Are you going on a cruise on the MSC Meraviglia for the first time?
I’ve cruised on this ship for the past two years in a row, and I already have another sailing booked for next year’s spring break. I’ve picked up insider tips that most first-time cruisers don’t discover until it’s too late—so consider me your unofficial MSC expert.
Below, I’m sharing the most important things you need to know before your MSC cruise, whether it’s your very first time with MSC or you’ve sailed with them before. From dining and entertainment advice to money-saving strategies, these are all the things I wish I knew on my very first MSC cruise.
Free Texting
One of the best perks of sailing on MSC is their free texting feature—and the great part is, you don’t need a paid Wi-Fi plan.
You can message other guests through their app simply by connecting to the ship’s complimentary Wi-Fi network. It makes coordinating with family and friends on board easy.
The only limitation is that kids can’t use the chat feature for privacy reasons. For us, that meant we couldn’t message my 12 year old son, which was inconvenient.
Bring a White Outfit for the White Party
You definitely need to pack at least one white outfit, or you’ll feel a bit out of place. I made this mistake the first time, and it felt like my family was the only one not in white.
MSC’s White Party is one of the biggest events on the ship, and almost everyone shows up in white.
It’s also the perfect opportunity for a family photo—photographers are everywhere, and I have to admit, I was a little jealous of all the families perfectly dressed in white.
After dinner, everyone heads up to the pool deck for the White Party. It’s family-friendly and easily one of the best theme nights at sea. And the crew leads fun group dances throughout the night. It’s an experience you really don’t want to miss.
Do the MSC Status Match Before You Sail
Make sure you take the time to do the MSC Voyagers Club Status Match. It is one of the easiest ways to get free perks on your cruise.
MSC offers a Status Match Program where they match your loyalty status from other cruise lines, hotel chains, and even airlines. All you have to do is fill out the form online, upload proof of your existing status, and wait for approval. It’s quick and totally worth it.
For example, my sister is a Hilton Honors Diamond member, and MSC matched her to Diamond in the MSC Voyagers Club. That instantly gave her perks like priority boarding, free specialty dining, and free 1 hour access to the thermal spa suite.
Expect QR Code Menus Instead of Printed Menus
Don’t expect to get a menu in the dining room. To view the menu, you’ll need your own device to scan the QR code to access the menu.
I have to admit, I’m not a huge fan of this system because not everyone has a smartphone or tablet. If you’re traveling with kids who don’t have devices, expect some screen-sharing, and older guests—like my parents—often prefer traditional printed menus.
You can always ask your server for printed menus, but they aren’t always available. Overall, digital menus are the norm on MSC, so make sure you bring your devices.
Free Juices All Day at the Buffet
This is a nice perk, especially for families on a budget. Most cruise lines only serve free juices during breakfast, but MSC offers complimentary lemonade, iced tea, pineapple juice, apple juice, and mango juice all day long at the buffet drink station.
It’s a nice cost-saving perk, especially for people who don’t want to buy a drink package.
Try to Be Seated in a Dining Room With Only Two Seatings
There are multiple dining rooms on the ship, and some operate with two seatings while others have three. Dining rooms with three seatings can feel rushed, as the staff needs to flip tables quickly.
On our first cruise, we were in a three-seating dining room and barely had time to enjoy coffee with dessert.
If you prefer a more relaxed dinner, try requesting a dining room with only two seatings. You’ll have more time to savor each course, and the overall dining experience will feel much less hurried.
Many first-time cruisers don’t realize this, so be sure to make your request on Day 1.
Spa Specials – Don’t Book Too Early
If you’re planning to enjoy the spa on MSC Meraviglia, don’t rush to book your treatments right away. I’ve noticed that the spa continues offering discounts as the cruise progresses.
On my first cruise, I assumed that port days would have the best deals, but that wasn’t the case. I saw some great spa deals on sea days later in the week—perhaps because they haven’t met their sales quota.
My advice: keep an eye on spa specials throughout the cruise and don’t assume that the earliest bookings or port days are the cheapest. Waiting a bit can save you money.
Book Shore Excursions Before Your Cruise
If you’re planning to book shore excursions, make sure you do it before you board the ship. Booking online in advance is significantly cheaper because MSC offers an early bird discount.
Don’t wait too long, though—pre-cruise bookings close on their website two days before sailing, so procrastination can cost you.
Even simple rentals, like umbrellas at Ocean Cay, are more expensive once you’re onboard. For example, an umbrella rental is $19 when booked in advance but jumps to $29 on the ship. Booking early is an easy way to save money.
