John Cooper Experiences MSC’S Meraviglia

Vision Cruise TV presenter John Cooper was lucky enough to be invited onboard MSC Meraviglia last week. We caught up with him to see what he had to say about MSC Cruises’ newest ship.

From the moment you step on board the MSC Meraviglia, you know you are in a very special place. The main Galleria is a wonder in itself, with its video ceiling that changes colour, and every so often gives a show like no other, as if you are flying out in space, or looking at the sky at night.

And as you wonder along taking in all the duty free shopping, the Ice cream parlours, the Chocolatiers, the bar area with live bands playing great music. You then go to the balcony level where there is the truly wonderful British Pub ‘The Brass Anchor’ with a choice of many different beers, and live music, as well as sports showing on the TV screens, it was just like being at home!

This is also the deck where you find the Teppanyaki, the Sushi Bar, the Steak House, and the TV studio, as well as some classic cocktail lounges.

The main restaurant is a sight to see, with massive glass wine racks, the food was amazing, and the staff could not have done more to help. The Market Place buffet is huge, with so much choice, with ‘Show Cooking’ Pizzas being made in front of you, carvery options, Asian options, and even healthy options!

The main theatre is really impressive, with shows that really take you away from it all, and if that is not enough there is also the only Cirque du Soleil at sea!  There is also an indoor sports area, with an a sports court to play sports, alongside F1 sport car simulators, 10-pin bowling alleys, 4D Cinema experiences, and more besides.

This is also the deck you will find the more than adequate Spa, and the fitness Centre which has so much equipment in it, I did not know where to start! (So I didn’t !)

The kids clubs are fantastic, and no matter what age your youngsters are, there is something for everyone, from the toddlers to the ‘too cool for school’ teens !

I loved the top decks with the swimming pools, acres of sun beds, the big screen, and the water park, and rope works that will keep most families going all day long, and there are snack stations by the side of the pool, for the lunch time nibbles, although it was open in the morning and evening too!

They have a great indoor pool area with those bubbling hot tube (which I love!) but of an evening it becomes a night time venue, which is a real cool place to go.

The night clubs on board have all the music you could wish for, and the bars close, when you go to bed! I was up early for my flight home, and some people where still ‘going for it’ at 7am !

The state rooms are really comfortable, and I have to say I had one of the best night’s sleep I have had in a long time. I was lucky enough to have a corner suite with a balcony that went on for what seemed like miles, with my on private Hot Tub at the far end! After saying that, I did take a look at the normal inside and balcony cabins, and they were really spacious with plenty of storage and a well-designed bathroom.

The ship also has all the new tech on board with contactless cards to open your room, or you can even wear it as a wrist band so you can go swimming, and not worry about where to leave the card, or in the case of the kids, letting them loose their card! And you can also use the wrist band to make purchases in the shops!

I must also comment on a few things that normally annoy me on bigger ships. Firstly, waiting for the lifts! Well not here, they were quick and plenty of them. Every member of staff I came across could not do enough to help you. By the end of the evening the bar maid in the ‘Bronze Anchor’ was our best friend. But it just flowed around the ship, smiles everywhere, with a willingness to help.

As I left the MSC Meraviglia, the only regret I had, was I could not stay longer. The ship is a destination in herself, and if you are going on a cruise for a week, prepares to miss a few ports of call, as you won’t want to get off !

By John Cooper