MSC Armonia: An unexpected delight!

MSC Armonia Cruise Review to Cuba

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 10
Helpful Votes: 394

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
MSC Armonia

7 Night Western Caribbean & Cuba (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: April 08, 2019

Ship: MSC Armonia

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 1074

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

We didn't expect a lot and were pleasantly pleased! We met the Master of the Ship in a very casual setting and he was very gracious and pleasing top speak with! If you want to go to CUBA then go on MSC Armonia!

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Arrived and went through boarding in minutes!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
The MDR was very nice! Food was well prepared, not gourmet, but cruises today are not what they were 50 yeas ago, so don't expect a Michelin Star! It is good and if you do not care for something the waiters will bring you anything else - just ask! Buffet was good and as everyone that sails on MSC - the pizza is great!

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
The Armonia is a small ship equipped to be able to enter the port of Cuba! (You will understand when you arrive in Cuba!) So don't expect an 'Oasis' class vessel with waterslides, rock walls and surf boarding!) But at every port along the way there is plenty for the 'energetic ones' to do! The Poolside Zumba classes were really very good. And the poolside activities were fun and everyone really enjoyed!

Entertainment

4 out of 5
All in all the shows were nice. Certainly we did not expect what they have on a mega-ship! The entertainers were very nice for the level of show they were expected to put on. (If you want top notch go on the mega ships or go to Broadway!) My wife and I jokingly referred to some of the shows as "HS Musicals". Not terrible just not ready for prime time.

Children's Programs

3 out of 5
We did not cruise with children but we witnessed several younger kids and we both agreed we didn't see anyone sitting in the corners crying for something to do! They all seemed happy and content!

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Our waiters were great! What we both enjoyed so much on this cruise is none of the staff begged us for good reviews! On Royal Carribean almost from the get go the staff is constantly asking that we give them good ratings! I always say "if you have to ask for a compliment then you don't deserve it!" So yes, we enjoyed the Service very much! The room stewards were there to take care of the room and not beg us for tips!

Ship Quality

4 out of 5
It's an old ship, so yes it has faults that newer ships don't have. The jacuzzi's really need a do over as the jets in the tubs were not very powerful. But the ship was very well maintained and really very clean! We were very impressed!

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Our cabin was clean, and well kept. Size was fine. Shower was a little difficult but we managed. Steward was OK but often forgot to leave certain items so we just took them off his cart when we went out of the room!

Ship tip

Enjoy it! It is a nice ship and the main reason you are on it is to go to Cuba! If you want bigger and better then go on another ship!

Ports of call

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

2 out of 5
Very poor area! Went to a little restaurant and ate and then returned to the ship. Hopefully in the years to come it will get better

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

3 out of 5
If you like just going to shops then it is the place for you! If not take a day trip somewhere or stay on board.

Cozumel, Mexico

3 out of 5
Cozumel is OK and again go to a special area for snorkeling or go to a beach or just walk around then go back on board.

HAVANA, CUBA

5 out of 5
Cuba was fascinating! The MSC tour to Hemingway's House was well worth the money and time! We went on our own all day on Sunday and loved it! The people are genuine and very friendly! Friends on board went on a private tour and loved it as well. So either way it was nice! Thanks to President Obama we were able to go and meet a very wonderful people and enjoy their beautiful country!

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Got off in nothing flat! Found bags easily and took the MSC shuttle to the airport in Fort Lauderdale for a VERY reasonable cost!
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1 Comment

cruisereckoning    4 years ago

Thanks for the review and so glad you enjoyed.

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