Cruise Ship Reviews : MSC Cruises Reviews
Tracy Fulton saw things this way:
The ship, destinations and crew were amazing, December 17, 2012
Reviewer: Tracy Fulton
Pros: The overall experience with people from different countries was outstanding
Cons: The buffet was just okay; the breakfast food was often very cold
Date of cruise: December 2, 2012
Departure port: Barcelona
Region visited: Mediterranean
Cabin category: Balcony
Cabin number: 1024
This was my first Mediterranean cruise. I had been on two cruises previously, both to the Caribbean on NCL. They were both very nice, but cannot compare to the experience that I had on the MSC Splendida. The entire experience was first class, and we were not in the Yacht Club group. From check-in at the port in Barcelona, to every disembarkment, the staff is friendly and expeditious. We arrived on the Splendida without our luggage. Our airline lost the luggage and we were afraid that it would not arrive. The reception desk was very accommodating. They took all of the information and were going to help us secure the luggage. Fortunately, our luggage arrived prior to our departure from the port. We took out the travel insurance from our travel agent and we were not worried at all. We knew that we would receive our luggage or be reimbursed. It was well worth the $50 per person. The dining on the ship was good, not great, but the staff was outstanding. We purchased the prepaid liquor package before we sailed. We came to know it as the 431 plan. Our wine, liquor, water and ice cream was all covered under the plan. Two people dining at our table did not purchase the plan and they plan to in the future. For approximately $200 you don't worry about how much you drink at dinner or at any of the lounges for the evening. The type wine that you get is limited, but it was adequate for our meals. We are not big drinkers and I still think it was a great value. The ports were great. Tunis was okay, but it was nice to have the experience in Africa. Do not buy the excursions! In Tunis, when you get off of the ship, there is a taxi stand there with many, many taxis. They have a fixed price of $40, $50 or $60 Euros for the taxi for up to 5 hours. You do not negotiate. The price is stated on large signs in the taxi area. You do not pay until you complete your tour. Your taxi driver stays with you the entire time. He will drop you off at the first destination, park and wait until you return. It helps if you find one that is fluent in your language, but it is not necessary. We spent five hours in Tunis, which was long enough. We sailed to Sicily the next day. Palermo is very nice as well. No tours are necessary. You dock in the city and can walk easily to your destinations. If you want to see things further from port, a tour may be appropriate. I do not recall tour guides at the port. Again, we are adventurous and were willing to just walk and tour on our own. Next was Rome. You dock about a hour by train from Rome. Do not buy the tour. You can walk to the train station nearby and purchase a round-trip ticket on the train to Rome. It drops you off within walking distance of the Vatican. Get off at the first stop in Rome. From the Vatican, you can walk or taxi to all of the sights you can see in one day! Be cautious around the Coliseum. There are gypsies that will attempt to pick-pocket you. Just walk with crowds and pay attention to your surroundings. I was approached by four women who eventually tried to grab my arm. I raised my hands to them as if to fight and they let go. Just be cautious. If you call for a taxi to take you back to the train station, you must be specific as to which train station. We were taken to the main train station which was much further from where we arrived. I don't remember the name of the station to request, but it is near the Vatican. You have a full day there, so you have plenty of time to get around. Just remember that you have one-hour train ride back to the ship. The ship does supply shuttle service to and from the train station area. It is a short walk to the train. The next stop was my favorite. I loved Genova, Italy. It was a relatively quaint town with lots of charm and very few tourists, other than the cruise ship. It was also a walking town. Tons and tons of steps, so if you are not in walking shape, a tour may be appropriate. Make sure to take the cable car to the top of the mountain in the city. From there you can see the Alps and a great view of the sea. Next was Marseille, France. It was okay, but make sure that you go to see Notre Dame. You can't miss it. It is an amazing church on the top of a mountain and can be seen from anywhere. We took the #60 bus directly to the church. This was a great experience and was very inexpensive. Make sure to tour all of the shops. Great shopping. Our final destination was back to Barcelona. Unfortunately we didn't have enough time there. I would recommend a tour there as there is so much to see. As far as the cruise line, again the food, service and rooms were outstanding. The theater shows were worth seeing every night. The shows were lots of dancing and Cirque de Soleil-type events due to so many languages being spoken. We did the early seating and took in the shows after dinner. That would be my recommendation. Make sure that you tour the entire ship. The main lobby is very impressive. The piano is amazing. The crystals are over the top. You will feel like you are in Las Vegas. Enjoy your vacation and make sure to take lots of pictures.
lindav saw things this way:
The ship was full of Italians and children, if you like that idea - perfect!, August 8, 2012
Reviewer: lindav
Pros: Good for children and teens, not good for adults wanting some peace and quiet.
Cons: It was hard sometimes to move in public areas - it was so congested.
Departure port: Civitavecchia
Region visited: Mediterranean
Cabin category: Balcony
Good for children: Yes
Good for teenagers: Yes
We went in July, it was jam packed and difficult to move around because of so many people. To get a sunbed when the ship was at sea was sometimes impossible. The crew (waiters, cabin stewards) were really helpful and friendly. The officers didn't seem to care, especially with English-speaking guests, who were very much in the minority.
