Have cruised on MSC Splendida twice, both in Yacht Club, and being impressed by the good service in Europe I haste to return to see what's new as this ship is now deployed in China.

There is not much changes in the hartdware part, less Chinese than competitor ships. Most staff remain, particularly the good butlers. Heard that about 20% of staff are Chinese speaking and this helps to keep the cruise experience in a traditional shape although all passengers are Chinese and announcements are in Chinese.

Great Yacht Club service remains, really helpful butlers better than the fake butlers on Silversea for example. Newspaper at choice is delivered in an original photofax format. Free minibar and drinks. Yacht Club is of course a 'ship with in ship' facility with a lot of private, never congested spaces. The service is so attentive that one is escorted to cabin and on disembarkation, even to stateroom when back from excursion. There are only less than 200 YC passengers. Read more