We have been on all sizes and levels of cruise ships. Oceanview, grand suites, sky suites, balcony cabins. Some with little amenities and some with a butler. So with approx 60 cruises taken, the following is an accurate review of the Emerald Azzurra.

Being part of the Scenic group with a great reputation, we were anxious for an outstanding experience. Only 86 passengers (max 100) on this voyage to Italy and Sicily. The captain informed us the first evening would be rough seas. Yes, they were and some become seasick. We were fine but the next day when we returned to our cabin after exploring Sorento, we noticed the cabin had a strong smell. I thought resembled dead fish and my husband thought a dead rodent. Repeated reports to crew and many attempts to remove the smell went in vain. This odor was random to suites throughout the ship and some common areas as well. The crew told us this odor was caused by the rough seas dislodging sludge in the pipes. But, we found out from crew that this smell was even worse the voyage prior. So this is a constant problem.

The ship has only been in service for 7 months and shows much wear and lack of maintenance. Chipped edges in the bath sink, rust along edges where bath ceiling and walls meet. Rust along balcony drain. The pool had lots of rust and some mosaic tiles missing. One of the pool lights was not working. The jacuzzi had a constant dark scum along water edge. Plus jets worked inconstantly. Read more