We were booked into the Yacht Club, so perhaps this is not the typical feedback. In every way, from the embarkation to the disembarkation, we were treated like royalty - having our own butler, passing around long queues, and enjoying many perks. The accommodations were not extravagant, but who spends time in his room on a cruise? The pillows (from which there were many to choose) and bed were extremely comfortable, and the complimentary breakfast served to us on our balcony was always delicious and on time. The most remarkable memory we had was the 5-star restaurant exclusively for the Yacht Club (where even the wine is served without charge). The meals were utterly fantastic and served with flair. We were never hurried, yet the various courses always appeared exactly on time as if we were the only patrons in the restaurant. Always ask for Gian Marco as your waiter. He is nothing less than a magician. We have never had such service!

This was the only cruise we have taken that we weren't constantly bombarded with promotions. On the next cruise we took (on a different cruise line) we were pestered by sales pitches on the PA system from the various boutiques on board to buying photographs which were snapped in your face on the way out of a restaurant to special classes you could take for extra charge. For the Yacht Club members, everything was included including simple alcoholic beverages at certain bars on the ship.

Out of all the ship's staff we encountered, only one treated us in a non-professional manner. Soon after we reported the incident to the concierge, we were visited by an Italian MSC executive and his American counterpart who happened to be on board. They offered profound apologies, and assurances that this would never happen again. I sometimes think the Italian man may have had his Uncle Vito "take care" of the offending employee (lol), but while I'm sure this was not the case, we were impressed how thoroughly and seriously they took action to rectify any unpleasant situation. Read more