I have sailed on the Holmes Line (SS Oceanic), NCL, Holland America, Carnival, Celebrity, RCI, Princess Line, and I was looking for a classic Italian Cruise Line in MSC. I read previous Cruise Critic reviews from prior passengers in Florida and was a little nervous about this trip. I have to say some of their reviews were too harsh and unfair, this cruise was the first voyage for MSC, out of NYC (Brooklyn), in my opinion it was very good, but some areas need improvements. The ship or cruise line has an identity problem, is it an Italian or international cruise ship? I was under the belief it was Italian, but it was not, more international flair.

Embarkation: I utilized car service to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, for the convenience due to the parking lot fee of $45 dollars per day. My driver dropped my wife and I, off in front of the terminal, where there was a baggage handler received our luggage curb side and directed us into the terminal for the boarding process. Upon entry we were greeted by friendly MSC staff, who directed us through security screening check and to the reception counter for check in and room access cards. The line was not long and moved quickly, total time of 40 minutes from drop off to boarding the ship. Note: There is no medical screening for boarding the ship, some passengers were sick with upper respiratory viruses, and GI issues.

Ship: The ship is beautifully designed with high end touches and fixtures. The ship is extremely clean and well taken care of by the ships crew. The layout of the ship is not convenient and lacks appropriate lounges for entertainment. MSC focuses too much on their Yacht Club area, another name for first class passengers. The front of the ships top four floors are devoted to the Yacht Club, taking away from lounges, entertainment spaces, deck chair space and ocean viewing. Most cruise ships have an area of their ships designated for their first class passengers, but not four floors or taking entertainment spaces from the rest of the passengers. Read more