Daily Planner Is Digital, Not Printed
Don’t expect your cabin steward to deliver printed daily planners to your cabin. Instead, they provide a QR code that you can scan to open a PDF of the day’s activities. If you are used to paper schedules, this can feel inconvenient.
Personally, I find it frustrating because it’s not as simple as just opening the cruise app—you still need to scan the QR code, and I’m constantly misplacing the paper it’s printed on.
On my first MSC cruise, I actually missed out on several activities on the first sea day because I didn’t realize there wouldn’t be a printed planner. My advice: plan to use the digital planner from the start so you don’t miss any activities during your cruise.
Theater Shows Require Reservations
If you want to see the evening shows on MSC, you need to reserve through the MSC app. Staff will scan your cruise card at the theater entrance, you can’t just go in without a reservation.
If you forget to reserve, you can still attend by arriving late after the scanning is done, they will let you know only if there is space available. But do know that your seat options will be limited.
I didn’t realize you have to reserve shows in advance so on my first cruise and ended up missing a few shows.
My advice: reserve all your showtimes on the first day of the cruise—for the entire week and for everyone in your group. It might feel like a bit of a hassle at first, but it’s worth doing right away. The shows do sell out, so don’t wait!
Online Check-In Requires a Camera and Good Lighting
When completing MSC online check-in, make sure you have a good camera and are in a well-lit area. I have to say, I don’t love MSC’s online check-in—it’s trickier than other cruise lines.
The process requires you to take a photo of yourself on their website, and getting it right can be a bit tricky. The system is very sensitive to lighting, and it can glitch or take a long time before your camera successfully captures the photo.
Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is the Best
If you’ve never sailed out of the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. It’s actually one of my favorite cruise terminals.
Every time I sail from there, the lines move quickly, the process is very orderly, and it feels far less chaotic than the Manhattan cruise terminal, which can be a bit of a zoo.
Parking is also straightforward—there are lots right outside the terminal that are easy to access. If you prefer ride-shares, catching an Uber or Lyft at the Brooklyn terminal is also quick and convenient.
Combined with smooth check-in and porters ready to take your luggage, sailing from Brooklyn can make your embarkation day stress-free.
The Food Is Really Good
The food on MSC Meraviglia is delicious and completely exceeded my expectations. Since MSC is an Italian cruise line, I assumed their main strength would be pizza—but the culinary experience on Meraviglia goes far beyond that.
Honestly, it’s some of the best cruise food I’ve ever had, and I’d even say it beats the dining on Celebrity Silhouette.
The lasagna might actually be the best I’ve had at sea, but the menu goes well beyond Italian classics. You’ll find braised short ribs, osso bucco, Japanese-style fried chicken, French onion soup, spring rolls, shrimp cocktail, Caprese salad, and much more.
Don’t expect simple cruise food—the dishes are surprisingly upscale, flavorful, and consistently impressive.
Don’t Miss the Brunch
One unique feature of MSC is their brunch service, which is different from standard breakfast that usually ends around 9 a.m. Brunch is continuous service in the main dining room, running from breakfast into lunch hours, and it’s typically offered on sea days.
You’ll get a special brunch menu featuring popular breakfast and lunch dishes. I personally love ordering Japanese fried chicken, Eggs Benedict, and chia seed pudding during brunch.
I also appreciate the extended hours—traveling with my teen daughter, we often sleep in and miss regular breakfast, so brunch gives us a chance to enjoy a meal in the dining room. It’s a perfect way to start a relaxing sea day.
The Cakes Are Amazingly Good
The pastry team deserves major credit—the desserts are outstanding. The carrot cake is perfectly moist and flavorful, and Grandma’s Chocolate Cake is so good that I find myself ordering it every night.
Even those who usually say they’re “not dessert people” often become dessert fans. It’s truly one of the highlights of the cruise.
The Caesar Salad is Amazing
The Caesar salad is easily the best I’ve had on any cruise line. The flavor is perfect and surprisingly addictive. My son, who normally refuses to eat vegetables, ended up having it every night.
From my experience, it’s not an MSC cruise line receipt, this seems to be unique to the Meraviglia.
For example, the Caesar salad on MSC World Europa is disappointing—bland dressing that tastes like plain mayo. If you’re on Meraviglia, don’t miss the Caesar salad- you’ll want to order it every night.
Ocean Cay Is the Best Part of Your Cruise
One of the main reasons I keep sailing the MSC Meraviglia to the Bahamas year after year is Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island.
It’s stunning—the water is crystal-clear, the sand is soft and white, and there are multiple beaches to explore. Some are lively, some are peaceful, and there’s even a dedicated area exclusively for Yacht Club guests.
One of the best perks is that the ship docks directly at the island, so there’s no tendering required. Don’t miss the lighthouse light show at night. Ocean Cay is easily one of the most beautiful private islands in the Bahamas, and it’s a big reason why I keep coming back.
