We've done over 30 cruises and is our sixth with MSC. This is European cruising and it is very different from the major North American lines. We travelled with children ages 8 and 12. Our fellow passengers are primarily European and much younger on average than on North American based cruises. Announcements are given in Italian, French, German, Spanish and English. The ship is very tastefully designed and kept in immaculate condition. There is ample public spaces and lots of areas to relax and enjoy a quiet moment. The service is excellent and the staff really go out of there way to keep you happy. The food in the dining room is mainly Italian and is excellent overall. Each night's menu highlights cuisine from a particular region in Italy. For dinner the buffet is usually not available leaving the specialty restaurants as the only other dining option(with additional charge). Water is served bottled and there is a charge for this (North American passengers we are issued complimentary coupons for a bottle each evening). I am an exercise nut and I enjoyed the running deck in the early morning when the sun rises. (Usually, I'm the only one out there running!) The gym is equipped with Techno-gym selectorized weight machines, treadmills, ellipticals, recumbent and upright bikes as well as a couple of skate machines. The machines are very well maintained and there is ample equipment and space for everyone. Overall the entire family really enjoyed the cruise. Wish some of the port times were longer but there was a lot of distance to cover on this itinerary. I have already booked my next cruise with MSC for this winter in the Caribbean