DAY 1 - 20 Mar 2022
Time at Port: from 9 AM to 6 PM
The historic city of Genoa has played a pivotal role in Italy’s past, particularly when it comes to maritime endeavours. One of the world’s biggest shipbuilding yards – Fincantieri – is located here, and Genoa is also hometown to the famous explorer, Christopher Columbus. You can easily imagine the hustling, bustling travellers and traders of years gone by as you wander in the Old Port, and relive history in Piazza de Ferrari, and the mansions of Via Garibaldi. Sip on delicious wine and enjoy the very best seafood dishes in this pretty yet industrial Italian city.
Things to do in Genoa:
Aquarium of Genoa
One for all the family to enjoy, the Aquarium of Genoa is the largest in Italy. It was designed by local architect Renzo Piano, and built in 1992 to mark the 500 year anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival to the New World. Within its more than 70 tanks live around 600 different animal species, and 200 species of plants. You’ll find representations of the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic, and Caribbean Sea at the aquarium.
Via Garibaldi
Originally called the Strada Maggiore, or Strada Nuova, this street was named after famous general Giuseppe Garibaldi in 1882. Over the 16th and 17th centuries the wealthy nobility of the area set about restoring and reforming existing dated mansions, which resulted in the creation of more than ten fabulous palazzi (palaces). The street became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2006, and today the beautiful buildings act as banks, shops, offices, the Town Hall, and clubs.
Saint Lawrence Cathedral
The Cattedrale di San Lorenzo was first built in the late 11th century. It houses the ashes of St John the Baptist, the city’s patron saint, which are said to have arrived in Genoa at the end of the First Crusade. Over the years the building has suffered destruction and consequent repair works, which has led to the juxtaposition of varying architectural styles. There is evidence of Romanesque, Gothic, Mannerist, and Byzantine style which makes for a beautiful and intriguing image.
Piazza De Ferrari
The city’s main square is named after Raffaele de Ferrari, the Duke of Galliera who donated a large sum of money to modernise Genoa in the mid-19th century. There are both modern and historic buildings surrounding the square, and it also boasts a beautiful fountain in the middle which many people enjoy sitting at with a gelato in hand. Piazza de Ferrari is a popular meeting place among tourists and locals alike, and is also frequently used for events.
Lighthouse
It is believed that Genoa’s lighthouse dates back to the 12th century. It has long represented Genoa, proudly displaying the city’s coat of arms since the mid-14th century – a feature that can be seen on many ancient nautical maps. The signalling light was once fuelled by fragrant plants such as juniper, heather, and briar root, until (olive) oil lamps were introduced in around 1345. The lighthouse has seen many keepers over the centuries, one of whom was Antonio Columbus – Christopher Columbus’ uncle.
Royal Palace Museum
Today, the Palazzo Reale is a spectacular national museum displaying a range of 17th, 18th and 19th century furniture, art, and other artefacts. It was constructed for the Balbi family in 1618, sold to the Durazzo family in 1677, and then became the royal House of Savoy’s property in 1823. Since 1919 the palace has belonged to the state, and has welcomed visitors. The Gilded Hall of Mirrors and collection of 17th century art are particularly special.
Strade Nuove and Palazzi dei Rolli
Le Strade Nuove is Italian for ‘the new street’, and in Genoa this collectively refers to the magnificent Via Garibaldi, Via Cairoli, and Via Balbi. This area of the city is home to some exquisite mansions, which in 1576 were registered on the Palazzi dei Rolli – a list of palaces. Being on this list meant that when important visitors came to Genoa, the wealthy families who owned the mansions would take turns in hosting them.
Old Port
Many say that the activity at the historic port of Genoa is what inspired local boy Christopher Columbus in his childhood to go on to undertake discovery voyages – one of which would lead to European settlement in the Americas. Today, a walk around the bustling port can transport you to years gone by, as you imagine the travellers, trade, and business that went on way back when just as it does now. Gaze at historic buildings and busy streets, many of which were revamped in the 1990s by Italian architect Renzo Piano.
