MSC Meraviglia Cruise Review - Canada

MSC Meraviglia Cruise Review

October 8, 2019

Just the Facts:

Ship: MSC Meraviglia

Captain: Stefano Battinelli

Hotel Director: Guiseppe Pane  -  Cruise Director: Gene Young

Ports: New York City, USA - Sydney, Cape Breton Island - Cornerbrook, Newfoundland Canada  - Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island Canada - Québec City, Québec Canada  - New York City, USA.

I’m cruising as a solo. This is my final of four consecutive cruises on the MSC Meraviglia, my 13th MSC cruise and my 150th cruise overall.  I do have several clients and very good cruise and personal friends sailing.  I am sailing 40 consecutive nights on board the Meraviglia. 

Tuesday October 8  /  Embarkation  /  New York City, USA  /  Day 1

NY Skyline at Sailaway

This is the third easy embarkation day in a row as I’m already on the ship and U.S. Customs was cleared yesterday.  I do have to change cabins this time as originally the DW was joining me for this segment, but alas plans changed. I will enjoy the balcony.  I was up early and NOW the WiFi from previous cruise is working…so stayed up and took advantage of it setting up this new review and checking on business.  I went to breakfast in the MDR as usual, I heard the news about Québec no longer being an overnight from English neighbors also on a B2B.  Since we cleared customs GS was processing B2B guests, and there are a lot, so I went to the GS desk and they processed my new card.  BUT first they gave me the good news, they did process a credit for my WiFi, a equatable amount so I am very pleased.  MSC has been nothing but excellent in guest service to me.  I actually moved my own items to my new cabin, it only took 20 minutes, and I had control of everything and I was done with it.  So all settled into the new balcony by 10:30 am.  At 12:30 I lucked into a banquet for Travel Agents visiting the ship in the Panorama Restaurant.  We had a fantastic menu and I ordered: Creamed Mozzarilla LaFondant, Pepper Crusted Sirloin Steak, and Passion Fruit Panna Cotta,  all very good.  I went upstairs to the Sky Bar, still only serving wine and beer until we leave New York, seems to be a problem ship wide with drink packages not being recognized at bar stations.  I'm very lucky and feel a little guilty as there have been long lines for guests boarding the ship today including my friends, not sure if it's organization or the travel agents gumming up the process. I began seeing friends in the Sky Lounge…enjoyed visiting with them and the wonderful view of Manhattan.  I stayed to enjoy the view when everyone went to boat drill and a Casino party sprung up around me so I enjoyed some complementary Cosmopolitans, I had been trying to get two since yesterday.  Thanks Casino.The MSC Meraviglia pushed off pier 88 about 7:30 pm into the Hudson River.  The New York Skyline was so beautiful as we sailed down the Hudson.  The group and I have 8:00 pm dining this cruise in the L’Olive d’Oro dining room on deck six.  It was a mess going to dinner as so many guests were late at first sitting that they were late 20 minutes late opening and it was a mass of people trying to get into the MDR.  Worst I have seen.  Tonight I ordered: Nicoise Salad, Za’atar Crusted Lamb T-Bone Chops, and Catalonian Creme for dessert.  After dinner I had a Mango Sorbet on deck six, before retiring to the new cabin.  It was a stressful day for many boarding guests, but it was actually a great day for me on this transition day.

