Family Re-United on Magnificent Meraviglia

I was approached in June 2016 by a lovely lady looking for a cruise to go in the school holidays of 2017. Looking for a family cruise I had 3 recommendations Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and the brand new MSC Meraviglia. I am an avid fan of both Royal and NCL but for me there was only really one choice and that was the Meraviglia . Brand New, state of the art and a first at Sea for MSC. A ship that has nothing other than the WOW Factor filled with exciting new firsts that the whole family can enjoy. This is a ship where seeing is believing on where you are on a magical mystery tour with surprises galore that could only be described as a new wonderland at sea.

Together we built a lovely rapoor which started on the basis that the family lived in the same town as my daughter so after many lovely conversations about their family and mine, the trust and relationship kind of built from there. This booking wasn’t going to be an average family booking but for the whole family itself of 15 Adults and 8 children of all ages. I of course knew that the Meraviglia was right for them and after much research between myself and of course now the other members of the family that I now spoke to we all made the decision to book a selection of family balcony cabins together with a super family cabin for August this year.

As an agent looking after a family of 23, who were relying on this trip being a wonderful get together to celebrate an 80th birthday of one of the family members, you kind of build a lovely relationship up over time and the conversations go beyond that of a cruise consultant and a customer, it becomes so much more than that.

There were a few hiccups along the way with the addition of family members and trying to get them booked on but overall everything ran smoothly . it was lovely to deal with such a wonderful family all on first name terms it was great to have the opportunity to get to know them individually and to see that even during our busy lives how generations of families can still find the time to come together. The bond between every family member was there to see and to see all of them so close and looking out for each others interest was really overwhelming.

I am pleased to say this wonderful family have just returned and after being named ‘The Family’ by the staff on board MSC Meraviglia this is what they had to say.

‘Our cruise was great from start to finish. Transfer from airport good and waiting for us on arrival.. ship so big, and magnificent!! All clean and new. Cabin bigger than I anticipated, and balcony lovely for breakfast in the morning… only negative was the very stark lighting in the cabin. Lovely waking up in a different destination daily..
food entertainment and excursions all fantastic. We have no complaints. We All thoroughly enjoyed it … a good first experience for our little family group… thank you so much for arranging it Holly, and for your patience. Not easy with 23 of us!!’

‘Thanks for your email. We all had a lovely time! The ship was huge and fab the staff were very friendly. The all inclusive package was definitely the best option and we loved the breakfast service to the cabin.
The ship is geared to party people… snow party, sail away party during the day , white party, tropical party late at night etc. Not sure it would suit older more traditional cruise goers or those who just want to stick with fellow brits! Only negative was the buffet at certain times was absolutely mad… very busy and very noisy. Our group christened it ‘the staff canteen’!
Waves Restaurant provided decent alacarte and service, although some days the food choice was better than others. We paid for the Teppanyaki one evening and it was great fun and the food was lovely.
The lighting in the cabin wasn’t a problem for us although I know some of the party didn’t think it was too good.
I meant to say that I downloaded the app before I went and it was really useful … tells you what’s going on and when and allows you to make reservations for the theatre and restaurants.’

‘We had an amazing time. The ship was beautiful & out of this world. I’ve definitely got the cruising bug ?
The fantasia package was ideal & certainly all we needed. Our 2 adjoining cabins worked out very well. We had a double bed in each room with a double sofa bed!
We loved the disco at night on the deck looking up at the stars.
Would love to do it all over again!!’

Thankyou to the Marsters family for giving me the opportunity to not only look after your holiday plans but in allowing me to get to know all of you personally. It has been a pleasure.

Here are copies of the entertainment on board this wonderful ship

We all know that cruising is a great way to bring friends and family together. I have known many of my customers who have met some fantastic people on board and now who all cruise together every year.

If you would like to sail on the Meraviglia this winter click on the link for some fabulous deals as she sails out of Barcelona. If she’s good enough for the Marsters Family and Jane Macdonald ( you can see Jane on MSC Meraviglia this Friday at 9pm on channel 5 8th September) its good enough for the rest of us. Click on the link for details and call me on 08004086114 for availability!

MSC Meraviglia Winter Warmers

Cheers Holly