La Spezia
DAY 2 - 21 Mar 2022
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 5 PM
La Spezia is the second largest municipality in Liguria after Genoa and is located a few tens of kilometres from the border with Tuscany. It overlooks the eponymous gulf, which is also known as the Gulf of Poets. In the city you can visit the Technical Naval Museum, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, the Church of Nostra Signora della Neve, and the medieval Castle of San Giorgio. It is also an excellent starting point for discovering the island of Palmaria and the Cinque Terre.
Naples
DAY 3 - 22 Mar 2022
Time at Port: from 1 PM to 7:30 PM
Naples is one of the most important cities in Italy. Its foundation dates back to the 8th century BC, and it once had an important relationship with Athens, due to its commercial power and position on the sea. The city is rich in history and there are numerous places of interest to visit, in particular the archaeological excavations of the nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Things to do in Naples:
Museo Nationale
The opening of the historic National Archaeological Museum of Naples took place in 1816. Built by Ferdinando I of Borbone, at the time king of the Two Sicilies, it boasts the richest collection of works and archaeological finds with regard to Roman history.
Museo d'arte contemporanea
The Museum of Contemporary Art, also known as the Madre Museum, is located inside Palazzo Donnaregina, in the center of Naples. It was established in 2005 with the aim of promoting cultural and artistic development in the territory of Campania.
Palazzo Reale
The construction of the Royal Palace began in 1600 and for a long time was the residence of the Spanish viceroys, before passing to the House of Bourbon and finally to the House of Savoy. The architectural style is a mixture of Baroque and Neoclassical. Today, the palace houses a museum and a library.
Pompeii
The history of Pompeii begins in the 9th century BC, when the area was inhabited by the Opici people - an ancient Latin population. Today the town is famous because of the eruption of Vesuvius, which occurred in 79 AD, which led to its total destruction.
Mount Vesuvius
The profile of Naples would not be the same without Mount Vesuvius that dominates the city skyline. Versuvius is known for the violent eruption of AD 79, which became famous for the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and was witnessed by Pliny the Younger.
Herculaneum
The tremendous eruption of Vesuvius, in 79 AD, not only destroyed Pompeii but also the ancient city of Herculaneum. The archaeological excavations of this city can be visited today and, since 1997, are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
San Gennaro Catacombs
The Catacombs of San Gennaro are the most important Christian monument in Naples. The remains of San Gennaro, the main patron saint of the city, have been held here since the 5th century. The labyrinth of corridors also house Christian frescos from the 2nd century AD, and mosaics from the 5th century AD.
Castel Nuovo
Castel Nuovo is a medieval and Renaissance-era castle. Most commonly known as Maschio Angioino, its construction began in the 13th century at the behest of Charles I of Anjou, after he moved the Italian capital from Palermo to Naples in around 1268.
Piazza del Plebiscito
The Piazza del Plebiscito is located in the historic center of Naples and was of considerable importance after the construction of the Royal Palace. Today Palazzo Salerno, Palazzo della Prefettura, and the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola are also located here.
At Sea
DAY 4 - 23 Mar 2022
You will be at sea on day 4 while travelling from Naples to Palma, Majorca.
Palma, Majorca
DAY 5 - 24 Mar 2022
Time at Port: from 10 AM to 8 PM
On the coast of the largest Balearic island, this sun-soaked seaside city dates back to the 13th-century and is a must visit for any adventurer. A simple stroll will take you on a journey back in time, past breath-taking architecture, medieval history, bustling markets and to an endless array of authentic eateries. With so many hidden gems amongst iconic landmarks, places like Casa Antiguo are the best bet for a true taste of Palma culture.
Things to do in Palma, Majorca:
Le Seu Cathedral
Found in the heart of Palma, La Seu is a stunning Catalan Gothic style cathedral, with renowned architect Antoni Gaudí contributing to its intricate design. Featuring 61 stained-glass windows, the building flooding with coloured light inside is simply a must.
