Not quite the cruise I expected

MSC Lirica Cruise Review to Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East)

SeanSteve

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 33

Overall rating:

3.9 out of 5

11 Night Arabian Peninsula (Dubai Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 05, 2020

Ship: MSC Lirica

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 7168

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

7/10 Fantastic value for money with the all inclusive food/drink, a must. However, MSC Lirica is the oldest ship in the fleet, quite a mix of nationalities including lots of Russians! The daily entertainment was 'Butlins like!' therefore with the extra day at sea it wasn't great on board, not much to do. Finally, I would prefer cruising around different countries or Caribbean beaches as one Emirate is much the same as each other.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Easy

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Clean, tidy and well presented

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Butlins like, loud and dated.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

One was enough!

Children's Programs

I didn't have any kids with me however there were kids on board

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Staff were exceptional very attentive nothing was a bother.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Ship was clean and well presented although dated

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Cosy room, comfortable bed, small shower/washing facility. Great view from the back of the ship.

Ship tip

Pick a newer ship from their fleet

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Dubai, U.A.E.

5 out of 5

Fantastic excursion, Dinner in the Dunes

Thumbs Up 0

Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

4 out of 5

Much the same as Dubai. No excursion.

Thumbs Up 1

SIR BANI YAS ISLAND, ABU DHABI, U.A.E.

5 out of 5

Great to get off the ship to be on a beach for a change. Food and drink part of your all inclusive. 4x4 safari, very good Kayaking okay Paddle boarding was in the same area as the kayaking so I wouldn't bother.

Thumbs Up 0

Khasab, Oman

3 out of 5

Didn't enjoy this port very little to do. Fishing and snorkeling was good especially seeing dolphins.

Thumbs Up 1

Muscat, Oman

3 out of 5

Didn't enjoy this port. Don't do the excursions you can do them yourself very easily

Thumbs Up 0

Bahrain Did not visit port

Weather prevented docking so sadly and extra day at sea with little to do on board.

Thumbs Up 0