FIRST & LAST TIME WITH MSC
MSC Magnifica Cruise Review to Europe
Italy, France, Spain, Gibraltar, Portugal,UK
Sail date: November 17, 2018
Ship: MSC Magnifica
Cabin type: Suite
Cabin number: 15018
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 2 years ago
Review summary
We have traveled on many other cruise lines and will never use MSC again. We found them to be unfair (i.e. charging us more for their beverage package), not upfront with full options available to us on an excursion day (i.e. they did not take us to the city center and dropped us off in the middle of nowhere with out any direction or guidance.) The cigar room had horrible ventilation and allowed cigarette smokers. The thermal area was minimal unlike other cruise lines. Towards the end of the cruise there was not enough staffing at the bars. There was also a time when all restaurants and the buffet were closed at the same time. The Asian restaurant had decent food but not good service. There were no more than three couples in there each time we ate, very sad.Embarkation
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
L'Oasi Restaurant
Typical buffet food. Go to the back when you go there. There is a huge crowd in the front and there is a bar in the back.
Topazio Bar
Geovani was the best bar tender of them all. My husband had a cold and he make a special concoction called Grug that was warm and amazing! We were there most nights. They offer live music and had good service. A bit quieter than other bars.
Tiger Bar
We were there most nights and during the day because it was close to our room on the 15th floor. Typically got good service and they offered free dancing lessons & live music. Service was a bit slow at times. Pleasant staff.
Shanghai Chinese Restaurant
Not sure why they were not busier than they were. The food was decent and the prices were reasonable.
Sahara Buffet
Set up well, but got tired of the same food for 12 days. Go to the back of it where it offers the same food and not as much traffic. There is a bar in the back too.
Ruby Bar
Clean and good service until the end of the cruise where staffing was light. Note: Each bar has a different selection of liquor.
Quattro venti Restaurant
The service was fantastic and it was clean. They had decent food but the seafood was very small and not a good quality.
Le Gocce Bar
Lot's of seating, live piano and classical music. Known for their coffee options.
Onboard Activities
Jacuzzis
There were several on the ship. They allowed six in each and you were unable to bring a plastic cup with a drink into it. The Aurea package is great where you are able to use deck 16 that did not allow children.
Turkish Baths
They only offered jacuzzi & steam. There was only one bathroom we found.
Tour Office
Not a fan, but there were doing their jobs to sell excursions rather than share options on your own. Do your homework before you board. Hop On and Off buses seem to work the best for us. They were offered at all ports.
Sliding Sun Roof
Great idea, it was much warmer during our colder days. Was very loud with all of the kids. Check your package because gelato might be free.
Shopping Area
Basic and over priced. Do your homework before you make a purchase.
Photo Gallery & Shops
Not a fan. Being a Black Voyager member they were to offer us a 40% discount. However, the package they offered us did not allow us the discount. They said the 40% off was only for the 1st day at sea.....
MSC Aurea Spa
Basic, not as nice as other cruise lines that also offer a salt room and other options.
Massage Room
The room I had there was a nice view. They try to sell you their products once you are done. We enjoyed the spa health bar on a regular basis for protein shakes, tea and Gatorade.
Le Gocce Reception
Basic. However the staff were not open to giving you any input about ports unless it included one of their excursions.
Cuba Lounge Cigar Room
The service & design were wonderful. However, the ventilation was horrible and they allowed cigarette smokers in.
Entertainment
Royal Theatre
Lots of space, but they did not want you to bring drinks in with you.
Library
Spacious and well labeled for those who wanted to borrow a book.
Card Room
Smaller than other card rooms, it only had 5-6 tables. They should have either offered coasters or an area to place your beverage.
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Bring ALL of confirmation documentation with you. We purchased the premium beverage package and they didn't honor it. MSC changed their beverage prices two days prior to our embarkation and as a result we had to pay an additional 800 euros. We are in the process of disputing it. Read the fine print on Excursions and ask if there are free shuttle options other than theirs.
