Embarkation was problematic and stressful with ground staff unwilling to let us check in because of an alleged problem with a passport (the problem was non-existent and was finally cleared up by immigration but not before we'd been forced to stand to one side of the queue for 30 mins in 35°C heat). Once on board, however, all was forgiven. All the glitter and glam you'd expect from MSC. Pools and slides great for kids. Cabin (Fantastica balcony) clean and well-appointed but storage tight for a family of four: packing cubes saved us. Ship relatively easy to get around but elevators are a disaster: there aren't nearly enough and you should be prepared to wait for ages if you're not able to take the stairs. Climbing ten floors on foot was often much quicker than waiting for an elevator.

Plenty of choice in buffets. Main dining room very good. Portion sizes more than adequate..

Entertainment good. Poolside games jolly but, as always, children are not allowed to join in, which is always a disappointment and not understandable tbh. Shows entertaining but not especially varied. The same acts were dragged out several nights as part of "different" shows. One strange contortionist act (4 Asian guys) was kinda based on a torture theme and was disturbing and not particularly child-friendly. Live music good. Parties a little dated with the same old dance toons (Ai se eu te pego and the like) being dragged out night after night. Parties also very late. Many bars very loud but something for everybody. Read more