Let me first give you a quick answer to the question I had before taking this cruise. Should you choose MSC Cruises and the Opera for your cruise vacation? I cruised on the Opera during the week of January 8, 2005, with a group of 24 people and based on our experience and conversations with a variety of other passengers, the answer is yes. Our group was so pleased with the cruise we have already reserved space on the Opera for an Eastern Caribbean cruise departing January 14, 2006.
Embarkation and Debarkation This ship departs from Port Everglades terminal 4. The whole embarkation process was only about forty five minutes from the time we arrived until completing the check-in process. We then boarded the ship, were greeted and escorted to our cabins. The whole process is well organized and efficient. The reverse process at the end of the cruise was just as smooth and efficient.
First Impressions This is a very beautiful ship, elegant and tastefully decorated. The Opera is classy not gaudy and has the appearance of a premium product without a hint of the "Las Vegas" look. The Opera is a mid-size ship with 1,756 passengers based on double occupancy and 2,100 with all berths filled.