Castell de Bellver
Built in the 14th century, Bellver Castle is surrounded by lush pine woods and houses an insightful museum of Palma’s municipal history. Visitors will love taking a walk around the moat before admiring the view out over the city and bay from the rooftop.
Casco Antiguo
The quaint, winding cobbled streets of Casco Antiguo are the perfect place to lose yourself in the culture of Palma. Discover gothic bookshops, antique boutiques and must-see tourist sites such as La Seu and Es Baluard Contemporary Art Museum.
Es Baluard Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art
Showcasing a wide range of art throughout history, Es Baluard Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art is a must visit to discover the cultural heritage of Mallorca. With works by Picasso, Magritte and more, you’re bound to find your new favourite piece.
Barcelona
DAY 6 - 25 Mar 2022
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 6 PM
This vibrant seaside city is home to unforgettable architecture and creative scenes from renowned artists. The buildings you’ll find here are unlike anything you’ve ever seen, such as Park Güell and Casa Batllo, while foodies will be spoilt for choice with 20 different Michelin star restaurants. At the end of a busy day of shopping enjoy the energetic nightlife, or relax on the beach with newfound friends. Whatever your interests, Barcelona has the perfect itinerary for you.
Things to do in Barcelona:
Las Ramblas
Visiting Las Ramblas is an absolute must when in Barcelona. Visitors can experience the weird and the wonderful, from the Museu de l’Erotica to the Miró Mural, in between trying a range of authentic tapas bars and cafes before a much needed siesta.
Sagrada Familia
Although the Sagrada Familia is not technically complete, it’s still an impressive sight to behold. Designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, this spectacular Basilica hosts many masses, events and a place to simply marvel at in wonder.
Barcelona City History Museum
Home of the cultural heritage of Barcelona, the Barcelona City History Museum manages several sites of interest including archaeological sites and historic houses. Visitors will discover the Roman colony, prehistoric Spain, Barcelona’s Jewish community and more.
Park Guell
Comprising of vibrant gardens and beautiful architecture, Park Güell was designed by Antoni Gaudí and officially opened in 1926. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding showcase of Gaudí’s genius design, Park Güell makes a wonderful place to go for a walk.
Casa Batllo
Another one of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces, Casa Batllo is a truly eye-catching building to explore. Visitors are able to explore this fantastic showcase of the designer’s work, and even enjoy live music and other events on the roof terrace.
Casa Mila
This modernist building was the last residence to be designed by Antoni Gaudí and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the building with an audio guide, and even enjoy rooftop shows on a romantic evening.
Sant Sebastia
One of Barcelona’s oldest beaches, Sant Sebastià Beach features everything you need for a fantastic day in the sun. With indoor and outdoor pools, changing rooms and amenities for lounging, visitors can go for a dip, enjoy an ice cream and find dinner all in one area.
Camp Nou Stadium
With capacity for over 99,000 people, Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Spain and cathedral to the Catalans’ second religion- the beautiful game! Visitors can catch an exciting game of football here or take a guided or un-guided tour of the grounds.
Marseille (Provence)
DAY 7 - 26 Mar 2022
Time at Port: from 9 AM to 6 PM
With a history dating back to the 5th century and the accolade of European Capital of Culture 2013, in Marseille you’ll find an old city full of charm to explore and pretty modern districts alike. Tuck into a classic pissaladière at the old port before visiting the famous coves of the Calanques National Park to the south- a stunning sight and only 25 minutes away by car. Before you leave don’t forget to buy a Marseille soap to give your suitcase a delicious holiday scent!
Things to do in Marseille (Provence):
Calanques National Park
Lying just 25 minutes' drive from Marseille, this stunning national park forms a natural harbour on the Mediterranean coastline. Boasting over 8,000 hectares of green landscapes and dramatic coves, don’t forget to keep an eye out for dolphins from the cliff edge.
History Museum of Marseille
With a history spanning over 2,500 years, Marseille History Museum is the ideal way to walk the paths of Marseille’s engrossing past. Covering everything from the ancient Greek founders and Roman traders, to more recent affairs, the museum is a must for those in love with archaeology and French history.
