I chose this cruise because I wanted an easy dis- and embarkation port for my parents who don't like air travel and who live in the Netherlands. Unfortunately my parents at the last moment couldn't travel and I decided to travel alone. Embarkation was easy as not too many passengers joined in Amsterdam. There was some confusion about my parents on the boarding document, but when the MSC assistant checked the system it seemed that the stateroom that was intentionally for my parents was already occupied by others. By the way no question about the reason or any sympathy what so ever. When I came on board I was attacked by a lady who was offering me an all inclusive drink package. I told her I wanted to give it a thought but she insisted there were just a few packages for that price left, so I took it on the spot. Later it seemed she lied about this, because it was offered everywhere and at any moment. Think it is quite something to lie in order to sell. The ship looks well maintained and also the stateroom looked in good state (except for some stains in the carpet). The food throughout the cruise was really inedible. Cold, no variety and very unhealthy. There was always enough space to sit. Your dining table is assigned and having diner with people you choose is only possible in the buffet restaurant. Sailing with ship is very quiet and MSC was very punctual. The ship always moored at the most remote berths and I am glad I can walk well, because shuttle service towards the city was always offered at an extra fee, sometimes as high as €15, like in Hamburg. Gym was excellent. Entertainment was very average and somethimes I felt like being on that cheap wedding party. The single travelers get together as announced in the daily program never took place (yes, I was on the right time at the right place). A true pity as there hardly was any interaction between the passengers nor with the crew. A few exceptions. The one time I had a talk with one of the hosts he started to tell me about the many beautiful Russian ladies on the ship and how he would like to sleep with them (really!!?!). Not the way to talk about your guests with other guests. On gala evening there were also people in shorts and with slippers in the buffet restaurant and this discribes best the fellow passengers. As for the service on board it was mostly swift but extremely impersonal. There were also some very kind crew members like Denys and Marcio who really deserve a promotion to become a trainer for customer care, to start with all the officers who do not speak with guests at all but only parade around the Italian way. At last without any explanation we arrive in Amsterdam at 10.15 instead of 09.00, meaning I had to change my flight. This was probably unforeseen as it wasn't communicated until the day before. All together if you are lookin for a nice cruise experience, where you meet nice new people and can have diner in nice settings and enjoy real good food, try to avoid MSC. If you like fast food and like to eat a lot, if it is not important to meet people who can maintain a conversation and are well mannered, this might be the cruise line for you!