I'd cruised on Orchestra in 2009 and, 6 years on the ship presents itself in as new condition - a credit to the crew who love their own ship! The ship is one of the cleanest I have cruised on and I was told by staff that at the end of the regulatory sanitation inspection in Sydney port officials were so impressed that they gave Orchestra the highest marks of any visiting cruise ship that season. The ship is elegent and the entertainment has a wonedrful European and romantic flavour. The shows were in English accept for a few songs here and there sung in Italian which made gave you that Mediterranean atmosphere. The service onboard was very good and as one other writer has mentioned you get back what you give out... if you are pleasent, chatty and ask with a smile you will get good service back to you. I think that is same where ever you go...

Food is generally OK - not 5 stars (but you are not paying for 5 star dining) and in some instances in the main restaurant dishes could have been served a bit hotter. Also some meats were a bit overcooked and chewy. A little inconsistant as some nights at the restaurant were really very good. Nice pastas and always plenty of choice. Buffett was quite busy at times but if you pick the right time to go it was fine. Buffett is 20 hours however dont expect much after midnight as its mostly only snacks etc..

MSCs drink packages are the best - only wish some of the local ines cruising from Australia offered the same value here. I did try and sneak a bottle of brandy onboard but was picked up by the scanner and confiscated until the last day. Well sometimes you can get away with it and sometimes not - if thats the policy of the line then you have to respect their rules - no problem. Read more