MSC Meraviglia debuted in 2017 as the first ship in the Meraviglia Class and remains one of MSC’s most popular and versatile ships. Designed for all season cruising, it offers more indoor spaces than MSC’s open air Seaside-class vessels, making it a great fit for cooler weather sailings out of New York. At the center of the ship is Galleria Meraviglia, a two-deck indoor promenade featuring shops, bars, cafes, and an impressive LED dome that runs themed light shows throughout the day. Meraviglia blends dining variety, entertainment, family activities, and a comfortable layout in a way that appeals to families, couples, first time MSC cruisers, and anyone who enjoys having lots to do day and night.
Quick Facts
Class: Meraviglia Class
Ordered: March 2014
Entered Service: June 2017
Builder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique (France)
Registry: Malta
Cost: ~$950 million
Gross Tonnage: ~171,600 GT
Length: 1,036 ft
Beam: 141 ft
Top Speed: 23 knots
Guests: ~4,500 (double) or ~5,700 max
Crew: ~1,500
Godmother: Sophia Loren
What Does Meraviglia Mean and How Do You Pronounce It?
The word Meraviglia comes from Italian and translates to wonder, marvel or awe inspiring sight. MSC named the ship to reflect the feeling guests should have when walking through the indoor promenade, seeing the entertainment, and exploring the ship’s design. It is meant to evoke a sense of discovery and delight.
Many guests are unsure how to pronounce it, so here is the easy breakdown:
Pronunciation: Meh-rah-VEEL-yah
Ship Layout and Flow
The ship’s design centers around Galleria Meraviglia, an indoor promenade filled with cafes, bars, chocolate shops, and boutiques beneath a massive LED sky screen. This is one of the busiest and most photographed areas on the ship. Higher up, guests will find a large main pool deck, the aft Horizon Pool, and an indoor pool with a retractable roof that makes the ship comfortable even in chilly or rainy weather. Meraviglia’s layout is intuitive and easy to learn. Even though the ship is large, most venues cluster around a few central hubs, making it feel more manageable than its size suggests.
Dining on MSC Meraviglia
Guests have access to several included main dining rooms that serve multi-course Mediterranean-inspired meals. Marketplace Buffet is one of MSC’s strongest buffet venues with a great layout, fresh pasta, and excellent pizza. Specialty restaurants include Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse, Ocean Cay Seafood Restaurant, Kaito Teppanyaki, Kaito Sushi Bar, Hola Tacos and Cantina, and Jean Philippe Chocolate and Crepes. Each offers a unique dining experience and can be pre-booked or scheduled onboard.
Bars and Lounges
MSC Meraviglia features more than ten unique bars and lounges. Some favorites include Brass Anchor Pub for a classic pub vibe with live music, the Champagne Bar for upscale sparkling selections, Edge Cocktail Bar for crafted drinks, Sky Lounge for panoramic indoor views, TV Studio and Bar for trivia and game shows, and the Carousel Lounge for themed nightlife. It is an excellent ship for evening bar hopping thanks to its concentrated layout around the central promenade.
Entertainment and Shows
Meraviglia offers nightly productions in the Broadway Theater that showcase singing, dancing, and themed performances. The Carousel Lounge, once home to Cirque du Soleil, now hosts specialty acts and musical events. Throughout the Galleria, the LED dome shows run multiple times a day and are worth stopping for whenever they begin. The daily schedule is filled with trivia, dance classes, games, live musicians, and themed parties that rotate between indoor and outdoor venues depending on weather.
Pools and Outdoor Spaces
Atmosphere Pool is the main outdoor pool with plenty of loungers and bars nearby. Horizon Pool at the aft provides quieter relaxation and excellent sunset views. Families can enjoy Polar Aquapark, which includes waterslides, a rope course, and splash areas. For cooler weather or rainy days, the indoor pool under the retractable roof is a great alternative.
Staterooms and Suites
MSC Meraviglia offers a wide range of cabin categories including interior, oceanview, balcony, family cabins, and suites. Many connecting cabin options make Meraviglia a strong option for families. The MSC Yacht Club sits at the front of the ship and delivers a private luxury experience with a dedicated restaurant, Top Sail Lounge, exclusive pool deck, and 24 hour butler and concierge service.
Who Will Enjoy MSC Meraviglia Most
- Families who want lots of activities.
- Couples who enjoy evening entertainment and lounge hopping.
- First time MSC cruisers departing from New York.
- Travelers who value indoor venues and year round comfort.
- Guests who prefer a balanced ship with both quiet and lively areas.
Tips and Tricks
- Book specialty dining as soon as you board because peak times fill early.
- The Horizon Pool is a quieter retreat on busy sea days.
- The Galleria gets crowded during LED dome shows and indoor parties.
- Use the indoor pool on colder itineraries.
- Arrive early for popular theater shows.
Final Thoughts
MSC Meraviglia is one of MSC’s most versatile and well designed ships. It blends entertainment, dining, and multi season comfort in a way that feels both exciting and approachable. For New York sailings in particular, its indoor venues and flexible layout make it an excellent choice. Whether you love shows, dining, family activities, or simply exploring a high energy cruise ship, Meraviglia offers a fantastic introduction to MSC Cruises and a ship you will likely want to sail again.