FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — When the MSC Meraviglia made its Florida debut in Miami in 2019, it was the seventh-largest cruise ship in the world.
While the ship may have dropped several places on that list since — thanks to new additions from Royal Caribbean as well as other MSC vessels — it’s still a behemoth and a sight to behold. With 13 guest decks and a 4,500-passenger capacity based on double occupancy, Meraviglia is the kind of ship it’s possible to get lost on.
The vessel will find its home in Port Canaveral this winter season, taking guests to destinations in the Caribbean and Bahamas, including Ocean Cay, MSC Cruises’ private island and marine reserve.
Meraviglia, which means “wonder” in Italian, has no shortage of amenities for guests with 12 dining venues, a casino, waterslides, a bowling alley and nine whirlpools.
When first stepping onboard after the embarkation check-in, guests are greeted by a two-story promenade teeming with shops and eateries, including a chocolatier, a sushi bar, the Brass Anchor English pub and a shop carrying watches, liquor and perfume.
Closer to the aft of the ship is the luxurious-looking Infinity Atrium with a staircase that ascends three levels and a piano in the foyer, plus bars on each level. At the front of Meraviglia’s fifth deck sits the two-story Broadway Theatre, which has room for hundreds of guests during nightly shows.
On the seventh floor, one can explore myriad entertainment options from the TV Studio & Bar, casino and Carousel Lounge with daily entertainment. The MSC Aurea Spa can be found on this level as well, with options ranging from a simple pedicure to an 80-minute massage. Guests can also purchase passes to the thermal area, which comprises steam rooms, a salt room, saunas and relaxation rooms.
While levels 8-14 consist of mostly cabins, upper Decks 15-19 house even more amenities. Wander through an arcade or take a spin on the F1 racing simulator, adjacent to the bowling lanes.
Take a dip in pools and hot tubs spread out on Deck 15 or explore the gym, power walking track and sportsplex on 16.
MSC Cruises caters to a range of ages with options for kids including a ropes course and club areas designated for young travelers.
But other areas, such as the Horizon Pool and bar, are reserved for adults only. Members of the MSC Yacht Club can access an even more exclusive private solarium, lounge and pool on Deck 19.
After MSC Meraviglia’s winter stint in Florida, the vessel will travel to New York as MSC Seaside sails in to replace it, representing the company’s third ship to call Port Canaveral home — helping the European company expand its offerings from U.S. ports.
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