Wednesday October 9  /  Day at Sea  /  Day 2

Brass Anchor Pub

Rolling seas overnight with a lot of movement that can be felt on deck 13 much more than on deck 5 my previous deck.  I had trouble getting to sleep in my new environment, or it could have been the sorbet.  I went to the MDR at 8:00 am for breakfast, I don’t even have to order anymore…the waiters know me by name and what I like for breakfast.   We turned our time forward an hour to be on Atlantic Time so now 2 hours off of Texas time.  At 10:00 am they held a Cruise Critic reception in the Sky Lounge.  Very glad I went as I was recognized as having having sailed 100 times on MSC, of course not true, but fairly close to the message. I have experience on 150 cruises and my cruise line of choice is now MSC.  What I really appreciated was the seven people who came to me afterward and said they read my blog.  Thank you folks, I always wonder if people get good cruise information in my simple presentations here.  And thank you MSC Meraviglia staff. The seas are really rolling today, I doubt I will see my Cirque du Soleil show tonight.  I had lunch in the L’Olive d’ora Restaurant my first time in there.  I ordered: Cobb Salad, Penne Pasta with Shrimp Arrabbiata, and Boston Creme Pie.  It was good.  I alternated between the Brass Anchor and the Sky Lounge most of the afternoon.  I was right about cancelling shows, not only was Cirque du Soleil cancelled but all the Production shows in the theater as well.  Plenty of music in the lounges though. The group met for cocktails before dinner in the Sky Lounge, it was very nice.  There was not the big scene at dinner this evening as we were seated at 8:00ish the regular time.  Tonight I ordered: Greek Salad, Homemade Lobster Ravioli, Beef Tournedos, and Peanut Butter Pie for dessert.  All were very good especially the entree and pie.   I’m doing the Rest & Relaxation thing tonight and retired to cabin early.  My new internet package is actually working well through the stormy weather...much better than previous cruise but it is a limited package so I have to be careful with bandwidth,  It was a great sea day on the MSC Meraviglia.

Thursday October 10  /  Sydney, Cape Breton Island  Canada  / Sea Day  /  Day 3

Meraviglia Galleria

Rolling Seas overnight but improved by morning with blue skies through out the day.  I slept well, but woke early then went to the MDR for breakfast.  Another Heuvos Rancheros morning with extras for me, and I was in and out quickly.  Much better weather today and I went up to Sky Lounge on deck 18 to see if I could pick up WiFi from the coast of Nova Scotia on my iPhone, I could.  I spent the morning on the internet and also brought up the Marine Ships Application maps to see our location…we were due to dock at 1:00 pm then 2:00 pm due to leaving NYC late.  Looking at the marine charts I knew we were still hours from port in Sydney  when I finally thought to look at cruise details it listed Corner Brook as our destination.  I knew that I had information no other guests knew…we won’t make it to Sydney.  At noon when the Captain made his usual announcements he stated that due to the harsh weather yesterday they could not make up for the late departure and that we actually lost time so that we would not make our first port of Sydney.  I believe it was absolutely the correct call.  With reduced time in port it would have been a repeat of the New York fiasco with guests leaving and returning to the ship with long waiting times in a line.  It was the right call by MSC and they offered $300 per cabin compensation for missing the port.  That is very generous as they actually do not have to offer anything to the guests.  I will miss eating a Lobster Roll and my Cape Briton Fiddle excursion, but still the responsible decision by MSC.  We’ll now be in Corner Brook early and Canadian Customs will be able to clear the ship earlier…that will be good for guests aboard. A Housekeeping officer came by to check on things and I mentioned the wardrobe doors off the henges and I shred the story about MSC housekeeping locking me out on the balcony a few years back.  I went to the Marketplace for a Pizza lunch about 2:00 pm and discovered some Peanut Butter Pie as well.  Sweet.  About 4:00 pm we had a gathering in the Brass Anchor and I had my share of Stella Artois beer.  It was great fun with the old gang.  At 7:00 pm I returned to the cabin to prepare for dinner, wardrobe door now working fantastically, and made 8:00 pm start for dinner.  It was a Caribbean Night menu , a new menu to me and I ordered: Virgin Island Salad, Fisherman’s Plate, Oven-roasted Jerk Chicken, and Key Lime Pie for dessert.  Other options were: Jamaican Style Beef, Creole Pasta, Guadeloupe-style Shrimp Tails, and more.  I retired after dinner to update blog and review options for Corner Brook since we’ll be there a bit longer tomorrow.  It was a profitable and fun day on the MSC Meraviglia.