Book a Starboard-Side Cabin for the Lighthouse Show
If you want the best view of Ocean Cay’s lighthouse light show at night, you should book a starboard-side cabin.
From this side of the ship, you can watch the entire show right from your balcony without having to go to the island or having to go to the pool deck.
Your Dining Assignment Is Printed on Your Cruise Card
When you board MSC Meraviglia, your dining information is instantly easy to access because it’s printed right on your cruise card. It includes your assigned dining room, table number, and dining time.
If you’re unhappy with your assignment—maybe you prefer eating earlier—you can visit the dining staff on embarkation day. They often can adjust assignments, but you need to do it early because seating fills quickly on this ship.
Your Cruise Cards Will Be Waiting on Your Cabin Door
Unlike many cruise lines that hand you your cruise cards at the terminal, MSC places your keycards in an envelope hanging on your cabin door.
After boarding, go straight to your room to pick them up. I think by doing that, it actually streamlines the boarding process.
Link Your Credit Card Using Onboard Kiosks
One thing MSC has done really well is setting up self-service kiosks throughout the ship where you can link your credit card if you didn’t do it at online check-in.
What that means is there’s no need to wait in long lines at guest services on embarkation day. Just find a kiosk, tap your cruise card, and link your payment method in seconds. It’s incredibly convenient and saves a lot of time.
Download the MSC App Before Boarding
The MSC for Me app is essential on the Meraviglia. You’ll use it for texting, checking your onboard account, making theater reservations, and viewing daily schedules.
While you can download it on the ship, it’s much easier and faster to download it at home on your Wi-Fi. Trust me—do it before you leave.
Kids Club Registration Happens on Day 1
If you’re traveling with children under 12, you’ll need to register them for the Kids Club. This is typically done on embarkation day, and once registered, they’ll receive a wristband that must be worn for the duration of the cruise.
If you don’t register them on the first day, don’t worry—you can still do it later during the cruise.
Teens, on the other hand, do not need to register and won’t receive wristbands. They can freely access the teen club, which is stocked with video games, board games, foosball, and plenty of space to hang out with other teens.
There’s an Adults-Only Pool at the Back of the Ship
MSC Meraviglia has an adults-only pool located at the back of the ship. It’s quieter and less crowded. There’s a bar, hot tubs, and plenty of loungers.
If you want to escape the noise of the main pool or families with young kids, this is the spot to unwind.
Print Your Luggage Tags
Don’t forget to print your luggage tags. You need to attach the luggage tags to your check-in bags. At the Brooklyn cruise terminal, there are porters ready to take your luggage the moment you pull up.
Having your luggage tagged and ready will save you time and make the embarkation process much smoother.
Understanding MSC’s Experience Levels
Unlike American cruise brands, MSC divides passengers into four different “experience levels”: Bella, Fantastica, Aurea, and Yacht Club.
Bella is the most budget-friendly tier. You don’t get to choose your cabin location, and several services—like room service—come with additional fees.
Fantastica is the most common level, especially on U.S. sailings. It allows you to select your cabin and offers the standard experience most American cruisers are used to on lines like Carnival or Norwegian.
Aurea upgrades your experience with premium cabin locations, larger balconies, access to the spa’s thermal area, priority embarkation, and flexible dining times.
Aurea guests even have a dedicated section in the main dining room where they can walk in and dine anytime. However, they still enjoy the same menu as Bella and Fantastica guests.
Yacht Club is MSC’s luxury tier—comparable to Norwegian’s The Haven. Yacht Club guests enjoy a private restaurant, an exclusive pool deck, butler service, priority access everywhere, and included Wi-Fi and drinks.
On MSC’s Bahamas itineraries, the majority of passengers are usually Fantastica guests. Bella seems far more common among European travelers, as I’ve yet to meet a Bella-level cruiser on a U.S. sailing.
Room Service Is Not Free
Room service on MSC is not complimentary. There’s a service charge for any hot breakfast items, such as eggs, bacon, or omelets.
The only way to enjoy free room service is by ordering the continental breakfast, which includes non-hot items like yogurt, fruit, muffins, coffee, and cereal.
Guests in MSC’s budget tier, Bella, should note that all room service items, including continental breakfast, come with a charge.
Cruise Essentials to Buy Before Your Cruise
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Travel Must-Haves
Passport neck wallet – Keeps your passport and travel documents secure and accessible. It also has RFID protection.
Cruise lanyards – A super convenient way to keep your cruise card within easy reach. No more digging through your bag every time you need it! I recommend getting one lanyard per person in your group and choosing different colors so it’s easy to tell them apart.
