msc mediterranean cruise reviews

ONE CHEL OF AN ADVENTURE

Msc mediterranean cruise review: greece, turkey, israel, and cyprus.

Are you thinking of booking a cruise in the Mediterranean? Wondering is MSC a good cruise line to choose? In this blog post, I’ll share my review of our MSC Mediterranean Cruise to Greece, Turkey, Israel, and Cyprus, as well as the ship we sailed on – the MSC Lirica . So, whether you’re considering booking a Mediterranean cruise with MSC or just curious about what they’re like, keep reading for more information!

MSC Mediterranean Cruise Review: MSC Lirica

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MSC Lirica: The Ship Review

While one of the older ships in their fleet, the MSC Lirica still holds up to the test of time! It has 14 decks and many amenities, including 11 restaurants, 12 bars, 5 pools, a spa, a casino, and a theater.

Our Stateroom

We stayed in one of the balcony rooms , and let me tell you, that is the way to go!! We loved being able to enjoy coffee in the morning or a drink in the evening on our own balcony. The room was plenty spacious for two people. See my walkthrough tour below:

Ship Amenities + Entertainment

MSC Lirica offers a wide variety of amenities to keep guests entertained and comfortable during their cruise. The deck has multiple pools plus a fun kiddie splash pad!

For those looking to stay active, there is a fitness center with a panoramic view and an outdoor jogging track. The ship also has a spa with a sauna, steam room, and beauty salon. Be sure to check out the daily specials!

As far as entertainment goes, there is never a short supply of things going on. Check out a show in the Broadway theater, get lucky in the Las Vegas casino, or dance the night away in the Blue Club disco! (photo below from MSC website )

For families, the MSC Lirica also has a great kids and teens club! (photo below from MSC website )

MSC Mediterranean Cruise Review - Food on MSC Lirica

MSC Lirica offers a wide range of dining options to suit every taste. There are three main restaurants, each with its own unique style and menu, as well as an extensive buffet:

• L’Ippocampo Restaurant
• Kaito Sushi Bar
• La Bussola Restaurant

Check out this video of my favorite things we ate and drank on the MSC Lirica : 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chelsea | Travel Blogger (@onechelofanadventure)

The ship also has many great bars and lounges, including a cigar lounge and piano bar. Here’s a list:

• L’Atmosphere
• The Beverly Hills Bar
• The Coffee Corner
• Lord Nelson Pub
• Il Lido Bar
• Starlight Disco

Also See: MSC Cruise Packing List + Printable Checklist

MSC Mediterranean Cruise Review: Ports + Excursions

Our cruise began in Limassol, Cyprus, and took us to 5 other ports:

• Haifa/Jerusalem

We enjoyed all of the ports, however, some excursions were better than others. Keep reading to hear about each destination:

MSC Mediterranean Cruise Port: Rhodes, Greece

The first stop on our cruise was Rhodes/Lindos, Greece . Rhodes is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Mediterranean. The island’s rich history and beautiful scenery make it a perfect place to explore. Rhodes is also home to a number of excellent restaurants and shops.

Cruise passengers often enjoy visiting Rhodes Town, which is the capital of Rhodes. Rhodes Town is home to a number of historic landmarks, including the Palace of the Grand Master. Other popular attractions in Rhodes include Lindos, which is an ancient Greek city, and the Valley of the Butterflies, which is a nature reserve.

We booked the “ Discovering the City of Rhodes ” excursion with MSC. 

Tour Description: “Famed as the former site of the Colossus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and as one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, Rhodes is well worth a visit and this excursion gives you a chance to explore its many attractions. 

The excursion includes a sightseeing tour before discovering the city on foot. As you make your way around the old part of the city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, you will visit the magnificent 15th-century Grand Master’s Palace. Sadly, the original Palace was largely destroyed by an explosion; the sympathetic medieval style rebuild was taken in hand by occupying Italians in 1912. You will also have a chance to stroll down the famous Street of Knights with its many medieval inns, named for the homelands of their guests in days gone by. Your tour ends with some time at leisure before returning to the ship.”

My Review: Discovering the City of Rhodes Excursion

We enjoyed this tour and getting to explore Rhodes , but it was fairly crowded (as you often get when traveling in summer). Our guide was knowledgeable and we enjoyed getting time to explore by ourselves and do tons of shopping! You must check out the village with all the shops, they’re endless and so many great buys! 

There was a pretty good amount of walking (sometimes not on even ground) so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. 

Watch my Rhodes Mini Vlog .