Friday  October 11  /  Corner Brook, Newfoundland Canada  /  Day 4

Colors of Corner Brook Festival

Smooth seas overnight and I slept very well. I woke about 7:00 am.  We turned our clocks forward a half hour…I have never done that before today.  Newfoundland and Labrador have unique time zones.  Beautiful sunrise, it looks to be a cool but clear and dry day.  I went up to the MarketPlace for a light quick breakfast then to the TV Lounge on deck 7 my excursion meeting spot. I discovered That I have friends that booked on the same excursion: Corner Brook Highlights. We were off about 9:30 pm, 52 new friends, for our two hour tour.  First two stops were the Old Man in the Mountain and a memorial Totem called Heritage Tree.  Kind of spots contrived by the locals for tourists, I didn’t mind as the weather was perfect and the trees were very colorful.  Final stop was the Captain James Cook Historic Site with an impressive view of the City of Corner Brook and the spectacular Blomidon Mountains, caves and the Bay of Islands explored by Cook.  A very nice site to visit.  I chose the drop off in town option and a good choice as the local Fall Festival Colors of Corner Brook was in full swing in the town center.  A few vendors, only one food truck, but nice Maritime/Celtic music,  I discovered a nice hotel restaurant/bar, the Crown & Moose (If I ever open a Pub it will be called the Moose & Squirrel).  I had a Black Horse beer, a beer just made for the Newfoundland market and a fried Cod Plate.  Both very good.  I walked bak to the ship and was on board by 3:00 pm.  It was a nice little tour of Corner Brook, but once you’ve visited your probably done, as lovely as it was.  I took advantage of my iPhone hot-spot to use the internet…I also discovered that there is a daily limit on international hot-spot bandwidth.  The DW called and she had an automobile accident last night, she’s fine, car not so much.  She ran into a group of feral hogs crossing the road in the darkness.  Another thing to take care of when I get back to the ranch.  Met friends in Brass Anchor before dinner.  I was hungry this evening and dinner did not disappoint.  I ordered: Asian Salad, Rigatoni Meatballs, Duck a l’Orange, and Kiwi Sorbet & Apple Strudel for dessert.  The Rigatoni Meatballs were really good.  Pub music in Brass Anchor and Jazz in the Sky Lounge my two favorite hangouts, but again retiring early with big excursion tomorrow. It was a nice visit to Corner Brook Newfoundland and afternoon on the MSC Meraviglia.

Saturday October 12  /  Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island Canada   /  Day 5

Green Gables

Smooth seas overnight and I slept very well. I woke about 7:15 am. We turned our time back the half hour so now back on Atlantic time, for a day.  I went up to the Marketplace for a very light breakfast, I forget that I have the Fantastica level this cruise and Room Service is included.  I’ll try that on next excursion day.  It was beautiful sailing into port but it’s a damp looking day.  Most of our group is on the same excursion today: Island’s Finest—Anne, Lobster, & Scenic Drive.  We all met at the theater at 9:15 and snuck to the buses about 10:00 am.  Soon we were on our way, but the weather is not cooperating as it’s raining.  We did a panoramic drive through downtown Charlottetown, a pretty little city, then headed north across the island.  Our guide was good, the countryside was green and the trees were full of color.  Soon we were at Green Gables Heritage Place the famous farm from the novel Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, a local.  It’s a very delightful place with museum displays, history of the people and novel, tea room, interpretive center and of course the famous farmhouse itself.  After our time here we went to the Prince Edward Island National Park where we had a photo opportunity on the north shore bluffs…it was only for the brave as the wind and rain whipping on this bluff…the sand dunes were interesting too. Our final stop was at the PEI Preserve Company, a great place for a Lobster dinner. I actually had a second entree, Potato Pie, just for a proper PEI food sampling.  We arrived back at the very nice PEI cruise terminal about 4:15 pm so time for a little shopping before returning to ship.  Very impressed with the cruise facilities, they had vendors, music, crafts, Wifi, tourist information, and more.  I had been getting football scores during the day and once onboard confirmed the victory of my Oklahoma Sooners over the Texas shorthorns.  I met friends in the Brass Anchor but I enjoyed only Coca-Cola as I had such a big lunch. Dinner tonight was good, I ordered: Crispy Bacon Salad with Chicken (a new item and that’s what it was called…I think they lost something in translation), Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo, Costeleta’s de Porco a Salsicheiro (pork chop), and Pudim Molotof for dessert.  Pork and dessert very different and very good.  I went on a walk about and also picked up a photo from Photo Department before retiring for evening.  I needed to update blog and review some NCAA football scores.  A very good day on PEI and the MSC Meriviglia.

