I booked this cruise 3 days before the virus hysteria started. I chose it because it was very cheap (about 40 euro person/day) with an Ok itinerary.
It turned out to be probably the best and definitely the most luxurious cruise in my life.
First of all, because of the virus MSC completely remade the first half of the cruise, making the itinerary much better than I initially booked. Instead ...
I have over 10 years of cruising history with over 20 cruises on various line. I have seen better and lesser conditions on cruises over that time BUT The cruise that I have just taken on MSC on the Splendida on Feb 14 has been an example of the worst that I have ever experienced.
PRE Cruise: Information on what visas were required inconsistent to no information.
My calls to MSC were met ...
we chose this cruise for the itinerary the ship is ok the cabin was fine dining was not good in the bora bora food was cold or luke warm restaurant was better but still on occasions it was only warm entertainment was better when we were at sea for 12 days not able to dock anywhere we had a great waiter whose name is Dinmark one off the best waiters we have ever had on a cruise
embarkation was a ...
I chose this cruise for the itinerary which included all the countries and ports I would like to visit. The night stop in the major ports enabled you to visit everything you needed in the time available.
Better than expected
For a ship with nearly 4000 passengers, there were few times int he 4 weeks when the public rooms were crowded, and with a slight adjustment in your plans you could ...
My friend and I booked this cruise last year while on MSC Seaside. I had been to most of the Far East ports, but my travel friend, Judy, had not seen them. We flew from Tampa to Toronto and on to Dubai enjoying business class all the way. One night was spent at the Dubai Marriott, and the following morning we taxied to the port. And there the problems began! There was a "time to board" listed ...
The ship is well maintained for its age. We were on every deck, as we love walking and noticed staff everywhere trying to maintain high standards. Excellent Staff, Delicious dining options, Fresh Fruits available in the Buffet. The assigned seating at dinner was picture perfect. We had a table at the front of the Dining Room with excellent sunset view every evening. Massage experience was divine ...
Boarded promptly in Dubai. Lovely ship, good sized cabin (upgraded to balcony). Hardworking staff, clean ship, entertainment crew friendly, funny and made great efforts to amuse everyone quizes,poolside dance etc. Theatre: lot opera, ballet, acrobats etc pulled out stops and had wonderful final show. Good to have cinema in theatre after shows!! Cruise director (Masimo) does interesting talks on ...
Great itinerary ,Shanghai to Dubai, and beautiful ship. Ports were great except for Phuket where the locals were pests and we felt unsafe. Sshanghai, Singapore and Dubai were fantastic. Shore excursions too expensive, suggest you plan your own activities at each port.
entertainment was poor and amateur and repetitive. Buffet food not warm and same every day. No coffee or tea in dining room ...
Shanghai embarkation took 5 hours. During this time there was no contact from MSC staff no announcements, help with language difficulties, no refreshments of any kind, a nightmare start. I realise the process not controllled by MSC but on the other hand just felt totally abandoned by them.
The procedures / processes to get off at the ports seemed increasingly difficult, the paperwork, the ...
We were only on the ship for 3 days thankfully. All announcements given in 6 languages. And on our 3 day cruise the muster drill was announced 3 times in 6 languages due to lack of attendance.
Food was not good, On HA we eat in the dining room every night, on MSC we left the dining room first night and never went back. For the "every night option" on HA they have steak, on MSC noodles!
No ...