My husband and I have just returned from an 11 night cruise on the MSC Opera of the Eastern Med/Black Sea - this is my review. Flights were arranged with BMI - we were both delighted with the leg room on the flights (internal to Heathrow then out to Venice & return). The baggage at Venice took ages - about 40 mins - losing the early arrival time. We found the MSC reps and were told the next bus would be 30 mins - it turned up in about 20 but we were waiting on it for about 30 mins as some Dutch people 'went missing'. We arrived at the port about an hour before the ship was due to sail so embarkation was quick and easy. We were on board and shown to our cabin within 30 mins. Our cruise cards had our dinner sitting (2nd as requested), table number and muster station on - good idea! We immediately had the emergency drill which was very efficient. I think it was about 6pm when we set sail - an hour later than scheduled. I must admit I had a lump in my throat as we departed Venice - our view of the city was 2nd to none and we followed the Musica out which was another amazing site; she is so big the city looked like toy town! Our cabin beds were made up as a double as we requested. The cabin was spotless and had the most (easy access) storage room we've enjoyed on a cruise. The bathroom was also spotless and, although the shower was small, I did not suffer the dreaded shower curtain cling and the water was good and hot and had good pressure the whole cruise. We hardly saw our room attendant - but he was in and out at least twice a day. I have to say that the cleanliness of the ship was top notch - SPOTLESS - you could eat off the decks! All the brass and mirrors were always gleaming too. I mention mirrors - the Opera is beautiful but there are so many mirrors - it's off putting until you are orientated with the ship. The staff were very polite and very efficient - I even had a smile from the receptionist when I purchased tickets for the shuttle into Dubrovnik! The only grumpy staff were the accounting team - I wanted to lower the standard tip charge so I could tip our waiters and room attendant directly. It was our anniversary when we were away - it took my husband ages to try to arrange for a bottle of champagne to be at our table for dinner. It seems strange MSC are not set up for celebrations - one reason many go on a cruise. Birthdays were celebrated with cakes and singing waiters but trying to organise a surprise on board for a loved one is very difficult. Our waiters were great but this is where I do have a moan - they served dinner very quickly. We could be in and out within an hour. We were allocated a table for 4 - but we had it to ourselves. Starters, pasta and risottos, and desserts were good but the main courses were not brilliant for choice neither were all of the soups. As the pasta/risotto was brought at the same time as the soup they were not often that hot. The choice of veg with the main course was questionable - sprouts with grilled king prawns??? It was good to see the flaming baked Alaska procession is still alive and kicking and not stopped by the dreaded health and safety. Breakfast and lunch had plenty to choose from - we often mixed and matched the choices from the patio and buffet venues. We had room service breakfast a few times and this was delivered right on time and very politely. Bar prices were exorbitant - but service was fast and efficient. The packages offered better value. We did not go to any of the shows as they were not our 'cup of tea'. As were we visiting cities we did not use any of the tours - they too were very expensive. €95 per person for a tour of Istanbul then to put up with being flogged at carpet???? We linked up with another couple and had the most amazing day visiting all the main sites for change out of 200TL (about €80) for ALL four of us and that included a couple of pit stops and purchasing small mementoes and buying and posting those all important post cards. We saw many of the tour groups - most were only running commentaries of what we did under our own steam but without the spontaneity that a bit of DIY site seeing offers. Amazingly disembarkation was good but the labels you put on your cases are flimsy and loads came out unlabelled and so not with the right group - we were the first group off but one of our friends' cases label came off and it eventually came out with the last group of cases over an hour later. We did have a really good time - plus points; great itinerary at a good price, a spotlessly clean ship, good staff, prompt and efficient service. Minus points, very expensive on board, too fast dinner service and main courses not brilliant, some rude people (non Brits pushing in getting in and out of lifts, barging through doors etc.). Given the right price and the right itinerary we would cruise with MSC again. Top tip - PLEASE REMEMBER THIS IS AN ITALIAN CRUISE LINE, IT'S NOT UK NOR AMERICAN - remember this and you will have a great experience. If you do not do your home work then more fool you - expect a UK or American style of cruise and you'll be one of the (all too many) moaners. I say MSC offer a good experience but think of your ship as a southern European country, not a little piece of home on the sea and you will not go far wrong.