Holy Smokes
MSC Opera Cruise Review to Europe - Eastern Mediterranean
Contributor Level:
Deck Hand
Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 57
Review summary
Secondhand smoke that is. It is an honest to god miracle the MSC Opera has not burst into flames due to the unbelievable amount of smokers on board with zero regard for non-smoking areas. I do not necessarily take issue with those smoking in designated areas, that’s what they are there for. What is irritating to me however is people with little to no respect for rules and for those around them. Unfortunately the cruisers on our ship consisted mainly of the latter. My husband and I splurged for a balcony room, only to find out that all of our neighbors did the same so they could chain smoke the entire week. Needless to say, our balcony experience was less than glamorous or even enjoyable because of the constant smoke. We complained multiple times, and each time a team member assured us that the issue would be taken care of. Somewhere there was a disconnect because it continued the entire trip. And because we were just that lucky, there was a door between us and our neighbors. So not only did we have smoke coming in through our balcony, we also had it seeping through into our cabin through the shared door even when our balcony door was shut. By the time we disembarked, us and our belongings smelt like we had rolled around in a poorly ventilated casino. Speaking of ventilation (or lack there of), the indoor smoking bar /lounge has essentially none. Unfortunately for all non-smoking passengers, the entire mid to forward 5th deck REEKS of smoke. It is hard to even enjoy a show in the ships theatre because the smell is truly that strong. It is also difficult to enjoy lounging on the sun beds without feeling like you are sitting in the middle of what can only be described as a smoke-fueled fog machine. So if you are pregnant, have children, asthma, or just don’t care to spend a week in an ashtray, I urge you to spend the extra money on a cruise line with a more strictly enforced smoking policy. Otherwise you can expect to leave the ship with singed nostrils and a smoker’s cough.Embarkation
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Children's Programs
Did not travel with children
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
THIN walls. You can hear everything through them. Every. Thing.
Ship tip
Smokers only
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