We chose this cruise as a reunion of 3 couples after a fabulous Grand Voyage Cruise last year. After a delay in boarding due to the late arrival of the ship caused by fog we went to the buffet as we were all starving by this time. We gave them the benefit of the doubt re the quality and choice of food on the first day. Dinner in the restaurant that evening was not at all good. The bad food and bad portions continued until a meeting with the Maitre 'd and Food and Beverage manager. After that food portions were much bigger but the quality was still as bad. Breakfasts whether in the buffet or restaurants was always swimming in fat. A portion of kippers one day was no bigger than the average thumb! I could go on and on for hours re the food in buffetband restaurants !

The bar staff were superb although a distinct shortage of staff in bars at busy times therefore a long wait sometimes.

We only did 2 MSC excursions which were quite expensive for basically a coach trip. Although they were enjoyable. Do some research and book them yourselves. Read more