Checking Out Magnifica

I  had the opportunity to visit the MSC Magnifica in Dover recently and thought I would share with you my experiences of the day….

The reason we do these ship visits, is to experience first hand, life on board and gain vital insight into the ship facilities, service, staff, cabins, food, etc in order for us pass this knowledge on to our clients. Having never been on board an MSC Ship before, I was really excited and looking forward to the experience.  However, the visit did not go as I had hoped.  Here’s why……

Our group consisted of around 25 people, including potential guests  (past cruisers) who had paid £20 each to be ‘wowed’ into booking their next cruise on MSC.    So far so good….

Alarm bells starting ringing for me when we were herded into the entrance of the ship, and left standing, whilst various members of the crew jostled us out of their way, as they attempted to rearrange this area and attach various leads to the walls using sticky tape.  Hmm….not a good first impression…..but perhaps it was just a blip….

Whilst we were hanging around waiting to enter the ship, one of the party became ill and had to be escorted to the ships hospital by our Tour Guide Rochelle.  Which left us with her colleague Ben (nice chap) but who had never set foot on the Magnifica before, and was new to the company……..

Another Alarm Bell……

There was then a bit of a hoo-haa once we finally reached the Atrium of the ship between the remaining MSC Staff members as to who was going to show the group around.  Finally it was decided that Ben and another staff member Victor (not sure what his role was except to open doors….) would conduct the tour.

Beautifully decorated Atrium

So now I’m ready to be bombarded with facts and figures about the ship, public areas, facilities, restaurants, entertainment, childrens facilities etc etc.  Instead we were walked through the ship with Victor expertly opening the numerous doors into various lounges and other public areas without explanation as to where we were…..I am now going deaf with all the alarm bells clanging in my ears!

We did get to see a Balcony Cabin, and although the balcony area was, shall we say ‘bijou’, the actual cabin was a good size, plenty of room, and the bathroom was a good size. No complaints there!

2 Hours in, and I’m parched and not a comfort stop in sight!  And know no more about the Magnifica than I did when I left home at 7:30am that morning!

Never mind!  Its lunchtime! tastebuds salivating at the thought of all that fantastic A La Carte fayre to look forward to.  One of the highlights of a ship visit in my view.  Mind you, I had heard rumours that the food on MSC was bland and uninteresting, but thought I would see for myself.

Unfortunately, the rumours were true.  We dined in the L’Edera Restaurant. The variety of dishes served to our table of 8, were lukewarm to cold, unappetising and….well….bland.  I chose the Steak but upon being presented with it, politely declined and chose another dish.  Here’s why…..

Which was a great shame and very disappointing.  Again, perhaps a blip, so I checked out the Buffet Restaurant, and the choice looked amazing!   Hot pizzas, pasta, Salads, Desserts, plenty of choice!  At last!

Overall, my impression of the ship itself, is very favourable!  The public areas and restaurant are very impressive, and the décor is amazing!  My favourite being the Tiger Bar!  Love it!  Could live there!

Me checking out the cocktail menu in Tiger Bar

The 2 pools I saw were very well laid out, (one with a retractable room) and had private Cabanas and Jacuzzi’s to relax in.  Very nice.  I would imagine that in the height of the season you would have to fight for space and a sunbed. But that would be typical of any cruise ship to be fair.

On Deck overlooking the pool area

The Waiters, and Beauty Salon staff I met were very friendly and helpful.

Plenty of activities on board,  a beautifully decorated Theatre, 10 pin bowling, 4D Cinema, Sports Lounge with Billiard/Snooker Tables, Slot Machines, Disco, a great gym, very well equipped, and a fantastic Beauty Salon to name just a few,  and for you smokers out there, smoking is allowed on one side of the pool deck, and in designated lounges & bars!

Me & Sam trying our luck!

The Theatre,

The Casino Lounge & Bar

Out of interest, I asked one of the ‘paying’ visitors if she would consider booking a cruise on Magnifica after her experience on the day, and she replied that she would if she could get a good deal.    And,  MSC Cruises are incredibly good value for money with some fantastic offers available!  I would certainly love to cruise for more than a day with them, despite the disappointment of the quality of the food, and the disorganised ship visit!

I hope I have given you a balanced view of my ship visit.  Overall I enjoyed the experience, but was disappointed with the lack of information given, and of course, the food provided on the day.