MSC Mediterranean Cruise Port: Santorini, Greece

Santorini is INCREDIBLE. It’s literally like a postcard. It’s no wonder Santorini is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world. The island is famous for its dramatic cliffs, bright blue waters, and quaint white-washed villages. Santorini is also home to a number of interesting historical sites, including the remains of a Minoan settlement and an ancient volcano. Visitors can take advantage of the island’s many hiking trails, go swimming or snorkeling in the clear waters, or simply relax on one of the many beaches. 

We went on the “ Amazing Santorini ” excursion. 

Tour Description: “Exciting, exclusive, edifying: three attributes that not only aptly describe this tour, but also the Greek island of Santorini itself, which was created when the crater left by a huge volcanic eruption collapsed, leaving only the rim, a so-called caldera. After a short boat ride to Athinios port, you will continue by coach to explore the island’s history, capital, and dramatic landscape. 

First up is Oia, a blue-and-white village in Cycladic style perched on the very edge of the caldera. After a guided walk through its pretty cobbled streets and some free time for a total of one hour, reach Fira, Santorini’s capital, for a short photo stop in the old quarter. You will visit a local winery giving you a chance to sample local delicacies made of cheese, tomatoes, olives, and bread accompanied by a delicious wine tasting session. 

Last up is ancient Akrotiri, a town that flourished during the Minoan Bronze Age, but then fell victim to a major volcanic outbreak that covered it in ash in the middle of the 2nd millennium B.C.. Since excavation work began in 1967, many extremely well-preserved artifacts have been uncovered, including frescoes and even some three-story buildings. You will have about 40 minutes to enjoy this prehistoric site before boarding the coach, reach Athinios port where a motorboat awaits to take you back to the ship.”

My Review: Amazing Santorini Excursion

This excursion was great! First, we went to the infamous Oia. Luckily, since we went early, it wasn’t too crowded. We had free time to wander around and take photos which I highly recommend you do!

P ro tip: Be patient when taking photos, there are going to be a lot of people trying to get the same shot. And angles are always your friend 😉 

We grabbed a coffee and beer at a cute little cafe called Lotza that had amazing views. Yes, that photo below is the actual view and no filter – definitely worth a stop!!

Next up on the excursion was a visit to Anhydrous winery for a tasting. Personally, I thought they were a littleeee stingy on the pours, but it was included with the tour and a nice little stop. 

After a little wine, we headed to the Prehistoric town of Akrotiri. Akrotiri is one of the most important archaeological sites on the island. The settlement was buried by a massive volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, and as a result, it has been well-preserved.

Akrotiri was first excavated in the early 20th century, and since then, it has provided a wealth of information about life in the prehistoric Aegean. The site includes a number of well-preserved houses, as well as a number of artworks and artifacts. Akrotiri is also home to an impressive collection of murals, which provide insight into the culture and beliefs of the people who lived there.

Last on our MSC excursion was Fira, Santorini’s capital. We had ample time to wander and explore and get some lunch. After you make your own way to the boat via the cable car down to the port and then a tender back onto the cruise ship.

Watch my Santorini Mini Vlog .

MSC Mediterranean Cruise Port: Athens, Greece

Athens is the capital city of Greece with a history that dates back over 3,000 years. It is best known for its ancient ruins, which include the Parthenon temple, and it is also home to numerous museums and art galleries. Athens is a popular port of call for cruise ships due to its abundant historical and cultural landmarks. The city is easily explored by foot, and there are many tours available through MSC . 

In Athens, we went on the “Athens & Visit to The Acropolis” excursion . 

Tour Description: “Take some time off the ship and head for Athens for a comprehensive sightseeing tour through the main streets and squares of a city steeped in classical history. Not only is Athens widely regarded as the cradle of western civilization and the birthplace of modern democracy, it is also a cornucopia of visual delights you will not want to miss. 

After the city tour, you will continue on to Athens’ premiere landmark: the imposing Acropolis, a plateau that overlooks the town at a height of 150 metres. Among various other examples of classical Grecian architecture, the site is home to the world-famous Parthenon, a huge temple dedicated to the ancient Greek goddess, Athena, and one of the world’s greatest cultural monuments. A brief stop will be made for some souvenir shopping before the tour concludes with your return to the ship.”

My Review: Athens & Visit to The Acropolis Excursion

This tour was not our favorite. Unfortunately, our guide was quite soft-spoken and it was hard to hear/understand him which made him not the most engaging.  However, the tour did take us to see some great sites though, and I think it would be great normally — the guides can just make or break a tour. I would still book this and give it another chance, I just like to be totally honest with my readers 🙂 

We first had a quick visit to the Olympic stadium. 

