We chose this cruise for the ports. We didn’t know much about MSC and the reviews I read were mixed but the ports were where we wanted to go so off we went. Embarkation in Venice was very smooth and quite quick. We boarded the ship earlier than our allotted time and only had to wait about 40 minutes to get into our cabin. We were able to get drinks and use our drinks package straight away. We ate in the restaurant every night the variety was great and although portions were quite small we regularly had second helpings!! The entertainment was good, all bars were spotless and had live music. The staff could not do enough for us, our cabin steward was great, the waiter who looked after us in the restaurant was first class and the staff in the Blue Velvet lounge were brilliant. As British guests on a predominantly Italian, German, French and Chinese populated ship our only complaints were with other guests who continually pushed to the front of queues, reserved sun beds and loved to complain. We learned to laugh about this!! We went off the ship every day either on our own or part of an excursion. The arrangements at every port were seamless and MSC had a good, obvious presence that gave you confidence to go off and have a good day and know where to come back to get transfer to ship. We were sad to leave the ship at the end of the week we had such an amazing trip. Disembarkation was a bit slower but luggage was acquired really easily once off the ship. All in all we would 100% cruise with MSC again.