MSC Musica Review
Rating by category
Additional details
I`ll be honest, I`ve heard things about this company but we booked the cruise anyway for several reasons which I will not go into here. It was our 4th cruise, twice on Royal Caribbean and once on Norwegian. We were due to sail from Venice at 5:00 Sunday. Having arrived there the day before and watched the ships sailing out from our seat on Piazza San Marco, I was really looking forward to the sailout. When we got on the ship we found out the departure time had been pushed back to 6:30, the time when we were at dinner. Sailout from probably one of the most beautiful places on earth and we missed it. Not off to a good start. Having said that I`ll break this review down into various categories.
1)Embarkation
Nothing bad to say about this, everything went smoothly, didn`t take more than 20 minutes. Personnel very warm, welcoming and helpful.
Cabin Review
Nothing bad to say here, very nice room except for the pillows.
Port Reviews
Venice
We arrived in Venice the day before our cruise. We rented rooms at the Holiday Inn, Mestre, checked in, then headed into Venice to ward off the jetlag. Very good hotel for the purpose, 20 minute bus ride into Venice only cost 1 euro 30. Stayed in Venice one week after the cruise. We rented an apartment through Air BNB, and did day trips by train out of the city. Venice is magical, and one must take the time to explore it.
Bari
Not much to see here, ship arrived at noon and most of the stores were closed for the afternoon. Bari is a city, nothing more nor less. Could have just as easily stayed on the ship by the pool. There is a historic tour excursion but not our cup of tea.
Santorini
This place is one of the most beautiful places on earth. We took the cablecar up to the town of Fira . On the advice of a friend we booked a taxi to take us to Oia, about 20 minutes away. Scenic beyond words. Saw a hotel we want to stay in when we come back someday, and we will. Got a bus back to Fira to continue the shopping and had a great light lunch and drinks at a cafe with a spectacular view. We then walked down the famous 1000 stairs to get the launch to the ship. The line up for the cable car was too long. Advice, wear comfortable walking shoes, and plan extra time to deal with waiting lines etc. All in all 10 out of 10. Can`t wait to go back here.
Athens (Piraeus)
We opted to take the Hop on Hop off bus into Athens from the ship. About 30 minutes away. This is also easily done by public transport, a subway but we wanted to see a bit and there is a lot to see. The bus left us in front of the Acropolis. We went up. It was quite crowded but breathtaking none the less. After a bit more sightseeing, followed by a trip around the PLAKA district not far from the Acropolis. Great souvenir shopping and wonderful restaurants. We chose "Giouvetsakia" tavern and the food was amazing. Again, wear good walking shoes and allow a bit extra time to get back to the ship.
Kotor
Imagine waking up in your cabin and opening the curtains to some of the most spectacular scenery as your ship sails up the Fjord. Again no idea what this place would be like but it was breathtaking. The town is small, with a market that is pretty interesting. We again took a hop on hop off tour, about an hour up the Fjord to a couple of towns. Again very scenic. The people very friendly. Beautiful place.