We chose this cruise for itinerary, and that it was a new ship, and the price is quite low - but it was awful.

Overall, I have to say that it take finesse to manage these big ships in a way that make the passengers think they're having a good time through the day and night, even though they are occasionally waiting in lines etc. The big American lines manage these things well as a rule, but MSC was a total mess. No queue systems, so there was a big crowd shoving forward at any opportunity. I'm honestly amazed people weren't physically trampled at times. Everything was a total mess, nothing was explained, and half the staff would look at you like you were an idiot for not knowing how things work on their ships. I've been on 4 other cruises and this was all different, but they assume that the passengers know the way it is, and are really rude if you don't.

Part of the yacht club perks is the ability to queue jump, but in practice this doesn't work. If you can walk past a distressed family with screaming children and crying mothers (overheated and left standing in 40 degree heat with no help, shade, or anyone who gives a damn), just because you paid a bit more for your cabin, you have a stronger stomach than me. I couldn't do it, even when it did work, it was just too awful to do. Read more