Very disappointed overall. Perhaps as my first cruise my expectations were high, after speaking to several people they agreed with me. I was not provided with good service or food, the price for a "balcony" was not anything worthwhile, staff was difficult to understand/speak to, they did not provide a layout (map) of the boat so you were on your own to find your way. Bring all your essentials as they do not provide anything. There is no outlet near the bed for any kind of hookup. I would not recommend going on this particular ship.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
It was very smooth, personnel were helpful and friendly. Was not expecting such high parking rates
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
1 out of 5
The food was not very good at the buffet and the restaurant was worse. There were long waits at the restaurant for them to take your order and when it was finally served it was under par. I thought I was getting a prime rib dinner with broccoli and the cow was still mooing and two little sprits of broccoli is not what I would call a side dish - almost as if it was there for decor. The baked potato was old and not very warm.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
As a senior citizen there were not too many activities to take part in.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Children's Programs
Did not have children with me
Service and Staff
2 out of 5
The staff was very difficult to understand and always seemed to be in a hurry. Long wait times to get any drinks/food. Didn't matter if you went up to the bar or if it was "bar service". Considering they were automatically adding 18% gratuity to everything it was definitely not acceptable. Most of the time it was 15 minutes to wait and then they did not under a simple order of white wine.
Ship Quality
2 out of 5
Could tell the ship was older and needed some repairs. It appeared to need a deep cleaning. The elevators were extremely slow.
Cabin / Stateroom
1 out of 5
The room size was ok, nothing exceptional. The balcony was pretty useless because if you sat in the lounge chairs you could not see anything (the side of the ship covered everything unless you were standing up). There were paint chips all over the outside balcony. Simple amenities were not there - no bar of soap or shampoos/conditioners/lotions. I couldn't even find any tissues anywhere in the room - better bring your own! The bed was okay, the pillows were flat.
I'm so sorry you didn't have a good time. Cruising isn't for everyone. If there is a next time, give the yacht club a try or sail with Holland American. Off-site parking is a little cheaper, with shuttle service right to the terminal. Some of the hotels around the ports offer that. Thanks for your review.
With MSC and even luxury hotels anymore, they don't put a lot of amenities in you cabin or room because they've found out many passengers take them home, even fullsize containers and ask for more everyday to do the same thing. Like facial tissue. The yacht club on MSC for instance used to have a complimentary mini bar including all the snacks you can eat. Well, passengers were stuffing their luggage with toblerone bars, chocolate covered peanuts and small bottles of liquor. But all cabins come with shampoo and shower gel. No conditioner unless you're in the yacht club, which I recommend you book next time if you want everything thing up to your expectations. Also MSC is an Italian cruise line with different nationalities on board with different languages.Thanks for your review.
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