We had hoped MSC might be a good alternative cruise line, after dozens of cruise with others. IT IS NOT. The ship was lovely and accommodations fine, but there is simply NO service on the ship. Staff were untrained in basics (like where the knife and fork go on the table, for instance). Staff were uninterested in helping passengers in any way. Food was terrible, meager and boring...and they literally make you buy water to drink with your meals. The buffet was repetitive and tasteless, and the environment filthy. Passengers were down right rude, and staff completely unhelpful. We removed all tips from our bill as no one deserved any. (Although the cabin steward was very good overall). There is no comparison to any American cruise lines, except to say that compared to MSC even the worst ones seem elegant. What a disappointment. It is worthless to try to get concerns taken seriously with MSC.