We chose MSC through previous good experiences in 2008 and 2014. However, our experience this time left us feeling cheated. Ports of call were in most instances too short in time, particularly if you have limited mobility. The evening dining experience left very much to be desired. We had to complain numerous times about the temperature and standard of food being served, and it was barely tepid. The quality of the food also left a great deal to be desired. Moreover, as for the amount of food served on the plates, this left one feeling, was it worth the effort in ‘dirtying the plates’! It was pitiful. One evening my wife was served a 'Shank of veal' as a main course. It filled the plated about an inch thick comprising entirely of BONE & FAT. When questioned what was wrong, my wife explained, and she was offered another meal, but quite frankly she was put off by her experience. Additionally, I personally enjoy cheese following my meal. The amount served on the plate certainly would not have appeased a reasonably sized mouse! The wine as part of our all inclusive package was undrinkable. The self-service food quality and standard was appalling and not kept at reasonable temperatures. Hygiene, cleanliness of tables, seating etc, was very questionable too with only quick wipes of tables and remnants of food brushed onto floors and chairs! As for the cleanliness of the staff, their uniforms were in a dirty state and some were viewed with splits in trousers! As for deck bars, unless everyone had left the ship to go ashore service was virtually non-existent. One had to wait to be served at the bars as Bar Service waiters were at most times not present or insufficient. In the evenings, things were no better, and one constantly waited at the bars before being served. There appears to be no provision or training given to helping people with disabilities. We are made to queue as everyone else despite having restrictions in mobility and ability to stand for any period of time. Only once in the entire week onboard was I offered assistance in the self-service restaurant, a commendable gesture. However, on another occasion whilst walking around the self-service area, using a walking stick as always, I was made to back up by one of the staff as distinctly he would not give way to me. This was witness by another passenger who looked on in total disgust!

Because of my limited mobility and after discussing and receiving a high recommendation from an onboard representative at the excursion office, my wife & I agreed and looked forward to an evening out for a Greek Night in Mykonos. We were to have left the ship at 5.00 pm for a 15-minute transfer by boat. A letter was delivered to our room with the timings. For whatever reason, we were late leaving the ship and arrived at the Mykonos port after 5.30 pm. We were all ushered off the transfer boat. After some commotion by the representatives we were herded onto another boat and taken across to the other side of the harbour. We were advised that it would save time! We arrived at our venue a few minutes before 6.00 pm. We were told originally dinner would be served 5.15/5.30 pm. We were at the Greek Night venue for just on an hour before being ushered out by 7.00 pm. The entertainment comprised of 2 people doing 2 short dances. Certainly nothing like our previous experience of Greek Nights. The food was tepid and diabolical. It comprised, a bowl with salad shared between two people. A plate was served to the table with a small amount of chicken on a stick and one similar of lamb, a couple slices of spiced sausage, with yoghurt a few chips. Of the six persons at our table, virtually all food served was returned uneaten. The dessert comprised of a small square of inedible sweet which was purported to be typically Greek. But, in my personal experience of Greek cuisine, I have never ever seen or tasted such! It was also stated that we would to be taken to see the sunset at a particular place but ended up after a short walk at about 7.15 pm on the harbour side as a group whilst the representative spoke to others in different languages. We missed the setting sun. We had to return to the ship via boat by 8.15 pm latest. For this we were charged an extortionate sum of 62.99 euros each, total 125.98 euros. Our previous experience of Greek Nights was excellent, enthralling and entertaining. This was a shamble and certainly not value for what we paid. We felt cheated. Having experienced this excursion we certainly would not book another, certainly not value for money. The shows onboard compared nothing to what we had experienced on previous cruises and cruise lines. One night comprised of a couple a songs being sung with a dozen other persons dressed up to the nines purporting to be dancers but just strolling and standing around looking pretty! Then we had to contend with the introduction of the Captain and Staff. The show element was no more than about 30 minutes! Embarkation was a mess with passengers waiting around for over two hours with no information as to what was happening! The ship had apparently docked late and previous cruise passengers were late getting off. We were only told this once on board. Disembarking was a fiasco again and being given the wrong information. On the surface the ship looked good but once you scraped away the surface paint, it left a great deal to be desired! Never again, we spoke with several other passengers who felt that they had been ripped off as clearly the service, quality/standards were not what MSC state and I quote “The MSC Cruises experience embodies the elegant side of the Mediterranean to create unique and unforgettable emotions for guests, through discovery of the world’s cultures, beauties and tastes. MSC Cruises translates its passion for the sea into a commitment to excellence in hospitality, professionalism, dedication and mastery of every single detail to ensure the complete happiness and satisfaction of each and every guest”. An absolute nonsense and certainly not what we had experienced. Lastly, at times communication was a problem in being understood and some staff were very rude indeed.