Greatness At Sea

Before we write our full review, we wanted to share with you a few things which definitely shouldn’t be missed on MSC Grandiosa. Some are unique to this ship and others are firm favourites on MSC ships.

 

Sport-plex including F1 simulator, bowling alley, VR Maze and cinema as well as a games arcade (all at extra cost).

Whilst many of these features can be found on the newer MSC Cruises ships, the offering is somewhat enhanced for MSC Grandiosa. We’d highly recommend checking out the Fun Passes that are available and offer extra credit. Tim particularly enjoyed the VR Maze featuring the legend of the Minotaur (the huge spiders that were scurrying around were pretty scary!)

 

The Sky Lounge

The adults-only mixology bar on deck 19 offers a varied selection of smoky and molecular cocktails (available on the Premium Plus package) as well as classic cocktails, bottled beers and wines by the glass. Over-looking the main pool area this can be a quiet haven. In the evening expect chilled out music and also savour the delights of some canapes or sweet treats. Those familiar with the design of MSC ships will understand there is no forward-facing observation lounge as the front of the ship is occupied by the exclusive MSC Yacht Club, so the Sky Lounge offers a great place to watch from as you arrive in to port.

The Sky Lounge can also be found on MSC Bellissima and MSC Meraviglia.

 

Do-Re-Mi Land, Himalayan Rope Bridge and Aqua Park

The kids clubs on MSC cruises are second-to-none with different options available depending on the age of your child. MSC Cruises gave partnered with Lego and Chicco to provide the very best activities for children.

Of course the fun doesn’t have to stop when you reach adult hood! The Himalayan Rope Bridge and the Aqua Park featuring various different water slides offers fun for everyone (height restrictions apply to some activities)

 

Galleria Grandiosa

No blog about this ship would be complete without mentioning the Galleria Grandiosa, which features a giant LED screen which runs along the domed roof of the Galleria. It is perhaps the signature of the Meraviglia and Meriviglia-plus class of cruise ship.

The Galleria is the focal point for entertainment activities such as dome shows featuring outer-space and fireworks from around the world. The scene on the dome changes throughout the day and can include the flag of the country where you’re docked, the roof of the Sagjada Familia or even Galleria Umberto to name just a few. It is stunning and will surely take your breath away if you’ve not seen it before!

The central bridge in the Galleria is also where the ship’s Godmother Sophia Loren officially welcomed the ship to the MSC family, soon followed by DJ sets from Mousse-T on the christening night, and of course “DJ Paradise” welcomed Scott Mills to play an excellent set whilst the ship was over-night in Southampton.

This leads us on nicely to what we think is the number one feature of MSC Grandiosa…

 

L’Atelier Bistro

The Bistro, as it’s name will suggest, is a French restaurant located off the Galleria on deck 6. It truly is a stunning venue, with the feel of an authentic Parisian spot. A formal dining restaurant in one section, with a private dining table available for groups of up to eight guests. An informal bar area with tables out in to the aforementioned Galleria and also a cocktail lounge which plays host to some excellent musicians. The styling of L’Atelier reminds us of the best parts of The Ivy and Malmaison where we have had some excellent times together, but then taken to the next level.

The menu for the restaurant features French classics such as rillettes, escargots and moules. The extensive drinks list offers various types of absinthe, pastis as well as fine cognacs and Champagne. It’s important to note this is a speciality restaurant so an Easy drinks package cannot be used here, however the Premium Plus package will ensure you can enjoy the absolute best drinks on offer (a varied selection is also available with the Premium Package).

But that’s not all. L’Atelier is also home to 36 original Degas drawings. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better… BOOM! Bravo MSC! The hash tags for the ships are so accurate, if MSC Bellissima was #BeautyAtSea then MSC Grandiosa truly is #GreatnessAtSea