This was our second cruise in a row with MSC. We are Australians so that may make a difference, read on for details why.

I have cruised with a number of cruise lines, over 20 cruises in total so expect some bad with the good. The ship was beautiful. Boarding in Genoa with MSC Orchestra was a nightmare, took forever none knew what was going on or bothered to answer questions. Boarding in Venice (Preziosa) was very streamlined, as you would expect from a major cruise line.

Staff - very offhand, one or two exceptions but really majority not very interested in you as a customer. After an excursion in Bari came back (with rest of ship, I expect) for a late buffet lunch. No cutlery, no plates, coffee machine not working, food running out empty trays where food should be, no seating. When you eventually found a table, it was covered with the last diner's food remains. I had to ask three times to have the table cleared and in the end I cleared it myself. I know this is a large ship, but you would think they would realise that everyone would be back at the same time. I have sailed on Diamond Princess and it was not like this. Read more