All cities are clean and with almost no homeless. Felt safe to walk around (but always be wary) and they all have a good Christmas feel. If you don't expect much of the food and the dining experience, and if you do your homework about what to do, it's a very good trip. MSC needs to work on the food and perhaps have more beef available?
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Because passengers can start their cruise at any of the port of call, it took 10 ' as there was no line. We traveled from Los Angeles and did not need a visa.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
The dining room has a a very small selection of choices (1/3 of what we are used to on Royal and Carnival. The buffet hot food had pork and fish that do not look appetizing most of the time. The best are pizzas, breads, bakery products, cheeses, deli and salad. But no one would starve as there is always something good to eat if you are not picky. Dessert is good. There is not much beef available, and when there is , it is not cooked to the North American standards.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
not much to do except the gym. No sauna to use for free and this is not acceptable. All ships should have the basics of a gym and the sauna included.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Everyone is nice, efficient and kept the ship clean. They do need to clean the beverage counter more because I saw fruit flies.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
We booked the cheapest inside room to try for the first time, and got a surprise upgrade to an obstructed view balcony. It was wonderful.
Ship tip
Barcelona, Marseilles, Mallorca ports are far from the city and you may need to take the ship's shuttle (14-17 euros/way/person. A taxi maybe cheaper if you team up with another couple)
There is a shuttle but not advertised by the ship as it wants you to pay for it. Taxi runs on a meter and can be expensive. The free walking tour was really good.
Walked to the Basilica Notre Dame de la Guarde and used the bus to go back. The old port is beautiful and the MUCEM is architecturally impressive.
A taxi from the ship to the city is better if you team up with another couple. There is a bus, but it is more challenging as there is a lot of walking.
The panoramic view excursion was very good. The guide could have been a little more enthusiastic.
Spend more time in the city if possible. Avoid the allies if you feel unsafe (i.e. lots of men -illegals- hanging out on the dark narrow streets).
Naples feels safer and had previously read. The locals are very nice and try to help if you try to speak in Italian. We too public transport to Castel Sant'Elmo (6euros to enter) after walking up the via del Petraio.
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