MSC Melody

In 1982, the MSC Melody, then known as the Atlantic, was built for the Home Lines cruise company. It was designed to be a spacious vessel, especially for its time: there are high ceilings in many of the public rooms and the magrodome - a transparent, sliding glass roof - over the swimming pool means it can be a lovely place to go in any weather.

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At the age of 15 years, after having also served for Premier Cruises, the vessel was acquired by MSC Cruises and its name was changed.

Today, the Melody is generally based in the Mediterranean and it is the most compact ship in the fleet - but that doesn't mean that it has little to offer! Being a classically-built small ship, it offers cruises to locations that larger vessels cannot visit.

The ship regularly departs on 11-night voyages to ports including Genoa, Sorrento, Athens and Crete. Occasionally it sails to destinations further afield, including the Canary Islands, South America and South Africa.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 1,600
Year entered service: 1982
Beam (ship width): 89.7 feet
Draught (ship depth): 25.5 feet
Length: 671.9 feet
Tonnage: 36,500
Crew: 535
Maximum speed: 23 knots
Number of passenger decks: 9
Number of lifts: 4
Number of swimming pools: 2
Number of cabins: 549

Food, cuisine and dining

There are two places to eat on the Melody. The main restaurant is called Galaxy, while passengers who prefer to dine al fresco may want to consider a table at the Riviera Terrace.

Both options are sophisticated venues that bring a real sense of elegance and refinement to every meal. They offer a delicious range of menu items featuring mainly Italian fare, although a variety of international cuisine is also available.

Careful attention has been paid to ensure that only the best-quality ingredients are used in every dish. Fresh bread is baked on-board every day, authentic Italian meats are used and the fruits and vegetables are fresh and tasty.

On-board entertainment and activities

The Melody really comes alive at night and offers guests a huge selection of entertainment options.

By far, the most spectacular of these is the 500-seat Club Universe. This massive lounge has a large stage for cabaret and revue acts, as well as comedians and concerts. The seating is comfortable - clusters of deep tub chairs situated around cocktail tables . There's also the Mercury theatre if you prefer a smaller, more intimate venue.

There are seven themed bars located throughout the vessel and each one is stocked with a plethora of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks. Meanwhile, the Seven Seas Casino is a great place to go if you're feeling lucky, and the Starlight disco is perfect those who want to dance into the early hours of the morning.

During the day, there's also plenty going on. And while many passengers will be content with soaking up some sunshine on the pool deck, other options include activities like quizzes and bingo, or simply enjoying some friendly conversation in one of the public spaces.

Spas and fitness facilities

If you really want to relax during your voyage, then a trip to the SeaSport Health and Fitness Centre is definitely in order. In this area, you can enjoy a bit of peace and tranquillity with a massage or other indulgent treatment. And there's also a beauty salon where you can opt for a facial, manicure or other service to leave you looking fresh and rejuvenated.

The facility also includes a gym area, equipped with a number of exercise machines. Alternatively, activities above-deck are also available for those seeking a bit of a workout - swim a few laps in the pool, go for a run on the jogging track or play a few rounds of shuffleboard.

Cabins

There are nearly 550 staterooms on the Melody, which are categorised into 12 different price grades. This means that there is likely to be an accommodation option to suit any requirements, whether you're seeking great-value cruise deals or something a bit more lavish.

Options include interior view cabins and outside-view quarters, however, there are no rooms with private balconies. Most rooms are designed for two guests, although a few are available to accommodate families of four.