After that and a drive around the city, we headed to the main event: The Acropolis . It truly is amazing to see these incredible pieces of history/architecture that are still standing today.

Not to mention, the view of the city from the top is stunning! I had no idea Athens was going to be so beautiful. 

Be aware, that it’s a lot of walking/stair climbing, and the ground is marble so it’s VERY slippery. I would recommend wearing shoes with a bit of grip if you have them. And also be preprepared for the crowds, it’s a popular spot!

After the Acropolis, we were given free time to explore the little shopping village nearby and grab some lunch before heading back to the ship. Again, I would still recommend this tour, it took us to a lot of great spots, but I hope you get a different guide. Another great option with more in-depth history would be the “Plaka, Acropolis & Archaeological Museum” excursion .

Watch my Athens Mini Vlog .

MSC Mediterranean Cruise Port: Kusadasi, Turkey

Kusadasi is a beautiful Turkish resort town located on the Aegean Sea. It is known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear water, and lively nightlife. Kusadasi is also home to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most well-preserved Roman ruins in the world. A visit to Kusadasi is not complete without a tour of Ephesus, where you can stroll down the marble streets and imagine what life was like in this once-great city. 

We went on the “ Best of Kusadasi ” tour excursion.

Tour Description: “Designed to give you a one-day overview of three of the best tourist sites around Kusadasi, this full-day excursion combines faith, ancient history, culture, and shopping. Leaving the port of Kusadasi, the first destination will be the House of the Virgin Mary, a place sacred to both Christians and Muslims. It is considered to be the place where the Virgin Mary spent the last years of her earthly life around the end of the first century. You will visit the site, which consists of a small chapel with a single room housing the statue of the Virgin in the centre, a small side room where the Virgin is believed to have slept, and an outer wall where pilgrims leave their prayers on small pieces of paper.

Next, board the coach and start a journey to ancient history by visiting the extensive archaeological site of Ephesus. Follow your guide to discover the wonders of this ancient city: the Library of Celsus, the Agora, the marble street where many of the shops where situated, the remains of Hadrian’s Temple, of which only two columns supporting an arch remain and the theatre, which could seat up to 14.000 people, and the baths. 

A visit to the Ephesus Archaeological Museum is also on the itinerary. This small museum in Selcuk boasts an incredible collection of Hellenistic and Roman statues, carved reliefs and artifacts unearthed from the ruins of Ephesus. The famous statue of Artemis (goddess of fertility) is housed here.

Next, it is time to take a break and sit in a restaurant for a delicious lunch and recover strength. On the way back to the port, enjoy a panoramic drive passing by Isa Bey Mosque, the very old Turkish bath ruins, and a Temple of Artemis. Some time for shopping opportunity and to enjoy a carpet weaving demonstatrion concludes your excursion.”

My Review: Best of Kusadasi Excursion

W e really really enjoyed this excursion ! Contrary to our tour guide the day before (in Athens), our guide in Kusadasi was fantastic ! He was engaging, informative, and entertaining.

The first stop on our excursion was to The House of the Virgin Mary . Regardless of your religious views, it’s pretty humbling to be where Mary is said to have lived after Jesus died. It’s a beautiful site and definitely worth seeing when visiting Kusadasi. 

Next up: The ancient city of Ephesus . The city was known for its Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Library of Celsus, one of the largest libraries in the ancient world. Now, it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It really is pretty incredible that these buildings/ruins are still standing. The detail in the stonework is amazing as well. 

It was VERY hot the day we visited. If you’re going in the summer, I would definitely recommend wearing a hat and bringing a fan ( this is the one I use ). Like at the Acropolis, the ground is marble and can be very slick. Be extra careful and consider wearing shoes with grip.

The tour includes entry into the Ephesus Archaeological Museum . It houses many items excavated from Ephesus, including its best-known ancient statue of the Greek Goddess Artemis.

After the museum, we took an unexpected pit stop at Donna Milan — a random, side-of-the-road leather goods store. To be honest, I didn’t love this part of the tour. Basically, we were forced to watch a fashion show of leather goods and then sent into a showroom where they tried to sell us leather jackets, purses, etc. I understand this is how these shops make their money, but it felt like a little much.

After sitting in the showroom for a little longer than we’d have liked to, we headed to lunch (included). The tour concluded with a carpet weaving demonstration… and another sales pitch to buy rugs/jewelry/leather goods. Regardless of which tour you choose, this is probably going to happen so just be ready for it and be patient 🙂 

There is some good shopping once you return back to the port. If you’re in the market for some reallllyy good designer knock-off bags and goods, this is the place to buy!

