This MSC 7 day sailing to North West Europe very clearly exposed the best and worst of the line.

Firstly on a positive note, it is good value for money,the ship itself is wonderful as are most of the crew, the food is mostly good ( especially the desserts,breads fish and soups) and the all inclusive is probably the most comprehensive and best value at sea.Unfortunately that's were it ends.

The fundamental problem is one made by the corporates back in Italy - the ship is trying to be "International" and failing.Picking and disembarking passengers at multiple. ports on a single voyage gives the ship the feel of a car ferry with constant announcements in 5 languages reflecting the composition of passengers.This leads on to almost continuous safety demonstrations which in reality are" how to put on your life jacket "sessions with little other meaningful content. Read more