MSC Magnifica Review

DISAPPOINTED CRUISER

Review for the Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on MSC Magnifica

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Sail Date: Nov 2011

Have enjoyed cruises with two other lines but really anticipated that MSC and their ship Magnifica would be a superior experience but very disillusioned by the service provided. OUr holiday was booked as a result of an advertisement in the Daily Mail which was placed by Ideal Cruising. The holiday included two nights in Venice to begin. It was only when we arrived in Venice that we realised there was no help for holiday makers, they had to find the hotel with no assistance. We took a long time to find where our hotel was. Even police officers on the quayside had never heard of it. Turned out our hotel was on an island and we had to travel without assistance to find our accommodation which of course involved expense and inconvenience pulling our suitcases onto boats and buses. The accommodation was clean and basic. To explore Venice again buses and boats and no information but we did our best to enjoy the experience.

When we eventually managed to board the Magnifica after delays and travel problems caused by fog (we had to travel to Triest) we expected to be able to enjoy the remainder of our holiday without having to spend much more money but beware - take more money than you expect to need. The account escalates with two "service or gratuity charges" which are added to everything you buy on board. Your drinks and tea and coffee soon make the bill significant. The food is a repetitive menu with beefburgers and pizzas featuring heavily every day. The staff do not appear to be happy but are helpful and respectful.

On previous cruises we have enjoyed shuttle buses meeting the ship when it docked but this cruise did not so we had to walk considerable distances to get a taxi or other transport. It seemed to us and other passengers we spoke to that this company is only interested in getting as much money out of you as they possibly can. The entertainment was poor compared with other ships we have travelled on and the compare was so boring you felt like going out of the theatre by the time he had had his say. So if you are prepared to join long long queues for everything from initial registration on board to getting your cup of coffee from the machine at breakfast and paying top dollar for everything then this is the cruise for you.

Cabin Review

Cabin 12

Perfectly adequate and comfortable.

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