As this was my first cruise I was anticipating many of the good qualities and values which I had heard from others who had cruised. Fortunately for them they had, presumably, not ventured on an MSC ship, especially 'The Orchestra'

The ship was very splendid and well appointed, the crew, especially those who were seen in public, the servers general staff were excellent in carrying out their tasks. Beyond that it was very far from what I had been lead to expect.

The food, in the resturants and the cafeteria was of poor quality, variety, display, attractiveness or any other values which can make a meal more than just a basic necessity. What was put out in the cafeteria at mid-day was 'slopped' onto large metal trays and refilled as it was/or not consumed. Finding what was available often took a long circular journey around the layout. All which was collected was put onto a meat tray sized plastic plate, including the main course, drinks and additional courses, then a table was need to be searched for. The whole process meaning that by the time one had gathered the food and seated it was often cold. No attempt appeared to have been taken to give any variety to different days' selections, or any attempt to make it look interesting or attractive. Read more