This was our 30th cruise and 3rd on MSC. We like MSC, but it is definitely a little behind some of its competition. You really need to know what you are getting into the ships are not like travelling on American, British or Scandinavian Lines. But MSC van be a lot of fun due to the chance to meet a lot of non-North Americans, with great itineraries at very reasonable prices, especially if you have kids under 12. We chose this trip because it was a good deal (about $450 for a 6 day cruise inside cabin, about $100/day for a balcony) with an amazing itinerary that included a new interesting (and sometimes unusual) port every day, including Marseille, Genoa, Corsica. Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona. I would say the ships passengers were 40% Italian, 35% French, 15% Spanish, 5% British, 4% other and less than 1% American. This has been pretty much the mix on all the Mediterranean MSC cruises we have been on.

The itinerary is unusual in that passengers can embark this 6 day cruise at any of the 5 ports, as long as they stay the whole 5 days. This gives this cruising group more the feel of fairy travelers than co-travelling companions, since people come and go every day. Like all European ships, the crowd is younger (average age 40, though there all ages from 1 to 100 are well represented), so it definitely doesn't feel like a nursing home. We embarked in Marseille and were annoyed to find that, after a grueling 24 -hour flight the boarding would only be after 3 pm. Many ships say this but usually let you board at 11. On MSC, no matter what time you arrive they don't take your luggage till 1pm, then you sit in a big ugly uncomfortable room waiting for several hours to board.

This ship is quite plain compared to ships you are used to from Carnival, Royal Caribbean or Princess. The walls are all plain and there are no fancy chandeliers and no art. Some might call it understated elegance, but that would probably be a stretch. Read more