Some of our staff were lucky enough to visit the brand new MSC Grandiosa on her Maiden Voyage.
Cara & Rachel from our Portadown office and Marie & Barbara from our Lurgan office picked up on the cruise from Southampton port, after it had sailed from Hamburg the previous day.

Our first impression was fantastic. Walking on to Deck 5 we were greeted by MSC staff into a ship with such modern decor. There is even a staircase made out of Swarovski crystals! The main promenade was like something out of a movie with the changing ceiling backgrounds.
After settling into our balcony staterooms it was time to do a bit of work and take a tour of the ship.

We started on deck 19. This is where the main pool area/ water slides are located. Unfortunately when we arrived this part of the ship was closed due to the bad weather. However, you could still see the slides from the side of the ship before embarking and they did look fantastic! We were able to get into the main pool area just one deck below  which, with a bit of sunshine would have look even more amazing! Plus there were plenty of sunbeds for those days at sea!

We then visited the MSC Yacht Club on deck 18  (usually exclusive to MSC Yach Club guests but we were allowed to sneak in for a preview!) On this deck was an exclusive area with a Jacuzzi, a restaurant, a pool with sunbathing area & waiter service for drinks. Guests staying in the yacht club are also offered 24hr butler service, a dedicated concierge and lavishly appointed suites. We couldn’t get into the suites as they were all occupied, but from what I hear, they are out of this world!

We visited a few show cabins after. Firstly a studio cabin, perfect for the solo traveller. Perfectly compact without being too small, this cabin contains all you will need for a comfortable stay. The interior cabins were also more than impressive with plenty of space to move about – perfect for 2 people. The balcony cabins were spacious and well designed and provided a beautiful view of the surrounding ocean. The family cabins were fantastic. With interconnecting staterooms sleeping up to 10 people at a time, these room types are perfect for larger families. A double bed and the option of a pull out sofa or bunk beds provides the perfect accommodation for families without the cabin being too cramped. We were fortunate to view the duplex suite as well, which features a downstairs living area, balcony with a whirpool bath and sunbathing area complete with sun loungers. Upstairs was a spacious sleeping area with a double bed & en suite bathroom. Rest assured if you book this room you will not be disappointed. Of course, you can also book suites with a whirpool bath out on the balcony, but not duplex, so there is plenty of choice for whatever you think will suit your needs!

Next it was time to have a look at the restaurants. We started firstly at the main buffet as it was time for lunch. There was plenty of food, both Italian and international cuisine to suit all tastes. Each table is fitted with a buzzer so you can call a waiter if you would like any drinks from the bar. Speciality dining restaurants included a Spanish tapas bar (by Michelen two star chef Ramón Freixa), a steakhouse (the steaks looked amazing!) Teppanyaki & sushi bar & a French Bistro! It would definitely be worth considering the speciailty dining package for these stunning restaurants. The main restaurants included in the full board package and the buffet restaurant also cater for dietary requirements such as gluten free, kosher meats & vegetarian.

For entertainment, there was the Cirque de Soleil which was packed out. Only a handful of travel agents were able to get in as the show had been heavily booked by the clients on board. From what I hear though, the show was a spectacle not to be missed featuring acrobatics & dance, telling a story the whole way through. But make sure to book this one in advance so as not to be disappointed!

Later in the evening we headed to the main promenade, where Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills had made a guest appearance. His set was outstanding! Music for every taste from disco to modern day artists, it is safe to say we were dancing the night away!

We couldn’t fault the staff on this ship. Waiter service at every bar on every deck, always making sure you are well catered for. Waiters and waitresses all working with a smile on their face and not one member of staff will walk past without saying hello. This really goes a long way in making your experience that bit more special!

Overall, we were all amazed by this ship. There are so many more things to discover on board which you really have to see for yourself!

For any queries, don’t hesitate to call our Portadown office on 02838351500. We will be more than happy to help you learn more about the brand new MSC Grandiosa