About Us: Canadian couple, mid-60’s, smart, active. Enjoy people, culture, history, food, dance, entertainment. Priority: comfort at reasonable cost. Experience: Cruising: Avalon(2), Carnival, Celebrity, MSC(2), Princess. Vacationing: Caribbean, China, France, Mediterranean, Mexico, Panama Canal, Rhine-Danube.
I was second time surprisingly happy with this MSC ship and cruise. The best of the trip were: entertainment (we enjoy music, opera, acrobats), people (whom we enjoy getting to know), dancing. I reiterate the elevated quality of shows, singing, acrobats and elegance of the theatre. The performers and acrobats are of European concert superiority. You would pay a quantum to normally attend a performance of this excellence, and here you have it every evening of your trip. The worst: Not worth mentioning. I find it normal and fascinating that many reviewers express different views and experiences.
First, advice: Regarding shore excursions: If you are comfortable with trusting an onshore guide service, if you just walk out of the port, you will find these lined up waiting for you, offering a reduced cost. Yes, you will need to take some initiative and some exploring.