Let me first start by saying we would cruise MSC again its beautiful ship. After booking this cruise I called to upgrade our drink package. The PVP was so very confused. One even was going to charge me for a drink package upgrade that hadn't even been established yet and was not an option for our sailing at 3x the correct price. This lead to a large confusion and I almost ended up canceling over it. Fast forward to the sailing. Embarkation was very smooth and easy. Our rooms were ready at about 230pm. We did walk on about 1130 and tables were not clean from the prior sailing yet. Bar staff around the Miami beach pool seemed stressed and very busy even with minimal cruisers on board at that time. However, did take our drink orders, it was that we waited quite some time. They do not move very fast at all and are very busy. I just couldn't figure this out.

Drinks were not made the same each time. VERY NICE Cruise Critic meet and greet!! Hands down first class! Our room was very spacious for the Bella experience, very nicely decorated. However it had an odor that we couldn't get rid of. The toilet offered very little leg room for a larger person. Shower followed the same limited elbow room for a larger person. Otherwise the room was nice. We found the closet ample and drawer space acceptable for a 8 day cruise.We didn't take kiddos with us, didn't use any specialty restaurants or spa services. We did attend the shows and they had wonderful talented performers. My only complaint is that the shows are the same feel/genre. They even used the same make up styles and it felt like a continuation of the night before. Overall we were impressed tho. The main dining room was beautiful. Menu was ample yet seemed simplistic in options. For example New York strip steak being served with french fries instead of baked potato. Mashed potatoes were termed as potato puree?!? Taste was to our liking for the most part. I had a dedicated waiter as I have food allergies and Mr. Ricky would bring me all sorts of things to try that fit in my restrictions. There was quite a bit of waiting between courses tho. Didn't seen to flow very well. Not awful just made a mental note.

Our excursions were another thing NOT IMPRESSED AT ALL. First excursion was to St. John's bay beach. This was operated by a company that in my opinion should be put out of business! They had boats and trucks that were in need of some repair and TLC. Secondly, they did nothing but herd us like cattle on to the boat and truck. No explanation or anything. Most importantly, the boat QUIT on us leaving us miles from shore!! The staff several times refused to hand out life jackets and had another boat come try to pull us in. They didn't inform us of what was going on during this and people were getting sick over the sides. They never informed MSC of the issues while happening per MSC staff. MSC did refund us some of our excursion with a written appology. I know they do not own those companies but I do believe they should have some idea where they are directing people and quality of life recommendations. Second excursion was great except for having to walk over a mile to get to it. Maybe they should have arranged a shuttle. My hubby's knees were spent before we'r got to the excursion. Miami pool area could have used larger restrooms as this is used by pool and buffet guests. Staff was friendly and willing to help. Very clean. Overall it was a good value for the price. Would sail again.