Introduction: Meet MSC Grandiosa
MSC Grandiosa made her debut in 2019 as the first ship in MSC’s Meraviglia Plus Class, an expanded and enhanced version of the original Meraviglia design. She takes everything guests loved about Meraviglia and Bellissima and scales it up with more dining, upgraded venues, a longer indoor promenade and even more entertainment options. Grandiosa was built for European itineraries, but her layout and features make her an excellent year round ship for travelers who want strong indoor and outdoor spaces, lots of dining choices and a nighttime atmosphere that feels alive but not overwhelming. She is a great fit for families, couples and cruise fans who enjoy modern mega ships with a polished, upscale feel.
Quick Facts
Class: Meraviglia Plus
Into Service: November 2019
Gross Tonnage: ~181,500 GT
Guests: ~4,800 double occupancy, up to ~6,300 max
Length: 1,087 feet
Crew: ~1,700
Registered In: Malta
Builder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique
Cost: ~1 billion dollars
Top Speed: 22.7 knots
Beam: 141 feet
Godmother: Sophia Loren
Notable Features: Galleria Grandiosa promenade, expanded dining spaces, enhanced Carousel Lounge, improved Yacht Club design.
What Makes the Meraviglia Plus Class Different
MSC Grandiosa is the first of the Meraviglia Plus ships, meaning she is bigger, wider and more refined than Meraviglia and Bellissima. She features a longer indoor promenade, redesigned specialty restaurants, a larger TV Studio and lounge spaces, a more impressive Carousel Lounge and expanded public areas across the ship. Even though she carries more passengers, the flow feels smoother thanks to larger rooms and smarter design.
Ship Layout and Flow
Galleria Grandiosa is the heart of the ship, featuring the longest LED dome at sea at launch. It serves as a vibrant indoor boulevard with shops, bars, cafés and entertainment from morning to late night. The expanded width of the Meraviglia Plus design creates a more open feeling, especially on decks surrounding the promenade. Outdoor areas remain similar to Meraviglia, but the expanded pool deck, improved bar placement and more open aft spaces give the ship a more relaxed, modern vibe. Overall, Grandiosa rides the line between lively and elegant, and her layout feels intuitive once you learn the promenade structure.
Dining on MSC Grandiosa
Included dining venues include multiple main dining rooms with Mediterranean focused menus, the popular Marketplace Buffet and daily pizza, pasta and regional specialties. The specialty dining lineup is one of the strongest on any MSC ship, featuring Butcher’s Cut, Kaito Teppanyaki, Kaito Sushi, Hola Tacos and Cantina, Ocean Cay Restaurant and Jean Philippe Chocolate and Gelato. Many of these venues benefit from the ship’s extra width, giving them more seating and improved ambiance. Add links to your specialty dining reviews for SEO and internal navigation.
Bars and Lounges
MSC Grandiosa has a standout bar and lounge lineup, made even better by the expanded promenade. Key venues include Masters of the Seas Pub, Champagne Bar, Edge Cocktail Bar, the Grandiosa Lobby Bar, the popular Sky Lounge and the TV Studio and Bar. Live music is available throughout the ship, and the combination of elegant seating areas and open spaces makes Grandiosa one of the best MSC ships for nighttime bar hopping.
Entertainment and Shows
Grandiosa features MSC’s classic Broadway style theater shows plus upgraded Carousel Productions at Sea in the Carousel Lounge. Shows like Strings and Sweet combine acrobatics, dance and immersive lighting. The Galleria Grandiosa LED dome hosts multiple themed shows each day, turning the promenade into a must see gathering spot. Trivia, dance classes, game shows and themed parties fill the schedule. Guests who enjoy variety will love Grandiosa’s pacing and creative venues.
Pools and Outdoor Areas
The Atmosphere Pool remains the centerpiece with plenty of loungers, improved bar access and a more open deck layout than earlier Meraviglia Class ships. The Horizon Pool at the aft provides beautiful views and becomes a nightlife space in the evenings. Families will appreciate the Polar Aquapark with its waterslides and splash areas. For cooler itineraries, the indoor Bamboo Pool features a retractable roof and warm, comfortable styling.
Staterooms and Suites
MSC Grandiosa offers a full range of staterooms including interior, ocean view, balcony, family cabins, duplex suites and popular cluster cabins for groups. Décor is modern and understated with slight upgrades over Meraviglia and Bellissima. Yacht Club suites occupy the forward section of the ship, offering privacy and direct access to all inclusive dining, lounge and pool facilities.
MSC Yacht Club on Grandiosa
The Yacht Club on Grandiosa is considered one of the best in MSC’s fleet. The expanded lounge, improved pool deck and larger private restaurant create a high end experience within a mega ship environment. Guests receive priority boarding, premium drinks, WiFi, concierge and butler service and private sun deck access. It is an excellent choice for guests who want a premium vacation without giving up the entertainment and dining variety of a large ship.
Who Will Enjoy MSC Grandiosa Most
Grandiosa is a top choice for:
Families who enjoy waterslides, kids clubs and entertainment
Couples who enjoy lounges, music and dining variety
Travelers who like big ships that still feel polished and elegant
Guests who enjoy European style cruising with a strong nightlife scene
Anyone who likes Meraviglia or Bellissima and wants a slightly upgraded version
Tips and Tricks
- Visit the Galleria Grandiosa during multiple dome shows. Each one is different and makes for great photos.
- Book Carousel Productions at Sea early in your cruise.
- The Horizon Pool is quieter in the mornings and early afternoons.
- If you want prime dining times, schedule specialty restaurants soon after boarding.
- Nighttime around the promenade is one of the ship’s best atmospheres, so plan to explore in the evenings.
What the Name Grandiosa Means
Grandiosa comes from Italian and translates to “magnificent” or “grand.” MSC chose the name to reflect the ship’s larger size, expanded promenade and elevated design elements that set her apart from earlier ships in the class. With a dramatically lit promenade, larger venues and more immersive entertainment, the name fits the ship’s elevated feel within the Meraviglia family.
Final Thoughts
MSC Grandiosa elevates the Meraviglia concept with more space, upgraded venues and a more polished design throughout. She feels lively and modern without losing the warm, European styling MSC is known for. Whether you are a family, a couple or a first time MSC cruiser, Grandiosa offers a strong mix of dining, entertainment and relaxation that makes her one of the most impressive ships in the fleet.