This was our 79th cruise and the worst we have ever taken. MSC is a cargo container shipping line who got into the cruise business. Unfortunately they treat passengers as if they are cargo containers that they take from point A to point B. They provided no port talks or information such as maps that could be of use. If you didn't buy their overpriced tours you got no info. The so called port Cayo Levantado in the Dominion Republic is a waste of time. Overpriced food and drink and baking in the sun.
All drinks on the ship are 50% more than any other cruise line. Breakfast self serve or in the dining room was exactly the same every day for 18 days. Food overall was of poor quality with skimpy portions most often over cooked. It is an Italian ship so the only thing reasonably good was the pasta available lunch and dinner. Menu items repeated multiple times with different names. Entertainment was colorful with the same cast at virtually every performance. Why would you want to see the same magician or bolo performer several times. No other entertainment appeared other than the cast who lives on the ship. the ships new published daily was yesterdays news tomorrow. The Pursers desk had 5 people amazingly at all times none of which could provide an answer to the simplest question. There was such widespread grumbling that the $10.00 per person charged to your account was reduced for the 18 days to charging for 11 days. We as usual removed this charge from the bill and gave our tip directly to the Waiter, busboy and cabin steward.
On the plus side they got you on and off the ship efficiently. Our Cabin steward was very good,as was our waiter.The ship utilizes an Israeli firm to handle security and they were paying real attention.