Le Panier District
This old district of Marseille has witnessed many moments of history, from the turbulence of ancient times to the darkness of WW2. Today you’ll find charming narrow streets to wander, dotted with artisan shops, cafés, bars and bistros.
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
Affectionately called the “Good Mother”’ by locals, Notre-Dame de la Garde was built in the 12th century on the site of an old fort and has seen countless renovations. Standing proudly 157 metres above the city, this is the place for unrivalled views of the city.
Vieux Port
The Port of Marseille is the cradle not only in terms of location but in bringing trade, culture and wealth to Marseilles. Nowadays you’ll find the famous fish market a scenic waterfront ideal for sipping pastis while watching the world go by.
La Corniche
Renamed in honour of US President John F. Kennedy after his assassination in 1963, this pretty boulevard boasts architecture from many different eras, and is the perfect place to go for a stroll and admire the pretty beaches and coastline of Marseille.
Genoa
DAY 8 - 27 Mar 2022
Time at Port: from 9 AM to 6 PM
The historic city of Genoa has played a pivotal role in Italy’s past, particularly when it comes to maritime endeavours. One of the world’s biggest shipbuilding yards – Fincantieri – is located here, and Genoa is also hometown to the famous explorer, Christopher Columbus. You can easily imagine the hustling, bustling travellers and traders of years gone by as you wander in the Old Port, and relive history in Piazza de Ferrari, and the mansions of Via Garibaldi. Sip on delicious wine and enjoy the very best seafood dishes in this pretty yet industrial Italian city.
Things to do in Genoa:
Aquarium of Genoa
One for all the family to enjoy, the Aquarium of Genoa is the largest in Italy. It was designed by local architect Renzo Piano, and built in 1992 to mark the 500 year anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival to the New World. Within its more than 70 tanks live around 600 different animal species, and 200 species of plants. You’ll find representations of the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic, and Caribbean Sea at the aquarium.
Via Garibaldi
Originally called the Strada Maggiore, or Strada Nuova, this street was named after famous general Giuseppe Garibaldi in 1882. Over the 16th and 17th centuries the wealthy nobility of the area set about restoring and reforming existing dated mansions, which resulted in the creation of more than ten fabulous palazzi (palaces). The street became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2006, and today the beautiful buildings act as banks, shops, offices, the Town Hall, and clubs.
Saint Lawrence Cathedral
The Cattedrale di San Lorenzo was first built in the late 11th century. It houses the ashes of St John the Baptist, the city’s patron saint, which are said to have arrived in Genoa at the end of the First Crusade. Over the years the building has suffered destruction and consequent repair works, which has led to the juxtaposition of varying architectural styles. There is evidence of Romanesque, Gothic, Mannerist, and Byzantine style which makes for a beautiful and intriguing image.
Piazza De Ferrari
The city’s main square is named after Raffaele de Ferrari, the Duke of Galliera who donated a large sum of money to modernise Genoa in the mid-19th century. There are both modern and historic buildings surrounding the square, and it also boasts a beautiful fountain in the middle which many people enjoy sitting at with a gelato in hand. Piazza de Ferrari is a popular meeting place among tourists and locals alike, and is also frequently used for events.
Lighthouse
It is believed that Genoa’s lighthouse dates back to the 12th century. It has long represented Genoa, proudly displaying the city’s coat of arms since the mid-14th century – a feature that can be seen on many ancient nautical maps. The signalling light was once fuelled by fragrant plants such as juniper, heather, and briar root, until (olive) oil lamps were introduced in around 1345. The lighthouse has seen many keepers over the centuries, one of whom was Antonio Columbus – Christopher Columbus’ uncle.
Royal Palace Museum
Today, the Palazzo Reale is a spectacular national museum displaying a range of 17th, 18th and 19th century furniture, art, and other artefacts. It was constructed for the Balbi family in 1618, sold to the Durazzo family in 1677, and then became the royal House of Savoy’s property in 1823. Since 1919 the palace has belonged to the state, and has welcomed visitors. The Gilded Hall of Mirrors and collection of 17th century art are particularly special.
