EAT, DRINK AND BE MERA’
Holidaying with the family is plain sailing on an MSC cruise around the Med
By Richard Jones
Family holidays can be a minefield, particularly when you have teenagers in tow. But as the four of us soaked up the sun at the stern of MSC Meraviglia, I appeared to have finally cracked it.
“Three more piña coladas, Mr Jones?” uttered a calm voice, nudging me from my partial slumber. “And a virgin piña for Miss Evelyn?” We were only an hour into the day at the MSC Yacht Club, but the poolside waiter was already familiar with our names and drinks orders. And not only were our thirsts about to be quenched with delicious cream of coconut, pineapple juice and rum cocktails, more importantly, everyone was happy.
The main goal for family breaks is spending time together, but everyone needs to be able to get what they want out of the holiday. A week-long half-term Mediterranean cruise with MSC allowed us to do just that. After boarding an early-morning Jet2 flight from Edinburgh to Naples, my wife Rachel and I, along with our two teenage daughters Isla, 19, and Evelyn, 15, boarded the magnificent Meraviglia.
Making a splash when it was launched in June 2017 by its godmother, legendary Italian actress Sophia Loren, the 315m-long, 65m-tall and 19-deck ship was designed to meet the needs of modern cruisers. Cutting-edge technology, an array of dining options, world-class entertainment, family-friendly facilities and luxurious pampering combine to make its voyages as memorable and comfortable. Rachel and I spent the week in a Deluxe Balcony Cabin, two doors down from Isla and Evelyn.
Spacious and immaculately cleaned by our friendly steward Arwi, it felt like we were residing in a luxurious five-star hotel rather bunking up on a cruise liner. Exploring the ship, we found plenty to see and do, and the complimentary MSC For Me app enabled us able to book restaurants, spa treatments and excursions.
We spent many an hour relaxing around the main Atmosphere and Bamboo Pools on deck 15, while occasionally heading through the glass doors into the huge Marketplace Buffet for snacks and lunch. If wellness and pampering floats your boat, the Balinese-inspired MSC Aurea Spa, where Rachel and Isla checked in for massages with therapists Liberty and Sunita, is a tranquil haven. In an effort to stay ship-shape during the voyage, I’d jog a few laps around the 328m-long running track most mornings, while the girls worked out in the gym.
There is also the high-energy Amusement Zone, home to an F1 simulator and two bowling lanes, the multi-purpose MSC Sportplex, and the Arctic-themed Polar Aquapark and Himalayan Bridge on deck 19. On an evening, most of the ship’s entertainment is based around the spectacular Galleria Meraviglia, a 96m-long promenade with its impressive LED sky screen flanked by luxury boutiques and restaurants.
We posed for family portraits on the glittering Swarovski crystal staircases during the white, formal and tropical-themed dress nights, before grabbing a cocktail at the Champagne Bar and Edge Cocktail Bar, or a sweet treat at the Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Café.
The Broadway Theatre is open twice every evening, and the four of us took seats for their musicals-themed song-and-dance spectaculars, as well as Bruno Mars tribute act, Jeff Dingle. There are also premium shows at the Carousel Lounge, while the tables and slots at Casino Imperiale are perfect for guests who like a flutter.
As far as food and drink is concerned, the ship has a dozen restaurants and 20 bars and lounges to eat, drink and be ‘Mera’ at.
Each morning and evening, we’d dine in the complimentary Panorama Restaurant, where helpful servers Alvin and Mandi made a fuss of gluten-free Isla.
The four of us were booked into two premium restaurants – the stylish, American-style steakhouse Butcher’s Cut, and Kaito Teppanyaki, where chef Jerome entertained the group with jokes, knife-juggling and five courses of delicious Japanese food around a hot plate.
We were also invited to the exclusive Yacht Club’s restaurant for some à la carte cuisine, including fresh seafood, succulent steaks and lemon cheesecake.
Before and after dinner, Rachel, Isla, Evelyn and I would watch the salsa and ballroom dance classes in the Meraviglia Bar & Lounge, sing along with the karaoke performers in the TV Studio & Bar, and listen to live music at our favourite hangout, the British-style Brass Anchor Pub.
With all this on the ship, you may be tempted to stay on board when the liner pulls into port. But my favourite part of any cruise is waking up in a new place each morning and Meraviglia’s summer itinerary sees it dock at some incredible Mediterranean destinations. Our first stop was Tuscany's ‘Little Venice’, Livorno, which many sailors use as a gateway to iconic Italian cities Florence and Pisa.
We then dropped anchor in bustling French port Marseille, where the four of us explored the Cathédrale de la Major and strolled around the harbour and the historic Le Panier district.
The third, and our favourite, port of the week was Barcelona. Isla had drawn up an itinerary beforehand, taking us on a walking tour around the Catalan capital’s major sights, including Gaudi’s fantastical facades, the magnificent Basílica de la Sagrada Família and The World Begins with Every Kiss mosaic mural. From there, the ship sailed south east to North Africa, docking in La Goulette in Tunisia.
We were booked on a beach day excursion in Hammamet, where we got sand between our toes gazing out over the bay towards Malta, before enjoying Tunisian tapas and fresh fish for lunch at Hotel Sindbad.
Our final stop was the vibrant Sicilian capital Palermo, famous for its UNESCO-listed Arab-Norman architecture and bustling street markets.
During our final evening on the ship, the four of us ventured up to the Horizon Pool, which transforms from a relaxing adults-only sunbathing spot during the day into a vibrant socialising hub at night.
Before we had plonked ourselves on the high stools, the bartender was prepped, ready to mix our usual drinks.With the latest pop and R’n’B tracks pumping out on the DJ decks, Isla and Evelyn were in their element, singing and dancing away, and believe it or not, seemed content spending the night with their cringeworthy parents. As far as selecting a perfect family holiday, my ship had finally come in.
Richard Jones June 2026 Pic credits Richard Jones and MSC Cruises
FACTBOX
A seven-night Mediterranean sailing onboard mega-ship MSC Meraviglia, departing from Naples during summer 2026, is available from £816pp based on two sharing an interior cabin. MSC Cruises also offers a wide range of Fly & Cruise packages that also include transfers. To book, please visit msccruises.co.uk
Jet2 offers friendly low fares, great flight times, and a 22kg baggage allowance to Naples and other popular European cruise destinations from many major UK airports, including Edinburgh. Go to jet2.com
Holiday Extras is the UK market leader in airport parking, hotels, lounges and transfers. A room at DoubleTree by Hilton near Edinburgh Airport with nine days’ parking at Secure Airparks is available from £521.43. With Flextras, you can cancel or amend without charge. Entry into the Escape Lounge at Edinburgh is available from £41.99pp. For more information, see HolidayExtras.com or call 0800 316 5678.