MSC Magnifica Review

Our MSC bubble has burst

Review for the Mediterranean Cruise on MSC Magnifica
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Carryondi1
10+ Cruises • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Jan 2017
Cabin: Balcony Stateroom

We chose MSC Magnifica as we had sailed with MSC twice before on the Fantasia and the Orchestra,and could not fault either ship, and the cost of an MSC cruise is very favourable So it is the Magnifica that has finally burst the MSC bubble for us and we have to say overall out of 25 cruises we have done so far, with this and other cruise lines this has got to be our worst experience in a long long time. Lets get the good bit out of the way. The ship itself is beautiful very colourful glitzy and clean Our cabin ,was a balcony cabin number 9173 which was nearer to the rear of the ship than we had hoped but never the less it was extremely clean and comfortable,however the pillows were not as plumped up as we would have liked. Overall the ship itself we could not fault,and we would say the only real issue we had was when the weather turned a bit nasty and the sea became choppy,we felt every dip and roll,but we have put this down to the position of our cabin ( we generally prefer and ask for a midship cabin ).

Now for the not so good bits and as with previous reviews there were many,and it began as soon as you stepped onboard, with the staff lined up trying to push a drinks package on you.Staff were not helpful in directing you to your cabin or anywhere else for that matter all they seemed to want is for you to sign up for a drinks package,and were really persistent. Suffice to say we did not sign up for any drink package. This theme of wanting your cash continued for the whole cruise with waiting staff continually pestering you to sign up for a drink package,the photographers were strategically placed around the ship were obviously they knew passengers would have to pass to get to the various bars etc and again they were pushy and persistent.We also had to endure staff coming round the bars asking if you would like to buy a lottery ticket or a scratch card and at times they shoved them under your nose. If you wanted to sit and listen to any of the singers/ musicians without wanting to purchase a drink then you had no chance as many waiting staff looked at you as if to say well you have got to buy a drink if you want to sit and listen to the music,( which wasnt that good anyway). Our gratuities were pre paid at 9€ per person per night,and really for the service we got we wish we hadnt signed up for them. However our cabin steward was very good and we would much rather the bulk of our tips go to him,because as for the rest well.....Food. Again as with previous reviews the food was often luke warm bland not very apetising and in the main restaurants the portions were a bloody disgrace,with child like portions etc,and the variety and choice was very limited to say the least. Our waiter, i wont name him but he was pleasant enough but had no idea and often made mistakes.

Now for our BIGGEST BUGBARE, the entertainment,especially in the theatre. We had to endure three supposedly headliner shows of OPERA and all sung in Italian,yet our fellow passengers were multi national and English is widely understood and chosen. Bloody opera i ask you. We even had the two guest opera singers singing in the centrum you just couldnt get away from them,we know there are a lot of Italians fond of Opera but on a cruise ship taking up three nights in the theatre? As for the rest of the shows it was all run of the mill stuff with MSC singers and dancers doing the same dance routines each night but with different costumes. They also roped in the other so called entertainers which were a selection of jugglers acrobatics and body contortionists to make up the shows,which lasted barely 40 minutes,which on hindsight was just as well really. Very dissapointed in the cruise directors choice of entertainment around ship,although i do have to say the three classical musicians in the centrum were very good especially the violin player. Well that about sums our cruise on board the Magnifica .

Cabin Review

Balcony Stateroom

Cabin B2

Excellent cabin

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