The best and most relaxing week I've had

MSC Sinfonia Cruise Review to Europe - Western Mediterranean

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Reviews: 0
Helpful Votes: 12

Overall rating:

5 out of 5
MSC Sinfonia

Sail date: June 01, 2007

Ship: MSC Sinfonia

Cabin type: Inside

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 17 years ago

Review summary

I might as well be honest here. Upon first seeing the ship, I was rather disappointed. Previously, I had sailed Royal Caribbean and everyone who has sailed with them knows the showiness of their line. However, the Sinfonia is simply elegant. While slightly understated, it's easy to find yourself marveling at the beauty of the ship. There truly is only one con about the ship: it's hard to navigate. 4 banks of elevators all go to different floors, so it's easy to get on the wrong one and end up getting lost. There's no way to lie either: MSC embodies their "Beautiful, Passionate, Italian" tagline. Never before have I seen such a beautiful crew....

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Plenty of choices, and it's rather neat that they plan the menu based on the cuisine of the place that the ship will be visiting next. Somewhat understanding of lateness to dinner, especially on days when the ship is leaving a port around dining times. Use of "restaurants" instead of dining room is nice as it allows for a nicer atmosphere. Lighting isn't extremely bright, but at the same time, it allows for a somewhat romantic feel. Waiters anticipate virtually every need and get to know everyone's likes by 3rd/4th night. Despite this, nearly none of the waiters speak English as a second or third language, but most have a grasp on it and will try and communicate with you. Obviously, it's all very Italian, so if you aren't a fan of pasta and tomatoes, it's not the right choice for you at all.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
Okay, so the shows aren't that amazing if you're looking for family oriented. It's either for adults or for kids. But the late night entertainment is amazing, but it's often in the smaller bars. And, more often than not, packed to capacity. Get there early for a seat!

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Extremely friendly. If you've ever heard how charming European men are, multiply it by, oh, ten and that's how charming the staff is on average. They show you to your room on the first day, again, nice, due to the slightly confusing layot of the ship. There's really nothing bad to say about the staff. Even the cruise director stopped by our table at one of the bars and had a fifteen minute conversation with us - in English no less.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
The ship is obviously getting up there in age; the faceplate of one of the outlets broke off, but was easily fixed. Elevator banks are somewhat confusing, but the staff obviously recognizes that and is more than happy to help. Always clean and organized.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Quite small, but let's face it. If you're on a cruise and spending a lot of time in your room, it's a complete waste. Cozy, I imagine, is the word for the room. A lot of storage, which is nice. Especially when there's three girls in a room together.

Pros: there was always something to do, excursions extremely well planned, staff extremely entertaining

Cons: English definitely isn't the first language. Or fourth, for that matter. But, by the 3rd day, you found a way to communicate.

Recommends MSC Sinfonia? Yes!

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