On the 9th November 2019, MSC Cruises’ newest cruise ship, MSC Grandiosa, was christened in Hamburg. The ship’s name already hints at something: It’s going to be grandiose! We had the opportunity to explore the ship before her maiden voyage. Here is our first impression of MSC Grandiosa.
Our First Impression
exterior view (left) and pool deck (right) of MSC Grandiosa
Even from far away, we could see the newest member of the fleet at the Steinwerder Cruise Center in the port of Hamburg from our shuttle bus. Despite the dreary weather, we were immediately impressed by every shining metre of the 331-metre-long ship. After checking in, we could finally set foot on board. The gangway leads you right into the heart of the ship: the Galleria Grandiosa on deck 6, a 112-metre-long indoor promenade. Here, you will find the longest LED sky at sea, illuminating 93 metres of unbelievable colour variations above boutiques, jewellery stores, bars, and specialty restaurants. Following this impressive reception, we made our way to our staterooms.
The Staterooms aboard MSC Grandiosa
During our stay, we could enjoy the perks of our balcony stateroom. At a spacious 19 square metres, the balcony stateroom offers plenty of space for two (or even three to four) people. We were amazed right when we opened the door: Bright and charmingly furnished, the stateroom also impresses with its comfortable design that will make you feel right at home.
family oceanview stateroom (left) and balcony stateroom (right) on MSC Grandiosa
Even the other stateroom categories, such as inside and oceanview staterooms as well as suites, will absolutely wow you. We also had the opportunity to peek into other staterooms to tell you about each one’s features. The smallest stateroom on board MSC Grandiosa is the single inside stateroom at 12 square metres followed by the double inside stateroom at 16 square metres. We were especially surprised at how roomy those staterooms were. The oceanview staterooms are between 15 and 25 square metres big and will reward you with a magnificent vista during your cruise. If you need even more space, book a suite that boasts at least 23 square metres of space or a suite with a whirlpool bath starting at 27 square metres.
Did you know most sofas can be folded out into a bed? Some sofas can even turn into bunk beds, so there will always be enough space in your stateroom!
ZOE – The Voice Assistant & MSC for Me
All staterooms are outfitted with ZOE, a voice assistant. Of course, we put ZOE to the test…just for you, and we were impressed! ZOE can answer hundreds of questions about life on board. Whether you want to reserve a table at a specialty restaurant, book a spot on a shore excursion, or pull up your current onboard account balance, ZOE can do it all. To make it even better, ZOE can speak and understand seven languages, and with the magic words “Ok ZOE”, she will be right at your service. We asked ZOE various questions during our test and got an answer for everything – talk about helpful!
Even outside of the stateroom, you can use the free MSC for Me app to book your spot in restaurants or on shore excursions, read up on the day’s programme, or just pull up the deck plan. This app is the best way to stay informed on board.
Cruise1st Tip: Connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi to use the MSC for Me app at any time. That way, you can message other passengers on the high seas.
A Culinary Smorgasbord on Board
La Loggia restaurant on MSC Grandiosa
Although we could only spend one night on board MSC Grandiosa, we still had the opportunity to test out two of the overall ten restaurants for you: Marketplace Buffet and the à la carte restaurant La Loggia!
At Marketplace Buffet, you will find plenty of delicious dishes for breakfast and lunch. Whether you’re after pizza, pasta, antipasti, meat dishes, or fresh mozzarella prepared right on board, you’re tastebuds won’t be disappointed. A notable highlight of the buffet restaurant was the tableside drink service. Instead of having to walk over to the drink station every time you need a refill, just press the small button at your table, and the waiter will come right to you.
Marketplace Buffet is open 20 hours daily, so you can satisfy your hunger whenever you want!
At the à la carte restaurant La Loggia, we spoilt ourselves with a delectable four-course dinner. Appetising fare coupled with bold wines and other drinks as well as outstanding service all contributed to a wonderful evening on board MSC Grandiosa.
If you want to take your tastebuds on a culinary adventure, you can select from a range of specialty restaurants. Whether you’re craving a juicy steak from Butcher’s Cut, Japanese delicacies at Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar, Spanish small plates at HOLA! Tapas Bar, or exquisite Parisian cuisine at L’Atelier Bistrot, get ready to embark on a culinary journey.
DOREMILAND: A Kids-Only Paradise
Wild Forest Aquapark (left) and Kids’ Club (right) on MSC Grandiosa
In addition to the numerous activities on board – such as the interactive Wild Forest Aquapark equipped with slides, a high ropes course, and pools – DOREMILAND, on board MSC Grandiosa, really wowed us. Thanks to these clubs designed especially for little ones, parents can enjoy a completely relaxed holiday. And in these five clubs, the party won’t stop! There is a place for every age group: Baby Club (under three years old), Mini Club (from three to six years old), Junior Club (from seven to eleven years old), Young Club (from twelve to 14 years old), and Teen Club (from 15 to 17 years old). While the little ones run wild with Duplo and Lego, teens can have their own fun with video games, virtual reality, and a 3D printer. A true kids-only paradise!
The Christening
fireworks at the port of Hamburg above MSC Grandiosa (left) and LED sky in the Galleria Grandiosa (right)
On Saturday evening, MSC Grandiosa was christened on the Elbe River by Italian film actress and singer Sophia Loren. A brilliant light show at the Elbphilharmonie concert hall and a thrilling ceremony hosted by Italian-Swiss television actress Michelle Hunziker made the evening a spectacular experience! The highlight of the ceremony was the showstopping fireworks that illuminated the entirety of the port and MSC Grandiosa. Our faces beamed throughout the concluding four-course gala dinner, which was crafted by renowned German chef Harald Wohlfahrt. Overall, we enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere of the grandiose christening. We brought the ceremony to a close by dancing to the music of German DJ Mousse T. under the breathtaking LED starry night sky of the Galleria Grandiosa.
DID YOU KNOW…
- that every deck is named after a famous artist and the most famous works are hanging with a little hidden surprise?
- that the Duplex Suite is outfitted with a 22.5-square-metre balcony?
- that all 260 springs of each Sleep Comfort mattress in the staterooms intelligently conform to your individual weight and movements?
- that the high ropes course in the Wild Forest Aquapark is 82 metres high?
- that you’ll probably get the best panoramic view from the Sky Lounge?
- that you can indulge in the flavours of six award-winning, international masterchefs on board MSC Grandiosa?
- that in the restaurant La Perla Grigia, pasta and bread is prepared for you fresh every day?
- that the entertainment team on board has prepared up to 37 fun pool games for you?
- that there is a breathtaking Swarovski staircase in the Infinity Atrium that can only be found on board Meraviglia, Seaside, and Fantasia-class ships?
Have we sparked your interest in a cruise on board MSC Grandiosa? Would you like to explore the ship yourself? You can find all journeys with MSC Cruises right on our website. Ring our Australia-based cruise experts on 1300 857 345, and they can pair you up with your dream cruise!
