My husband and I went on this trip that was special to us we were celebrating our golden wedding anniversary, This was our first Cruise with M.S.C and the calamity’s started at embarkation where we were left in a car park to take our cases and find where we had to go. Next the cabin although clean it was one of the smallest balcony cabins we have been in. The food I couldn’t give one good word for yes I know they have to cater for all tastes, even the pasta wasn’t cooked properly. The shows left a lot to be desired, as you can tell we didn’t enjoy. This is a ship that has been extended cut in the middle and a few more cabins added unfortunately they didn’t add any extra facilities to accommodate these extra cabins so you have to book to see a show, having never had to book a show on any other cruise we have been on we didn’t always remember. N Read Less

We chose this, our first cruise for two reasons: 1. The rest and relaxation it would afford us and 2. the places we would get to see. We were not disappointed; every place had its own unique history and was a worthwhile visit. The pre-stop talks by Alison were appreciated but not always accurate and lacked practical information for those not doing the organised Excursions. However, that said, the cruise was hugely beneficial from start to finish, with a variety of meal options and food available almost throughout the day. The coffee was disappointing in two ways - ready made was not the best tasting and although Nescafe instant sachets were alternatives, they were not always available. There was never a dull moment for those seeking activities through the day. The gym was well equipped but not monitored that well, and some fitness enthusiasts were just too enthusiastic, hogging more than the permitted 20 mins per item. Disappointingly, I had called MSC before the cruise to check whether or not the ship had a Squash Court because not of all of their ships do have. I was assured that the Sinfonia did have, only to find that this was not so. The Golf Simulator was also in disrepair. Our cabin was adequate although being one of the budget ones and well serviced. Being on the 7th deck we were situated above the Theatre so sometimes the noise of practises or late night entertainment filtered through to our cabin. We found the staff pretty helpful in general especially when we requested the opportunity of offering church services onboard. They went out of their way to provide us with a venue, sound support and media projection (although the dat projector does need upgrading).Thank-you! All-in-all it was a great cruise and our compliments to all crew who made it so enjoyable. Read Less

We saw a cruise that included a return flight for an acceptable price. We wanted to visit family in Europe and celebrate an anniversary. (that was a complete misnomer!) We were cordially received by the staff on-board, but it is overwhelming to be accosted with hard sell on drinks vouchers etc. The cabins were not yet ready, but our cabin steward was a real delight Luciano from Madagascar. He served us really well, clean room,clean linen, always a friendly greeting. Did not leave a tip , no euros available and the exchange rate prohibitave. It would have been so much easier if the cruise payments and prices were in euros and not dollars. An european ship with a european destination should have been. We ate at the cafe del mare a few times, but it was permanently dirty and full. The tables had stains people behaved so badly, and the coffee was not good.The staff were running around trying to cope but sadly were not able. The mealtimes down in il galleone were better. The quality of the food was actually dismal . The head chef should be relieved of his position-- there was no seasoning in the dishes.If we had been presented with the descriptions in the printed menu , we would have been in foody heaven!!! Our waiter Darmawan was struggling with the kitchen and we waited for 2hours before the meal finished. No opportunity to go to an early show. Adrienne our maitre d was really helpful. At breakfast we had a most wonderful waiter, Mark from Philippines. He was jacked up, kept his eyes everywhere, noticed when there was a lack, jumped in and rectified. Served the meals, poured the coffee and all with a smile and a song. The baristas in la baroque were so friendly. The ship's chairs were not comfortable, interior designers must sit and read in a chair before designing and purchasing. The ship ran out of wine, every thing we ordered they did not have, even to get a glass was a problem. And as far as the cocktails, they were mediocre. Onboard arts and crafts was very good with Bob and Irene. The other was disorganised and infantile. The destinations were lovely, but the long long queues to disembark and then back on board, disorganised and chaotic. Why bus numbers were not individually called, when the deck cleared, the next number- instead there was pushing and shoving, people who were ill, coughing and splattering down the stairwell, others worried they would not get off, just as though they hadn't eaten in years. There were obvious maintenance issues,which were being cared for as what seemed possible. Except the light above our dinner table. Never replaced! Believe it or not, I loved the cruise. I did not want to get off. Really not happy at not having a dinner time option. Felt like a second class citizen. Read Less

