Mixed Review; Some parts great; a few, not so much.

MSC Armonia Cruise Review to Caribbean

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 29

Overall rating:

4.4 out of 5
Verified Review
MSC Armonia

Cuba, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Mexico, Cuba

Sail date: January 01, 2019

Ship: MSC Armonia

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 8168

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

Ship is very well-run, very clean, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Food is good and the stage shows are outstanding. The ship is heavily Latin-influenced, though, in its music and deck entertainment. I don't blame them, as probably 80% of the passengers are this, and they are just playing to the majority; if you enjoy this music, etc; then you are fine. If you are from the US, just be aware that you are very much in the minority here. Treat this cruise like a visit to a foreign country and you will be fine! By that I mean that the ports ARE all foreign countries, of course, but when you get back on board, it is usually like you are "Back in the States". Here, that is not the case. Bon Voyage!

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Easiest I have ever got on a ship!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
I would say a slight percentage above Carnival/Royal/Norwegian. Quality similar, but a few more choices.

Starlight Disco

4 out of 5

A couple of nights he played some old disco music and that was great. Loved the Silent Night also -- terrific concept!

Moulin Rouge Piano Bar

4 out of 5

Excellent pianist and he never takes a break!

Marco Polo Restaurant

4 out of 5

Wait staff nice and friendly and food selections good!

La Brasserie Cafeteria

4 out of 5

Food selection and quality excellent. Frequent breakdown of drink machines, though.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
Everything pretty standard here. Nothing sensational; just average.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
Stage shows were the best ever; no contest. Musicians are fine if you like 90% Spanish music. If you are American, you're a little left out.

La Fenice Theatre

5 out of 5

Performers were top-notch and obviously well-choreographed. Lots of talent here!

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Everybody nice and friendly, even the buffet staff. Bartenders are slow and deliberate, seemingly by design. Captain was extremely available, funny, and a significant presence on the ship, unlike any other I have ever been on. Desk staff friendly and helpful.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5
Always clean and obviously well-maintained. Nothing flashy or exciting, but acceptable. elevators are a little odd as not all of them go to all floors and you often have to get out and walk to next elevator to complete a trip.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
Always clean, nice big window, comparable in size to cabins on other ships.

Ship tip

About 80-85% of the passengers do not speak, or speak very little, English. Socially, you feel like a bit of an outcast. Certainly not the fault of anyone on the ship - -they are all very nice - - but culturally, it is very different than being on a Carnival/Royal/Norwegian ship.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Ahead of schedule and very easy!
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1 Comment

Gwbigdog    2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise with us.