, yet as the cruise got closer we were able to select 1:30, or that's how it appeared.  Nevertheless, that was our target arrival time.  I thought it was odd that we could be fully checked in without posting a credit card, but we were allowed board anyway.   I don't think any other cruise we've been on allowed us to board without posting a payment type. There are kiosks on deck 5 where you can post your credit card, so we did that during the cruise.   Got to the terminal around 1:20pm with our paper forms ready to go.   No long lines at this time.   Note that everyone's cruise pic will be retaken so don't worry if yours is not in the app.  They did not take the forms we printed.  Agent took pics of our passport and then handed us our cruise cards.   I noticed they did not say gold status anywhere. . . 

 

Walked on board at 1:30 so we headed to our balcony cabin on deck 10 which was not ready yet.  Dropped carry-on bags and went on a walkabout.  

 

Cabin:   Standard balcony cabin.  Bathroom was small and had a few storage shelves, and a bit more under the sink.  Shower was a nice size and the shower head has adjustable water pressure (button on the left) and hot/cold adjuster is on the right.   Sink was an odd shape but worked.  In the shower there is shampoo and body wash (separately).   There are no tissues in the dispenser (as I had read about--it is true).   Closet:  Why can't they make them a couple inches deeper.  The door was very difficult to slide back and forth, and the lack of depth for the hangers had it getting stuck all the time.   Speaking of hangers, there were 5.  For 2 people for an 8 nighter.   Good thing I packed some, but the steward brought us a few more--note they are wire hangers with some foam over them.   Some shelves and drawers, and a safe too.   Not a lot of space really.    One additional drawer in the vanity where the blow dryer is.   We liked the wall shelving to keep papers so the desktop stayed pretty clear.   European and US electric sockets.   Bed was a little harder than I'm used to but we slept fine every night.  2 little night stands which came in handy.  The couch had stains on it.  Drapes were very nice and super room darkening; you could sleep all day and think it is nighttime.  A stocked mini-fridge.  Haven't seen one of those in years on a ship.   Most are empty, which is fine by us.   Balcony had 2 low-back chairs and a large foot stool.   Not the deepest balcony; not the shallowest we've had either.   The room worked for us for the 8 nights.  Smallish tv with CNN, TCM, Travel, Food, Discovery, Cartoon, ESPN, ESPN2 and a lot of football channels on Sundays.  You could also pay for movies.   Indicator lights for your cabin steward:  in room, do not disturb, please make up room.  There is no bathroom nightlight.  We did hear noise from the cabins around and above us.   

 

We were assigned 6:15 for early dining which was fine.  We had a fun group of six at our table.   (Hi Sophie and Ian, and Sharon and Mike!)  We thought the server was fabulous and attentive, as was his assistant.   The food was just ok.   If you wanted surf and turf on lobster night, it was an additional $5 charge.   I went with the lobster because 1) I feared what the filet was like, and 2) enjoyed one on Wednesday at an actual steakhouse in Miami.   The dining room's sorbets were different every night and quite good.   

 

So by now we were wondering if we would get the gold perks so a trip to Guest Services was needed.  Note, I cannot remember the last time I had to visit Guest Services on a cruise.   Long and slow-moving line, so if your issue can wait, come back around the third day when the line was consistently shorter.  After 40 minutes it was our turn and we showed the email MSC had sent us with our Voyagers number.   Took about 15 minutes and we were handed our gold cards.   The gold gift was a very nice backpacky MSC bag which we used to tote towels.   We also used the 50% discount for Formula 1 car ride.   

 

Muster drill.   Everyone goes to their cabin to watch a video ~3:00.  Then they call deck #s to show up at the muster station for a card scan.  There has to be a better way--like how all the other mainstream cruise lines are doing!   This way everyone doesn't show up at the same time.  Still, it didn't take that much time.