I wanted to go over the equator by ship and the cruise line I chose was the perfect one. Plus the dates fell on my birthday .. this was awesome. The entertainment was perfect perfect. The food.. good food and for weight watchers there.. you do have some choice. Quite a variety for all. The rooms were very clean and well kept. As for the gym and say daily workout.. it was great. The morning yoga and stretchings were great. I loved them. For those who love running/ jogging there is plenty of space to that. Imagine the morning sea breeze flushing on your face. Awesome experience. The theater was rolling with daily activities. No boredom at all. The casino.. the restaurants, the shops with beautiful prices and discounts with the latest fashions in bags and other accessories.. great stuff. The music played in the club and other pubs was great as well. Lastly the MSC staff are well trained and have good work ethics and have made my trip a home away from home. I’ll surely be packing my bags for the next trip. Read Less

Cruise from South Africa with interesting destinations. The staff were very friendly and the entertainment team great. I liked the way that the whole entertainment was involved and everyone in the team played an important role. The food was good as well as the bar service. Cabin was cleaned and serviced to my liking. The cleaning cabin staff did little things extra like, lying out the pajamas and making animals from the towels which was great. The shows were good, except for the classical shows which I felt was not up to the previous standard. The on deck parties were a highlight. The waiter staff in the downstairs dining room were very attentive an tried to please where they could. The captain managed the ship well. The presence of the officers at various times was good. The buffet staff both waiter and food dishing up staff very friendly and helpful. Read Less

Celebration cruise my 70th and my wife's 69th birthdays. This ship was under provisioned for the entire cruise. The following were poor quality, meats, juices, salads, burgers and most of the time no bananas etc. The food on board was poor quality in all dining areas; meat in particular was of the lowest quality and inedible most of the time. There were no sauces or condiment to accompany meat or fish courses. No Sorbet available on the first night and only one type of ice cream although they were listed on the menu. No provision for Lactose intolerant guests, no soya, ice cream, cream, butter and a poor selection of meals and sweets available in all dining areas. I was informed the sorbet even contained milk to cater for the South African guests which was unsuitable for lactose intolerant guests. Soya milk was obtained after a protracted period with some negotiation. This was my 39th cruise and it was the worst I have experienced after 564 days at sea. Served with poor quality beef at the buffet fat inedible, the first portion was all fat, the second portion contained one folk full of meet. I discuss this issue with the restaurant management who conceded the meat served was fat and unsuitable for consumption. Room service was variable sometimes items missing either with food or utensils. Reported health and safety issues at reception the end caps on some of the hand rails on deck 8 outside our cabin were missing with the ends of the tubes exposed which caused scuffs and abrasions whilst trying to pass cleaning carts. I counted 8-10 missing. Although there were approximately 200 missing throughout the ship reported by one of the staff The menus had many items list that weren’t actually available. The poor staff serving the dishes had to report that they weren’t available, this was embarrassing for them and infuriating for the guests. Public areas: The furnishings were well passed there sell by date and uncomfortable in most public areas which were shabby.The theatre was in adequate for the number of guests on board. The booking system had its faults and I found it was difficult to obtain a seat if a show was popular. The theatre seating was poor and the layout caused problems for actually viewing the artists some of which were mediocre. People reserving seats was a problem allowing some guests to arrive minutes before the start of the performance in prime positions which blocked the view of people who had sat in their seats approx. 45 minutes before the show started? The reservation of sunbeds and chairs on open decks was a problem. Often people reserved 2 or 3 items in sunny and shaded areas sometimes on different decks also the reserved items were not used for 3-4 hour periods.I spoke to many people of various nationalities on board and they concur with my observations. Read Less