SIX REASONS WHY MSC MERAVIGLIA WILL BE NEXT YEAR’S ULTIMATE SUMMER DESTINATION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

07/07/2016

MSC Cruises reveals further details of the first of its features-packed next generation smart ship launching in June 2017

With just twelve months to go until the first guests set sail on-board MSC Meraviglia, MSC Cruises - the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and brand market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa - has today revealed further details of its first next-generation smart ship. Designed around meeting every need of its guests, MSC Meraviglia will introduce new, cutting edge ways to connect holidaymakers seamlessly with the experiences that matter to them, whether at sea or on land.

With the first cruise scheduled for 4 June 2017, MSC Meraviglia will feature the ultimate in entertainment, alongside a broad range of dining options and luxurious wellness choices. In addition to the on-board experience, the ship will spend her inaugural summer season sailing the western Mediterranean – calling at beautiful, historic destinations with a unique, highly-tailored programme of discovery excursions, to immerse guests in local culture and tastes.

1. Exclusive, world-class entertainment from Cirque du Soleil

The highlight of on-board entertainment will be represented by the world leader in artistic performance, Cirque du Soleil, thanks to the exclusive Cirque du Soleil at Sea partnership with MSC Cruises.

Two unique Cirque du Soleil shows will be performed on-board in the evenings, 6 nights per week, at the purpose-built Carousel Lounge. An exclusive on-site dinner service for up to 50 of the 450 guests booked for the show, which elevates MSC Cruises’ exquisite dining and award-winning entertainment to yet another level. In fact, this is a unique experience that cannot be had anywhere else at sea – or in the world, for that matter.

MSC Cruises designed a custom-made entertainment venue, the Carousel Lounge, for MSC Meraviglia and its three Meraviglia and Meraviglia-Plus sister smart cruise ships. Featuring the latest technology, this ground-breaking venue, which has been designed to meet the needs of Cirque du Soleil and its performers, will be a stunning circular performance space with a 180° circular glass wall. Kitted out with the most cutting edge equipment and special rigging, the Carousel Lounge will enable Cirque du Soleil performers to deliver their world-renowned performances for the exclusive enjoyment of MSC Cruises guests.

2. Enriched family offering and cutting-edge entertainment for all ages

With MSC Meraviglia, MSC Cruises continues to evolve and enrich the family options that have historically been at the core of its offering. The facilities and services for families on every MSC Cruises holiday, are designed to ensure that it is engaging for all members of the family, both together and individually.

For the first time on any MSC Cruises ship, all of the facilities for families, kids and teens are all together in a super amusement park and children’s area. This means families have a dedicated area specially designed for their needs, providing a safe place for children, and an opportunity to also meet and get to know other families. This area includes the DOREMI Studio Lounge, a dedicated lounge for all family activities, DOREMI Tech Lab, a must visit destination for kids who love technology, as well as facilities designed in partnership with family experts including the LEGO Group and Chicco.

Amongst other features, the on-board Aqua Park will include four action-packed water slides, a splash pool and champagne bowl. And the Himalayan Bridge will thrill adventure seekers, who can attach themselves to a rope and cross the ship, 60 metres above the water.

3. Comfortable accommodations to meet every need

The innovative accommodations on MSC Meraviglia demonstrate the way that MSC Cruises puts the guest at the heart of its designs and ship building - the way in which only a family-owned business can. With 10 different types of cabin to choose from, there really is something for everyone.

The Yacht Club

MSC Meraviglia features an enhanced Yacht Club with luxurious accommodation, now spanning three decks with 78 suites, 15 inside cabins and two apartments. The two coveted apartment suites are designed with a large living room and two balconies, one of which is a large outdoor space that has a dining table for eating al fresco and a private whirlpool.

This unique “ship within a ship” concept is specially designed for guests seeking exclusivity and privacy in a world full of choice. MSC Yacht Club guests can thus enjoy the world-class entertainment, speciality restaurants and boutiques before returning to their own private, luxurious haven.

With unparalleled luxury comparable to that of a private yacht, it also provides key benefits including the Top Sail Lounge, an entirely self-contained private club, offering panoramic sea views, and the One Pool Deck, featuring a private pool, whirlpool baths and solarium. A private lift will transport guests discreetly to the MSC Aurea Spa to experience the delights of an authentic Balinese spa, with an exclusive MSC Yacht Club massage and treatment room.

Modular cabins designed with the needs of families in mind

The trend for multi-generational holidays is further met on this ship with a clever modular cabins system, which is unique to MSC Cruises. Up to three cabins can be combined together to accommodate up to 10 guests.

In addition to the modular cabins, quadruple cabins can accommodate a family of up to four people each, with a living space in the daytime, and a sofa that turns into a comfortable bed by night – making the most effective use of space in the cabin.