MSC Mediterranean Cruise Review: Kusadasi, Turkey Mini Vlog .

MSC Mediterranean Cruise Port: Haifa, Israel

The last stop on our MSC Mediterranean Cruise was Haifa/Jerusalem, Israel . Haifa is Israel’s largest port and the closest to get to Jerusalem by cruise. Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and one of the oldest cities in the world. The city is considered holy by Jews, Christians, and Muslims, and its history goes back to the Biblical era. Jerusalem is a city with many different cultures and religions, and it is considered a symbol of peace and tolerance. It’s a pretty incredible place to visit on a cruise!

We booked the “Jersusalem” excursion . 

Tour Description : “Come with us on a 2-hour drive to Jerusalem, one of the most inspiring cities in the world and renowned for its historical significance, spiritual symbolism, and visual splendour. 

Your excursion will begin with a stop at Mount Scopus to enjoy the breathtaking view. The visit continues with a walking tour through the old town of Jerusalem. Pass Dung Gate, the Western Wall – the remains of the second temple destroyed by Romans in 70 AD and the most sacred Jewish shrine in Jerusalem. Walk along a part of the “Via Dolorosa”, considered by Christians to be the holiest road in the world, the path where Jesus was led to death. You can also admire the Church of the Holy Sepulchre without entering the tomb. 

A stop to enjoy a lunch based on traditional food will be followed by a trip to a souvenir store in Jerusalem, from where we will drive back to Haifa port.”

My Review: Jerusalem Excursion

Prepare for a longggg day! It’s a 3-hour drive just from the cruise port to Jerusalem , but it is definitely worth it!! We first drove up to Mount Scopus which provided a beautiful view of the city:

Then the bus dropped us off outside the gates of the city to begin exploring! Our guide took us through to the Western Wall – known in the West as the Wailing Wall, and in Islam as the Buraq Wall, which is an ancient limestone wall in the Old City of Jerusalem.

We continued on through the city. It was so interesting to see the different quarters (Jewish, Muslim, Armenian, and Christian) and the actual stations of the cross. 

Be prepared, it is very crowded and hectic, but worth it! If you go during the summer months, it’s very hot as well — I recommend bringing a hat and a fan.

We continued on to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where Jesus’ tomb is believed to be. It is incredible inside and very humbling to see.

We were taken to another “exclusive shopping spot,” — again, I didn’t love this part but I do get it. 

After, we headed to a sort of random hotel for a buffet lunch. We weren’t sure what to think initially, but the food was surprisingly delicious! I think they needed a large place to provide lunch for all the MSC Cruise tours. It was one of the best meals we had!

Then it was back to the ship. There was some serious traffic (which is common) so we took a different route back and got to see the Dead Sea off in the distance and drive along the Jordan border which was cool. 

I had several people ask about safety in Israel . Personally, I felt pretty safe, especially with the tour group. Once we did have armed officers board our tour bus for a routine check and asked to see American passports, but we had no issues other than that! 

Watch my Israel + Jerusalem Mini Vlog .

Overall: Is a MSC Mediterranean Cruise a good cruise to book?

Absolutely! We had such a time on our MSC cruise and I would totally take another one. Here’s why I would recommend:

MSC Cruises are very affordable — typically less expensive than Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, etc. MSC also has some great cruise deals ! While it may not be the most luxurious ship, I still think it’s a great option! Plus their newer ships look amazing:

MSC offers so many different routes all over the world. Just in the Mediterranean alone they have multiple routes leaving from tons of different ports! Check out all the destinations here . 

I hope this MSC Mediterranean Cruise Review was helpful! If you’re looking for a fun, affordable cruise line with lots of route options, MSC is a great choice! If you have any questions, I am more than happy to answer them — leave a comment below or send me a DM on Instagram ! 

Check out MSC’s latest cruise deals HERE . Happy Cruising 🙂 

Related Posts:

• MSC Cruise Packing List + Printable Checklist
• 11 Must-Know Things Before Traveling Internationally
• International Travel Essentials You Should NEVER Travel Without

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Did you have time at the wailing wall, or is it a quick photo stop?

On your Jerusalem trip were there any loo stops / comfort breaks ?

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MSC Cruises

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Find a Cruise on MSC Cruises

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Cruising with MSC

Swiss cruise line MSC Cruises sets itself apart from other brands with its refined onboard experiences and eclectic selection of facilities, including adults-only pools and bar areas, Balinese spas and 4D cinemas. The line's 22 ships (with one more on the way) cater to a variety of travelers sailing throughout destinations in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Canada and New England, Bermuda, South America, northern Europe and more. Voyages frequently last between two nights and 120 nights for MSC’s World Cruises, which take place once per year on various vessels. MSC's ships carry anywhere from 2,620 (the Armonia ) to 6,762 (the World Europa ) passengers at full capacity, with approximately one crew member for every three passengers.