 

Food.   Buffet needs redesign into stations vs. a cafeteria line.  I did like the sinks around here to wash hands though not many used them.   As I had read in people's comments, the food did not vary all that much.  The pizza was outstanding.   People don't realize there is the same food toward the aft of the ship and all crowd the more mid-ship areas.   Frequently ran out of cups by the water stations, and some were out of order the entire cruise.   Fix them!   And what's with the shortage of spoons?   There was afternoon tea in the aft area as well with sweets and some cookies.  I'm a cookies girl and they were not easy to find.  I asked about a chocolate chip cookie and was told room service has them.   It seemed burgers were always available, but not ketchup!   Could not figure that one out.   Big dispensers for mustard, relish and mayo, and I saw one for ketchup but it was not out for use.  They would put out a big bowl with a spoon in it that they had poured into from a big Heinz ketchup can.   While it was not my favorite selection of foods, we did not go hungry at any point either.   There is late night food as well: burgers, hot dogs (seemed to always be), pizza, a few salads, some nice little sandwiches, and desserts.   Breakfast is the same every day, and remember the same food is farther back by the aft area.   Many did not realize there is outdoor seating behind the buffet, but a few days in it got more crowded so our secret was discovered!   There was a 2 hour window (12-2) with a selection of fancy cakes on the last sea day.  Did not wait in line to try any.  They need a bar farther in the back of the buffet area.   There is an ice cream counter near the main outdoor pool, 2 bars (opposite ends of pool) and pizza/burgers station where I had the displeasure of seeing a supervisor berating his team -- in full hearing of guests.  Bad management.   

 

We did not eat at any upcharge restaurant, but our tablemates said they enjoyed the seafood restaurant.

 

Various trivia games held indoors and also poolside on various days.    

 

We asked our cabin steward for the room service paper hanging thingie and had coffee and some items delivered one day.   After noting that some of what we requested was not in our delivery, we didn't bother using this service again.  Also, bring your own pen to fill the form out!   

 

MSC has not (yet) cut down to cabin service once per day like other lines have.   Our steward had a lot of cabins and we saw him frequently.   Not sure whose responsibility it was, but we did not like how many dishes were left on the floor in the hallways every day. 

 

We enjoyed the adults only pool and sundeck at the stern of the ship.   The pool is salt water and was a perfect temperature, and I am not one to go in ship pools, but I did several times on this cruise on port days when there was plenty of space.   

 

There is a lounge called the Sky Lounge that reminded many of us of the Viking Lounge on Royal Caribbean, therefore, that's how we referred to it for most of the cruise.   "head up to Viking lounge?"  It was a nice quiet space high up overlooking the pool area forward and the sea on the right and left.   Quiet except for Sunday afternoon when football games were visible on the big screen and many fans headed to this lounge to watch vs. being in the rain outside.   There was usually live music in the evenings too and light snacks.  You are asked not to bring food from other places into this lounge; we brought 1 piece of pizza and were asked to take it outside.   This room was always cold, and the windows need a cleaning badly.  

 

Pickleball was played daily in a multi-use space near the kids area.   Formula 1 simulator and also flight simulator for a fee.   Ropes course and waterslides looked like fun.   Big pool in center that has a huge movie screen.  There is also an indoor solarium pool.

 

The entire front of the ship seems to be Yacht Club, so there is no forward viewing area, and no promenade deck (closer to the water near lifeboats) that goes all the way around the ship.

 

The promenade area on deck 6 was cool, and Royal Caribbean-like, and the ceiling was interesting with its various screenings.  There's also a bridge across the center of it.   There was a bar area here with live music and dancing, and dance lessons.   The chocolate shop/making area is quite large with assorted treats for sale.  The drinks here are not included in any drink package.   

 

We only made it to a few theater shows due to some being at capacity by the time we decided we wanted to go.  Twice we showed up just before showtime and were let in as the theater was not full.  Note that no food or drink is allowed in the theater.  Enjoyed the disco show because I love that music.  There was also a disco party right after the 9:30 show.   I believe had seen the singing guys called Legacy on another cruise so we skipped that show.  There was a magic show we didn't get to.   

