Like most people, I would like to be able to leave a 5 star review because that would mean I had a great cruise. Embarkation and disembarkation were a nightmare. Almost two hours each! Why? The positives were that the ship was truly beautiful and the crew was for the most part very friendly and helpful. That's it. The negative was the food was served cold in the main dining rooms. Even after bringing it to the attention of the server before ordering that I would like my meal hot it was still cold. This happened every night on practically every course. On the rare occasion that the food was warm it was pretty good. We had third seating and the carpet was covered with crumbs each night. Not exactly elegant dining. The only thing I found palatable on the buffet was the hamburgers and fries which were always hot. The pizza was very thin and soggy. Yes, the pizza on a Italian Cruise Line is bad. The only thing warm to eat for breakfast was omelettes. They were very good but unavailable inexplicably on several mornings. I guess they just didn't want to bother! No half and half in buffet or dining room. If you requested it they brought you milk. The had sweetened International Delight creamer and that was it. Yuck! The shows in the main theater were all the same. Not bad but short and repetitive. The theme would change each night but it was the same song and dance routine. We ordered room service the first night for 8AM and it arrived at 6 AM waking us up and we were charged $3.50 even though there was no charge mentioned on room service menu. On most occasions the hand sanitiszers and soap dispensers were out when we went to use them. I have Gold Status on the loyalty program and got a basket full of over-ripe fruit and no other acknowledgment. No free gift, no reward, no free photo, no free spa session or anything else I was supposed to get. The elevators were very small, slow, and hot and the rude Europeans will push their way in even if there is no room. They will cut in front of you anywhere and everywhere. The hallways and public spaces are also hot. The only place to stay cool was outside and in your cabin. The ship was decorated for the holidays but they didn't play any holiday music or have any holiday programs. I always cruise this time of year and this was the worst cruise as far as Christmas spirit was concerned. I even requested that they play Christmas music at Customer Service but they just looked at me like I was nuts. The private Island was cancelled because of the weather and so that saved me a $14.99 umbrella charge and a additional charge for drinks on the island because they don't honor your drink package on the island! To add insult to injury, I have another cruise with MSC for my birthday in March. My Gold loyalty rewards program entitles me to free birthday cake on my birthday and I'm sure I'll enjoy NOT receiving it. Drink service was practically nonexistent. You have to go to the bar and schlep drinks for yourself. Sail with someone else. ANYONE ELSE!