Compared to a previous cruise on MSC Divina, this boat did not live up to expectations - apart from its bars, which were pleasantly large and there were a lot of them, and the fact there were quiet areas you could get away from things (like a library). However the entertainment was not really up to scratch apart from the dancing boys. The pools were not suitable for non-swimmers and there were no adults-only areas. The smoking area around the pools was sizeable and you could smell it as soon as you got out of the lift.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Good.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
A la carte restaurant menus were excellent and staff so helpful and friendly. Buffets had good choice of food but obviously the scrum-like atmosphere caused by the other passengers meant that the experience was not as good as a la carte.
Il Tucano Lounge
5 out of 5
This was a great area. Lots of room, lots of couches, great band and of course the dancing boys who got everyone up to dance.
Le Maxim's Restaurant
5 out of 5
Now called La Belle Epoque. This is the a la carte dining room and food and staff first class.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
Pools were far too deep (5'7" minimum depth) for anyone other than hardcore swimmers - no rails or shallow ends for just general bobbing about. Casino was smoke-free which was a pleasant surprise.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Disappointed in stage shows. Quality was not that good, and some of the show themes were bizarre and randomly linked songs and storylines. They were also extremely loud, especially the backing music. However the 'dancing boys' (the guys who got us all up dancing, and danced with the ladies, and clowned around before the stage shows), were amazing and really got people in the mood.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Did not see much of room steward but rooms were always kept in tip top condition. Our waiter was both friendly and discreet. Other staff we interacted with were always friendly and helpful.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Very clean. Always a lot of cleaning going on!!
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Good points: had table and armchairs, and lots of wardrobe and drawer space.
Bad points: Was a triple room so there was a fold-out bed attached to the wall, which was not flush to the wall so meant that one side of the bed you had to arch your back to get past it and be careful not to hit your head on the edge when getting out of bed. Shower had curtain rather than door, so water could spill out if the curtain was not kept tightly closed when showering, and the bathroom smelled damp, possibly because of this. Lifeboat blocked view from porthole.
Ship tip
If you only sailed on this ship you would be very pleased, however compared to another ship it is definitely found wanting.
Did excursion but due to ship docking late, the excursion was cut short, however we did get a reduction in our excursion fee, but I felt it was too rushed.
Horrible port. Horrible ugly car-choked city. Excursion to Acropolis was great. However traffic so bad that there was barely time to visit Plaka, which was okay as it wasn't very interesting.
Lovely little city. However excursion marred by dust-up between nationalities, due to badly organised guides, that resulted in segregation both on the bus and the tour. Several passengers, including myself, put in a complaint to MSC about this particular excursion and a lot wanted their money back.
Due to there being a parade in the central city, there was a delay of at least an hour before the coaches could leave, which meant the excursion was cut short and there was no time to see much of the old town. Getting back on the coaches was appallingly organised, there were hundreds of people queued up well before the last bus left, all afraid they would be left behind, however there were not extra buses put on.
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