Our cruise started at Barbados, we flew on a Virgin charter organised by MSC from Gatwick. Prior to the cruise I was concerned about the lack of information regarding selection of seats on the plane and taking additional luggage - Both MSC and Virgin were unclear, although Virgin said it was available at a cost at Gatwick. We used the twilight check in at Gatwick and slept in the adjoining hotel prior to departure. This was very convenient at MSC had many staff at the airport to assist us. The seating was allocated prior to check by MSC and we had the same upper deck seats out and return. Our luggage was delivered directly to the ship and cabin and all the passenger were transported from the plane steps to the ship by awaiting buses - Superb service - so easy and just a dream to arrive to Yacht Club service with instant boarding.

Our butler was assigned and he took us later that evening to the Yacht Club restaurant for dinner. Once introduced to the head waiter we were assigned a table for 2 ( our choice) and each evening he made sure we had a table for 2 if not the same table.

Food was excellent and it was possible to have more than one portion of a course you enjoyed, thus substituting the next. Wine again very good. Read more