Strade Nuove and Palazzi dei Rolli
Le Strade Nuove is Italian for ‘the new street’, and in Genoa this collectively refers to the magnificent Via Garibaldi, Via Cairoli, and Via Balbi. This area of the city is home to some exquisite mansions, which in 1576 were registered on the Palazzi dei Rolli – a list of palaces. Being on this list meant that when important visitors came to Genoa, the wealthy families who owned the mansions would take turns in hosting them.
Old Port
Many say that the activity at the historic port of Genoa is what inspired local boy Christopher Columbus in his childhood to go on to undertake discovery voyages – one of which would lead to European settlement in the Americas. Today, a walk around the bustling port can transport you to years gone by, as you imagine the travellers, trade, and business that went on way back when just as it does now. Gaze at historic buildings and busy streets, many of which were revamped in the 1990s by Italian architect Renzo Piano.
The ship was far too busy and not enough beds when we were the day at sea. Shower curtains in the toilet are old fashioned and the carpet edges had never been hoovered. I could feel the bobbly mattress protector through the sheets. The ships bars and restaurants were very nice and decadent and we always received great service. I reported things being stolen off my subbed and the receptionist just said fill out a lost property form and made out it was my fault for leaving the stuff on the bed, even though The majority of passengers left their stuff on the sun beds. The service at times was slow at the bars but again it was just far too busy. I have been on better class of ships before.
Won't be cruising with MSC again , it was the first and last time , The ship was lovely , but hand washing and sanitizing was hardly ever enforced , in fact we had to go looking for the sanitizer every time we wanted to use it . The economy drinks package was very limited , 2 beers and small cocktails , no frozen large ones in package , so we had to upgrade on the 1st day . The food in the main restaurant was awful , small portions , luke warm and more like 3 star that 5 star fine dining , cheese board on Gala evening was 3 small triangles of cheese and 3 crackers in a packet put in front of you , baked alaska was a square piece of cake , looked more slice of ice cream , buffet food not much better , curry but no rice , lamb , beef etc , no veg or potatoes to go with them , people pushing and shouting everywhere , never known so many rude passengers on a cruise , mainly french and Italian on board , We have cruised more than 25 times and we can honestly say , if this was our first , we'd never have done a second one . don't waste your money , I can highly recommend RCI , NCL or P and O , food , entertainment and service on these other ships is excellent , but avoid MSC at all costs , they try and push to get you to eat in the better restaurants , this is at a cost of between 30 and 60 dollars a time , every announcement is made in 5 languages and can even be heard in the toilets , I could go on , but would be here all day :(
We cruised on MSC Fantasia 1-8th June 2019...we had a lovely holiday and there were things we loved about the ship and others that were not so good! Firstly the ship is stunning! Very elegant and stylish. The layout of the cabin gave more usable floor space and therefore seemed bigger than other ships we’ve been on. The entertainment was not the greatest but I suppose there is a limit to acts that can perform to an international, multilingual audience. So it’s mainly singing and dancing of an evening with a wide variety of genres to suit all tastes. We took a couple of excursions and they were both great. The guides were very informative and extremely accommodating of my husband and his mobility needs. Word of caution book your trips online before you go as they are cheaper than when onboard. Most of the ports had a shuttle bus service to and from the main town/point of interest which seemed a reasonable price and the buses were located as soon as you got off the ship which avoided some very long cruise terminal walks to other forms of transportation etc. The not so good points... we were allocated first set dining at 6.30pm which is in fact WAY to early for most ports of call and the restaurant was always half full with no atmosphere! The food on the first few nights was cold! Then we were busy so didn’t bother going again... we met other people who were sharing our table and the said they’d been and the food was hot so we decided to try again on what was supposed to be a gala night... 