Although MSC's ships differ in size, the whole fleet receives praise from previous passengers for its sophisticated ambiance and the value of its itineraries. Travelers can choose from three package experiences – Bella, Fantastica or Aurea – which will determine what their cruise fare will cover. At a minimum, meals in the main restaurants and buffet are included in the price of the voyage, as are several ship activities. Food options vary by ship, though most MSC restaurants feature globally inspired cuisines.

Meanwhile, MSC entertainment includes evening concerts, live shows, parties and contests, while shore excursions cover everything from touring around Mykonos, Greece , to exploring Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios,  Jamaica .

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you’re looking for an easy-to-access beach experience on a Caribbean sailing, select an itinerary that stops at MSC Cruises private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. This island is easy to visit from the ship even with mobility issues thanks to trolleys and beach wheelchairs you can access, and it’s located in the Bahamas near Bimini. – Holly D. Johnson, Contributor

Book an MSC Cruises cruise deal with GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Pros & Cons

Wide array of Caribbean and European itineraries to choose from

Loyalty club members save 5% on most sailings

Appeals to travelers from Europe as well as the U.S.

Beverages, including soft drinks, are not included in cruise fare

Shore excursions cost extra

Limited dining options compared to other lines

• Expert Rating » 3.3
• Traveler Rating » 3.8
• Health Rating » 4.5

MSC Cruises has been ranked based on an expert evaluation of the line's level of luxury, as well as an assessment of user reviews and health ratings.

• # 5 in Best Cruise Lines for Families
• # 6 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money
• # 7 in Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean
• # 9 in Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean

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Before You Book

• Note: To see MSC Cruises' updated deposit, cancellation and rebooking policies, visit its website .
• To confirm your reservation, a deposit is required. Full payment must be received 75 days prior to departure for cruises lasting four nights or less, 90 days prior to departure for cruises of five to 14 nights and 110 days prior to departure for cruises of 15 nights or more. If you book less than 75, 90, 110 or 120 days prior to sailing (depending on the length of the cruise), full payment will be requested at the time of booking.
• The "Children Cruise Free" policy applies to kids younger than 18 (may be based on specific sailing and availability).  
• If you choose to cancel, you may lose your deposit or face percentage penalties, depending on the sailing and when you cancel. Refer to MSC's website  for the full cancellation policy. 
• Passengers with special needs should fill out the Special Needs Form  at the time of booking. At the latest, MSC must be notified two business days before departure.
• If your cruise is canceled by MSC for technical or weather-related reasons before the voyage begins, you will be refunded the full fare or given the option of rebooking on a future cruise. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you have elite status with another cruise line and want to enjoy some added perks with MSC Cruises, this line lets you apply for a “status match” ahead of time. Getting your status matched can help you qualify for 5% off all cruises after your first sailing, plus complimentary gifts, priority disembarkation, complimentary specialty dining and more depending on your status level. – Holly Johnson, Contributor

Before You Board

• You must check in and be on board at least two hours before departure. The time you board the ship will be listed on your cruise ticket.
• You can check in online and collect your e-tickets up to 24 hours prior to your embarkation date. Visit MSC's web check-in page  for more information.  
• All luggage should be labeled with the passenger's name, ship name, cabin number and the date and port of departure, and MSC Cruises provides luggage tags for all passengers with this information. Two suitcases and two handheld pieces of luggage are permitted per person (as long as that does not exceed eight pieces of luggage per stateroom).
• While you cruise international waters, MSC requires passengers to carry all necessary travel documents – such as passports, required visas and immigration documents– where necessary.
• You can book shore excursions in advance on MSC's website . Deadlines for prebooking shore excursions vary by itinerary.
• Passengers cannot prebook specialty dining experiences ahead of time, but dining packages can often be booked online ahead of most sailings. These packages typically include two to three specialty restaurant meals in a single sailing, and unlimited specialty dining packages may be available.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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MSC Caribbean Cruise Review: Ship, Entertainment, Food and Service

Normally when you are driving to the cruise port to board a cruise you’ll see the cruise ship appearing in the horizon, it’s such an exciting feeling.

This wasn’t exactly how embarking on my last cruise went, when we arrived it was late at night and completely dark, we had been travelling for a little over 17 hours and we knew that there was still something that could ruin everything and mean that we would be denied boarding.

