bainbrj Cruise Review on MSC Opera on Oct 20, 2018

Reviews: 3

Helpful Votes: 59

Review summary

A smaller MSC ship but still shiny and clean in all the right places. Embarkation and disembarkation both very easy at Marseille. Cabin was a Fantastica balcony on the 9th floor. Bed was really nice with the 3rd bed a fold down bunk which was across the bottom of the bed - not roo much of an issue. The balcony was fine with 2 chairs and a table. The bathroom was as normal and the shower had a door rather than a curtain. Both the toilet position and the smallness of the shower took a little working out to use but not a problem when you get it. Our steward was very efficient and always smiley. We had no real need for him but he was always about. Food in the evening MDR was very nice and varied but the service was a little slow at times. No real complaints there. The buffet was a little small which meant peak times were the usual cattle market and tables a premium. Added to the continental dislike of queuing then we tried not use the buffet and kept to the MDR or room service. Buffet food wasn't great although we didn't go hungry so that may tell a different story. The MSC pizza station was as gorgeous as usual - no better pizza at sea! We had all inc drinks which means the cocktail menu was sampled from top to bottom - great value. Entertainment was better than expected for MSC with proper themes and not just a visual mish mash for a change. There is an outdated smoking policy aboard in that the pub allows smoking inside and the big drawback is that as it's a smaller ship then the smell permeates the whole of that part of the ship and up into the theatre. There were also plenty of people smoking in their cabin judging by the smell as you walked past. Excursions were handled well and we have some good memories of new places. All in all we would sail on her again with the right itinerary as long as we had the balcony on floor 9.