Sunday  October 13  /  Sea Day  /  Day 6

My cabin - 13250

Smooth seas overnight and I slept very well. We turned our time back one hour for the final time…we are now on Eastern standard time…same as our final ports of Quebec and New York City.  I was up early and went to the MDR about 8:00 am for a nice breakfast.  Our group had our annual  Champagne party at 10:00 am this morning outside on the aft of deck 15.  The sea air was very nice.  I contributed three bottles of Prosecco I have collected on the prior cruises. We moved it indoors at noon and ate lunch in the Marketplace buffet.  They had a very nice roast beef at the carving station so I got buns from the fresh burger area and had a very nice Roast Beef Sandwich with fresh french fries.  It was very good.  I spent time in the Sky Lounge and Bar and had a couple of Raul’s nice cosmopolitans as I watched the St. Lawrence entry narrow and narrow, you can certainly see land on each side of the ship now. It’s also gotten cooler although I watched two girls jump into the main pool while I was up in the Sky Lounge. I met friends at the Brass Anchor just after 4:00 pm and enjoyed some Stella Artois beer and conversation. I happened upon the Beverage Manager on the way back to my cabin and confirmed that he was the one who sent me a gift of the Beverage Coupons … thank you.  I know they are again making some changes and I always liked the vouchers so I hope that they come back in the new drink packages or in the Fantastica bookings.  Tonight is Elegant night so I prepared for dinner, very few guests that wear formal now days, most just dress nicely. Dinner was good, I ordered: Arugula and Grana Padano Salad, Pappardelle with Sea Scallops, Oven-roasted Beef Prime Rib, and Ice Creme for dessert. All very nice.  So lucky to have a good wait team too. My usual routine after dinner, but I went right to sleep earlier than norm.  It was a nice sea day with friends on the MSC Meraviglia. 

Monday  October 14  /  Quebec Canada  /  Day 7

Calm water overnight and I slept very well.  I ordered room service breakfast and it was delivered on time.  The three Danish and two Fruit Plates were perfect.  Our meet time for out tour was 8:45 am and we have eleven on the excursion: Grand Exploration of Quebec.  We were off just after 9:00 am and basically jus drove 3/4 blocks across the boulevard to Old Town Quebec,  totally amazed with the original building and restorations to the 17th century.  Beautiful original square with the Palace Royal and the old Church Notre-Dame-des-Victoires surrounded by Shoppes, Boutiques, Bistros, and much more.  Just a block away is the La Fresque des Québécois or Quebec City Mural. What a wonderful way to show the history of Quebec but through this huge mural incorporating the past with the modern day.  We re-boarded our bus to go up to the Place d’Armes and scenic overview of the old city…very nice.  We then walked over to the Le Château Frontenac for our rest stop, first class rest stop at that.  The Château Frontenac is the huge hotel dominating the skyline of Quebec City and is a very nice hotel.  Then the bus drove by the Parliament House and fountain on the way to the Plains of Abraham were the famous battle between the French and British took place in 1759.  We had couple of photo stops here.  We then off to some of the outlying areas to visit.  We drove to Beaupre Quebec to visit the Shrine of Sainte Anne du Beaupre.  The Basilica here is the third largest church in North America as well as the oldest pilgrimage site.  I have to admit that I was unaware of this and found it both interesting and educational.  Our bus drew the short straw on lunch break but we were now on our way to the ‎⁨Île d'Orléans for our 2:00 pm lunch at Ralais des Pins what was originally an old sugar shack used to collect Maple Syrup.  It was a very nice lunch of Vegetable Soup, choice of Chicken Breast with Maple sauce or a nice Salmon plate, and simple dessert.  I would have eaten anything by this time.  The island is home to many farms and busy this Monday holiday selling Pumpkins and Apples to locals from Quebec City and area.  Some beautiful fall foliage here.  Our final stop was Montmorency Falls.  A recreational Park featuring large waterfalls and activities.  We arrived back at the pier about 4:30 pm along with dozens of other tour buses.  Most on the buses returned to the ship and long lines, some of my group had other evening tours, myself a few others chose to go the few blocks to Old Town.  We revisited the Old Square and the Mural and found a great spot at Bistro Sous le Fort to enjoy drinks while others shopped.  The guys drank the local Belle Gueule beer, we even ordered the local Poutine as well as plain petit frites.  The Poutine was different, but I will stay with the plain version of fries myself.  We did begin to get a shower so headed back to the ship.  We found a direct entry and gangway and there was no one in line…we walked directly into the deck 5 lobby, my old ‘living room’.  We were in time for 8:00 pm dinner but I had a beer in the Brass Anchor then switched to Coca-Cola to finish off the day.  I took some cokes to the cabin and made some brief notes of the day but retired early…I was long-day tired.  It was a fantastic day in Quebec, I hope to return.

