MSC Magnifica Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We had never cruised with MSC before so went with an open mind. The boarding at Southampton was the smoothest we've ever experienced; from drop off to cabin in 15 minutes. The ship was impressively clean and elegant, our sea view cabin on deck 5 being spacious well equipped with tea making facilities. Our attendant, Waylan, introduced himself and was superb throughout the holiday.
I will summarise the plus and minus points for us for this cruise and give a few pointers we found useful.
Ports of call - we always try to travel independently, rarely taking a cruise exclusion or shuttle bus. All our ports were walkable except Bergen where the port provides a free shuttle to the port gate. In Le Havre we caught the Bee Le Havre bus to Honfleur, a quaint, must see port and good value at 25€ return each. At Olden we caught the public bus to the glacier drop off. The stop is literally next to the bow of the ship. Be warned though, many know about this 5€ trip and gather around the stop; queuing is not really possible and some ugly scenes ensued when the bus arrived. TIP, a second bus arrived a couple of minutes after the first so those at the back of the melee were first to the second bus. The glacier is a must see trip though.
Cabin Review
Oceanview Stateroom
Good sized cabin with plenty of storage. Bathroom large enough with curtained shower. It's location on floor 5 at the front of the ship was a bonus. Little traffic outside, one floor to the bars and theatre. The lifts were always available.
Port Reviews
Le Havre
We felt there wasn't too much in Le Havre so took the Bee Le Havre bus to Honfluer, well worth it. Difficult to get there by public transport and very expensive by taxi.
Stavanger
Easy walk off the ship and plenty to see and do around town.
Bergen
Free port shuttle bus and easy walk into town. Plenty to see and do. The Mount Floyen funicular is a must with a lovely walk back into town.
Olden
Beautiful setting and a trip to the glacier is a must. There is a 5€ public bus that takes you there, be warned though it's popular and can be a bit of a scrum!
Alesund
Easy walk into town and some interesting sights topped by the climb up to the cafeteria view point
Hamburg
Get the water taxi into the city and walk along the riverside to the Rat Haus and all the sights. Plent to see and do, a walk back through the Grosse Wallanlagen park to the Bismark Statute, a highlight