Despite all of that though, I was more excited for this cruise than any other.

I Booked The Cheapest Cruise in The Caribbean

I’m from the UK and for the last couple of years, I have dreamed about taking a Caribbean cruise.

It usually isn’t a cheap option for me given that a 9-hour flight separates me from the Caribbean but I saw an incredible deal on the MSC Seaview so decided to give it a go.

MSC are definitely a controversial cruise line and in the past, I’ve heard bad things said about the food, the service, and the entertainment but I wanted to see for myself would it be worth the price I paid? 

Usually, if I want to work out the cost of a cruise that includes flights in the price, I’ll take away the cost of the flights and divide it by the number of nights of the cruise.

The cost of the flights from the UK to Barbados alone were over £700+ ($900). The cruise, including gratuities, drinks, transfers and flights was only £580 ($750).

I genuinely don’t know how the cruise was as cheap as it was, effectively either the flights were free, or the cruise was. If I was to use my usual method, the cruise cost -£17 (-$43 per night).

It was very very cheap. 

I Didn’t Have Huge Expectations

For the incredibly low price that I paid I didn’t go into the cruise with massive expectations. I didn’t know who else would be on the cruise, I didn’t know how it would compare to other MSC cruises I’ve taken and I didn’t know if everything would go to plan.

T here was a LOT that could go very wrong.

I did lots of things on this cruise that if you regularly watch my videos, you might think are out of character but I promise I will explain.

When we arrived at the cruise port in Barbados we checked in and were taken onto the ship, the cruise that we had booked was 7 nights long, and visited southern Caribbean islands. 

We Needed Another Covid Test

It was onboard the ship that we had another covid test done, we had already had a PCR test at home but we needed another to be able to embark on the cruise.

I hoped that because I had tested negative at home, that I would test negative again at the port but I do know people who had tested negative, then positive, and had to quarantine in Barbados. 

I couldn’t imagine getting all this way and then being denied boarding, but I knew that it was a risk when I booked the cruise. It’s probably because of risks like this that our cruise was at such a low capacity, but more about that later. 

Thankfully we did test negative and our cruise began.

I Decided to Order Room Service (Even Though it Wasn’t Free!)

It was at this point that I made the first un-Emma-like decision, I decided that I would order room service even though it wasn’t free. If you’ve been watching my videos for a while, you’ll know that I very much focus on budget cruising and saving money wherever I can.

After our long journey though and the time difference, all we wanted was to have a shower and to go to bed. 

Before we could have my room service though, we had to do a safety drill, also called a muster drill. 

I was surprised to find out that we had to physically go to the theatre to do our muster drill, on most cruises since the pandemic you’ll just watch the safety videos on your cabin TV or phone, but we had to actually go to the theatre just like the olden days. 

There weren’t many of us in the theatre because Barbados wasn’t the main embarkation port for the cruise. 

On MSC There Isn’t Usually a ‘Start’ and ‘End’ Port

MSC are different from most other cruise lines in the way that you can usually get on or off at multiple ports. I’ve found this flexibility really useful in the past because if you can’t get a day off work for whatever reason, you can just move the cruise a day later and embark in the next port. 

Many people don’t like this though and I do understand why, this did affect our cruise in a few ways.

The Pizza Was 100% Worth it

Our room service pizza was great and was worth every one of the 11 euros that it cost me.

This is the same pizza as you can get in the buffet and MSC are well known for their pizza, it’s all freshly made and available something crazy like 20 hours a day and I think I had at least one slice every day of our cruise. 

To learn more about the food that we ate on board, check out my food review:

Everything I Ate on my MSC Cruise (Photos and Menus) – Food Review

We Booked a Guaranteed Inside Cabin

We had booked the cheapest inside cabin on the ship and were assigned cabin 11105.

The cabin was very clean and functional, it felt very spacious because there wasn’t too much ‘stuff’ in there and I really liked things like the USB by my bed, the do not disturb buttons inside in the cabin and the fact that the TV did actually swing round so that we could watch TV in bed.

I did find a rather interesting adult section on the TV that I’ve never seen before on a cruise, but I didn’t dare click on any of those buttons! 

After our long journey, we had the best night’s sleep, the beds were very very comfortable and when my daylight alarm clock woke us up we were excited to explore the ship. 

Late Dining Was at 9PM – Too Late For Me!

We noticed that our cruise cards said that we had been assigned late dining.

We had requested early dining before the cruise because 9PM is way too late for dinner in my opinion so we definitely wanted to change this if we could. 