 

There are two upcharge shows and we had read that one is sufficient so we chose the Rock show (yes, I like rock and disco, and more) which is $18 per person plus fees.  It is advertised as serving "a fancy cocktail" which was not fancy at all and quite watery--I think a vodka drink (my choice) and mojito-like drink (was ok).  And an alcohol-free drink too.  The music was good and so were the performers.  No need to arrive very early; there were plenty of open seats at our showtime, and I heard it was the same for the other shows.   Was a one and done for us.  I will say the lounge this event is held in at the stern of the ship reminded me of a scaled-down RC Quantum class Two70--just smaller and darker, and not as many decks high.   It was too bad it wasn't open the few times we went by just to hang out and watch through those big windows.   

 

At the end of the cruise there was one last theater show that I would liken to most cruise lines' "Welcome Aboard" show as it showcased the entertainment that had been on the cruise.  The 2 dancers were phenomenal--felt like I was watching a dance competition with those two--they were that good.   I thought a few times the music volume overpowered the singers when they were singing solo.   I liked that there were at least partial live musicians on stage but you could tell a lot of the music was recorded.  

 

If you want to participate in silent disco, get in line to sign out your headset.  Have not had to do this on other cruise lines.   This event was in the promenade area on deck 6.   

 

There are so many bars on this ship.   We tried to check out most but ended up getting drinks at the Horizon bar at the stern, and the Sky Lounge.   

 

One of the few cruise lines that prints photos for you to look through.   Problem is there is not enough display space and you end up looking through stacks of pictures to find yours.   Don't wait till the last day when the lines are long. 

 

Wifi.   We had it included in our cruise package, along with the Easy Plus drink package.   Wifi would frequently disconnect itself, and it was really only good for texting with iPhones (as I have) and anyone with another type of phone would not get my texts, photos, etc.   Not something I usually bother with, either wifi or drink package, but it was at a discounted rate for this cruise.   

 

PORTS:

Miami.    We stayed onboard and enjoyed the aft pool for a few hours, then took Uber to Bayside and went on the ferris wheel and wandered around.   Then took Uber to Smith & Wolensky's and had a nice filet mignon along the waterway, and then walked to the beach for a bit.   Enjoyed the day there.

 

Ocean Cay.   Beautiful.   Got great pics as we arrived and ship did a very tight 180 turn to have the starboard side along the dock.  It was impressive.    Wandered around to various beaches.  Stopped at Sunset Beach which had few people and not many loungers.  We set up in a secluded spot and got comfortable.   Then we realized why this was not a popular spot.   The sand is very rocky and the water is too.   Red ants.   There was a bar but it was not well stocked, but since it was not a popular spot, I now see why.    That was not the beach for us.   The lagoon was very calm with lots of loungers but too crowded for us.   Wandered past the lunch spot which had a very long line, then went to the beach between the ship and the lighthouse.  Nice sand and water here but no loungers.  Why?   Other cruise lines' private islands have rows and rows of lounger chairs.   This island just doesn't.   Come on MSC.   I did get some good ship pics here on this beach.   There are little white balls in the sand which I can only imagine are bug repellents since there were no red ants here like at Sunset beach.   There are also food trucks around with burgers, hot dogs, and fries.   They must think that's all people want to eat.  Not the case!  Our tablemates told us they went to the farthest beach across the little bridge and they really enjoyed it there.   Next time!   Lighthouse show was ok.   I liked it here and would visit again.

 

Nassau.   Another day we stayed on and had the aft pool to ourselves.  We did take a wander around the new port area for a bit, but then back onboard.   Been here many times so we've done the excursions.   

