Themost fragrant shipin theMed!
New cruise ships do love to break records. And now the Italian cruise line MSC has gone above and beyond with its latest offering. Shortly after I step on board in Naples (Meraviglia will spend her first few years floating around the Mediterranean), I decide it’s the best- smelling ship ever. No wonder. It turns out that MSC Meraviglia has its very own fragrance.
It’s called Med by MSC and, from time to time, I spot the crew spritzing the reception area with this fig-based scent — perhaps in an effort to mask the distinctive top notes of the newly-laid carpet.
Not that the reception area needs much enhancement. It can be found in the three-storey Infinity Atrium, the centrepiece of which is a glittering Swarovski crystal staircase.
Nearby, there’s the boulevard, which stretches almost the length of the entire ship and is covered by the longest LeD dome at sea.
Stained-glass windows can be projected onto it and it can be transformed into a child-friendly tableaux of roaring dinosaurs. This area is where you’ll find Meraviglia’s shops, my favourite of which is the Jean-Philippe Maury Chocolaterie, with its museum-like displays of chocolate sculptures (I particularly love the enormous octopus).
The boulevard is also home to the ship’s speciality restaurants, including Italian chain restaurant eataly, Kaito Teppanyaki Restaurant & Sushi Bar and Butcher’s Cut.
It’s far from being the biggest ship to prowl the seas — but it’s not a tiddler, either. There are 19 decks, one nightclub, two theatres, 11 restaurants, 32 elevators, 2,224 cabins and 20 bars and lounges.
Passengers who like the finer things can splash out on a suite in the Yacht Club spread over three floors. Perks include butlers, a separate pool area, bar and your own restaurant. elsewhere, - the main buffet is the e Marketplace and it’s enormous, , with a series of open kitchens s dedicated to different cuisines, including rotisserie and so- called ‘ ethnic food’ (think curries and satay chicken). But it’s still prone to overcrowding and, on one occasion, I’m quite literally elbowed out of the way by a woman desperate to get her hands on the very last profiterole. e. Browse the daily newsletter and there’s no shortage of action — from dance- offs, Zumba classes and quiz nights in the ship’s television studio to lip- sync competitions and football tournaments in the sports complex. DIY entertainment options include two F1 simulators, a bowling alley and 4D cinema, along with four pools — surrounded by 1,300 loungers, which means nabbing your ideal spot doesn’t require any stealthy pre-dawn towel-placing.
One highlight is the Cirque Du Soleil performances. I’m blown away by Sonor, in which the light show even extends to the theatre’s waiters and bar staff, who wear trainers fitted with tiny LeDs. It’s the only Cirque du Soleil on board a cruise ship. Perhaps the occasional first isn’t a bad thing, after all.