MSC Splendida Review
Rating by category
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As a lifelong American, I enjoyed my European cruise on MSC Splendida VERY much. It was a peaceful, comfortable, cultured trip which I wasn't expecting due to reading previous negative reviews.
I didn't encounter hoards of people who refuse to "queue". And although very sensitive to cigarette smoke, it wasn't a problem on Splendida... in fact, it was the LEAST-smoky casino of any cruise ship I've been on. (This is my 7th or 8th cruise, and all previous sailings were on Carnival or Royal Caribbean.)
I was surprised that the ship NEVER seemed crowded at all. Almost all the room categories were sold out a month before sailing, so I'm not sure where everyone was. Fastest embarkation (Hamburg) that I've ever experienced on a cruiseline.
Cabin Review
We had a beautiful balcony cabin on the 10th floor, near the back of the ship. Nicer quality, nicer color schemes, and a better bathroom than my previous cruise experiences. The electric plug-ins are European but 2 of the 4 desk outlets also accept American 2-prong AC plugs. The balcony dividers can be opened upon request if your family/friends are in the adjacent cabin. Outstanding room. We purchased the lowest-price balcony (Bella class).
Port Reviews
Hamburg
Embarked in Hamburg. Fastest embarkation experience I've ever had. Debarkation was good. The Steinwerder cruise port is newer and there aren't yet many public transportation options to get there. That needs improved.
Le Havre
Rented a car. The car rental company had changed location, which we didn't know until walking there and finding a private business instead of a car rental. Very confusing! Not sure there was much to see in Le Havre. You'll have to walk a 1/2-mile or more to get from the ship to the town. Safer than Caribbean ports. It's ~2 hour drive to Paris. Drivers in Paris are crazy, so don't do this unless you are confident in your ability to drive and are competent using GPS navigation. Had a great time in Paris.
Brugge (Bruges)
You're not allowed to walk in the Port. You can take the Port's free shuttle from the ship to the edge of the Port. There's nothing there, but if you walk a mile-or-so you can get on the Tram to Bruges. The Tram was on strike on our day, so we walked another 20 minutes to the train station and rode that to Bruges. Bruges town square was outstanding! Many many food options. Shopping on the side streets was fun. I enjoyed the chocolate story museum. I'd like to return again to Bruges. If you have mobility issues, you'd better book an excursion instead.