We were invited to attend this all inclusive event onboard MSC Magnifica and expected the highest levels of service and food as they were basically tempting travel agents to go out and get people to book with them.

Arrival at Southampton and security checks were quick and easy and we were told to wait in the seating area. Drinks and snacks were provided free of charge. Actually getting to check in though was a different matter we were not told that as we weren't part of the Thomas Cook group that we could have used the suite guests check in lane and have been onboard with 15minutes of the check ins opening instead it was nearly an hour later.

Upon boarding the ship our hand luggage was taken from us by staff who then escorted us to our cabins unlike the pointing you vaguely in the direction that you get so often nowadays. Read more