I chose this cruise because I had such a good time three years ago on the MSC Meraviglia. I was looking forward to an equally enjoyable time on the MSC Seashore. I ordered a Bella experience, Deluxe Balcony Cabin. I was shocked to get a solid white panel on the balcony instead of a transparent one. I had to stand up to see out, and even then there was a crew deck below instead of the sea. Other cruise lines would sell this as an obstructed view at a discount so it would not come as a bad surprise. Please see the photos below. When I tried to change to a different cabin I was told that the ship was overbooked, and then the officer at guest services told me I had actually requested an obstructed view cabin. This was a total lie. Outrageous! I showed him my contract that stated I was entitled to a Deluxe Balcony cabin.

How can a cruise be overbooked?

I asked for a large table to share with other solo passengers, which had worked so well on the Meraviglia, but ended up dining alone for fifteen days as the seven others assigned to that table did not come even once. After a few days I mentioned wanting to share a table to the maître d’ but it seemed the problem could not be solved. At lunch in the dining room I usually ate alone even though I asked to share with others. I was told that there were no other people who wanted to share.( I have read that on Norwegian cruises they simply have a large table in the centre of the dining room and people wishing to join others simply go there.). Luckily I had two wonderful Balinese waiters who were very good to me. Read more