(Photo: I had great photos today, but went with the La Fresque des Québécois' composite photo -click it to enlarge- as it shows all three major sites in old town…I’ll post my photos on FB)

Tuesday  October 14  /  Quebec Canada  /  at Sea  /   Day 8

My private balcony view - Cabin 13250

This was originally a Quebec day, but changed due to needed earlier arrival back in NYC so we sailed about 1:00 a.m. this morning. (Guests received a $50 OBC for this before we even left NYC)  I slept very well but was up at 7:30 so went up to the Sky Lounge to whale watch as we were in the prime area for whales…the ship has slowed to under 10 knots as required in this area. I had a light breakfast but sat on port side with a watchful eye out.  Best weather of cruise on the sunny side of the ship, so I had balcony time most of the day.  I did get my refund on my cancelled Cirque show then went to the casino and lost $9.34, but I cashed out with $250 from my ship account. Then I went up to the MarketPlace for a custom Turkey Sandwich (turkey from carving station, bun & mayo from burger station) and ate it on aft deck, it was cooler there than my balcony.  I had an ice creme from ice creme bar on pool deck and took it back to my balcony.  The wind is blocked so still very nice all afternoon.  Nice to have a day to enjoy it. I used my iPhone for internet and made some phone calls since were sailing the St. Lawrence River and so close to land all day…fine connections and saving time on my ship WiFi plan. I met friends in the Brass Anchor about 5:30 and ten of us went to the Butchers Cut steakhouse at 6:00 pm for dinner.  It was again very good and I had the same waiter for all four cruises.  Tonight I ordered: Hearts of Palm, NY Strip Steak, Baked Potato, and Ice Creme for dessert.  I ended up with half a Filet Mignon too (try to sit next to friend who only eats half of anything brought to her).  Everyone seemed to really enjoy the food and service.  Everyone did their thing after dinner: casino, music, or show.  I even had time for some light music tonight, running out of days to see all the venues.  Jazz and Torch music are my favorites.  I retired soon though still comfortable from my nice meal. It was a very nice day on the MSC Meraviglia.

