We recently went on an MSC cruise to try out the loyalty match. My husband and I are Platinum status with another lline and were matched to "Gold" level on MSC. We took a 10-night cruise with a balcony with the Fantastica experience (this is the level that gives you, among other things, cabin choice and free room service). The cruise departed from Miami and visited San Juan, St.Thomas, St. Maarten, La Romana (DR) and Nassau, Bahamas, with 3 sea days.

Cabin: The cabin was spacious with a good size balcony. Comparable storage and bathroom size to other cruises although shower had cool design of doors that folded into the stall, leaving more space in bathroom. Room steward was stellar.

Food: Dining room food comparable to other lines we've been on, some things better, some things worse. After reading reviews, we were concerned about service, especially with drinks, but that was an unfounded concern. Buffet food a step above other lines, with variety of choices, although no 'free' specialty foods, except in Sports Bar. They excel at pizza, pastries, coffee and cheese, best ever on any cruise line. Read more