MSC Cruises goes in big on the US market

NEW YORK — The MSC Meraviglia arrived here on Monday from
Europe, with MSC Cruises executives noting more than once that it is the
largest cruise ship to dock in Manhattan.

The Meraviglia (pronounced Mer-a-VEE-lia) is sailing three
cruises from New York, and then it will reposition to Miami for the winter season.
The Meraviglia joins the MSC Seaside, the line’s year-round ship in the
Caribbean, and the MSC Divina and MSC Armonia this fall. For the first time, MSC
has four ships serving the North American market simultaneously. 

The Meraviglia, one of the largest ships in the fleet, carries
4,488-passengers at double occupancy and is 171,598 gross tons. In the U.S., only Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships are bigger.

“This is a perfect example of our commitment to growing
in the North American market,” COO Ken Muskat said in brief remarks Monday
night. “We are the fastest growing cruise line in the world. … We are
growing in North America in a very big way.” 

Even so, he added, “We’re very passionate about our
European roots and our European style. You’ll see that in the decor, you’ll see
that in the hardware, you’ll see that in the culinary experiences, and you’ll
also see that in our entertainment.” 

The European flavor is on display the moment guests step
into the center promenade. The ceiling is made up of thousands of LED lights
that change into different patterns and put on an evening light show. On
various visits to the promenade over the course of the evening, the ceiling
changed from a pattern reminiscent of the Galleria Vittoria Emanuele in Milan
to a cloud-filled sky to an homage to the Sistine Chapel.

The vessel is massive with plentiful public spaces. There’s a
full-size, indoor basketball court. One big area with a swimming pool gives way
to another big area with a swimming pool. When you get on the elevator and your
guide says, “Press the button for Deck 16,” it’s not even the top
deck; there are 19. 

Although it is mega in size, the Meraviglia is broken down
into smaller gathering spaces that make it seem positively intimate at times.
Take the Carousel Lounge, which is purpose-built for MSC’s exclusive Cirque du
Soleil at Sea shows. It’s a small theater in the (almost) round, and guests are
close enough to the performers to make eye contact.  

The Meraviglia has no shortage of celebrity and brand
partnerships. In addition to the Cirque du Soleil performances, a tapas
restaurant features the dishes from Michelin-starred chef Ramon Freixa. The
Chocolat and Cafe bears the name of pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury. The kids
clubs are Lego designed. A partnership between MSC and Martha Stewart includes curated
shore excursions, gift packages and onboard holiday dinner menus.