This was our second cruise and we chose MSC Magnifica for the European flavour on board and also the itinerary. We had read several reviews beforehand which were a mixed bag. For us Magnifica lived up to it's name in every aspect. The embarkation at Venice was seamless and speedy. We were given fruit juices on arrival while waiting approx 15 minutes to board the ship. The staff were all friendly and went above and beyond to ensure we enjoyed every moment of our cruise. From the waiters, bar staff, animation team and cabin steward, all were brilliant and work so hard around the clock. Thank you to all!

The food was delicious and totally as we expected... European, varied and plentiful! You certainly could never go hungry on MSC whatever your tastes in food. We ate in the Quattro Venti restaurant each evening and left full and satisfied with the food and the service received. The Buffet restaurant could often be busy and hard to find a table but this is to be expected on a ship with over 2000 passengers and is by no means a negative. We were allowed to get our food of choosing and take it outside on deck, so eating Al fresco became a pleasure at lunchtime or mid afternoon once we returned from our trips ashore.

We were among about 12 British people on board with most passengers being from Italy, (It is an Italian Ship after all!) Spain, Portugal, Germany etc. This was a huge positive for us as we like to feel that we are abroad when we go as opposed to being on a British floating Butlins. Yes, everything was in Italian and announcements were in about 5 different languages which we loved also. It was helpful that I already speak and understand 3 European languages so the cosmopolitan feel of the ship was brilliant. Read more