--------------------------

Debarkation was simple; we did self-assist and carried our own bags.  At 7:15 we wandered to deck 5 to see if it had started and it had, so off we went.  Remember to have your cruise card handy and have your payment type posted.  The lady in front of us got sent back in to pay her account.  A long walk through the terminal to facial recognition, and out we were!   In a Lyft ride within 5 minutes.   

 

A lot of people ask about weather from NY/NJ.   We had beautiful days except the last sea day.   Even the first sea day had us outside in summery clothing.   It was great.   We had rain overnight on night 7, and the last sea day was rainy and very windy--50 mph gusts!   The ship pitched and rolled a little, but we didn't find it to be an issue.   

 

There were people of all ages on this sailing, and I heard many different languages being spoken by guests.   

 

It was a fun cruise; I was on a ship watching the sea go by--not cooking or cleaning.   I would think I will cruise with MSC again sometime, but I'm glad I have other options.   They definitely need more attention to detail, and to get with modern times in some ways.  

 

I'm hoping I've covered everything I can think of right now.  Happy to answer any questions.

 

Happy cruising, everyone!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Two Wheels Only]

Thank you for the review.

 

The beach that your tablemates mentioned was probably Bimini Beach. There are cabanas for rent over there, too. 

 

Doing a "full lap" around the ship is something that is disappearing from modern cruise ships. I blame Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. Even in the Yacht Club, access to the forward-most part of the sundeck is limited....no "King of the world..... I'm flying..." moments there, either.

 

 

[Fissues]

We were on this cruise. Everything was good.

 

Our cruise mates, who have been on over 100 cruises, said the shows on Meraviglia were the best they've ever seen on any cruise line!

[JamieLogical]

Sounds like a pretty positive experience overall. I definitely like that MSC is sailing out of NYC now, since that is the closest port to me. Kind of hoping they bring another ship there eventually though, as I have now sailed the Meraviglia four times already with another scheduled for April. 

[PistolPete13]

Thanks for this detailed review!

I'll be onboard for the first time in January.  Am I understanding correctly that the buffet is a LINE for everything?  You can't do hit and runs at various food stations without interrupting the main line and risking dirty looks?

[Fissues]

The chocolate extravaganza in the buffet on the last sea day was unbelievable!

[jerseyjjs]

You mentioned that football was shown on the big screen on Sunday.  Did you happen to notice if any of the bars/lounges showed football games anywhere else around the ship?

[buffet24]

6 hours ago, jerseyjjs said:

You mentioned that football was shown on the big screen on Sunday.  Did you happen to notice if any of the bars/lounges showed football games anywhere else around the ship?

They showed multiple games at various venues:

   Big Screen by the Pool,

   Brass Anchor Pub,

   Casino Bar and

   TV Studio.

 

For a game like Monday Night football, I think you can also reserve a table at Brass Anchor for $$$$$....

[buffet24]

11 hours ago, PistolPete13 said:

Am I understanding correctly that the buffet is a LINE for everything?  You can't do hit and runs at various food stations without interrupting the main line and risking dirty looks?

 

It's not really a ONE single line around the buffet.... but it's more like few different lines that develop spread around the buffet (picture below) focused on some popular food items...  You can't blatantly cut in front of people already in line but if the food item you want (say salad) that never has a line and is located right next to a line for a more popular food item (say burger)... then you can certainly nudge yourself in and get the salad and run away without angering the meat-eaters...

 

 

[davy jones]

18 hours ago, jerseyjjs said:

You mentioned that football was shown on the big screen on Sunday.  Did you happen to notice if any of the bars/lounges showed football games anywhere else around the ship?

I know that the pub had football games on.  There was a game where you could reserve a table in the pub, but I don't think many did.  You could still go in on your own to watch.

 

It appeared that most games were broadcast on my Meraviglia on the cabin TV.  It seemed to be much more than other lines.

[mizLORInj]

On 11/28/2023 at 10:44 AM, PistolPete13 said:

Thanks for this detailed review!

