We have been on a number of cruises with different companies, and this was the second time on MSC. We travelled as a party of 7 (3 generations) in two Aurea grade balcony cabins over Easter 2015. We flew UK to/from Nice, France by EasyJet and then took the included MSC transfer to the ship in Genoa about 90 minutes down the motorway.

I once read a review that described MSC as a 'Marmite' line... you love them or hate them. I fall into the former camp and I will gladly tell you why but the first thing to remember is that this is an Italian line not a German, American or British one. As a rule, Italians are stylish, sociable, relaxed and family friendly folk and MSC is no different. Most German, UK or US lines cater primarily for a single nationality whereas MSC cruisers tend to be more cosmopolitan drawing from most of Europe, Australians, Brits and Russians.

As a ship she has Italian elegance in spades from the Swarovski crystal staircase and other public spaces to the well designed cabins. There are formal nights and theme nights but if that is not your thing then they are happy for you to go your own way. Equally deck activities are entirely optional and go with the flow. This could upset those who like the formal style of the likes of P&O or Cunard or party, party, party style of other lines. Read more