6 people, 6 stone cold meals! We all complained and some meals were replaced and came out hot the 2nd time but by then I’d lost my appetite! For the last 2 nights we managed to get a table on the 2nd sitting which was a totally different experience! The atmosphere in the restaurant was buzzing and the food was hot! The times of the sittings are the problem I think, 6.30pm or 9pm... one is just a little too early and the other is just a little too late... The buffet is HUGE! At peak times it can get very busy and my husband found it difficult to get around with the amount of people and with them coming from all different directions! There was plenty of choice and mostly the food was hot but with all buffet type arrangements I’ve never found one that can keep food piping hot yet. So it was a bit of potluck as to whether you got hot food or not! The dress code was never enforced... we dressed up on the Captains night and found we were in a minority of about 20% of the boat. That’s fine if people don’t want to dress up but on other ships we’ve been on your not allowed in the main restaurant without at least a jacket and trouser in formal night and to be sitting there in full regalia to have someone next to you in shorts and a hoodie just ruined the occasion. So unfortunately this cruise didn’t live up to our usual expectations of the reason we fell in love with cruising. If you’re looking for AMAZING food and dressing elegantly at times this is not the cruise ship for you. We got an absolute bargain of a price for our cruise and the ports of call were varied and excellent which is what we chose the trip for. I’m not saying we wouldn’t ever cruise with MSC again we would for the right price and with ports of call that are of interest but we would definitely know what to expect re the food and dress code etc. Re the drinks package... we didn’t have it because my husband doesn’t drink much and so couldn’t justify the prepayment. We met friends who did have a drinks package and in some bars the staff allowed them to have as many drinks as they wanted so they got us the odd drink. Obviously at times they were refused the extras but that’s understandable as that’s the rules. A bottle of house wine worked out to just over 20€ a bottle with the tax whilst onboard and was very drinkable. Spirits are very expensive at around 15€ for a double! They are very strict with not allowing alcohol onboard at ports too... so depending on how much you drink etc decide whether the package is needed or not. I’ve tried to leave an honest review that may help people to decide whether MSC aid the cruise line for them etc...
Nice ship, very attractive bars and common areas. Very good shows, daily. Cabins a bit small and poorly laid out, service very patchy, organisation very poor, excursions terrible value even by cruise ship standards, food not very good, customer service useless. If you do use Fantasia, tip the staff who serve you well and opt out of the flat service charge per cabin. Drinks packages (7 of them!) very confusing because you can have certain things in certain places, but not in others. It's stupid and embarrassing, but MSC don't care.
The employees are overworked, they all seem very tired. The services are overall very good, but they clearly have to hire more resources, everyone was looking exhausted during the entire cruise. The cabins look pretty good, the only thing that I didn't like was the fact the the most of the tv shows were in Italian. The ship is a little crowded. Other ships with the same size have half of th number of passengers. Also, they don't have a lot of shops and most of the prices exceed the ones from the shore, so they're not real duty free. The games that they have for the kids are not free, which was an unpleasant surprise. The food is pretty good. The entertainment needs an upgrade, they don't have a live band so the experience is not complete. The activities that they have during the day aren't very so much fun and there's not many of them. Even though it was a 5 days cruise, I found myself bored during the day because of the lack of entertaning activities. I filled in a form in order to receive the survey from them, it's been 6 days since the disembarkation and didn't get it yet. The organization is terrible, starting with the checkin and disembarkation. We bought a transfer from them and because of the fact that we bought it on board, out names didn't show up on their lists. Due to this, ourselves and the rest of the passengers that were on the same transfer had to wait for them to clear things up. Some of the passangers lost their train because of this. During the discussions that we had we them they were just asking us to wait and explaining that they're very busy. Some of the guys that were coordinationg this were really rude to us. Even though the services were good, I wouldn't recommend anyone to go on a cruise with them, it's just not worth the stress and to be treated like they're doing us a favor for a service that we paid.
Room and public areas clean and staff friendly and helpful (mostly). Embarkation was terrible, had no idea what was going on or where we should go. Food was abysmal.