I'll be onboard for the first time in January.  Am I understanding correctly that the buffet is a LINE for everything?  You can't do hit and runs at various food stations without interrupting the main line and risking dirty looks?

 

Think Norwegian ships -- say, Escape and older.  Or Carnival.   That's the style.  Not stations like newer Celebrity or Royal Caribbean ships.  

 

We would bypass the line and head to the aft area where there usually were fewer people or no line at all.

 

[mizLORInj]

On 11/28/2023 at 3:57 PM, jerseyjjs said:

You mentioned that football was shown on the big screen on Sunday.  Did you happen to notice if any of the bars/lounges showed football games anywhere else around the ship?

 

Not only the ones shown in pubs, etc. but your in-stateroom tv had EIGHT NFL channels on Sunday!    

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

On 11/28/2023 at 10:44 AM, PistolPete13 said:

Am I understanding correctly that the buffet is a LINE for everything?  You can't do hit and runs at various food stations without interrupting the main line and risking dirty looks?

Sure you can. While the various food types don't have their own kiosks like RCI has, there are a continuous series of food stations all lined up cafeteria style. If you don't want food from the carvery but you do spot something you want at the Ethnic station, just get in line at that station. You can work your way around to each station and then move on to the next. Some won't have any queues. Food choices on the left side of the buffet (as you enter) typically are the same on the right side. And aft, where the two sides connect, you may find repeats of what was on the L & R sides but fewer people are aware of it.

[BarnCat1]

20 minutes ago, KINGBOBOFTHENORTH said:

Sure you can. While the various food types don't have their own kiosks like RCI has, there are a continuous series of food stations all lined up cafeteria style. If you don't want food from the carvery but you do spot something you want at the Ethnic station, just get in line at that station. You can work your way around to each station and then move on to the next. Some won't have any queues. Food choices on the left side of the buffet (as you enter) typically are the same on the right side. And aft, where the two sides connect, you may find repeats of what was on the L & R sides but fewer people are aware of it.

 

 

So only each station has a line and it's not the whole buffet that is one linear line like a cafeteria?  You can go from as many stations as you want as long as you stay in their line.  Is it hard to find seats once you get your food? 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

2 minutes ago, BarnCat1 said:

 

 

So only each station has a line and it's not the whole buffet that is one linear line like a cafeteria?  You can go from as many stations as you want as long as you stay in their line.  Is it hard to find seats once you get your food? 

Correct, the stations are lined-up in succession like a cafeteria but each has its own line or no line at all. For instance, there's rarely a line at the dessert station or bread station.

 

As for the seats, my wife and I typically grab a dinner plate and silverware and find an empty table and then place it there. We then go back and get our food, knowing we've got a spot saved. The buffet is crazy busy on Embarkation Day lunch when that's where everyone goes. Lunch on sea days can be packed too. But otherwise, there's plenty of seating.

[kruisingkitty]

On 11/27/2023 at 2:41 PM, mizLORInj said:

 If you wanted surf and turf on lobster night, it was an additional $5 charge

Are you saying they only let you choose Surf (lobster) OR Turf (filet)? If you wanted both you had to pay $5 extra?
We were on in Sept, and most in our party do not eat lobster, so they offered 2 filet if we wanted, most of us declined as we had plenty to eat as it was.
The $5 charge was only if you wanted additional entrees, but the lobster and filet counted as 1 entree.
Sorry if I misunderstood what you were saying, just didn't want others to be confused!
Looking forward to going back on in January 🙂

[mizLORInj]

7 minutes ago, kruisingkitty said:

Are you saying they only let you choose Surf (lobster) OR Turf (filet)? If you wanted both you had to pay $5 extra?        YES; if you wanted both you had to pay $5.   The filet was thin--I asked the waiter, so I opted for the little lobster tail.   It was good.  
. . . 
Sorry if I misunderstood what you were saying, just didn't want others to be confused!
Looking forward to going back on in January 🙂

 

[mizLORInj]

46 minutes ago, BarnCat1 said:

 

. . ..  Is it hard to find seats once you get your food? 

