This was our 1st cruise experience, so im writing this without a comparison to other cruises.
I was a tad worried about the MSC Fantasia, based on some reviews - they were unfounded!
We were on a Genovo - Barcelona - Marseilles - Genova cruise, and arrived at the ship about 4pm on the day of sailing. We wizzed through the 1st part of embarkation without fuss and no queues. Perfect. Getting onboard and being issued with your Cruise card was slightly slower and a tad confusing at times with the number of passengers milling about (many with lifevests!) this confused us slightly, but it turned out this was the safety drill for which you must get your lifevest from your cabin and return to your designated area......all a bit manic and confusing for 1st timers!
The cabin was spacious, well equipped and comfortable. Massive balcony and great part of the ship (very back)