That’s Entertainment

The runaway star on this ship is certainly the fantastical Cirque du Soleil experience in the purpose-built Carousel Lounge, which was designed as a dining venue that hosts exclusive shows by the worldfamous Cirque du Soleil every evening. At night, the space becomes a lively disco.

Cirque du Soleil set out to create two very different, contrasting shows, each with a different concept, ambiance, storyline, costumes, and make- up. With two 40- minute performances each night, six nights a week, guests will have the opportunity to see both productions: Viaggio is the story of a passionate and eccentric artist who hears the call of his Faceless Muse, and Sonor takes guests on an auditory adventure with dancers, acrobats, and characters, all moving to the rhythm. (Cirque du Soleil shows must be pre-booked and feature an extra charge.)

In addition, Broadway-style shows — some featuring a live band — take place three times nightly, making it a breeze to catch dinner and a show. And 24 hours a day you’ll find illusions on the promenade’s sky screen. Sun worshipers will gather at the elegant South Beach– inspired main pool or Horizon Pool, and as an all-seasons ship, MSC

Meraviglia also boasts a sliding dome over the indoor pool. The younger set ( and anyone with an appetite for adrenaline) should make for the amusement park where they can go head- tohead in F1 racecar simulators and take on zombies in a 4D theater, or up to the Polar Aquapark and the Himalayan Bridge zipline. Littler ones have their own zone on the ship with seven fun areas segmented by age group — and parents can easily geo-locate their kids using the MSC for Me app, which also lets you browse dinner menus, make a reservation and follow wayfinding directions to get to the restaurant; unlock your cabin door and make purchases with the wristband; check out and book shore excursions on digital screens throughout the ship; and even find the nearest restroom. It’s a whole new way of cruising and it’s the wave of the future for MSC. Every one of its new ships will feature this cutting- edge technology all designed to make things easier for you.

Because after all, isn’t that what vacation is about?

The name of the ship — Meraviglia — means “wonder” in Italian, and wonder she sparks.