To be honest, we won't cruise with MSC any time soon. The buffet choices aren't diverse, they're basic, they're understaffed, there is only one pool table, two mini bowling lanes at 5 turns $8, they canceled the excursion without telling us. The restaurant service and food and the balcony room was the best part.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
Burger, hot dog, fries, bread, salads, pizza for lunch and dinner at the Sahara buffet. Every day. At least it was a good burger. They had surveys on the tables stating they want feedback as they're changing up their menu. Also, the buttons for bar service on the table only work during certain times but those weren't posted anywhere so people got mad thinking the button didn't work at all. Not enough restaurant staff to serve or clean up, I hope they hire more support. The actual restaurant was good, we tried it the last night.
Onboard Activities
1 out of 5
We were excited for bowling and billiards and table tennis. Bowling was mini-bowling, 5 tries for $8. Only two lanes available in the ship. The pool table was only one and tucked away by a bar. The table tennis, there were three but not enough balls - I think they went missing. These were the activities we wanted to do because we aren't into shows and pools are usually crowded. We didn't do much but walk around and eat burgers.
Service and Staff
2 out of 5
They are understaffed and too busy to say hi and smile as you pass by. They need more support.
We booked an excursion to the Everglades and was told via the app we would receive info and tickets at our door. We did not, luckily the excursion desk was open 7p-9p the night before. We went and she said sorry not enough people signed up so we cancel and refund. We didn't get an alert, a call, a note, an app notice of refund, nothing. Need better communication.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
They're working hard at it. They need more support. Many hand sanitizers weren't filled/working.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Good view, front of the ship. Good room.
Ship tip
The bowling and pool table advertisement is mini-bowling of 5 rolls for $8 and there is only one pool table.
They are understaffed. If you only eat the buffet, you only eat delicious burgers. Hot dogs and pizza were OK.
Small elevators, you will wait, take the stairs.
They do not announce Excursions meeting up and do not tell you if they cancel one, call/go to the desk to find out for yourself.
Definitely rent an electric golf cart, it's only a mile but the heat and humidity can really hurt. We walked then got a cart after at A&M rentals 4 hours for $100. Worth it. Made it much more enjoyable. It was peaceful and fun. Aquarium was small and awesome. Go to the Jose's Nicaragua restaurant, so amazing. There was a big line at the most southern point buoy around 1030am. There is much to do here.
Luckily I read reviews before I go to places so I know what to expect. For example, lunch is only served between 12-2pm, we didn't eat at the island buffet. Instead we did the food trucks since we were tired of burgers and hot dogs. Guess what? Same food haha. When we first arrived, we stopped at the ice cream and coffee shop - they did not greet us or asked what we wanted (a bit awkward, but ok) and they had no ice cream at 10am. By the time we left 3pm, they had ran out of the fish cone, got a regular cone. No biggy. The beach and water was great. It isn't that far of a walk to bimini beach, maybe 10 min. Workers on the golf carts don't beep to warn you they're passing by - you share the road with them despite a sign indicating the driving path and a walking path. The beach has nets so the waters don't have many wildlife but you can see some fish in the waters. Chairs are free and plentiful, umbrellas $29. If it's shady, you won't need the umbrella.
Thank you for taking the time to share your cruise with us. Sorry it didn't meet your needs. I will be on the same cruise June 21 and can't wait, no expectations, just fun and relaxation with friends.
Yes. Ty for specifics as to what was undesirable on this cruise. I did love the golf cart idea on Key West, which you liked. I loved KWest the one time I visited there!
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