 

There are plenty of seats--just look forward and aft of the buffet food.  

[kruisingkitty]

@mizLORInj that is definitely different than my experience just a short while ago!
I guess I shall see what they do in Jan, as my son's will probably want the surf and the turf.

[BarnCat1]

10 hours ago, KINGBOBOFTHENORTH said:

Correct, the stations are lined-up in succession like a cafeteria but each has its own line or no line at all. For instance, there's rarely a line at the dessert station or bread station.

 

As for the seats, my wife and I typically grab a dinner plate and silverware and find an empty table and then place it there. We then go back and get our food, knowing we've got a spot saved. The buffet is crazy busy on Embarkation Day lunch when that's where everyone goes. Lunch on sea days can be packed too. But otherwise, there's plenty of seating.

Is there any other restaurant open on Embarkation Day besides the buffet?  I know some cruise lines have a MDR open, even though not many people know this. 

[mizLORInj]

1 hour ago, BarnCat1 said:

Is there any other restaurant open on Embarkation Day besides the buffet?  I know some cruise lines have a MDR open, even though not many people know this. 

Not according to the Daily Program.  The only "included in cruise fare" place listed as open for lunch was Marketplace Buffet. 

Hola Tacos & Cantina was open for lunch, but additional cost for that one. 

 

[JamieLogical]

3 hours ago, BarnCat1 said:

Is there any other restaurant open on Embarkation Day besides the buffet?  I know some cruise lines have a MDR open, even though not many people know this. 

 

There has not been an MDR open for embarkation day lunch on any of my Meraviglia sailings. I have seen some of the specialty restaurants open (namely Hola!), but that is not always the case. On my October sailing, Hola! was not open for embarkation lunch. I suspect that was because we had an early Muster (1:00pm) and sailaway.

[Kdafons]

On 11/28/2023 at 10:44 AM, PistolPete13 said:

Thanks for this detailed review!

I'll be onboard for the first time in January.  Am I understanding correctly that the buffet is a LINE for everything?  You can't do hit and runs at various food stations without interrupting the main line and risking dirty looks?

We were on Meraviglia 2 sailings starting 11/27/23. 

Id say that "hit and runs" at buffet are fine. However, on our 1st sailing in particular, there was a LOT of straight up line-cutting. Basically, if you werent nearly touching the person in line in front of you, others would quickly swoop in as if there wasnt a line of people waiting. The excessive line-cutting led to some tension over time that we heard eventually resulted in a minor physical altercation at the last-day chocolate cake area. 

 

By the second sailing, the line-cutting decreased down to "normal" levels and "hit and runs" were more common and tolerable. It may be best to note your plans to the people in the line around your targeted "hit and run" spot in case line-cutting tensions are high.

 

Lines overall werent super well-managed on the ship, even outside of the buffet, so the crew didnt help much. By the second sailing, some crew were starting to point out lines to people who seemed oblovious to them, but I still saw blatant line-cutting at the last-day chocolate cake area that went unaddressed by crew. Pretty annoying when you have waited in a poorly laid-out line for 15 minutes. 

 

I hope that helps!!!

[Kdafons]

On 11/29/2023 at 7:47 PM, BarnCat1 said:

 

 

So only each station has a line and it's not the whole buffet that is one linear line like a cafeteria?  You can go from as many stations as you want as long as you stay in their line.  Is it hard to find seats once you get your food? 

You are correct in understanding the lines for each station. However, be aware that one "station"'s line may run so long that it goes back into 3 or 4 other stations. This particularly happened on the one day they had shrimp. 

 

As far as how easy it is to find a seat, for us, it varied. 

