I've been on about 50 cruises on all the major lines, and this was my first and last cruise with MSC. The itinerary was great and unique, so I had to try it, but I didn't realize the stepdown in quality compared to Royal and Princess and the other major brands.
The food was not good. We tried the sit down dinners twice, and they were very slow and every single item was terrible, so we just had ...
We had a wonderful itinerary which is why we chose this ship with many days in port and just one sea day for the 12 day trip. We planned all of our excursions and had a fantastic time in all the ports.
The ship was not great at all.
We were half full, but still felt crowded. It is absolutely bizarre that you cannot see the ocean from anywhere from the ship on the lower decks. Every window is ...
BACKGROUND AND BOTTOM LINE
Avid cruiser, many times with Holland and Cunard.
First time on Azamara and was in a suite. It will be our last. Exceedingly poor value.
THE GOOD
The shore excursions. While they contract with others to do them, they still get some credit for it.
The size of the ship.
The itinerary.
THE BAD
Communication before and after the cruise was ...
We took the cruise from Haifa, Israel to Barcelona, Spain because of the destinations. We got onboard at the port of Haifa. Our cabin was dated and worn. The ship originally set sail in 1997. It doesn't appear that the staterooms have been updated since.
The food in the "sit down" restaurants was terrible. Entries appeared to have been plated well before our arrival. The food arrived at ...
We chose this cruise for the destinations more specifically Israel and Ephesus. I had incorrectly assumed that due to no sailings during co-vid and that the ship had been in for refurb that it would be refreshed. This sadly was not the case. They installed their medallion system and removed the aft adult pool, hotter and bar area to make room for more cabins. The ship looked and felt tired, the ...
ARRIVAL & EMBARKATION
Smooth & efficient..luggage takes care of from Airport to Cabin 9/10
Cabin acceptable..rather basic, but plenty of drawer space
Sink in bathroom was cracked.
Fixtures & fittings showing signs of wear 7/10
FOOD & DRINK
LA VISTA (Italian restaurant)
DINNER 3/10
Starters
Caprese Salad….small portion…but ok
Pate – a small tasteless ...
The Holy Land cruise was prior to the following transatlantic, so we got a 'good feel' for the Odyssey. We've had 8 cruises on RCCL, 4 of which were transatlantic and 1 transpacific. We sailed Celebrity 10 times, 4 of which were transatlantic. Towards the end of the first cruise, we came down with a mild case of Covid, despite having our shots and 4th booster. We were quarantined in our cabin for ...
Having just completed the P&O j219 cruise on Arcadia to the Greek islands with a stop at Malaga on the way out and Gib on the way back, I will give you the gen. Firstly we have only ever been with Cunard before this, so that is the benchmark I am working from, some facts..
£6400 for a deluxe balcony £3200 each.
Was it worth it, NO..the only difference between a balcony on a cunard was a half ...
We chose this cruise line and itinerary due to reputation of cuisine, enrichment, upscale service & appointments. Oceania's marketing is stellar and we believed that this sailing would be heads above Celebrity, Princess and similar 5.0 or 5.5 ships. Sadly, we were mistaken.
First two fine dining experiences were disappointing with inedible food, cold entrees, curious offerings like a potato ...
This cruise was chosen by friends and was my first experience with Princess. I suspect it will be my last. I was interested to cruise on Princess after bumping into a couple who had never cruised with any lines and loved the company. I can’t say I share their enthusiasm.
I found the veranda stateroom cramped. We have always booked verandas no matter which company we cruise with, so I can ...