I have been on 12 or so cruises in the past, this my first one with MSC. Embarkation could not have gone smoother. I began enjoying my first day on board in under an hour after arriving at the Port. First thing, got my credit card mated with my stateroom key card at the easy to use kiosk in the reception area. I found plenty of locator maps on the walls near the elevators enabling me to find my way around the ship. The buffet, tremendous. The pool area and pool bars, spacious. Cabin was clean as a whistle, and my Steward was solid in his duties. Entertainment was great at every venue. There are standouts that you can tell enjoyed their job and were entertaining just standing there doing nothing. I booked a restaurant package that included Eately Steakhouse (I give 5 stars), Galaxy Restaurant (I give 4 stars) and Eately Pizza (I give 3 stars). I am glad I experienced all three, but next time I will only enjoy the Steakhouse, as I feel it had a better selection and was the premier eating establishment on board.

Due to the hurricane, we had a revised itinerary which didn't bother me in the least. We also received bonus days, making what was supposed to be a 7 day cruise into a 12 day cruise. I don't use excursions, preferring to blaze my own path in Montego Bay Jamaica, Georgetown Grand Cayman and Cozumel Mexico. Also because of the hurricane, we were in Cozumel from Saturday 9AM through Monday 3PM, allowing us to enjoy several restaurants in town and being able to come and go all hours of the day and night. This was clearly a plus, and something you never get to do when cruising. The whole crew and Captain Marco Massa were fantastic at handling all the extra details concerning the storm back home and keeping everyone informed and upbeat.

Just a few differences from the other cruises I have been on: No ironing room or irons brought to your room, this must be done by staff for a fee and takes a day (I slipped Steward a $20 and got it back same day). No coffee makers in the room, you must get it from the buffet restaurant free (24 hrs) or one of the cafe's (7AM) for a charge, but much better coffee. Buffet restaurant did not have salt and pepper shakers, instead they had little packets of each. Read more