I enjoyed mixing with the Italians, Germans and French and practiced my school languages and so did they! I do not wish to surround myself with British people when on an Italian ship and if I did would not sail with an Italian company. One reviewer even said the Italians can not make cakes or pastries - what a joke. I never had a single German or Italian push or shove me and found that if you smile then people will smile back to you.

One reviewer said that Douglas Ward (of Berlitz fame) was on board and he was met by MSC staff after the cruise. This may explain wht Berlitz get it wrong so often - if you notify senior management that you are on board then this will alter the experience you receive. Mystery customers may make the cruise industry sit up and take more notice

I was told by the staff not to go on MSC in June, July and August when all Italian families are booking this ship. They can take 2 children until 17 for free (subject to port dues of approx. 55 GBP). Therefore we had all staterooms booked and but only 2400 passengers which was quite nice. We met a British couple and it was no problem to met other British passengers: 1. they block every show two rows - no problem to meet them. 2. due to bad British weather: even you get a stream of sunshine or just no rain you can find the in the jacuzzi. So really not problem to meet other British cruisers. On board were about 300 British cruisers who were also placed together for dinner. All announcements, daily programme, menu card (except ENOTECA) was available in English. Ohter nationalities on board like German, French, Italian etc. complaint, that written parts in show or map of sightseeing attractions was only in English. Douglas Ward was on board of my voyage and I had the pleasure to make his aquaintance. I am quite sure that some improvements will be made very soon regarding the food. The last night in Civitavecchia the complete MSC-management-board was on board just to discuss the food. So this should not be a reason not to book MSC as British cruise traveller. Regards, Tien-Lun Ya

I must say that having travelled on the Musica this October I do agree with several of the reviewers comments. The ship is beautiful - no doubt about that but we did find it incredibly overcrowded, food a bit hit and miss and service good when the bars etc were no too packed - which wasn't often. The high density of Italians was a little overwhelming too - so much pushing and shoving, especially at embarkation, shambles does not begin to cover it. Would we go again - no! Barbar

I also disagree with this review. If one wants British people then stay at home or sail from a British port. Its a beautiful ship, absolutely spotless, and the Italian crew are great. I dont suppose you bothered to try to speak Italian, German or French with your fellow European passengers

I completely disagree with this review! I have been on 3 MSC cruises - various ships and this ship is fantastic! MSC provide excellent value. Food is top class, service cannot be faulted and cabins are bright and clean. As for the comment regarding the ship being full of foreign people with only 1 other British couple on board - you're on holiday! You go to a foreign country to get away - why would you necessarily need to have other British people around you? The Italian 'feel' ran through the ship & it was a memorable experience and one I recommend highly! I only ever cruise with MSC or Royal Carribean - both are fantastic! S.B. Guildfor