9 Reasons to Book Your Fall Vacation Aboard MSC Meraviglia

MSC Cruises’ innovative smart ship, MSC Meraviglia, will head to the U.S. for the first time ever this fall. Guests sailing on MSC Meraviglia can expect an enriching vacation with one-of-a-kind experiences, all inspired by the cruise line’s European heritage. From exclusive Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows to gourmet specialty restaurants with Michelin-starred chefs to a state-of-the-art, authentic Balinese Spa, there are endless reasons to book a cruise on MSC Meraviglia this fall, but here are NINE.

MSC Meraviglia will offer two cruises from New York to Canada & New England, before journeying through the Caribbean to home port in Miami, becoming the first MSC Cruises’ ship to visit its new private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, opening November 2019. Itinerary highlights include:

Enjoy the two distinct shows from Cirque du Soleil at Sea — VIAGGIO and SONOR — created exclusively for MSC Meraviglia in the purpose-built entertainment and dining venue, the Carousel lounge. These shows, not found anywhere else in the world, are part of a longstanding partnership with the entertainment leader for a total of eight original shows on MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia class ships. MSC Meraviglia is home to the first shows ever created from this unique partnership.

Guests can browse a wide variety of shops, or dine along the promenade choosing from a variety of cuisines, while taking in special animations and shows all day and night on the LED dome.

On board, MSC Meraviglia offers 12 distinct dining venues and 20 bars, with food from around the world, including HOLA! Tapas Bar by two Michelin-starred Spanish chef Ramón Freixa; Kaito Sushi Bar and Teppanyaki; Butcher’s Cut, a modern American steakhouse; and Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Café, the ideal place to grab a treat by world-renowned pastry chef, Jean Philippe Maury.

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ new private island destination in the Bahamas, debuts this November. MSC Cruises is currently restoring the 64-square-mile stretch of land in the eastern Caribbean from an industrial sand extraction site to a natural oasis.

The island experience has been designed to immerse guests in the natural beauty of their surroundings. Guests will enjoy eight distinct beaches, including a dedicated family beach. For those who wish to discover the marine life up close, there will be snorkeling and other water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Spa-goers can enjoy a new luxurious concept, The Spa at Ocean Cay, offering a variety of unique treatments using products from AVEDA, a beauty brand known for its natural products.

A variety of food and drink options will be available on the island, including a range of bars, a buffet, and food cart options. With docking until 11 p.m., day and night activities will keep guests busy, including a traditional Junkanoo parade in the evenings. Guests will also have an opportunity to learn about and connect with nature, including activities to learn about ocean preservation and MSC Cruises’ coral restoration efforts surrounding the island.

The MSC Cruises experience not only brings people together from around the world, but also immerses guests in the destinations they visit. MSC Meraviglia offers a wide range of itineraries this fall, and in the Caribbean, guests have the unique opportunity to book specially curated Martha Stewart & MSC Cruises Excursions that focus on some of Martha’s favorite activities while allowing MSC Cruises’ guests to discover some of the authentic and hidden treasures of destinations throughout the Caribbean.

MSC Cruises offers the only Balinese-style spas at sea, and on MSC Meraviglia the MSC Aurea Spa features 22 different spa treatment rooms with a vast choice of health and beauty treatments developed exclusively for MSC Cruises. Relax in the thermal area with 13 different areas for a holistic sensory experience, equipped with a salt relax room, ice waterfall, sauna and dark sensory steam bath.

For a special treat, guests can opt for MSC Cruises’ signature collection of Vinotherapy spa treatments (wine-inspired beauty treatments), using LAJATICA vinotherapy products made from Bocelli Wines.

The entire family will be entertained with seven different areas for kids on board, including LEGO-designed play rooms; a ‘super amusement park’ with a sports zone, 2 full size bowling lanes, a flight simulator, F1 simulators and an interactive XD cinema; as well as and a polar themed Aqua Park with four action-packed water slides and a Himalayan Bridge ropes course.

Those looking for exclusivity and privacy can book their stay within the MSC Yacht Club, MSC Cruises’ innovative ship-within-a-ship concept. Guests booking in the private area can pamper themselves in the private solarium and pool on the top decks of the ship, dine in the area’s private restaurant, enjoy cocktails and music in the exclusive Top Sail Lounge, and experience highly tailored service with a 24-hour butler and concierge.

MSC for Me is MSC Cruises’ multi-channel digital program that enables guests to interact with the ship and crew members anytime, in any place, to better serve their needs, save them time and really make the most of their vacation. Key features include a handy app for smartphones, an interactive TV in the stateroom and interactive digital screens around the ship, meaning guests can access information, book services — like specialty restaurants and on board performances — navigate around the ship, and more.

To learn more about MSC Meraviglia, and to book a cruise on one of the ship’s first itineraries from North America, travelers can contact their preferred travel agent or visit www.msccruises.com.

MSC Meraviglia, launched in June 2017, is the first ship in the innovative Meraviglia class of next-generation ships, designed to be able to call in most of the world’s international cruise ports. With a name meaning wonder, MSC Meraviglia’s design is inspired by the wonders of the world. The ship’s Mediterranean-style promenade includes a variety of shops and restaurants — including a partnership with two Michelin-starred Spanish chef Ramón Freixa for HOLA! Tapas — and features the longest LED sky at sea, displaying unique vistas day and night. Activities on board include a winter-themed aqua park; a Himalayan bridge, suspending cruisers high up above the ship; a XD cinema; and several kids clubs. And, in an industry-first, MSC Meraviglia’s on board entertainment includes a partnership with world leader in live entertainment Cirque du Soleil, creating two unique Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows VIAGGIO and SONOR exclusively for MSC Meraviglia. In addition, for those looking for some additional relaxation, the MSC Aurea Spa on board features a thermal area with 13 different areas for a holistic sensory experience.