So, after nearly 40 years in the Travel Industry and well over 100 cruises I've done my 10th cruise on MSC. We sailed because MSC offered us a "deal we couldn't refuse". Begin by saying that sailing with more than 3,000 of our closest friends in NOT our favorite thing. But, we've done it before and weren't as offended as we were on this cruise.

Start at the beginning. CHECK IN: We arrived after 2 o'clock knowing that it would be less crowded. There was sufficient staff and it went fairly well. But, they hid the fact that our credit card required further approval once on board. Not a difficult or terribly time consuming chore, but, a bit of overkill and the first sign of the Italian influence. After two in the afternoon, but staterooms not yet ready. More Italian influence???

Lunch on day one is served only in the Manitou Buffet.... Deck 14. As usual, the buffet was VERY busy and VERY crowded. 4,000 bodies searching for tables; finding food; carrying glasses and filled dishes. Question??? Was this the design plan? The entire center of nearly 1/3 of deck 14 for service? Crossover at each end and ONE in the center? Bad Italian planning. Not favorable to seniors and ill trained staff not offering to help, even disabled, to carry food and find seats. Straws for drinks not at the beverage section and staff lack of language training don't know what a straw is. Tsk Tsk.... not a good first impression. AND>>> it didn't get an better Read more