We decided that we would ask at the restaurant if we could change it, the cruise line always has the right to say no but I’ve never had any problem changing my dining time before when onboard. 

The MSC Seaview Was Unlike Any Other Ship

I’ve cruised with MSC before on the Opera, Meraviglia and Virtuosa but Seaview is totally different.

It was immediately obvious that she is designed for warm weather, the ship doesn’t have a central street like many of the other MSC ships but she does have a big pool deck, another inside pool, a smaller pool at the back, and lots of waterslides and splash areas for kids. 

At the back of the ship, there is a walkway called the bridge of sighs, it’s a glass walkway that is 72 feet above the infinity pool which you can see below on deck 8. 

The Main Atrium is Split Over 3 Decks

Inside there is an atrium split over multiple levels and lots and lots of bars and lounges. The MSC Seaview even has things like a bowling alley and a 4D cinema. 

Your weekly piece of cruise Trivia is that in the atrium you may notice these sparkly stairs. They’re made of Swarovski crystals and each step costs £10,000 which is around $13,000 dollars. Each step. I didn’t count the steps but there are 6 staircases like this in the atrium and you’ll find them on most MSC ships. 

Multiple Languages Were Spoken Onboard

Usually on MSC Cruises, you’ll find that everything will be done in multiple languages, guests onboard will usually speak German, French, Spanish, Italian, English. 

English is definitely the primary language onboard but hearing announcements in other languages is something I’m very used to on MSC Cruises.

Before this, though I’d only ever cruised with MSC in Europe so I was interested to see if this would be different in the Caribbean. 

The Ship Was At 23% Capacity

It was almost immediate that we started to notice how quiet the ship was, I’ve taken quite a few cruises since the pandemic which have been at reduced capacity but I’ve never noticed it quite as much as I did on this cruise. 

I later asked at the reception desk how many guests were on board and I was told 1200 out of a total capacity of 5119.

This meant that the ship was only 23% full.

I suspect that the passenger numbers did increase later in the cruise as we picked up more guests but even still if I wanted to have 20 seats I could have. 

We Had Plenty of Space to Sit Outside

We decided not to upgrade to a balcony for this cruise and I have no regrets about making that decision.

Because of the reduced capacity of the ship, there was always plenty of seating available outside and we would often sit on the boardwalk area outside the buffet. 

The buffet was closed on one side due to the reduced guests and I don’t think that anybody else thought to walk around and sit here.

I treated this area as my own big private balcony for the cruise and it was the best.

If you wanted to pay for this much space per person you’d usually have to pay a really premium price on a very expensive luxury line. 

The only bad thing was that there wasn’t waiter service here as this area was closed but I’d just walk down to the bar and order drinks to bring back up here. 

We Had a Drinks Package Included

We did have a drinks package included in our cruise and it actually was the top premium drinks package.

There’s no way that I would usually buy this package, I’m more of a soda package kind of girl but I did my best to make the most of it as it was included.

I tried all kinds of weird and wonderful cocktails. 

If the ship was busier and I didn’t have a drinks package, it might have been worth upgrading to a balcony to make sure that we had a space where we could sit, but on this cruise that definitely wasn’t needed. 

Was The Ship Too Quiet?

We were enjoying the ship being quiet but did wonder how this would affect the rest of the cruise.

We didn’t know if the schedule would be reduced because of the reduced passenger numbers or if the atmosphere would be lost.

I’m definitely the type of person who likes to go and watch things like game shows, but I have no desire to be involved at all so I was hoping that there would be enough other guests that it wouldn’t be awkward or strange.

At this point, we didn’t really have any plans when it came to what to do in the ports.

I did buy an internet package, mostly to keep in contact with you but also so that I could do some research. 

We Wanted to Book Excursions on The Ship

We hadn’t booked excursions at this point but were hoping to and we just hoped that they hadn’t all sold out.

Being a budget cruiser I usually don’t do cruise line excursions but we were over 4000 miles from home and wanted to see as much of the islands as we could within the limited time.

A friend of mine Tommy from the AlwaysBeBooked cruise podcast was on a similar cruise one port ahead of us, he said that he would leave me a gift in one of the ports so I was hoping that at some point I’d manage to find that! 

Looking at MSC’s app there was no book button when it came to the excursions so that did worry me.

We Went to The Excursion Desk

We decided to go to the excursion desk and we were able to book excursions there, it turns out that my credit card wasn’t properly assigned to my cruise account so I couldn’t buy anything through the app, I had to go to one of these little machines to assign my card.

I’m pretty sure I did this online before the cruise, but anyway it was easy to do and we were able to book our excursions. 

