MSC Orchestra Review

4.0 / 5.0
394 reviews

Avoid MSC cruising

Review for the Baltic Sea Cruise on MSC Orchestra
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lodibob
6-10 Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Sep 2015
Cabin: Balcony Stateroom

In April 2015 our friends and us booked two adjoining balcony rooms on the MSC Orchestra leaving from Kiel, Germany on Sept. 19, 2015 for a 9 day cruise. We had previously sailed on MSC Musica and MSC Splendida in addition to other cruise lines. On our previous MSC cruises we had good experiences and had even recommended MSC cruises but not this time. Our room descriptions stated that we would have sofas in our room, which we have always had in the past. All documentation up until departure verified our room numbers consistent to the rooms we had picked. However, at the time of embarkation we were told that they had moved our rooms. We were no longer on the same floor nor were we anywhere close to our friends. When we complained we were told they were allowed to move our rooms any time up until boarding and we had no recourse. We asked to be moved by our friends as we had booked months in advcen. We were told the ship was full and they could do nothing. Additionally our rooms did not have sofas, instead they had one very narrow armless chair. The rooms were much smaller than the pictures shown or description given in advance. We were never given any apologies, the staff seemed shocked that we were upset. Their attitude was we had rooms, we should be happy. Their customer service was the worst I have ever seen. I would not recommend MSC cruises.

Our trip began by flying into Frankfurt, Germany renting a car and driving to Hamburg for a couple days. We loved Hamburg, what a beautiful city. From Hamburg we took the train to Kiel where we boarded the ship. Embarkation was fairly quick and easy. Our first stop was in Copenhagen where we took a 2 hour Segway tour. It was rainy and cold in Copenhagen, however, we enjoyed the segways thoroughly. We booked that tour in advance with Segway Tours Copenhagen and I would highly recommend it.

Our next stop was Cherbourg, France where we took a private tour with Bayeux Shuttle to tour Normandy beaches and American cemetary. Would highly recommend it. We would have loved to have more time there.

Cabin Review

Balcony Stateroom

Cabin B1

Smallest balcony room we have ever seen. There was room for only one small armless chair - no sofa. This was our first experience in the back of the ship and I would recommend either the middle or front of the ship as it is more vibrations and movement in the back. The bathroom was larger than we have seen on some other ships.

Port Reviews

Lisbon

Hired a taxi to give us a tour. Loved Lisbon what a beautiful city.

Gibraltar

Hired a taxi to give us a tour. Would recommend getting a taxi as there is lots of walking and lots of people.

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