BACKGROUND: I have taken over twenty cruises with Princess, RCI, Star Lines, NCL, Thomson and MSC. My cruises with MSC go back to 2000 on their smaller ships Rhapsody,Melody and Monterey and the larger Poesia. I have already done the cruise from Dubai twice with MSC on Lirica and Orchestra and once with RCI. My son and family are based in Dubai and they joined me on Orchestra in 2015 for their first ever cruise. They enjoyed it so much and decide to sail on Fantasia (17th Dec) during my visit to Dubai during December and January to re-visit some places and experience the new port of call, Sir Bani Yas Island.

EMBARKATION 17th DEC: Went very smoothly due mainly to the new system. No waiting in long queues after check-in, photos were taken as we boarded and cruise cards were in the cabins. We boarded at 11.30 and our cabins were ready at 13.00 which gave us time to familiarize ourselves with the ship. Our luggage arrived shortly after 13.30. We had to register our credit cards at the machines alongside the Guest Services Desk but this fact was not made clear and there was a lot of confused people waiting in this area. We requested that the daily service fees be deducted from our accounts, preferring to tip those of our choice. Guest Services were happy to do this without question.

CABINS: We had two adjoining balcony cabins on Deck 10- mine was 10171 and the other 10173 was for son, his wife and the twin grandsons. Both cabins were very spacious(even with the double sofa bed made up in 10173). Plenty of wardrobe and cupboard space, safe and hairdryer also provided. The bathroom was a good size with a very efficient shower. Shower gel and shampoo are provided but if you have a particular preference then bring your own. The balconies were of an adequate size with two chairs and a small table. Our cabin steward, Marylane, was very efficient, always cheerful and most helpful. She kept the cabins spotless throughout the cruise. Read more