This cruise had very few downers and mostly was just perfect! Where possible try ensure you book and catch a shuttle form the airport to the port as this ensures you are dropped off right by the embarkation/customs area. If you not do that it just seems like chaos and people queue for hours. IMPORTANT: Remember to pack your costume and a change of clothes in the bag you are taking with you as you embark. Your suitcases will only arrive in your room later that evening. Dinner times are preset and really difficult to change, so if you cannot wait for the second seating time which is around 20h30 then make sure you go to the restaurant at the specified times to change your seating time. You cannot do this anywhere else on the ship and it is an inconvenience. The only good thing about eating later at the second seating is that you enjoy the first theater show where the team is fresh and energised. They then repeat the act for those who went to the first seating for dinner. The service is generally always good and with a smile! The entertainment was always on the go, get involved or don't get involved. It is really well organised with very few glitches, if any! It's very difficult to speak to someone at reception, you must be willing to stand in a line. This was probably the most time wasted for me, but eventually one assists and of course very efficient. If you are not willing to be targeted with shopping, stay away from the guys selling the expensive products. They will not force themselves and are generally polite, but as soon as you allow one thing to be explained, plan on being caught up for at least half an hour more. Otherwise, the shopping is fun looking at all the brands and prices. Overall though, it was a great experience.
The duvet was stained and turned over which tells us that it wasn't washed properly or needed to be retired so to say. I was very disappointed with this. Otherwise, everything was up to scratch, cleaned daily, towels replaced and cleaned.
Queues will almost always be experienced. Just be patient and get there early. possibly arrive with a shuttle service form the airport as this seems to place you in the front of the queue if you arrive before embarkation time.
We went by boat to Inhaca island where we were hounded by the locals there wanting to take us on a tour etc. Prior to heading over the MSC organiser did advise us of this but it was nothing like what she said. We didn't know where our guide was, there were no clear markings of which 4x4 vehicles we were looking for. It was quite scary. However, once in the '4x4' we had a rather interesting drive along sand roads to St Maria for snorkeling. The drive is a whole experience in itself (with vehicles really not up to scratch and surely maybe not even road worthy!). However, we all arrived safely. An experience we will certainly not do again but will always remember.