MSC Meraviglia Cabins to Avoid 2024: Choose the Best Cabin

Planning a cruise on the MSC Meraviglia? Choosing the right cabin on a cruise ship can make a big difference in your experience. MSC Meraviglia offers a lot of the best accommodation, but some cabins might not suit everyone’s needs.  

Whether you’re worried about noise, seasickness, or want the best views, it’s important to know which MSC Meraviglia cabins to avoid. We’ll share insider tips to help you make a smart choice for your upcoming voyage.  

By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to pick a cabin that ensures a comfortable and enjoyable cruise adventure. Let’s explore the MSC Meraviglia rooms to avoid that may not be the best choice.   

MSC Meraviglia Cabins to Avoid with Obstructed Views

Here are the MSC Meraviglia cabins to avoid with obstructed views:    

Balcony Cabins with Partial Views 

Deck 8 Category BP Deluxe Balcony Cabins (8087 to 8127 and 8191 to 8223 odd number cabins) and (8088 to 8126 and 8192 to 8222 even number cabins) have obstructed view because of the ship’s structure or lifeboats. 

Some Deluxe Balcony Cabins on Deck 14 have shaded balconies that limit your view. These include (14045 to 14089 and 14155 to 14185 odd number cabins) and (14034 to 14050, 14060 to 14086, and 14168 to 14198 even number cabins).  

If you’re in one of these cabins, you’ll only have a forward view from your balcony. The shade blocks your ability to see upwards or enjoy a sky view. 

Oceanview Cabins with Obstructed Views 

Deck 8 Category OO Deluxe Oceanview Cabins including 

• 8057 to 8062 
• 8071, 8075, 8079, and 8083 
• 8072, 8076, 8080, and 8084 
• 8172 to 8180 even number cabins 
• 8173 to 8189 odd number cabins 
• 8184 to 8190 even number cabins 
• 8224 to 8231 

have obstructed view because of lifeboat.   

Bella Balcony Cabins with Metal Railings 

MSC Cruises offers different fare types including Bella, Fantastica, and Aurea. Bella is the most affordable option, but it comes with some limitations. When you book a Bella fare, you don’t get to choose your specific cabin.  

This means you might end up with a balcony that has metal railings. These metal railings can obstruct your view of the sea when you’re sitting down on your balcony. 

Upgrading to a Fantastica fare allows cabin selection and guarantees glass balcony railings, which is beneficial for families with children. Glass railings provide unobstructed ocean views while seated, enhancing safety by eliminating the temptation for children to climb.  

They also allow better supervision from inside the cabin, which is important since balcony door locks are low and easily accessible to children.  

For families prioritizing safety and clear views, the Fantastica fare offers advantages over the more budget-friendly Bella option. 

MSC Meraviglia Cabins to Avoid Near Noisy Areas

When choosing a cabin on the MSC Meraviglia, it’s important to think about noise levels to ensure a relaxing cruise. Some areas of the ship can be louder than others, disturbing your rest or enjoyment.  

Noise can vary throughout the day and night, and everyone has different tolerances for sound. To have the most peaceful experience possible, it’s best to avoid cabins near noisy areas.  

By being aware of these locations, you can make a more informed choice about where to stay on the ship. 

Following are the MSC Meraviglia cabins to avoid near noisy areas: 

Cabins Near Stairwells   

Following cabins are located near stairwells and can be noisy because of passengers moving up and down the stairs.  

• Deck 8 cabins 8011,8015, 8052 and 8182. 
• Deck 9 cabins 9021, 9025, 9060, 9068 and 9132. 
• Deck 10 cabins 10015, 10021, 10056, 10258 and10260.  
• Deck 11 cabins 11054, 11142, 11262 and 11264. 
• Deck 12 cabins 12002, 12015, 12046 and 12358. 
• Deck 13 Cabins 13002, 13009, 13040, 13122, 13232 and 13234. 
• Deck 14 Cabins 14148 and 14150. 

Cabins Near Theatre 

Cabins on Deck 5 of the MSC Meraviglia are located near Broadway Theatre, which can be a source of noise. The theater hosts shows and rehearsals that often run late into the night, sometimes past 11 pm.  

This can be disruptive for early sleepers or families with young children. If you prefer a quieter evening environment, it’s better to pick a cabin that’s not so close to the theater area. 

Cabins Near Elevators  

Cabins near elevators on the MSC Meraviglia can be quite noisy. The sounds come from the elevator machinery, people walking by, and general passenger activity.  

Even rooms near the panoramic lifts, which might not hear the machinery, still get noise from the elevator’s chime and groups of people using them.  

If you’re a light sleeper, you might want to think twice about booking these cabins, as the constant noise could make it hard to get a good night’s sleep during your cruise. 

• Deck 8 cabins 8126 to 8131. 
• Deck 9 cabins 9139, 9141, 9143, 9158 9160, and 9162. 
• Deck 10 cabin 10129, 10131, 10133, 10178, 10198 and 10200.  
• Deck 11 cabins 11137, 11139, 11141, 11170, 11190, and 11192. 
• Deck 12 cabins 12125, 12127, 12129, 12156, 12176, and 12178. 
• Deck 13 cabins 13119, 13121, 13123, 13150, 13160 and 13162. 
• Deck 14 cabins 14086, 14088, 14089, 14090, 14091, and 14093. 

