My boys 14 & 11 were with me on our 9th cruise on MSC Lirica on Dec 27 for 11 days. The ports we visited were really interesting especially Cartagena, Colombia, which looks like old Spain and is truly charming. Panama was dull because we went to Puerto Porto which was a waste of time. We should have gone to Panama City for the same distance. Costa Rica and Roatan were super days. Cozumel is all but gone because of Wilma and is quite pitiful. Gone are the docks most beaches and shops . What a shame!!! MSC Lirica is very simple in appearance with no big atrium or large room to gather. For the New Year's cruise decorations were minimal and unimpressive. Hard to believe it was a holiday cruise It really did not feel like one nor waS THIS STRESSED BY CREW They threw a dollar store mini center piece on each table which was real tacky and ugly . Either do it right or don't bother!!!
ThE CABINS ARE CLAUSTROPHOBIC and really teeny tiny -smaller then RCCL Carnival Costa Or NCL. I challenge anyone from being able to shower without the shower curtain up their butt. What a nuisance!!!
The food was very tasty but lacked fancy presentation . Desserts are nonexistent except for fruit/ice creams and the rare cake. Pastas are good but I was disappointed in the few veal dishes I associate with Italian cuisine. Service at dinner was ATROCIOUS as our waiter never got our order straight!! Dinner took very long and this from people who demand you be at your table at 8;15 sharp or they would not serve you. Our first meal ,first course took 1.5 hours to arrive. WHAT A JOKE!!! In general the Crew is distant and not too friendly with non Italian it is their ship and they make you know it.!!!You will hear "Italian style 1000 times a day and that gets really old too. We get it stop harping. Truly it is not any better than American or any other style and actually the contrary.