Anti-theft crossbody bag with anti-pickpocket clip – Genius anti-theft clip and versatile enough for both port days and evenings in the dining room.
Anti-theft crossbody bag with RFID – Padded shoulder straps with RFID lining to safeguard against identity theft.
Insulated water bottles –I don’t like spending money on bottled water, and I always want fresh water in my cabin. I’ll fill my bottle at the buffet or ask my server at dinner, then bring it back so I have water at night. This is my go-to water bottle—I prefer ones without straws since they’re much easier to wash in the cabin sink.
Pashmina – This multi-purpose wrap always earns its spot in my luggage. Use it as an evening wrap, a lightweight plane blanket, or a cover-up when visiting places of worship that require modest dress. I never cruise without one—you’ll be surprised how often it comes in handy.
Cruise Planning Essentials
Day Passes to Resorts– Booking private beach resort access in advance guarantees a comfortable beach experience at the cruise port.
Travel Insurance with CFAR Coverage– CFAR travel insurance gives you flexibility to cancel your cruise for any reason and recover part of your costs if plans change.
Last Minute Cruise Deals– Search for last minute cruise deals.
Cabin Comfort & Organization
Non-surge Cruise power strip– Cabins never have enough outlets (check cruise line rules first).
Magnetic hooks – Super-strong magnetic hooks that attach easily to your cabin walls. They’re perfect for hanging hats, cruise lanyards, goggles, swimsuits, and towels. I personally use the 85+ lb hooks—they’re incredibly sturdy and can even hold backpacks!
Small portable fan – Improves airflow and keeps Inside Cabins from feeling stuffy.
Motion sensor night light – Perfect for Inside Cabins, for when you get up at night to use the bathroom. It also has a magnetic base, so you can easily attach it to your cabin walls.
Toiletries & Laundry
Hanging toiletry bag – Keeps your essentials neat and accessible.
Fabric freshener spray – Fights wrinkles and refreshes clothes between wears.
Travel-size detergent – Handy for washing swimsuits, underwear, and quick-dry clothing in the sink.
TSA-approved travel containers – Easy to pack your lotions, creams, and other liquids without worrying about TSA rules.
Health & Wellness
Anti-seasickness medicine – My go-to meds for anti-seasickness. I take one in the morning on sea days (bring chewables for kids).
Acupressure bands – A natural alternative for seasickness relief. I use this with the anti-seasickness meds.
Packing & Storage
Cruise travel planners– Check out my travel planners, they help you stay organized before and during your trip.
Packing cubes – I never travel without packing cubes! They make packing and unpacking so easy—you can simply slip the entire cube into the cabin closet or drawer. I like to assign a different color to each person so there’s no mix-up.
Foldable duffel bag – I always pack a foldable duffel bag in case I bring home too many souvenirs or do some extra shopping. It doubles as an extra carry-on and barely takes up any luggage space.
Foldable shopping bag – Perfect for shopping at cruise ports, these bags fold up small enough to keep in your purse. I always carry one with me—you never know when you’ll need it! Plus, many countries charge a fee for shopping bags, and I’d much rather use my own than pay extra.
Foldable backpack – Perfect for cruise port days when you need an extra bag. I love that these backpacks are lightweight and fold down small, so you can toss one in your luggage without taking up much space.
Travel luggage scale – I always keep one in my suitcase so I can weigh my bags before heading to the airport. It’s a simple way to avoid overweight baggage fees.
Apple AirTags – I pop one into each of my bags so I can track my luggage for peace of mind. They’re especially helpful if you have a short layover and worry about your suitcase getting left behind.
Beach Essentials
Towel Clips – A simple must-have for pool and beach days! They keep your towels from slipping off lounge chairs, and I never cruise without brining a few in my luggage.
Waterproof phone pouch – Protect your phone from water and sand while still being able to snap photos. I always bring one when cruising the Caribbean or Mediterranean—it’s a lifesaver for beach and pool days.
Striped beach bag with zipper – You’ll need a beach bag with zipper to keep your things secure. I like this one because it’s stylish, has a water bottle holder, keeps belongings secure and has a lot of pockets.
Kid-Friendly Cruise Essentials
Magnetic toys – Cabin walls are magnetic, making these toys perfect for fun, mess-free entertainment. They keep kids busy when you’re in the cabin, especially since cruise TV options for kids can be limited. It’s always best to bring your own toys.
Collapsible beach buckets and toys – You’ll definitely want to bring beach toys if you’re going on a Caribbean cruise! This collapsible set includes foldable buckets, shovels, and sandcastle molds, all packed neatly in one bag. They’re easy to fit in your suitcase without taking up much space.
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