Having read some very mixed reviews on the MSC product I decided to try it for myself on the magnificent Splendida and write my own report. I love to cruise and dont believe it is possible to have a bad time on a cruise ship and find that some people tend to exaggerate their experiences a little. My feeling is that all the big cruise companies do a pretty good job, some better than others.

Boarding in Barcelona, the check in process was quick and simple and all passengers are escorted to their cabins by a cabin attendant, a very nice touch. I had a balcony on the 12th floor which is comfortable and well appointed. A good bed with a decent sized balcony, bathroom with an excellent shower and impeccably clean, as is the whole ship. The Splendida is a huge vessel at 130.000 plus tons and is well laid out.

I had my first lunch in one of the buffets and the rest in the full service main dining rooms. They do a 5-6 course meal for lunch and dinner and you are expected to choose all courses with your initial order, not a problem. I found the quality to be reasonably good throughout if not excellent. Dont forget that this is an Italian cruise line so the focus is very much on Italian food and it was all nicely presented. Read more