MSC Cruises’ ships are best suited to adult couples and singles, and families with children. In fact, the ships are good for those who enjoy big city life, piazzas and outdoor cafés, constant activity accompanied by plenty of music, late nights, and food that ranges from adequate to very good.

MSC Cruises has evolved quickly as the “new kid on the block.” Of all the major cruise lines, it’s also the cleanest. It changes bed linen and towels the most; typically, bed linen is changed every second day, while towels are changed daily, and bathrobes in suites are changed daily.

The ships typically operate in five languages, with embarkation-day announcements in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Mercifully, during the cruise, there are almost no announcements. Because the ships operate in several languages, production shows and other major entertainment displays need to be more visual. For the same reason, the ships do not generally carry lecturers.

Rather irritating are the roving band of photographers, taking your picture at every opportunity. Particularly intrusive are the tacky photos taken during dinner, when “pirates” and the like appear behind you when you are smartly dressed for the evening.

Embarkation: When you first embark, a member of staff dressed in a crisp white uniform – or black butler’s uniform if you are in one of the more expensive suites – will escort you (and carry your hand luggage) directly to your suite/cabin, with white glove service and a smile.

Decor

Except for the two oldest ships (MSC Melody and MSC Rhapsody), the decor aboard the newer ships is decidedly European, with much understated elegance and high-quality soft furnishings and other materials (although the latest ships have become brighter).

Gratuities

These are charged to your onboard cabin at e6 per person, per day. Drinks prices, however, already include a service charge.

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008