I found it hard before I left for my cruise on the MSC Splendida to find real reviews which covered many of my questions for the ship itself, which I will try to answer here to help others.

I arrived at genoa port in February this year for my cruise of the ship, arriving at the dock you are taken into a large room in which you just register and receive your cruise card, this can be very confusing as there are so many people waiting to also register, I recommend you stand in the queue regardless of the number you are given or you will be waiting forever! After this is done however you board the boat. You have to take your cruise card everywhere are this is your currency on board, you do not pay with money, you can either set up a card which payments will be taken off or you can use cash and just keep putting more on the card, then if you have any left over at the end of the week you get it back :) also tips cannot be taken off, and paid individually, they charge 7 euros a night and 3.50 euros for children and these are only extra charges you pay :) You go straight to your room where your luggage will be taken there and left outside your room for you. I stayed in cabin 10114 on port side with a balcony, it was a spacious room with a bed which was made of two single beds together, although still comfy (but ask for extra pillows as only 2 are provided for the room) a hairdryer, couch, dressing table, coffee table, wardrobe with safe and an en suite with a sink toilet and shower, within your shower you are provided with large dispensers of shampoo and body wash but not conditioner, so I would only recommend taking this as they are filled daily. They also tell you you can't use straighteners but it never caused any bother..:)

The room was tidied once in the morning and also set for you going to sleep at night, however you do have the do not disturb sign if you don't want this done. The maids couldn't do enough for you and are such hard workers. Read more