Great Mediterranean Cruise; However Customer Service Needs Improvement

MSC Seaview Cruise Review to Europe - Western Mediterranean

cbirbal

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 76

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Western Mediterranean (Barcelona Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 06, 2018

Ship: MSC Seaview

Cabin number: TBA

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

In general the cruise itself was great. Customer service for sit-down dinner is lacking. My waiter was terrible. In addition, upon arriving on the ship we were ambushed with staff selling us drink tickets, excursions. I think staff needs to relax, we will be on the ship for days and can figure out what drinks and excursions we want to go on as the days go by. I didn't like being ambushed as soon as I got on the ship- It distracts from the overall experience. The cabins are gorgeous and clean and the excursion experiences were great.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Very efficient. However, when you arrive you are given a ticket outside upon dropping off your suitcase to go inside to checkin. You would think arriving early would allow you to go right into the ship and checkin.. Nope. You are given a ticket with a number in which you have to sit inside and wait for it to be called. People lineup thinking you can just get in line and checkin. That's not the case. This needs to be clarified or should be as you arrive you can check in.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

In my opinion this was the worst part of the cruise. The food is basically cafeteria fare. For the price paid I expected much better. I attempted to eat oatmeal one morning and it was water. In addition, everyone rushes the buffet as though they will not get food for the day. Please be aware drinks are NOT included (other than water from the fountain) you have to purchase a drink package for bottled water, soft drinks, wine and other spirits.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

The ship has several swimming pools but they are small. With the capacity of over 5,000 people you can imagine how many folks are in the pool. You only have standing room in the pools- don't plan to go for a swim. There is a couple of slides which was great! In addition there's a casino, game room with bowling. However, only two lanes to bowl and expect long lines. Please be aware you have to purchase a separate fun pass to play games.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

For the most part staff was great. In particular my room stewards were FANTASTIC!! They did an excellent job cleaning my cabin and I was greeted with a towel animal every day. The excursion folks were very helpful and efficient. My table's sit-down water staff was TERRIBLE. He wasn't friendly and took FOREVER to get dinner out but then rushed us to finish eating dinner to serve dessert to get the table ready for the next sit-down dinner group. Our dinner waiter experience was the same overnight. Very disappointed.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Ship tip

The ship is gorgeous and I loved having a balcony. I sat outside everyday just watching the water and enjoying the space. The cabin is clean and was just like a hotel room.

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