This was our first cruise but we went with another couple who had been on a wide range of cruises so we were well aware of good cruise standards. However having read a number of reviews we were a little concerned. Luckily we found the cruise very different to these reviews.
We found dining on the cruise a very enjoyable experience. We avoided the buffets - who wants the queues, the hassle of carrying plates, the noise of children running around. Therefore we used the "formal" dining room for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the dining room the waiter service was very flexible either providing a rapid meal if needed, e.g. when going into a port after breakfast or a leisurely relaxed pace as suits enjoying fine dining. At breakfast, lunch and dinner the selection and quality of food (both preparation and presentation) should have been sufficient to satisfy the discerning diner. I do acknowledge that other reviewers were correct - they did not serve a quality steak at every dinner, as I understand the American orientated cruise lines do - thankfully MSC cruises are more imaginative providing a good choice of internationally "flavoured" Mediterranean cooking. I was pleased to find a good wine selection available at prices lower than those charged by the majority of other cruise lines
The evening entertainment was very enjoyable - both the stage shows and musical presentations in the bars/lounges were of very high standard and sufficiently varied to meet most expectations. The daytime entertainment/activities were a little lacking - I understand some cruise lines offer a far more varied extensive range - this was not an issue on this cruise due to us visiting a different port on most days making on board daytime entertainment not a priority.