MSC Meraviglia — MSC Cruises’ first Meraviglia Class smart ship — debuted in North America last month and yesterday made her inaugural visit to Miami, her new homeport for her first winter season in the region. With a double-occupancy capacity of 4,488 and gross tonnage of 171,598 GRT, MSC Meraviglia is MSC Cruises’ largest ship sailing from the U.S., offering guests a completely distinct cruise experience.
“Since MSC Meraviglia arrived in the U.S. in October, we’ve seen tremendous excitement and buzz from our travel advisor partners and guests,” said Ken Muskat, EVP and Chief Operating Officer of MSC Cruises USA. “We are thrilled that MSC Meraviglia will now be part of the beautiful Miami skyline, joining MSC Seaside, MSC Armonia and MSC Divina. Due to significant demand, this is the first time MSC Cruises’ has four distinct ships sailing the region, all offering an enriching experience inspired by our European heritage while providing our guests even more choice and variety to best fit their vacation needs.”
“We are grateful to our partners at MSC Cruises for their trust and commitment to growing their business in Miami-Dade County,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Giménez. “We welcome the MSC Meraviglia to the Cruise Capital of the World!”
“We welcome MSC Meraviglia with open arms,” said Chairwoman of the Tourism and Ports Committee Rebeca Sosa. “We are very pleased the vessel will be joining MSC Cruises’ line of cruise ships sailing out of PortMiami.”
MSC Meraviglia’s On-Board Features
With a name meaning wonder, MSC Meraviglia boasts an innovative and glamorous design that showcases MSC Cruises’ signature European style. The ship’s two-story Mediterranean-style promenade, featuring the longest LED dome at sea, is lined with a variety of shops and specialty restaurants — including HOLA! Tapas Bar and Ocean Cay, restaurants by two Michelin-starred Spanish chef Ramón Freixa, and Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Café, an open-fronted chocolate atelier by world-renowned pastry chef, Jean Philippe Maury.
Entertainment is available around-the-clock with enriching activities for all ages. In addition to six different full-scale theatrical productions every night in the main theater, guests are also able to enjoy two distinct Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows, VIAGGIO and SONOR — created exclusively for MSC Meraviglia in a purpose-built entertainment and dining venue, the Carousel Lounge. Immersive kids and family programs include a winter-themed aqua park with four water slides, a Himalayan bridge suspending cruisers high up above the ship, an interactive XD cinema, two full-size bowling lanes, and multiple LEGO-designed kids clubs.
Those looking for exclusivity and privacy – while still enjoying all the amenities and choice offered on a larger ship – can book their stay within the MSC Yacht Club, MSC Cruises’ all-inclusive ‘ship-within-a-ship’ concept, featuring private amenities and 24-hour butler service.
Launched in June 2017, MSC Meraviglia was MSC Cruises’ first next-generation innovative ship to feature MSC for Me, a multi-channel digital program designed to help guests get the most out of their vacation. By simply using an app, interactive displays and in-stateroom TV, guests are able to effortlessly book services, find information, plan activities, stay connected with friends and family and easily navigate around the ship.
MSC Meraviglia North American Itineraries and Experiences Ashore
Designed to sail in all seasons and climates, the glamorous MSC Meraviglia began her North American journey with three sailings from NYC, including two itineraries to New England and Canada and one repositioning to her new homeport in Miami.
From November 10, 2019, through April 5, 2020, MSC Meraviglia will sail two different 7-night western Caribbean itineraries visiting ports in Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and The Bahamas. Sample itineraries include:
- January 12, 2019: 7-night sailing visiting Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico; Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas. Prices start at $629 per person for a balcony stateroom.
- February 16, 2019: 7-night sailing visiting Miami, Florida; Isla de Rotan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; Costa Maya, Mexico; Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas; Miami, Florida. Prices start at $639 per person for a balcony stateroom.
With MSC Meraviglia’s arrival in North America, she also now features MSC Cruises’ partnership with home and lifestyle expert Martha Stewart, which launched earlier in 2019 on all Caribbean sailings. The exclusive Martha Stewart and MSC Cruises partnership includes celebration surprise gift packages, onboard special holiday dinner menus and recipes, and specially curated shore excursions featuring some of Martha’s favorite activities and allowing guests to learn the local culture of the destination they are visiting.
Following her inaugural season in Miami, MSC Meraviglia will return to Northern Europe for summer 2020 (April – October). Upon returning to the U.S. in October 2020, MSC Meraviglia will once again do three 10-night sailings from New York to Canada & New England before then homeporting back in Miami for 7-night Caribbean sailings.
MSC Cruises is the world’s fastest-growing cruise line, sailing to more than 200 destinations around the world and offering an enriching, immersive cruise experience inspired by its European heritage. Over the next 8 years, the cruise line is set to expand its innovative, modern fleet from 17 to 25 cruise ships.
For more information and to book a cruise onboard MSC Meraviglia guests can contact their preferred travel advisor or visit www.msccruises.com
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