Cabins Under the Buffet  

Staying in a cabin beneath the MSC Meraviglia’s buffet restaurant which is on deck 15 can be noisy due to chairs scraping and kitchen sounds from above. While the MSC Cruise Ships buffet closes early, guests in rooms on deck 14 might still be disturbed, if they’re light sleepers.  

It’s worth thinking about picking a cabin in a quieter spot on the ship for a more peaceful night’s rest, away from busy areas like restaurants and entertainment venues. 

Rooms Near & Under the Pool Areas    

Choosing a cabin near the pool area on MSC Meraviglia, especially cabins (15022 to 15026 even number) and (15035 to 15039 odd number) on Deck 15 or cabins below on Deck 14, can mean dealing with early morning noise.  

You might hear loungers being moved, pool parties, or music from nearby bars. Early birds might not mind, but if you like sleeping in or need quiet mornings, it’s smarter to pick a cabin surrounded by other guest rooms instead of public areas like pool deck.  

MSC Meraviglia Cabins to Avoid that Aren’t Accessible

Some cabins on MSC Meraviglia are labeled as accessible, but these cabins do not fully meet the needs of passengers with mobility challenges. For example, cabin 10085 has basic wheelchair adaptations but can be difficult to navigate comfortably.  

These cabins often have tight spaces around beds, making movement challenging for wheelchair users. Some accessible cabins also feature fold-down beds that can be awkward to use. Balcony access can be problematic too, with ramps that aren’t always ideal.  

Due to these limitations, guests with mobility requirements should carefully research cabin layouts before booking. It’s advisable to read recent reviews from other travelers with similar needs to get a clear picture of the cabin’s suitability.  

This extra step can help ensure that the chosen accommodation truly meets the passenger’s specific mobility requirements and allows for a comfortable cruise experience. 

MSC Meraviglia Cabins to Avoid with Connecting Doors

Cruise ships offer connecting cabins for larger groups, featuring a door between two adjacent rooms that can be locked. This setup is handy for families or friends who want to stay close while having separate spaces. 

However, booking just one side of a connecting cabin can lead to problems. The door between the rooms isn’t as soundproof as a regular wall, which means you might hear more noise from your neighbors than you’d like. 

For travelers who don’t need the extra room, it’s usually better to choose a standard cabin elsewhere on the ship. This choice can provide more privacy and a quieter environment during your cruise vacation. 

Following is the MSC Meraviglia cabins to avoid with connecting doors: 

Oceanview Cabins with Connecting Doors   

Some cabins on Deck 9, Deck 10, and Deck 11 in category OL2 are Oceanview cabins with connecting doors. These MSC Meraviglia cabins can hear noise from neighboring cabins with connecting doors.  

Balcony Cabins with Connecting Doors   

Some Balcony cabins in categories BR1, BL1, BL2, BL3, BR2, BR3, BP, and BA have connecting doors. These connecting cabins can be found throughout the MSC Meraviglia specifically on Deck 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13.

These balcony cabins with connecting doors are convenient for groups traveling together and may allow more noise to pass between rooms compared to standard cabins. 

Suite with Connecting Doors  

Yacht Club Deluxe Suite (Category YC1) on Deck 14 suites (14015/14019 and 14014/14016), Deck 15 suites (15037/15039), and Deck 16 suites (16009/16011 and 16024/16026) have connecting doors. 

MSC Meraviglia Cabins to Avoid that Cause Seasickness

The MSC Meraviglia is equipped with modern stabilizers, but cabin location can still impact your susceptibility to seasickness.  

Here are the MSC Meraviglia cabins to avoid that cause seasickness: 

High Front and Aft Cabins 

Cabins at the very front (bow) and back (stern) of the ship on higher decks tend to experience the most movement. These areas feel the ship’s motion more intensely as it moves through waves.  

The rocking can be particularly noticeable here, triggering nausea and dizziness in sensitive passengers. Even those who handle sea travel well might find these locations challenging in rough weather. 

Upper Deck Interior Cabins 

Interior cabins on the ship’s upper decks such as deck 11, deck 12, and deck 13 can also be problematic for those prone to motion sickness. These rooms lack windows or balconies, which means you can’t see the horizon.  

Without this visual reference point, your brain might struggle to make sense of the ship’s movement. This can lead to feelings of disorientation, especially when combined with the increased motion felt on higher decks. 

Best Cabins for Avoiding Seasickness 

To minimize the risk of seasickness, consider booking a cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck. These areas experience the least amount of movement.  

If possible, choose a cabin with a window or balcony, as being able to see the horizon can help your body adjust to the ship’s motion. 

MSC Meraviglia Cabins to Avoid Near Crew Areas

When choosing a cabin on MSC Meraviglia, it’s important to consider its location relative to crew areas. This ship’s unique itinerary often involves multiple stops for passengers to embark and disembark, which leads to frequent luggage movement and increased crew activity. 

Cabins near crew stairwells, service entrances, or utility rooms might experience more disturbances. These can include noise from suitcases being moved late at night or early morning, as well as general operational sounds. Sometimes, food smells from crew dining areas can also be noticeable. 

These areas tend to have more foot traffic as crew members move around the ship for their various duties. This can result in unexpected noise at different times of the day and night. 

For a quieter stay, it’s better to book a cabin in the main passenger areas. Ideally, look for a room located mid-ship and away from service corridors or crew access points.  

You can also check which cabins to avoid on MSC Virtuosa that belong to Meraviglia Plus Class of MSC Cruises.

FAQs – MSC Meraviglia Cabins to Avoid 2024