First Impressions

The name of the ship (pronounced mehr-ah- vee- ya) means “wonder” in Italian, and wonder she sparks. Not just with her mammoth size, but with the dazzling 5,000-square-foot LED dome in the two-deck inside promenade; the intimate Cirque du Soleil at Sea dinner theater; and the game-changing smart ship technology, MSC for Me.

Even if you didn’t know that “Mediterranean” is part of the line’s name, you’d get that vibe from the moment you step on board. Reminiscent of the lovely strolling boulevards of the Med, the 315-foot-long Galleria Meraviglia central promenade sets the stage for that experience. High-end boutiques (we’re talking Armani and Gucci) and decadent dining options lure you in while the ever-changing shows on that LED sky screen — “Look, it’s the Sistine Chapel! Wait, it’s an under-the-sea fantasy! — entice you to linger.

Glitz and glamour are plentiful (i.e. those signature Swarovski staircases), but sumptuous rather than overdone design wins the day with rich fabrics and restrained use of dramatic color that’s parlayed where it makes the most impact, such as in the crimson-splashed casino. Each of the 19 decks is named for a wonder of the world, so look for art depicting the likes of Angkor Wat, the Eiffel Tower, and the Taj Mahal.

Staterooms are a restful retreat, at 205 square feet for the plentiful balcony cabins. But accommodation options, much like the rest of the MSC Meraviglia experience, are flexible. Families can opt for modular joining staterooms sleeping up to 10, or maybe the duplex suite at 560 square feet (plus large balcony with whirlpool bath). The spectrum ranges from 130-square-foot studio cabins for solo travelers to the plush suites of the Yacht Club (up to 700 square feet), which include butler service. Altogether, 2,244 staterooms can sleep up to 5,714 passengers.

For pure pampering, book a treatment at the luxurious Balinese MSC Aurea Spa, which offers signature relaxation treatments, a thermal area, beauty salon, and nail boutique.