MSC Fantasia Reviews

Great ship only problems we had a noisy school group next to us

The ship is of the old style, although it is quite a good looking ship, ie, internal decor is very nice, it is not what they call a "smart ship". The food was very average but adequate. The evening entertainment was a short 35mins but very good. Overall: The price reflects the standard of the ship. We thought we received value for money.

Well equipped cabin with balcony for seven days, staff were very engaging & hard working, buy the drinks package before you get on the ship way cheaper, quality of food in all restaurants was quite good, the whole ship was spotless & well maintained.

Fantastic staff, good food and wine. I enjoyed the Spa massages and their great hair salon. The ship was very clean and we enjoyed the excellent destinations. However, sign posting around the ship could be improved, as it’s so large. We easily trebled our step count just by walking around the ship (often in the wrong direction!). The lifts are slow and often full, resulting in either a long wait or climbing up some ten decks to the pool or Spa. We noted the exclusive ‘Yacht Club’ lift, so there’s clearly an issue. Breakfast was hectic, with a struggle to find a seat. We found a freshly squeezed orange juice and coffee bar, which was included in our upgraded drinks package but carrying drinks back to our table was stressful, as we narrowly dodged children and other guests. Sometimes a waiter would kindly help us but they were all rushed off their feet clearing tables too. We tried room service for breakfast instead but the quality was inferior. The other breakfast ‘dining room’ option was only until 9am, which didn’t suit us but may be an option for earlier diners? Our cabin was dated with dreary colours and a very uncomfortable sofa (which was actually a sofa bed). The cushions slipped off every time we sat down. Overall, it’s a very inexpensive cruise, with professional staff and better than expected food and entertainment but very busy during meal times, plus the Spa and pool areas were always busy. We would certainly use their ‘exclusive Yacht Club’ if we went with MSC again, as we now understand why it’s offered! We booked last minute and this YC option was highlighted but sadly fully booked. I’d like to add the booking service offered by Amber at Iglu Cruises was excellent.

We were very happy with our cruise. The staff were first class, always polite and attentive. The food in the dining room was superb. Sometimes I found the food in the buffet a bit cold or not to my taste but there was always great pizza and breads so I never went hungry! We didn't take any excursions or partake in activities but i will mark as a 5 to let me submit my review. I have already booked another cruise with MSC for June and can't wait!

Facilities

The deck areas were always spotless although the sun loungers could do with being replaced with new ones. The casino area was used as a smoking venue by people not playing machines. I do not agree with smoking onboard. The staff were all very friendly, helpful and worked very hard. One lady who served snacks behind the counter in the piazzo however was very rude. The ship was very luxurious and absolutely spotless, the cabin and balcony we had was also kept clean and comfortable by our cabin steward. Our two waiters in the evening made our holiday. They were simply amazing. Our only excursion we booked was cancelled due to lack of interest so we made our own entertainment at each stop by finding our own way around the places we visited. It’s a shame there were no English channels available on our tv. Some evenings it would have been nice to relax in our cabin with some tv entertainment other than the news channel.

We booked 'guaranteed' cabin and were allocated a disabled one which was 50% bigger than standard so no complaints there. Entertainment in the evening theatre shows was the best we have had on any cruise. Dining was fine except for the usual frenetic activity and scramble for seats for breakfast in the buffet. We only went on one excursion from the ship but found it extremely rushed with more than half the time spent travelling on the coach. A better description of time spent in each location would have helped. Activities rated as average as we didn't use them much.

a really great trip

Very good service and nice food