The MSC Meraviglia Class is one of MSC Cruises most important and popular ship families. Launched in 2017 with MSC Meraviglia, this class introduced a modern mega ship design built around a stunning indoor promenade, more all season venues, and a huge variety of dining, entertainment, and family friendly spaces. Today, the Meraviglia Class includes five ships that sail around the world, offering some of the best balance between indoor comfort and large scale excitement anywhere in the MSC fleet.
If you are cruising from New York, Northern Europe, or destinations with mixed weather, this is one of MSC’s best ship classes for year round comfort. At the same time, it holds its own in warm weather regions thanks to strong pool decks and outdoor entertainment.
Meraviglia Class Lineup
The full class includes five ships:
MSC Meraviglia, launched in 2017
MSC Bellissima, launched in 2019
MSC Grandiosa, launched in 2019 (first Meraviglia Plus ship)
MSC Virtuosa, launched in 2021 (Meraviglia Plus)
MSC Euribia, launched in 2023 (Meraviglia Plus)
The Meraviglia Plus ships are larger and offer slightly expanded venues but remain part of the same overall class.
What Defines the Meraviglia Class
The signature element of this class is the Galleria, a two deck indoor promenade lined with shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants, all covered by a massive LED sky screen. This area serves as the center of the ship and creates a lively indoor hub that works well in any climate.
Beyond the promenade, Meraviglia Class ships stand out for their strong indoor focus. They offer more enclosed lounges, bars, and entertainment spaces than MSC’s outdoor heavy Seaside Class. This makes them ideal for Northern Europe, Canada and New England, and year round New York departures.
The class features a deep lineup of specialty dining, excellent family amenities including large kids clubs and the Polar Aquapark, and strong entertainment options from nightly theater shows to LED dome events. The ships feel big but remain manageable thanks to their logical layout and well designed public spaces.
How the Meraviglia Class Compares to the Seaside Class
Many cruisers compare these two classes since they often sail similar itineraries. Meraviglia Class ships are built for flexibility, with more indoor venues, an indoor pool with a retractable roof, and the enclosed promenade. Seaside Class ships focus on warm weather cruising with wider outdoor deck space, Waterfront Boardwalk promenades, and an open air dining and bar approach.
If you enjoy an indoor hub of activity, lounges, and weather resistant design, Meraviglia is usually the better fit. If you prefer a sunny, resort style outdoor experience, Seaside comes out ahead.
Dining on Meraviglia Class Ships
Dining is a major strength of the class. You will find multiple main dining rooms offering Mediterranean inspired menus, a large Marketplace Buffet with excellent pizza and diverse stations, and a full slate of specialty restaurants. These typically include Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse, Kaito Sushi Bar, Kaito Teppanyaki, Hola Tacos and Cantina, Ocean Cay Seafood Restaurant, and Jean Philippe Chocolate and Crepes shops.
While offerings may vary slightly between Meraviglia and Meraviglia Plus ships, the overall mix of restaurants is consistently strong. Specialty dining packages and pre cruise reservations are recommended for the best value.
Bars and Lounges
Meraviglia Class ships feature a deep lineup of bars that cater to nearly every drink preference. Guests will find the ship’s English style pub (Brass Anchor or Masters of the Seas depending on the ship), the Champagne Bar or Infinity Bar, Edge Cocktail Bar, Sky Lounge, TV Studio and Bar, and the popular Carousel Lounge. Many of the most active bars sit off the Galleria promenade, which makes bar hopping easy and enjoyable each evening.
Entertainment and Activities
Entertainment options are plentiful. Large Broadway style theaters host nightly production shows. The LED dome in the Galleria displays themed shows several times a day, often tied to music or visual art. Live musicians perform in lounges across the ship, including the pub and the central Galleria.
For activities, guests will find sports courts, an arcade, bowling alleys on some ships, a Formula 1 simulator on select ships, and the Polar Aquapark featuring water slides and a rope course.
Meraviglia Plus: What Sets Them Apart
MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa, and MSC Euribia are the Meraviglia Plus ships. These vessels are slightly larger and include an extended promenade, expanded specialty restaurants, additional cabin categories, and enhancements to the kids club. The overall experience remains the same, but Plus ships generally feel a bit more open and refined.
Staterooms and the MSC Yacht Club
The class offers a full range of staterooms including interior cabins, oceanviews, balconies, suites, and family cabins with connecting options. Some ships also feature promenade views overlooking the Galleria.
At the top of the ship, the MSC Yacht Club offers an exclusive luxury zone with a private restaurant, Top Sail Lounge, deck with pool and hot tubs, and full time butler service. Many cruisers consider the Meraviglia Class Yacht Club to be one of MSC’s strongest layouts, especially on the Plus ships.
Pros and Cons of the Meraviglia Class
Pros:
Great for all weather cruising
Indoor promenade with LED dome
Strong specialty dining lineup
Excellent mix of lounges and bars
Strong Yacht Club offerings
Family friendly amenities
Cons:
Galleria can feel crowded during peak times, especially during indoor events
Indoor focus means less open deck space compared to Seaside Class
Final Thoughts
The MSC Meraviglia Class is one of MSC’s most balanced and versatile ship families. It offers a mix of modern design, energetic entertainment, strong dining, and plenty of indoor comfort that makes it ideal for both warm and cool weather itineraries. Whether you are cruising from New York or exploring Europe, these ships deliver a dependable and enjoyable MSC experience.
For guests who enjoy having a variety of lounges, indoor spaces, specialty restaurants, and large scale entertainment all under one roof, the Meraviglia Class remains one of the best choices in the MSC fleet.