We recently returned from a cruise on this ship, We chose the ship because of the itinerary as there were no days at sea. Although some of the reviews prior to travelling made us a bit dubious we always like to make our own mind up.

Ship was beautiful & clean; although there were far too many smoking areas and a lingering smell of smoke in some places. When sat upstairs in the Eldorado bar the smoke from the casino drifted up. Lots of entertaining areas although unfortunately the entertainment throughout the ship did not live up to our expectations having cruised with several other lines this ship was way behind with its offerings and distinctly Eurovision. We found no entertainment at all which would appeal to us and did not venture into the theatre for any of the shows which were provided by "in house" entertainers. Went to the Galaxy disco on occasion and found that the DJ was unaware of what to play that would appeal to the British passengers and played out of date music and when we made requests he was unable to understand or provide what would keep us interested.. As soon as It was apparent that French or Italian passengers were in the disco music changed to suit their preferences. First night after having requested a table for 4 (total in our group) we were placed on a table for 8, this was rectified on the second evening so no big issue with this. Had an all inclusive drinks package as part of our deal , however we had to ask in each bar what was included and what was not which became tiresome! Only Heineken beer (not advised of this prior to travelling or in any documentation) included even though practically all the other beers were the same prices, this didn't make sense as a beer in one of the cocktails (which were 8 euros) was included in the package. On other lines you get a price and anything under that is included so you know where you are, staff did not seem to know what was included and what was not.

Food distinctly average although we were always able to find something to eat. Portion sizes small, you are able to order additional dishes in the main dining room and for people with normal appetites we would recommend that you always order the extra dishes. MSC have employed a British chef who walks around the restaurant introducing himself stating that he has been employed to bring in menus choices that will appeal more to the British clientele! Embarkation process at the beginning of the cruise very good, however when disembarking and embarking in each port on most occasions there was only one person on the gangway causing queues and delays, Service good from all staff. Excursions that we organised with he cruse company were good apart from the catamaran trip where we were told our meeting time was 09:15am, on attending we were then told that the catamaran had broken down but would be repaired later in the day so to meet again at 12:15pm, on meeting at the later time we were advised by the company hosting the trip that the time was always 12:15pm meaning that we deliberately mislead by the ship's excursion teams. Majority of the trips we did we organised ourselves using local taxis which were cost effective and good. Although not in our cabins much there were no English speaking channels available apart from CNN and after two weeks this also became irritating. Used the gym on several occasions , although it is a big area there were not enough of the popular machines available especially taking into account that people ignored the instruction to only use individual machines for 20 minutes and the fact that staff used the gym despite having their own gym available and did not move for paying guests. Read more