4. A truly unprecedented choice of both fine and casual dining options

MSC Meraviglia makes available to her guests an unprecedented choice of both fine and casual options through 12 venues – in true MSC Cruises fashion - serving always fresh, authentic food. This starts with the buffet, open 20-hours a day, which will serve a delicious array of Mediterranean specialities and international cuisines – including ethnic, “itinerary” and wellness corners plus a multitude of other tastes and dietary needs catered for round-the-clock.

In addition, fine dining options examples include the award-winning Kaito Sushi Bar, the new Kaito Teppanyaki Restaurant and an American-style steakhouse with specialty meats from around the world (details of additional fine dining options will be revealed over time).

5. The 96 metre-long Mediterranean-style promenade

Another outstanding feature of MSC Meraviglia is her impressive Mediterranean-style indoor promenade, featuring an 80 metre LED sky that creates an awe-inspiring atmosphere 24 hours a day. With stunning visuals and effects, the Promenade will be the social centre of the ship and a focal point for a broad range of leisure activities. Amongst others, guests can stroll up and down, sit back and take in the atmosphere, shop until their hearts’ content, snack on delicious ice cream or crepes from Jean Philippe Maury, the award-winning French chocolatier and pastry chef.

6. Elegant pools for daytime relaxation and night-time entertainment

MSC Meraviglia offers all her guests a choice of three elegantly designed pools:

The main pool, located on deck 15 is inspired by the cool vibes of Miami’s South Beach. At approximately 25 metres long, it has the most generous poolside space at sea. By night, the pool becomes a visual spectacle, illuminated with special lighting. There is also a buffet nearby with inside and outdoor dining options, providing guests with more convenience and optimal relaxation time.
As MSC Meraviglia is the ship for all seasons, there is a 10 metres indoor pool with a magrodome that can be opened when the ship is in port or the weather simply allows for it.
Finally, the Aft Pool on deck 16 offers spectacular views from the front of the ship, while by night is transformed into a space where guests can dance the night away under the stars.

Additionally, the private One Deck Pool, exclusively for the use of Yacht Club guests, is in a coveted position at the top of the ship on deck 19 providing a quiet haven for relaxation.

These are just some of the special features of the incredible MSC Meraviglia and more will be revealed soon. Seeing really will be believing - sales for summer 2017 are open so to find out more visit here

Additionally, to help guests find out more about the unique experience that awaits them on-board, watch this comprehensive guide to all of the key features to understand why MSC Meraviglia will soon become the must-visit destination in the Mediterranean next summer.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE ARRAY OF EXCITING FEATURES ON-BOARD MSC MERAVIGLIA

MSC Meraviglia offers a world of choice, with everything that a guest might look for in a holiday, both onboard and onshore. In particular, she features the ultimate in entertainment for the whole family, from grandparents to young babies, a huge range of dining options, luxurious pampering and wellness that guests may not even want to leave the ship! But the fun doesn’t stop there, as in addition to the onboard experience, MSC Meraviglia will spend her inaugural summer season – with the first cruise scheduled for 4 June 2017 - sailing the western Mediterranean.

At 315 metres long and 65 metres tall, with an impressive 19 decks and capacity of 5,700 guests, not only will MSC Meraviglia become one of the biggest cruise ships at sea, but it is poised to naturally become one of the hottest holiday destinations, packed with innovative features to give guests an unforgettable experience.

In addition to the exclusive Cirque du Soleil shows, MSC Meraviglia features a second plush, 1,000 sqm theatre venue offering six different shows per cruise. With three showings per day, guests will be provided with additional options in a variety of world-class, award-winning productions.

One of the key highlights on the Promenade will be the pre-dinner parades. Providing a tempting taster of the evening’s entertainment with dancers, singers and performers in their flamboyant costumes designed to dazzle and wow guests -- all overseen by the Cruise Director, leading the entertainment from a bridge over the Promenade. There will be spectacular special "mini-shows" with the LED sky.

At the end of the Promenade there will be a versatile bar open 24-hours-a-day, serving coffee, cappuccinos and fresh croissants in the morning, the widest range of cocktails for an aperitif and then transform itself into a post-dinner ballroom. There will also be a band for guests to dance to, or simply enjoy the music throughout the evening.

The Super Amusement Park houses the latest in entertainment for all the family. Key features include, amongst others:

A multi-purpose, amusement arena with sweeping sea views that can be used for sports such as basketball, football and volleyball. The area can also work as a ballroom or an events space for both large and smaller groups
The latest technology including two F1 Simulators, a 5D cinema, a Flight Simulator and fun arcade games
A full-length bowling alley with a glass wall that provides amazing views out to sea, as families compete against each other

The multi-purpose media space on deck 7 will operate as the TV studio from which the Cruise Director will film their “Morning Show”, to be broadcast throughout the ship during the day.

The karaoke bar will also allow guests to order and purchase a copy of their performance as a unique souvenir of their holiday.