This was my 31st cruise and the most beautiful ship I've ever sailed on. Sophia Loren I tip my hat and heart to you. This felt more like a regal hotel than the cookie cutter amusement park ships currently out there. Embarkation was a quick breeze with only 359 fellow travelers. The crew and staff could not have been more helpful, kind and considerate. Anyone who decides to take a cruise during Covid should go into it with the understanding that things are different than they were before the pandemic, and to roll with the changes. All cruise lines are doing their best with the cards they've been dealt.

Our original room was a balcony room . Unfortunately, it had a huge wall jetting out (to our right) that obstructed our view. We visited guests services and explained our situation. They immediately rectified it with another cabin and an absolutely incredible room steward, Arnel. The rooms are spotless, tastefully decorated and the beds were great. I slept like a rocked baby.

Our first stop for two days is MSC's private island. Oh Lord it's beautiful. If the ship had docked there for a week I'd have been just fine. With so few passengers we found our heaven on a beach towards the back of the island. Please ignore other reviews saying there isn't any lounge chairs, or the beach is rocky. They are literally walking off the ship and turning to the left towards the lighthouse (its the closest place to walk). Instead, walk straight ahead (when you disembark) and go past the buffet / seating areas to the best beaches with lounge chairs and whatever you desire. Serene beauty and amazing water with a sugar white beaches. The buffet food was really good and included the basics, hot dogs, burgers, etc... along with ribs and jerk chicken. Get the jerk chicken. You won't be disappointed. Read more