Just been on our 8th cruise, first with MSC. From the moment we arrived at our port to check in, until the moment we left a week later we were impressed with everything. I really can’t think of anything negative. All ports of call were lovely and lived up to our expectations. Everything was well organised. Everything was fantastic. Will definitely choose MSC again
Food average, evening shows poor (basically gymnastics every show - no imagination), excursions not great, but cabin and staff great.
Travelled on MSC Opera, a beautiful ship which was not too big which is our preference, however fewer dining options and no indoor pool. Food good for pasta and fish dishes, pizza bar, ice cream, patisserie and coffees. Had a drinks package which included good red, white and rose wines, cocktails, water, coffee/tea and choice of 4 lagers and beers. Wines, cocktails, coffee and water great , but for first three days only Heineken lager available. My husband was not happy and complained, however the only answer was ,'to write an email of complaint when you get home'. After the second day and two phone calls from the customer desk who told us there would be no more beers available, we were sent a bottle of prosecco as a good will gesture. When we got to the bar more beers were available. It demonstrated to us that the staff were not liaising very efficiently, however my husband was happy so I was too! This is the second time this has happened on MSC. We went back as it was a good itinerary and price and an extra break, but have reservations about going with them again. Transfer from Milan airport to Genoa was efficient and embarkation/disembarkation in Genoa was very slick, so it depends what is important to you.
If you are a smoker this could be the cruise company for you as they allow indoor smoking in part of the casino and the sports lounge. On the positive side everything on the ship worked apart from some unfortunate smells from the pool deck toilets. As with other cruise lines these days, they are poor on local transport options and rich on getting their ship to city centre shuttle which is expensive. We walked off the ship and asked locals. There was usually a free or cheap local bus but most times it was an easy walk. Food was just average and it took a few days to get customer services to persuade the kitchen to provide something other than tomato sauce on pasta for my vegetarian companion. The restaurant staff were friendly and worked really hard at making our trip enjoyable but they were less accomplished waiters than other ships we have been on. It is a multi lingual ship but that was not a hinderance and the entertainment was biased to visual and audible. The ship “Opera” featured a soprano and tenor most days with a cast of good standard. Beware, water in the restaurant is not free (€3). Thank you planet cruise for supplying the package that included water and dinner coffee. The ports of call were good and one of the reason we were trying out MSC for the first time. We did not take any of the ship excursions, but we like to choose our own sights to see. Book again? Maybe but would look at other cruise lines first, at least until they change their smoking policy.
Only downside was there were too many people. Had to queue all the time, not very relaxing, could never get a sunlounger, always all taken. No outdoor seating areas to enjoy a drink. Excursions good and very informative.
The staff on the ship were very helpful but we found other passengers quite rude. I have been on numerous cruises and never had to queue for the buffet before. It felt as if there wasn't enough room for everyone. In the day activities were mainly on top deck and at night time mainly on lower decks so it felt rather crowded day and night as everyone was in the same place. I love cruising but wont return to this ship. Also we had booked to go to Santorini but the itinerary was change to go to Athens instead where it felt like we weren't given enough time ashore. Some places we had too long ashore, on others just not enough.