Wednesday  October 16  /  at Sea  /  Day 9

Teppanyaki Night

Smooth seas overnight. I woke about 4:00 am and began updating my blog as internet is faster at this time.  I spent an hour+ updating, and getting news & weather then back to sleep.  I was up and around by 8:30 am decided I needed a light breakfast so had two Danish and hot milk from the Casino actually.  I had gone there to get some small bills to use for tips on the ship.  I also went to Guest Services to purchase a airport shuttle voucher to LGA when we get to NYC. The Black Card guest reception was held in the Promenade on deck 6, about half the number as on the Transatlantic, maybe 250 guests.  Following the reception our group went up to the Brass Anchor for lunch.  I had a hamburger ($5+) and a coke, later a beer.  Dessert was a double dip ice creme cone: Rum Raisin & Banana.  Nice sitting on deck 6…we saw lots of people walk by heading to the 3:00 pm opera.  It’s La Boheme and I saw it last cruise…and we all know she dies in the end…so I had cabin time. Unlike yesterday, no sun today so no real balcony time…too cool outside.  I did have the door open a bit for some sea air.  Friends met at the Brass Anchor this evening, we ended up winning a Trivia Contest while we were waiting for our 7:30 pm dining reservations. We won 6 nylon MSC travel bags...same as the Black card gifts...so gave most away to othrs.  Tonight we ate at the Kaito Teppanyaki Restaurant as our group tends to do on cruises of late.  You have a choice of three menus and I went the Samurai Menu ($39+) that includes: Sushi & Sashimi, Samurai Tempura, Seasonal Greens, Vegetables, Goma Dressing, White Meso Soup, Silk Tofu, Wakame, Scottish Salmon, Tiger Prawns, Egg Fried Rice, Beef Sirloin, Japanese Pumpkin Custard, Caramelized  Ananas, Ginger Ice Creme, Mint Pesto.  I also enjoyed a nice Kirin beer.  I'm not sure what every items was on the menu, but I ate it all.  It was quite a meal and show by the Teppanyaki Chef.  It was a fun experience I’m very glad we did it.  Lots of activity on board this final elegant night.  It’s a really special ship.  Several of the crew thought I was going all the way to Miami, so some good byes already, the crew has been nothing but great to me.  I retired to cabin and read up on debarkation material and updated this blog.  It was a nice and easy sea day on the MSC Meriviglia.

Thursday  October 17  /  at Sea  /  Day 10

Best Wait Team...ever

Really rolling seas overnight and all morning with very high winds.  I slept pretty well and was up by 7:30 am and soon off to the Panorama Restaurant for a very nice breakfast. My final hot milk, three eggs sunny side up, ham, bacon, potato, toast, and fruit plate of the cruise. Good table mates and good service at the center table aft.  So I had a first hand view of the high seas from deck six aft. It was quite a ride with everything coming to a standstill at one particular drop of the ship and subsequent wave.  All good though.  After breakfast it was cabin time…then I went up to the Sky Lounge for some Ginger Ale and ice.  I have internet time left so using it.  I met the boys at Brass Anchor at 1:30 and stayed through the 4:00 pm Trivia.  Didn’t come close to a win this time, but I had lunch…the burgers there are good, the hot dogs just so-so but a fun afternoon.  Almost forgot about my traditional Hugo Spritz but managed two of those before leaving.  My luggage tags were delivered so time to get serious about packing.  Even though is was windy all day I think we will be close to arrival time.  I went to the Theater production show this evening: Meraviglioso Amor a show featuring romantic Italian love songs.  Of course Con te Partiro brings down the house as a finale. It was a fun happy show.  It was also Italian night in the dining room.  I ordered: Arancini Sicilian-Style, Tricolor Salad (red-white-green for Italian flag), Lasagna Bolognese, and Chicken Breast Parmigiana, a hearty meal with Lemon Delight for dessert. It was hard to say good-bye to our wait team Julius and Christopher were great for four cruises.  Julius is among the best waiters I have ever had…wait for it…in 150 cruises.  Great waiter and great guy, we were very lucky.  Unfortunately I HAVE to go straight back to the cabin to pack.  Bags out by midnight.  It was a great final sea day on the MSC Meraviglia.  An end to my B2B2B2B, Forty Day, Four cruise adventure.

