This was my first MSC cruise. I thought the ship was beautifully designed. I was happy with the price but disappointed in the bar service and the quality of the food overall, even breakfast reminded me of cheap. I would go back on the cruise again it was a bargain. I typically sail on NCL - as a comparison.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Easy embarkation. Everyone was polite and no issues with getting on the ship.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
Food was subpar. Dining room service was slow. I missed my show the 1st night because the service was so slow. Buffet food was OK. Outside pool grills had hot dogs and dried up hamburgers. Food trucks on the beach ran out of ketchup and plates. I was served by handburger without cheese and my fries in napkins. I did not go to the speciality restaurants.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Pools were beautiful. Onboard activities were OK. Carnival has more fun stuff to do. I like the White night and I really enjoyed the sky theatre in the mall area albeit the shows were only 15 minutes long.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
We missed the first night show because the dining room service was slow.
As for the theatre, acoustics need adjusting. The 2nd night show I sat nearer to the front and I could not hearing the actual signing because the background music as too loud. The 3rd night show as very good and I sat further back. The last night show was difficult to understand and the last two musicals were in Italian so that was weird since most of the passengers were either American or Canadian. The singers and dancers were extremely talented!
Children's Programs
I did not bring children on this trip.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
With the exception of one bar server, all of the other service staff were very courteous and helpful. Bar service was extremely slow and there were not enough bartenders at any bar. They were skilled and understood how to make drinks.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
The ship was beautiful and I liked the design very much. It was very clean. I would only suggest that they have personnel hand sanitizing guest upon entry to the buffet and other group areas.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
The room was very clean and our steward Das was very attentive. I give him 5 stars! The room was a typical balcony.
Ship tip
Be patient at the bars. Be respectful of other in line. Get two drinks so you don't have to wait 20 minutes to get your second drink. Ditch the dining room or get two meals as the portion sizes were small and some meals were just not goo at all. Get your nighttime pizza before midnight. Pizza closes at 1. Book your shows on day 1. Have fun and try to let the little things go. :)
The island was beautiful. There are a lot of shaded palm tree areas, but they could be taken up early. Umbrellas cost $20 to rent as do the floats. Bring you own blow up float. If you like to snorkel bring your snorkeling equipment as some said they saw sea turtles.
Glad you enjoyed it. The seven day itineraries are a better experience than the three and four day cruises, which are quickly becoming Booze Cruises with the low prices and free drink offers. The bartenders are overwhelmed on the short cruises with so many having the drink packages.
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