Great ship, great itinerary but unfortunately MSC can't organize anything. MSC needs to look at how other cruise lines do things. Food was very poor standard. Overall we had a great cruise but MSC is not a cruise line I would recommend. I have cruised on many other lines and MSC would be on the bottom of list for me.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
Our embarkation in Durban was chaos, we had to line up for about 1 1/2 hrs even though we arrived at the time MSC told us too. We also lined up after booking in in full sun on the wharf without any shade while waiting to get onto the ship very uncomfortable, just as well it wasn't raining. So not a great start to the "Grand Voyage"
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
Food was the worst I have experienced on any cruise, very small portions, bland and devoid of any real vegetables. We were told that the head chef was "Internationally renowned" Well he must have been on another ship because he certainly was not on the MSC Musica. I have never been on any other cruise line where I was expected to pay for water without ice at the dinner table, or expected to pay for a coffee at the end of the meal. The only redeeming feature was the cost of alcahol which was very reaonable.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
Certainly not the range of activities I have encountered on other cruise lines.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
The production shows by the onboard dancers and acrobats etc were good although some of the guest performers operatic singers were not to my taste, in fact, one ventriloquist was more a children's party entertainer, whatever they paid him was too much.
Children's Programs
We did not travel with any children so did not apply to us.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Overall the staff was great except we found the Reception staff seemed to find customers a nuisance and would rather not deal with them. MSC need to employ more bar staff it took far too long to ever get a drink at any of the bars, so they must have missed out on a lot of extra revenue. The one topic which everyone we spoke to had a gripe with was brealfast and lunch in the dining room, there seemed to be little organization after being sat down the waiters seemed to forget you were there and either never took your order or just hoped you went to serve yourself at the buffet. In contrast to this a dinner being at your own table and own waiters they were very attentive and professional ours were outstanding.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
The ship itself was very good with plenty of seating in all common areas very clean and well maintained.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Cabin size was adequate with mini bar two chairs and a footstool or ottoman. The bathroom was much the same as on any ship well lit large mirror small but adequate shower with good water pressure and the hot water was always hot which has not always the case on some of the other ships I have cruised on. Our cabin was always kept very clean by our cabin attendant who we called the invisible man as we never saw him after the first day until the last day, but everything was done as if by magic every time we left the cabin. He was fantastic.
Ship tip
It is an Italian ship so don't expect the same experience you may have had on other cruise lines. Expect to have to line up several times at and after embarkation.
Did an excursion a walking tour of the old town then coached up the mountains to a farm which included a taste of grappa a meal and wine with local singers and music very enjoyable.
DId another excursion here, coached to a restaurant in the country which was beautiful, had a meal, again with local wine then back to Split for tour of the old town very good tour.
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