23/09/2021
MSC MARAVIGLIA
Hi Friend,
I wanted to share with you my experience on the MSC Maraviglia. I have not been on many cruises, but when I do cruise, I enjoy the feel of luxury. From the moment I saw the Swarovski staircases, I knew I was in for a treat.
At the time I write this, Covid protocols are in place which means a rapid test before you are allowed on the ship and temp checks, sanitizing, and mask requirements. There were even separate areas for “The Vaccinated” and “The Unvaccinated” (so if you’re unvaccinated and sensitive, keep that in mind.) Also, the ship was not at full capacity… in fact, after 4 hours in the thermal spa, I walked back to my room and didn’t see a single person! It was a little Twilight Zone, but in a really cool way.
Not that I mind people, the other guests added to the fun, whether it was at karaoke or in the Irish pub singing our favorite songs while the guitar player took requests.
Is it appropriate to share that the bed was sooooo comfortable? That’s not TMI, that’s just fact! And the shower had great pressure! My balcony room was spacious, and I made great use of the balcony, including putting pillows over the chairs and table so I could sleep outside one beautiful full moon night.
When I awoke my first morning, we were sailing up to their private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. The lighthouse caught my eye first, and then, the beautiful blue of the water. I’d reserved a cabana, so I could avoid the sun (and add a little extra lavishness) it was overlooking a turquoise lagoon with water as warm as a bathtub… the sea turtles and baby nerf sharks thought so too (but they stayed clear of the humans).
The best part of my trip was the 3-hour kayaking excursion. We were a small group (and really fun people) so the guide gave us extra time. We spent time in the water at a private beach and sea turtle reserve. Our guide shared interesting facts about the island, turtles, Bahamas, as well as taught us how to dive in life preservers (way harder than you think). Later I did a tour of the light house for more history of the island. I highly encourage you to plan excursions for every trip you take. These may be some of the most memorable moments and in many cases push you out of your comfort zone.
The spa, the spa, the spa… after a wonderful massage, I spent hours in the thermal spa going from salt room, to sauna, to tree meditation room, to steam room, to colored light heated room, to the heated seat relaxation area, to dark sauna, to light sauna, to ice room (eek least favorite, but I did it for the experience), to whirl pool, and back to the salt room over and over and over until it was time to walk through the final shower of warm, hot, cold, warm spray.
I’ll finish off with the food, because I’m always the “problem child” at the table being gluten and dairy free. I had my OWN food concierge, Drago! Because of my food limitations and my appreciation for Drago, I ate all my meals in the dining room. Each meal, Drago had something special prepared for me. Now that’s, above and beyond service.
Overall, a great time!!!
Live, Love, Travel,
Anonymous for Privacy!