With just twelve months to go until the first guests set sail on board MSC Meraviglia, MSC Cruises – the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and brand market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa – has today revealed further details of its first next-generation smart ship.  Designed around meeting every need of its guests, MSC Meraviglia will introduce new, cutting edge ways to connect holidaymakers seamlessly with the experiences that matter to them, whether at sea or on land.

With the first cruise scheduled for 4 June 2017 MSC Meraviglia will feature the ultimate in entertainment, a broad range of dining options and luxurious wellness choices. In addition to the onboard experience, the ship will spend the inaugural summer season sailing the western Mediterranean – calling at beautiful, historic destinations with a unique, tailored programme of excursions to immerse guests in local culture and tastes.

Exclusive, world-class entertainment from Cirque du Soleil

The highlight of the onboard entertainment will be represented by the world leader in artistic performance, Cirque du Soleil, thanks to the exclusive Cirque du Soleil at Sea partnership with MSC Cruises.

Two unique Cirque du Soleil shows will be performed 6 nights per week in the purpose-built Carousel Lounge on board. An exclusive on-site dinner service for up to 50 of the 450 guests booked for the show, which elevates MSC Cruises’ exquisite dining and award-winning entertainment to yet another level. This is a unique experience that cannot be had anywhere else at sea – or in the world.

Enriched family offering and cutting-edge entertainment for all ages

With MSC Meraviglia, MSC Cruises continues to evolve and enrich the family options that have historically been at the core of its offering. The facilities and services for families on every MSC Cruises holiday are designed to ensure that it is engaging for all members of the family, both together and individually.

For the first time on any MSC Cruises ship, all the facilities for families, children and teens are in one place in a super amusement park and children’s area.  This means families have a dedicated area especially designed for their needs, providing a safe place for children and an opportunity to meet and get to know other families. This area includes the DOREMI Studio Lounge, a dedicated lounge for all family activities; DOREMI Tech Lab, a must-visit destination for children who love technology, as well as facilities designed in partnership with family experts including the LEGO Group and Chicco.

Amongst other features, the onboard Aqua Park will include four action-packed water slides, a splash pool and champagne bowl. And the Himalayan Bridge will thrill adventure seekers who can attach themselves to a rope and cross the ship, 60 metres above the water.

Comfortable accommodation to meet every need

The innovative accommodation on MSC Meraviglia demonstrates the way that MSC Cruises puts the guest at the heart of its designs and ship building – the way in which only a family-owned business can. With 10 different types of cabin to choose from, there really is something for everyone.

The Yacht Club – MSC Meraviglia features an enhanced Yacht Club with luxurious accommodation, now spanning three decks with 78 suites, 15 inside cabins and two apartments. The two coveted apartment suites are designed with a large living room and two balconies, one of which is a large outdoor space that has a dining table for eating al fresco and a private whirlpool.

With luxury comparable to that of a private yacht, it also provides key benefits including the Top Sail Lounge, an entirely self-contained private club offering panoramic sea views, and the One Pool Deck, featuring a private pool, whirlpool baths and solarium.  A private lift will transport guests discreetly to the MSC Aurea Spa to experience the delights of an authentic Balinese spa, with an exclusive MSC Yacht Club massage and treatment room.

Modular cabins designed with the needs of families in mind – The trend for multi-generational holidays is further met on this ship with a clever modular cabins system, unique to MSC Cruises.  Up to three cabins can be combined together to accommodate up to 10 guests.

In addition to the modular cabins, quadruple cabins can accommodate a family of up to four people each. With a living space in the daytime, and a sofa that turns into a comfortable bed by night the set up makes the most effective use of space in the cabin.

A truly unprecedented choice of both fine and casual dining options

An array of both fine and casual dining options are available across 12 venues on board MSC Meraviglia, all of them serving fresh, authentic food. The buffet is open 20-hours a day, which will serve a delicious array of Mediterranean specialities and international cuisines – including world food, “itinerary” and wellness corners plus a multitude of other tastes and dietary needs catered for around-the-clock.

In addition, fine dining options examples include the award-winning Kaito Sushi Bar, the new Kaito Teppanyaki Restaurant and an American-style steakhouse with specialty meats from around the world (details of additional fine dining options will be revealed in due course).

The 96 metre-long Mediterranean-style promenade

Another outstanding feature of MSC Meraviglia is the impressive Mediterranean-style indoor promenade, featuring an 80 metre LED sky that creates an awe-inspiring atmosphere 24 hours a day.  With stunning visuals and effects, the Promenade will be the social centre of the ship and a focal point for a broad range of leisure activities. Guests can stroll up and down, sit back and soak up the atmosphere, shop until their hearts’ content or snack on delicious ice cream or crepes from Jean Philippe Maury, the award-winning French chocolatier and pastry chef.

Elegant pools for daytime relaxation and night-time entertainment

MSC Meraviglia offers guests a choice of three elegantly designed pools:

• The main pool on deck 15 is inspired by the cool vibes of Miami’s South Beach. At approximately 25 metres long, it has the most generous poolside space at sea. By night, the pool becomes a visual spectacle, illuminated with special lighting.  There is also a buffet nearby with inside and outdoor dining options, providing guests with more convenience and optimal relaxation time.
• As MSC Meraviglia is the ship for all seasons, there is a 10 metre indoor pool with a magrodome that can be opened when the ship is in port or simply when the sun is shining!
• Finally, the Aft Pool on deck 16 offers spectacular views from the back of the ship, while by night it is transformed into a space where guests can dance the night away under the stars.

These are just some of the special features of the incredible MSC Meraviglia and more will be revealed soon.