MSC Splendida reviews
Average customer rating:
4.77 / 5
4.77 / 5Average Rating based on 2 Reviews:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Staff and Service
5.00
5.00
4.00
5.00
5.00
5.00
4.50
5.00
4.00
5.00
5.00
5.00
4.50
Tracy Fulton saw things this way:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Staff and Service
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
The ship, destinations and crew were amazing, December 17, 2012
Reviewer: Tracy Fulton
Pros: The overall experience with people from different countries was outstanding
Cons: The buffet was just okay; the breakfast food was often very cold
Date of cruise: December 2, 2012
Departure port: Barcelona
Region visited: Mediterranean
Cabin category: Balcony
Cabin number: 1024
This was my first Mediterranean cruise. I had been on two cruises previously, both to the Caribbean on NCL. They were both very nice, but cannot compare to the experience that I had on the MSC Splendida. The entire experience was first class, and we were not in the Yacht Club group. From check-in at the port in Barcelona, to every disembarkment, the staff is friendly and expeditious. We arrived on the Splendida without our luggage. Our airline lost the luggage and we were afraid that it would not arrive. The reception desk was very accommodating. They took all of the information and were going to help us secure the luggage. Fortunately, our luggage arrived prior to our departure from the port. We took out the travel insurance from our travel agent and we were not worried at all. We knew that we would receive our luggage or be reimbursed. It was well worth the $50 per person. The dining on the ship was good, not great, but the staff was outstanding. We purchased the prepaid liquor package before we sailed. We came to know it as the 431 plan. Our wine, liquor, water and ice cream was all covered under the plan. Two people dining at our table did not purchase the plan and they plan to in the future. For approximately $200 you don't worry about how much you drink at dinner or at any of the lounges for the evening. The type wine that you get is limited, but it was adequate for our meals. We are not big drinkers and I still think it was a great value. The ports were great. Tunis was okay, but it was nice to have the experience in Africa. Do not buy the excursions! In Tunis, when you get off of the ship, there is a taxi stand there with many, many taxis. They have a fixed price of $40, $50 or $60 Euros for the taxi for up to 5 hours. You do not negotiate. The price is stated on large signs in the taxi area. You do not pay until you complete your tour. Your taxi driver stays with you the entire time. He will drop you off at the first destination, park and wait until you return. It helps if you find one that is fluent in your language, but it is not necessary. We spent five hours in Tunis, which was long enough. We sailed to Sicily the next day. Palermo is very nice as well. No tours are necessary. You dock in the city and can walk easily to your destinations. If you want to see things further from port, a tour may be appropriate. I do not recall tour guides at the port. Again, we are adventurous and were willing to just walk and tour on our own. Next was Rome. You dock about a hour by train from Rome. Do not buy the tour. You can walk to the train station nearby and purchase a round-trip ticket on the train to Rome. It drops you off within walking distance of the Vatican. Get off at the first stop in Rome. From the Vatican, you can walk or taxi to all of the sights you can see in one day! Be cautious around the Coliseum. There are gypsies that will attempt to pick-pocket you. Just walk with crowds and pay attention to your surroundings. I was approached by four women who eventually tried to grab my arm. I raised my hands to them as if to fight and they let go. Just be cautious. If you call for a taxi to take you back to the train station, you must be specific as to which train station. We were taken to the main train station which was much further from where we arrived. I don't remember the name of the station to request, but it is near the Vatican. You have a full day there, so you have plenty of time to get around. Just remember that you have one-hour train ride back to the ship. The ship does supply shuttle service to and from the train station area. It is a short walk to the train. The next stop was my favorite. I loved Genova, Italy. It was a relatively quaint town with lots of charm and very few tourists, other than the cruise ship. It was also a walking town. Tons and tons of steps, so if you are not in walking shape, a tour may be appropriate. Make sure to take the cable car to the top of the mountain in the city. From there you can see the Alps and a great view of the sea. Next was Marseille, France. It was okay, but make sure that you go to see Notre Dame. You can't miss it. It is an amazing church on the top of a mountain and can be seen from anywhere. We took the #60 bus directly to the church. This was a great experience and was very inexpensive. Make sure to tour all of the shops. Great shopping. Our final destination was back to Barcelona. Unfortunately we didn't have enough time there. I would recommend a tour there as there is so much to see. As far as the cruise line, again the food, service and rooms were outstanding. The theater shows were worth seeing every night. The shows were lots of dancing and Cirque de Soleil-type events due to so many languages being spoken. We did the early seating and took in the shows after dinner. That would be my recommendation. Make sure that you tour the entire ship. The main lobby is very impressive. The piano is amazing. The crystals are over the top. You will feel like you are in Las Vegas. Enjoy your vacation and make sure to take lots of pictures.
lindav saw things this way:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Staff and Service
5
5
3
5
5
4
5
3
5
5
4
The ship was full of Italians and children, if you like that idea - perfect!, August 8, 2012
Reviewer: lindav
Pros: Good for children and teens, not good for adults wanting some peace and quiet.
Cons: It was hard sometimes to move in public areas - it was so congested.
Departure port: Civitavecchia
Region visited: Mediterranean
Cabin category: Balcony
Good for children: Yes
Good for teenagers: Yes
We went in July, it was jam packed and difficult to move around because of so many people. To get a sunbed when the ship was at sea was sometimes impossible. The crew (waiters, cabin stewards) were really helpful and friendly. The officers didn't seem to care, especially with English-speaking guests, who were very much in the minority.
