Having been a frequent MSC cruiser in South Africa we chose this relocation cruise as the best bang for our bucks. Originally booked in 2019 we were yet another casualty of Covid with our cruise being cancelled repeatedly from 2020/21 and into 2022. At last we were allowed to cruise but under Covid restrictions and with PCR testing together with our vaccination certifications being required. I phoned MSC South Africa to get the rules for the testing ahead of our trip and was told a less than 72 hours PCR test, which we subsequently did. Imagine my surprise when our PCR Test was not accepted as Italy told us they only accept tests less than 48 hours old - I also heard the words 24 hours from another?

The chemist next to Genoa harbour must be making a fortune as we were referred there for a quick test which was accepted and got us on board only 2 hours later than planned. The boarding procedure is quite lengthy as one thing after another is checked and you are referred to yet another waiting area. As long as you have all the paperwork, passports and visas you are shuffled through quite efficiently - this was Italy.

The ship Grandiosa is definitely the most fantastic of the several MSC ships we have been on. Bling and wonderful things to enjoy everywhere. I chatted with the friendly staff and was told it is the quietest they have seen since they started in the Med in 2021? Read more