We normally prefer Celebrity and Oceania, MSC was an attempt - in summary: Quite ok. -- We live in Hamburg, where the ship starts, so no exploration of the city. Starting in Hamburg was one of the reasons why we choose MSC, the other was the tour to Iceland. --- We booked an "Aurea-Suite" and as a "Black Member" there is no embarkation/disembrkation Problem (Priority). Otherwize you have to wait (You get a number when you arrive). We recommand to come late, because everybody wants to be the first onboard. Disembarkation seems to work better for all (you get a time). -- Although it is quite a big ship with about 4000 passengers, there are many public places to sit, drink and talk. Very clean. -- Cabin big enough and quite comfortable, we missed bodylotion. Open dining only for guests of the "aurea-sites", the same menu for all; very small portions (order two main courses if you are hungry). We recommand a visit in the Galaxy-Restaurant and Italy (this one for very hungry people), but: extra pay. Normal wine by the glass is really good.-- We are not interested in activities, the shows are quite good in general.-- Service in the restaurant was very good (depends on the waiter), in the buffet some are not interested but some are motivated. -- We booked tours on our own. -- We think to go again with MSC, it is not so expensive, good value. Prices on board are cheap if you don´t have a package.