The food was poor compared to previous cruises. The bar service was slow and the quality of the cocktails was inconsistent. The cabins were very comfortable and clean. The embarkation process was a circus. Having been told to get to the terminal early, we were then told to sit and wait. No refreshments were offered and the shore based personnel became fractious and rude.

While the delay in the ship arriving was not MSC's fault, I believe they should have been far more forthcoming with apologies, gestures and financial compensation. People were just dumped at hotels and had to fend for themselves. The insurance cover was not explained clearly and I know there are going to be some very angry guests who ended spending way more than R1250 per person in accommodation, meals, transport and drinks. The 50% refund on the cruise and 20% discount on a future cruise just doesn't go far enough.