On the 6-day to bermuda that left 11/27/23, at times finding a table was a bloodbath. I think some folks were sitting there beyond the time it took for them to eat, kind of oblivious to the fact that all the tables were full and people with food had nowhere to sit. I saw a family try to "reserve" a table by putting water glasses and a food plate there, but that wasnt effective. Another family came and asked staff to clean the table... i stopped it only because I had just seen the first family try to reserve it for themselves. 

 

By the end of that sailing, they had put signs out on all the tables asking people to leave the table when they are finished eating so others may sit. But Im not sure that made a huge difference. 

 

On the bahamas trip that left 12/2/23, tables were much easier to find. I dont think it was because the number of guests were any different. I think it was more due to a change in culture. I think more people used the MDR and fewer people sat at buffet for hours. 

 

But, I think some of what MSC does can compound the problem:

1. Only 1 MDR is open for lunch and it only seats people for 1 hour:12-1. For breakfast, only one MDR open and only seats till 9am. For these meals, the MDR is packed and chaotic. Getting a relaxing breakfast or lunch is not very likely. 

 

2. Meal options in MDR are limited, particularly for lunch and dinner. Pretty seafood-heavy for dinner. I could see the menu not appealing to a cross-section of people. 

 

3. At the buffet, Ive seen many people post that the food from the each side of the buffet is repeated at the back end. But that's not exactly true. Most items, yes, are available in at least 3 places (once on each side and once at or near the back). But not true for everything.

 

Breakfast: scrambled eggs were only available on the sides. The back only had hard-boiled eggs.

 

Drinks: each drink station (i think there are around 6) could have something different. Ice machine may be down at 1 or 2 (or all), mango juice may be available at one, while iced tea may be available at another, and a third station may be all out of juice. Water tastes terrible at one station. They may be our of hot water and tea at 1 or more stations, or out of cups. 

 

"Waffle and pancakes" breakfast station. This may be the same at all three spots, but I dont think they ever actually had waffles. I only saw either pancakes on some days or french toast on other days. French toast in the back is cooked on grill, not a griddle, so the toast will have grill marks, where the two side stations dont have those grill marks. 

 

They had diffeerent flavored jam in different spots of the buffet, so you may want to walk around to see if they have your preferred somewhere. 

 

They may have only salted or only unsalted butter out at different points of the buffet. 

 

Breakfast: i think they only had sticky buns at the back. And i think that means that something else was missing from the back, but I dont recall what. Also, i saw different types of hash browns out on the same day, depending on location. 

 

Lunch/dinner: if they have mashed potatoes or a rice option, it may only be offered at 1 or 2 sections, not all 3. 

 

Some of the bread sections have more limited options.

 

There was a section labeled "vegan" only for lunch and dinner, and only on our bahamas sailing. 

 

I usually only felt like id seen everything if i saw the front (hamburgers/fries/pizza-type food and the fruit section across from the pizza), the back (which includes the back end of each side), at least one side(the front end of at least one side).

 

The "kids" section is another section. By the time we got off on 12/9/23, they had signs up in 6? languages saying that the section is for children only. I saw some adults ( who I dont think had children) taking food from there, but Id seen before I boarded that MSC strictly enforces the Kids section, and there was usually staff there, so I didnt try to take any food from there. 

 

 

[caribbeanboy]

I was also on this cruise (I had to take a cruise before December 31 in order to keep my Diamond Status) It was my cruise#58 and 2nd with MSC and all in all it was a nice relaxing cruise. I enjoyed it quite a bit. Food was much better that on Divina back in 2016. the only thing was that the juices in the morning were watered down way too much. Getting a bag of tea was also challenging some times. As a Diamond member I had a dinner for two at the Steak House, and it was excellent!

 

Did not go to any shows, and slept a lot on this cruise. The beds were quite comfortable.

 

Only in Nassau I went ashore, but was back after 2 hours.  On debarkation day I could stay till 9 in my cabin which was a huge plus.