MSC Meriviglia Yacht Club from Brooklyn

We arrived at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal at 11 A.M. My wife began walking to the regular passenger check in lines. I stopped by the Yacht Club tent and said “We are going Yacht Club.” With that we turned over our luggage and went to a private waiting are for Yacht Club guest where we sipped Champaigne and munched on some snacks. As we relaxed a butler came and escorted us when it was our turn to check in, get our cruise card and photo taken.

A butler escorted about 8 of us aboard and to the dining room as our rooms were not quite ready yet. After a quiet lunch, we checked out our MSC Yacht Club Suite, which came with many benefits, including priority embarkation and disembarkation, our own concierge team, a dedicated butler available 24/7, premier room service delivered at any hour, curated menus in a private restaurant, and a secluded pool deck.

Our cabin boasted a secluded balcony, a spacious queen-size bed comprised of two singles joined together, a cozy couch with a coffee table, a designated work area, a well-stocked mini-bar, ample storage for our belongings, and a bathroom featuring a convenient walk-in shower. Among the many highlights of our experience in the MSC Yacht Club was the exclusive haven it provided at the forefront of the ship. Accessing our favorite spots, such as the upscale restaurant on deck 18 for dinner or the Top Sail Lounge on deck 16 for cocktails and appetizers with breathtaking views, was a privilege granted solely to MSC Yacht Club passengers, facilitated by private elevators or stairs. With a capacity for 200 guests, this enclave imbued a sense of intimacy akin to sailing aboard a private yacht, despite sharing the vessel with over 5000 other travelers.

Measuring a striking 1,036 feet in length and towering 213 feet high, the MSC Meraviglia stands as the inaugural megaship of the Meraviglia Class, boasting an impressive 19 decks and the capacity to host over 5,700 guests. Aptly nicknamed the "Ship for all Seasons," its innovative design caters to diverse preferences, featuring highlights such as the Bamboo Pool, cleverly sheltered under a retractable magrodome that adjusts according to weather conditions. Moreover, guests revel in a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities, ensuring an enriching experience regardless of the elements.

Throughout our voyage, numerous families filled the decks, joyously relishing the benefits of MSC's "Kids Sail Free" promotion, which grants children under 12 the opportunity to accompany their parents in the same cabin without additional charges (excepting taxes and gratuities). Catering to guests of all ages, MSC Meraviglia offers a wealth of activities tailored specifically for children. The ship places a strong emphasis on entertainment, epitomized by the bustling Galleria Meraviglia, a sprawling 315-foot-long promenade adorned with an array of shops, eateries, and bars, its ceiling adorned with a captivating domed LED screen that showcases mesmerizing digital special effects, including domes on the world- Sistine Chapel, Hagia Sofia, Notre Dame and many others. The theme varies daily on the dome.

Beyond this, guests are treated to spellbinding acrobatic performances in the Carousel Lounge (for a small fee), captivating theatrical productions in the Broadway Theatre, and an array of arcade attractions including the exhilarating MSC Formula Racer and an immersive 4D cinema experience. For us Italian Night is always our favorite show.

Perhaps one of the most rewarding parts of sailing from New York City is meeting all the people from so many different countries and cultural backgrounds that make the Big Apple so unique. Another equally rewarding aspect of cruising from NYC are the shared experiences aboard ship.

If you enjoy theatrical performance, every night there is a show for you to see. During this cruise we had many options, including Rock Circus, featuring acrobats, musicians, and some of the greatest rock hits; and a celebration of the most imaginative illusions and magic of Harry Houdini, featuring contemporary music, elaborate costumes, amazing props, and an international cast of performers who sing, dance, and spring into life in the MSC Carousel Lounge.

The night we dined here we started with Maker's Mark Old Fashioned and delectable appetizers of beet and burrata salad and a jumbo shrimp cocktail. This was followed by perfectly prepared New York sirloin and a filet mignon accompanied with asparagus, Brussels sprouts and a selection of sauces for the meat: forest mushroom, pepper, chimichurri, and Béarnaise. Everything was delicious, and even though we had little room for dessert, we had to try the lava cake with bitter sweet chocolate and vanilla ice cream; the perfect ending to a wonderful meal.

There are also many dining and drinking venues from which to choose on Ocean Cay, but check beforehand to see what is included in your cruise package. If you’d rather stay aboard ship while in port, this is the perfect time to enjoy the pools and spa on the MSC Meraviglia as many of your fellow passengers will be off exploring what the destination has to offer. During our stop in Nassau, we had the Bamboo Pool all to ourselves for 45-minutes, and the lunch buffet outside on the deck 19 in the MSC Yacht Club was leisurely and relaxing.

When sailing from New York City to The Bahamas aboard the MSC Meraviglia you will have many opportunities to meet your fellow passengers. Every day there are a variety of fun activities to enjoy, including morning yoga, bingo by the Horizon Pool, trivia games in the bars, as well as karaoke, dance lessons, wine and spirits tastings, and many other options.