Once onboard, MSC cruises are every bit as good as Royal, NCL & Carnival... and at a rock bottom price. The other lines have more food options spread about their ships, but we never went hungry. MSC is the only line where you use your credit card (or cash) ONCE ONBOARD, rather than at check in/embarkation- this caused confusion among many passengers. MSC's WEBSITE is TERRIBLE- you cannot do online check in until within 20 days of sailing, but their website doesn't say so; it just errors out, forcing you to call them. Their VOYAGERS loyalty program on their website doesn't show your points or status, you have to email; MSC can't even answer your loyalty questions over the phone.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
3 hour delay embarking because MSC failed to explain to back to back passengers that they must close out their accounts and exit the ship for the ship to clear customs. A complete blunder by MSC!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
We liked their Hola! A La Carte restaurant on a sea day to get out of the crowds, but make a reservation! Their main dining room and buffet were every bit as good as Royal, NCL. MSC ships do lack food spread out thru the ship- no midship pizza like Royal does with Sorentos for example.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
We enjoyed their pools and plenty of bars throughout the ship. They use Coke products; not Pepsi.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Their upcharge Carousel shows were worth the $18. Their theater shows...
Children's Programs
we don't have kids
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Waiters, room stewards, and other ship personnel were every bit as good as the other major cruiselines.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
common areas clean and well-maintained
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We were happy with the cabin- clean & modern. Inside the cabin there a buttons for 'DND' and 'Make Up Room' with corresponding LED's above the entry door- so cabin steward knows ...
Ship tip
MSC's drink package is the most affordable of all the major lines. And it works on their private island.
AWESOME private island! Lighthouse Beach is just steps off the ship. Clean Modern bathhouses, bars & food trucks scattered about in addition to main buffet, ships drink package works on the island. Multiple beaches to use, all had nice white sand and clear water. No pesky beach vendors, we felt safe here on their private island.
Sorry, 4th and last time to Mahahual beach. The beach vendors are horrendous- will not leave you alone, selling Cuban cigars, hats, jewelry, handicrafts, clothing, bracelets, and even KID vendors now handing you a 'free' rose or grasshopper made from a palm leaf will not leave without a $. The beach was our excursion. $4 per person taxi each way, $15 per person beach chair, umbrella and welcome drink. Their port had a pool with loungers to use (with food and drink purchase). Shopping galore. We have been here before with 3 ships tied up- I would not get off the ship under that circumstance again. Google '(port name) ship schedule' to see how many ships will be in your port to judge the crowd level.
Some good, some bad. BEWARE to settle your cabin account the day before. MSC does NOT accept AMEX onboard, but their kiosks (wrongly) appear to take your card#. Their self-assist walk off line is long but orderly.
Thanks for the review.
I'm able to see all my points and how they were earned when I log into my voyagers account. Albeit, it did take me a month to figure out how lol. The website needs lots of help for sure.
We found that ship to be breathtakingly beautiful, but was put off with the pricing for specialty dining options. We loved the operatic shows. MDR and buffet food was perfectly acceptable.
Glad you enjoyed most of it. I agree that MSC has website & pre-cruise Customer Service issues, but the on onboard experience is excellent. I was just on a back-to-back on MSC and registered an American Express card onboard at the kiosk with no issues. I was also notified that I had to get off the ship after the first week to check in with immigration before re-boarding.
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