Previous cruises with Princess, Celebrity, Fred, and Azamara. This was first with MSC and first visit to Gulf area.
Having heard many good things about Emirates the direct flight from Manchester was a disappointment. Nothing special about the service and the seats on the 777 were rather small and uncomfortable even for normal sized people. Also not helped by the MSC block purchase system which means individual passengers are unable to pre-select seats, so it is pot luck at check in. Return day flight on new A380 was more comfortable.
The flight timings produce the unusual situation of being on board the ship by 09.30 on the first day (good) but having to vacate the cabin by 02.30 on the last night (not good but accepted on swings and roundabouts basis).