Was she Magnifica??

I returned home yesterday from a cruise on MSC Magifica with my family. We cruised from Southampton to Zeebrugge, Amsterdam and Hamburg. I had visited Magnifica previously, but just for the day and you need longer than that to enjoy all she has to offer.

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas was docked next to us but despite this, the traffic was good around the port. It was great to have a chance to see Oasis as she is the largest cruise ship to ever visit a UK port and we had a perfect view as we sailed past her that evening.

The embarkation process at Southampton was the simplest I had ever experienced with NO queue! There were several MSC staff present trying to sell drinks packages and spa treatments. We had decided not to add a drinks package as we knew that this would be a busy itinerary with lots of sightseeing and we would be on shore a lot of the time. The Allegrissimo package at £20 per person per day was the best value. The average price of an alcoholic drink on board is 6.50 Euros plus 15% service charge so it only takes 3 drinks to break even and 4 to make the package a cheaper option. Tea, coffee and water are available in the buffet restaurant at no extra.

We had booked a balcony cabin on deck 11 and an ocean view cabin at the back of the ship on deck 12.

The cabins are spacious and clean. The only critisism I would have is that the bedding is still sheets and blankets and I much prefer, and now expect, a quilt.

The ocean view cabin my son had had a juliet balcony as an added bonus but was very noisy at the back of the ship.

The ship in general is very beautiful. The decor is ostentatious but tasteful.

We had chosen late dining and had a lovely table for 4 tucked away in the elegant restaurant. I had emailed MSC prior to her cruise to clarify the dress code and was told that we had 1 formal gala night and the rest smart casual with no jeans allowed in the restaurant. On P&O for example, gentlemen would have to dine in the buffet restaurant on formal night if you were not in a dark suit and tie or a tuxedo so we were rather annoyed at the slackness of rules on board as it seemed that anything goes as there was  a mixture of attire from jeans to suits.

The waiting staff and cabin steward were very pleasant but there was a language barrier. A couple of times we gave up questioning items on the menu! The food was good and a good selection of dishes. For anyone still hungry, the buffet was always open.

The evening shows had some rather bizarre story lines but featured some talented performers. The cruise director introduced the shows in 6 different languages reminiscent of the Eurovision Song Contest which reminded me that that’s how many nationalities they were trying to keep entertained, which can’t be easy.

On the whole, we all had a good time and the fare we paid was excellent value for money.

I will blog about the ports of call next week. Have you cruised with MSC? I’d love to hear your comments.