Friday  October 18  /  New York City  /  Debarkation
I was up late after putting bags out, but finally slept for 5+ hours.  I was up by 6:30 am and packed my backpack and went to my designated wait area by 7:30 am.  Using my experience and ‘keys to the ship’ I went off in a lesser used short line on deck 5 while the self-debark guests were leaving.  My checked bags were in a VIP area so I had access to them.  I was through U.S. Customs by 8:15 and on the airport shuttle about 8:30.  I had to wait a while on shuttle as I was actually first on board, but we were off by 9:30 and at the airport by 10:10.  I had TSA pre, upgraded my seats, check my bag, and was at my gate by 10:40 am.  Couldn’t have been any easier.  Not uneventful flights, but made it to Waco as scheduled with bags.  Stopped for Tex-Mex in Valley Mills and home at the ranch by 8:30 pm.

Ship
Maiden Voyage: 2012  I  Gross Tonnage: 139,400 tons
Passenger Capacity: 3959  |  Crew: 1325  I  Length: 333 meters
Max Cruising Speed: 27 knots  I  Avg Speed 23 knots
Installed power: Diesel (40,000kW)  I  Propulsion: Twin propellers
Godmother: Sophia Loren

Cabin
I have cabin 13250 a starboard side Balcony with extended balcony located on deck 13.  It is a spacious cabin for todays newer ships.  It has a push button safe, twin/queen beds, couch, two night stands, wall lighting at bed, a small refrigerator, seat at longer dresser/desk, and TV with interactive features.  There is a large wardrobe with two drawers upper shelves and large hanging area with two doors.  Bathroom is much larger with tub/shower, I think in a cruise cabin I prefer just a large shower.

Crew
The GS (Guest Services) staff is very friendly and nice. They had a lot of work this cruise too.  Our MDR waiter Julius is very efficient. My cabin steward was wonderful. Overall the crew is more friendly than the old MSC. Officers very friendly and helpful. Most cocktail servers and bartenders provided very good service, but there need to be more training with all the various drink packages that are available to guests. Lots of errors and confusion initially. It’s been a tough transition to the new American plans.

Dining / Food / Bars / Entertainment
Entertainment is the strong suit of MSC with very nice production shows and live music in most all venues. Cirque Du Soleil is a unique special show and you do pay a premium for that venue. Mixed reviews. In addition to the production shows they have ‘fun’ events scheduled every night in the various lounges. Also the Dome shows in the Galleria each night. The MDR dinners are good to very good, Buffet food is good to excellent depending on selections. The Marketplace pizza station, bread station, and salad bar are excellent. I tried two specialty restaurants…both good.  The MSC Meraviglia has some very beautiful lounges and bars with live entertainment, I tried to visit most. My favorites were the Sky Bar and the Brass Anchor this cruise.  This cruise we became a Coca-Cola ship…thank goodness.

New York City Problem
MSC is currently my cruise line of choice and MSC will have some growing pains along the way, but it will become one of the premier cruise companies very soon.  But the problems with embarkation in NYC needs to be addressed. IMHO I think the problems had more to do with: the local port workers/union/politicians/mob/bad planning…than MSC itself although they probably contributed.  There was a slow down, intentional or not, that caused so many guests to have to wait for hours to board.  The local cruise port agent or someone in MSC planning needs to anticipate potential problems with local authorities and port facilities.  I know it will go well in Miami especially when the new terminal is completed, but ports such as NYC and time requirements need to be reviewed.

Black Card — I received a dinner in a specialty restaurant, a Chocolate ship, two Cocktail Receptions, Champagne & Chocolate strawberries, a logo gift of a travel bag, a photograph, and more.   Good program.  About half the number of Black Cards (maybe 250) than on the transatlantic.

Highlights of the Cruise
Sailing with Friends
Quebec Day -  Great Port - Good Weather
Green Gables Heritage Place
Lunch at Prince Edward Island Preserve Company
Butcher’s Cut & Kaito Teppanyaki  Restaurants
Brass Anchor beers and fun
Corner Brook Newfoundland Day
Meraviglioso Amor Show