Enjoyable cruise overall.

Our first experience on MSC a few years ago was exceptional.  It left from NY.  Upon entering the ship there was a line of crew members with white gloves.  As each group/couple entered the ship the next crew member in line would take your carry-on luggage and escort you to your cabin.  My husband and I have been on 20 cruises and never saw this before or again. 

That cruise had amazing food with many choices.  At lunch in the dining room a different pasta dish was prepared as you walked in and there were many other choices as well.  The second MSC cruise we were on had this also.  This cruise, our third with MSC did not and didn't have as many choices in the dining room.  However, the food was still good to very good.  The pizza in the buffet was excellent, as well as all the rolls and desserts.  

The ship is beautiful and clean.  The steps on the staircases in the main Atrium area  were made of Swarovski crystals.  They were amazing! 

The service is good, however, not all the crew speaks English very well.  Our room steward was quick to make up the room each day, however he missed turning it down the first and last nights.  The last morning we asked him about it and he said maybe he forgot.  He did a good job, but not great. 

The waiter  in the main dining room was one of the best we ever had.  Very friendly and attentive.   

A few minor  complaints:  There weren't enough public restrooms in the buffet area.  The photographs taken were bad compared to the previous cruises.  They really did a great job in the past, very professional with air brushing which you don't normally see. We've purchased quite a few but none this cruise.  The ship seemed very crowded, especially in the shopping areas and to get a deck chair.  When you arrived at the ports, you could not hear the announcements in your cabin regarding when and where you could disembark.   And there was only one indoor area to smoke, which was very crowded most of the time.  We were on RC Oasis of the Seas where there were 2000 more passengers but you would never know it.

The shows were good.  Had a few opera singers if you like that sort of thing.  There was a Michael Jackson show one night, one of the best shows of any cruise!  You thought you were actually watching Michael Jackson dance, it was amazing.  After the show he came down and was taking pictures with everyone. 

On the last day we discovered an Indy car simulator and kind of a 3-D action short movie theater.  There was a charge but well worth it for the experience.

Overall we had a good time.  It's a little different atmosphere compared to other cruise lines.