Having previously cruised with Royal Caribbean we were somewhat disappointed with this cruise. It was like comparing a 5 star hotel with Butlins. The food in the formal dining room was disappointing though the buffet food was excellent if you were prepared to queue and fight for a table. The outside space was noisy with constant "entertainment" involving shouting through a microphone in 5 different languages. Nowhere, other than one's balcony, to sit quietly with a book. The cabins were good, the bed exceptionally comfortable. The evening shows were good on the whole. Perhaps it is just our preference but we much preferred the more formal atmosphere on Royal Caribbean and enjoyed the outdoor space and activities that they offered. We did have a chance to disembark every day, which was good. We thought that 12.99 euros each for a bus shuttle at Palma, Majorca was extortionate and virtually compulsory if you wished to leave the ship.
I returned from Rome after a cruise and stay with MSC Fantasia, the ship is amazing and we didn't manage to see all areas in the wee., I have medical problems I was concerned about long waits to board but I along with my friend who was travelling with me from arriving at the port to boarding was 10mins excellent service from MSC. All the stops we enjoyed and I wouldn't like to chose one over another and the hotel stay in Rome was excellent so well done for arranging an amazing holiday again.
On arrival the customer service was excellent but drifted a little from there .we were 2 friends travelling and requested twin beds it took 4 requests to get this changed. Problems with wi fi 2 visits to customer services to sort this eventually charge was taken off our account. Zanzibar restaurant was awful very noisy ,difficult to get a table and tables not being cleared so we used the red velvet which was fantastic. My fried had a fall on a wet area near one of the pools there wasn't a wet area sign showing and we could not praise the medical team more.Departure day well as we couldn't pay our bill the night before we got up early as thinking the queue would be long ,good job we did as only 2 assistants on duty.we were asked to be in one of the lounges at 8am thinking we would be told when we would be asked to leave the ship as our flight wasn't until 7ish. We left the ship at approx 8.30 to go to the airport and on arrival at approximately 10.45 we were not allowed to check in until 16.30 ish . We sat in a cafe area as long as possible and then walked around the airport and found a departures board where earlier flights to Heathrow were shown and luckily enough 2 seats were available so we left at 15.30 ish. It would be helpful to get departure time from the ship when booking so passengers can be aware of what they can do within the time wait
The ship was fine. The cabin and Food were excellent. The crew also were excellent. The main problem was the noise. Everywhere you went on board there was loud thumping music. If you tried to lay on the pool deck you had to contend with loud music and crazy Italians screaming into microphones. The only place you could get any Peace was in your cabin. Also everything was extra including water which I thought was a human right. Their sense of organisation was very strange, I think it was the only thing more chaotic than the army. I never want to travel by MSC every again.
A good ship but aging. Staff are fantastic especially the wonderful assistant haute D'hotel! Third time on the Fantasia. Would recommend Yacht Club for the best experience. Shows good not as good as in the past. Food needs improving and needs to arrive hot.Top floor cabins are noisy and some have limited views due being set back under the restaurant above. Good itinerary and access to places visited.No extras for travel out of the port. Drinks package is very limited. One choice of beer. Heineken or nothing! Compared to Celebrity very poor. I still like MSC and the Italian influence is one of looking after you. A good cruise line for families and can sail from Southampton. Diffucult to get a table for two so for us it will be Yacht Club from now on as we have retired and are seeking a quiet and more private experience. Very good value for money.
Embarking a little disorganised, disembarking very good. Beautiful ship, lovely room although very noisy as balcony as right at the back. A lot of vibration when docking, woke us and the baby up several mornings very early . No free room service despite paper work saying “free room service”. What it really meant was no service charge but you pay for food on a limited menu. Breakfast free but not available till 7.30am. No dinning room lunch time or breakfast. Most of bars don’t open until 7pm making a drink before early dinning difficult. Drinks package good value. Good bar service when bars open. Dinning room good but choice very limited. Ports of call good. Overall will go back to Celebrity for better service and quality.
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
Note: On 13 January 2018, new European legislation is being adopted in the UK which as result will mean that we may change our required method of payment at our discretion, irrespective of how any deposit or prior payment was made.