It was an OK cruise

Embarkation was and getting on the ship was smooth but somewhat repetitive. The same documents were checked 3 times with the second having no apparent purpose other than to verify you have all the correct documents. Once you got to the counter they again review your documents, take your picture, and give you your cruise card. You can then head for the ship. The whole process from car to ship took a little over an hour.

The bartenders were great. The availability of tonic at the bar was annoying. Out of 4 days only once did they have it, and that was only for 1 drink. They were out again when I ordered a second. Also the process of getting a bar drink or beer at the main dining room was bad. First night the drinks came about the same time as desert. The second night they did not come at all. After that we just stopped at a bar, got a drink, and took it in with us. The main reason for the 6.5 out of 10 rating was the food. Although it was OK there was nothing special about it. At the buffet, dinner had the same items on it 4 out of 4 days, with the only exception being that nights carved meat. The buffet Breakfast was the same each day and the buffet lunch was also the same every day. They did change up the deserts and I would consider them a highlight. The pizza was good and fresh made pizza was available at every meal. Yes they had a breakfast pizza with a sunny side up egg baked in and even a tuna and olive pizza, if you’re into that. In the main dining room the food was OK. Not great, but not bad. Food was served warm not hot. Many items were somewhat bland. Salt and pepper were not on the tables and had to be requested. The waiter would then come with salt and pepper grinders and put it on your food for you, then take it away again. Items were again good but lacking sauce. Additional sauce had to be asked for. The waiter and staff were very helpful and were quick to fulfill your request for the extra things you wanted. You could also order as many items as you liked and some nights the waiter even suggested ordering multiples appetizers and desserts. Like at the buffet, the desserts were the highlight of the meal.

We did not participate in the activities

The shows were very enjoyable

The staff was great and very friendly. They were very helpful when you needed it. While walking through the ship they always said hello and asked if you needed anything. There was only a little up-selling and was limited to the first night selling dinner and/or drink packages, but didn’t bother you again once you said no thank you.

Getting around the ship was pretty easy, although a few times I found myself heading in the wrong direction. It was nice that you did not have to go through the casino or the pool area to get to where you wanted to go. Since we were in the back of the ship we were able to use the back set of elevators to get to the pool, buffet, restaurants, and the Garden Bar area. We also found that using the deck 8 Promenade made it very easy to get to the front of the ship to access the theater and to leave the ship while in port.

Our room was 10275 an aft balcony. Other than the first 2 feet of the entry, it was plenty big, had lots of storage space, and a very large balcony with 2 chairs, 2 loungers and a small table. The room was very clean and all reusable items had been sanitized. The bed was a little too hard for my wife and I. The couch also seemed a bit low for me and was a little hard to get in and out of. If you are a fan of watching TV to waist some time, forget it. The only stations were for the muster drill, some information on the on-board shops, MSC’s new ships, and a station with time, temperature, and a display of the officers.

isembarkation was quick with no issues