MSC Orchestra Review

4.0 / 5.0
394 reviews

Would use again!

Review for the Western Mediterranean Cruise on MSC Orchestra
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deedee9
First Time Cruiser • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Sep 2008

This was booked with a budget in mind - and we got a balcony for the same price as an outside cabin! The flights were good and the transfer from the airport very good - although as Genoa is one of the smallest airports I have been to in a long time I don't think it would be difficult to have a smooth transfer. Genoa was not a great looking place but as we were only passing through we were not overly worried. Our room was clean and a standard size - with a small balcony - but it had a table and chairs and we sat out with our friends from the next room. This is a new ship (one year old)but the standard of cleanliness is superb. Dining options were harsh - early sitting was 7pm and late was 9:30 - very continental - so the show after meant a late night - not great if you want to get off every day and this ship had port days every day. We found that if you missed your evening meal there was no buffet option - but you could pay for pizza or kebabs? There was also no coffee or water unless the buffet was open - and then there was only coffee at breakfast - you had to pay any other time - again I was informed that they had removed the after dinner coffee to enable the restaurant to reset for meals. I could not even get my herbal tea - and a cocktail from the bar completely threw them - they would bring wine and beer and you had to pay for water on the table at dinner. Found the level of noise high - very talkative people - the entertainment was very holiday camp style and all introductions were done in about 4-5 different languages, so we always knew what to expect. The food in general I found good - and as it is Italian it was a six course evening meal rather than the usual five (pasta/risotto course). The pasta and desserts were superb!Fresh italian ice cream daily! There were a few sticky moments with waiting staff not understanding us as there second language was Italian (for asian crew) but pointing at the menu is always a good option. Excellent service in the bar - but then we seemed to be the only people drinking - lots of people around but no drinking taking place. Bar prices were higher than US ships - gratuities were about the same. Onboard shops/spa and casino run by different company than used on US ships - so different type of merchandise, clothing and jewelry. They still had the usual inch of gold and venetian glass/swarovski stuff. Excursions were expensive - but then we do not have a good exchange rate! They did not seem to offer lots of alternatives - which can be good - as some ships seem to offer trips just for the sake of it (well a shopping excursion anyway) We did one trip - to Pompeii and we had a 25 minute wait (shop excuse) before we went in and the same joy when we came out - This was only a 4 hour trip - I would have preferred longer in Pompeii and headphones and a map - we were the only group going around with a guide talking to a large group.

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