The price of the cruise was so low, I couldn’t NOT go. Everyone was vaccinated, everyone wore masks. I usually cruise Celebrity and found MSC to be equally pleasing.
The ship was only 40% full, I was told. I had an amazing cruise and want to go again, soon. Now is the time to book; you won’t see low prices and low capacity ships, I think.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Lots of staff available. I left my hat during the security screening; several staff members rushed to tell me.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
MDR was superb. Joyce was my server and on the nights I dined elsewhere, I truly missed her. I had read reviews that the food on MSC ships was bland. That was not my experience at all. The food is European/continental style. I had duck a l’orange, osso bucco, and house-made pasta stuffed with lobster. All were excellent. The hamburgers and other “American” food I tried at the buffet were not good at all. The food at Ocean Cay was not bad. I ordered a veggie burger which tasted much better than regular hamburger. I stuck with the salads and fresh fruit at the ship buffet. The room service coffee was excellent. I ate at the Butcher’s Cut, the steak restaurant. The chimichurri was so good, I asked for a second bowl, and finished it, too. When life gives you steak and fresh baked bread, you do what you gotta do. ;-D
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
There was a lot to do. Not my thing, but the daily itinerary listed plenty of activities.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
The stage shows were 3x a night. Only the last show, at 10:30, was for fully vaccinated. I wished that at least ONE night, an early show would be available for fully vaxxed. I wasn’t overwhelmed by entertainment but the music played over speakers in the restaurants, stores and hallways was enjoyable.
Children's Programs
No children accompanied me.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Some of the hardest working crew I’ve ever seen. John Mark, my room steward, was very kind. I always had trouble fishing through my purse for my room key and he was always glad to help, especially when I walked PAST my room. ;-)
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Signage was helpful. It’s a huge ship. I just followed the green exit signs posted on the walls, which always led me to where I wanted to go. The elevator areas were well-designed with maps and touchscreen info. I didn’t have to wait for an elevator, but there were comfy huge sofas in the elevator area, and I wouldn’t have minded sitting on them to wait for a ride. Spacious design added elegance to such areas as the elevators, hand-washing sinks, and in the shops. I never felt crowded or lacking in elbow room. Everything was clean, because I saw housekeeping staff constantly cleaning.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Spotless. Underbed area was perfect for storing suitcases. I liked the closet shelf areas as opposed to drawers. I could easily see everything.
Ship tip
Bring pain reliever and sinus medicine. They are not sold in the ship’s stores, because of Covid regulations. Bring more than you think you’ll need.
Spent two nights before the cruise at Courtyard Miami Coconut Grove. Small room, but large pool area. I was walking distance to restaurants and an upscale grocery store. Highly recommend. You don’t need to rent a car.
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