The first voyage of the stretched Lirica (251 to 275 m), Genoa to Rio. The ship wasn't full, but busy nonetheless, and dread the feeding arrangements if it was full.

Overall the ship was clean and well-maintained, the food good although some economies were evident (compared to previous MSC cruises). The buffet was best avoided (crowded during meal times); we used the waiter served restaurants below deck. Lunch was the best meal of the day. The usual MSC Italian food (pizzas and pasta) was good. Sadly MSC cannot do scones, although their bread was tasty.

As usual the entertainment staff work their socks off (their dance classes were particularly good, notably the Brazilian folklore dancers). Our cabin was in the stretched portion of the ship so a brand new cabin which was well designed and worked well (although we did have occasional problems with hot water) - well sound proofed and no creaking. The cabin attendants worked harder than ever - I supect they have more rooms to look after than on previous cruises, but have no evidence for this view. And MSC have stopped the excellent free early morning stretch classes in the gym organised by gym staff (now run by entertainments staff next to the pool and less professional). One other serious point is that smoking was allowed adjacent to the exercise area by the pool - as one stretched/danced one inhaled great gusts of second hand cigar and cigarette smoke. Read more