I Wasn’t Expecting a Lot From MSC’s Theatre Entertainment But I Was Surprised

I have to say in the past I’ve really not been a big fan of MSC’s theatre entertainment.

I’d go as far as to say it’s probably always been my least favourite from the cruise lines that I’ve cruised with. 

Because of the number of languages spoken on board the shows tend to be a bit ermm… abstract let’s say.

In the past, I’ve always come out of the MSC shows thinking ‘what on earth did I just watch’. They have always been entertaining, but not quite for the reason that they’re meant to be.

I was hoping that the entertainment on this cruise would be better. 

We Headed to Lunch in The Main Dining Room

By this point in the day, we were getting hungry and decided to head to the main dining room for lunch. It was here that we asked if we could change our dining time and it was no problem at all.

The crew member just crossed out my time and table number on my card and wrote down a new one for us. 

We always found the crew onboard to be friendly and helpful.

We chatted to the crew more than we usually would just because they seemed to have more time because of the reduced capacity.

Are The Crew Rude on MSC Cruises?

We were sat in the atrium one afternoon and two waiters from different directions came zooming at us to take our order from both sides, we never had to wait for anything and the crew would just be standing there waiting for guests again if you wanted to pay for that level of service normally, you’d be paying 10x what we paid. 

I’ve been on MSC cruises in the past where the crew seem very busy and stretched, I’ve never had any bad service or found anybody to be rude but on past MSC cruises, I’ve definitely noticed the crew seem very busy.

I think a lot of the time you get out of the interactions with the crew what you put in, if you are friendly and polite the crew will mirror it back to you. If you’re acting like a prat, well then. 

MSC’s Food Has Changed a Lot Over The Years

Over the years MSC have had lots of criticism for their food and when I took my first MSC cruise in 2012, the food wasn’t great.

The portions were pretty small and the food wasn’t always particularly hot. 

I took another MSC cruise in 2018 where the food wasn’t anything amazing, but wasn’t terrible, and then I invited some of my first-time cruiser friends to cruise with me with MSC in 2019. They loved it. 

The food definitely wasn’t as good then as other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean or Princess but we didn’t pay Royal Caribbean or Princess prices and my friends who had no other cruise lines to compare the food to, thought it was great.

There were 6 of us on that cruise and at no point did any of us have any food complaints.

The food definitely can be hit and miss though but MSC do some things like pasta, bread and pizza very very well.

We mostly ate in the main dining room but also went to the buffet most days and we did have a specialty meal too, for free. More about that later. 

You can see photos of every single thing I ate here: Everything I Ate on my MSC Cruise (Photos and Menus) – Food Review .

We Visited Dominica, Antigua, The British Virgin Islands and St Maarten

The excursions weren’t too expensive by cruise ship excursion standards, each one cost around £50 for a half-day tour.

Our first excursion in Antigua took us around the island on this rather interesting bus, it was a cross between a bus and a rollercoaster really because you had to hold on really tight. 

We went round lots of tight corners at fast speeds and it definitely wasn’t for the faint-hearted.

The tour dropped us off at this lovely beach for a little while and here I did another un-Emma like this, I paid $5 to use this umbrella! It was so worth it.

I’m from the UK. We are not used to sunshine like this. 

We were docked next to the Queen Mary 2 in Antigua which was quite a coincidence, she was the last ship I sailed on and the Cunard cruise experience is a world away from an MSC cruise. I love both, but they’re both very different. 

We had great weather for most of our cruise and were usually sat outside with a drink somewhere. Even if we got food from the buffet we would usually take it outside to eat.

MSC’s Buffet Choices

The MSC Seaview actually had two buffets, one on deck 7 and one on deck 16. The one on deck 16 was permanently closed during our cruise and the one on deck 7 was only open on one side. 

The buffet was open almost all of the time and even if the main part of the buffet was closed between meals the pizza and grill sections would be open.

I liked how they had examples of the food here so that you could see what you were ordering because there were lots of different languages on board too it helped guests who didn’t speak much English to be able to point at what they wanted.

There wasn’t a veggie burger here but I asked if they had one and they did, they cooked it freshly for me.

While I was waiting, the waiter took our drinks order, there were so many waiters in the buffet as soon as we sat down we were asked if we wanted a drink.

At mealtimes the buffet did feel like a pretty normal buffet, we could always get a seat but it there still would be quite a few people there.

The food is all served to you at the moment by the crew so it was nice to have other people there so that you could take a look at what there was before ordering it. 

There would usually be a ‘wellness’ section of the buffet, a kind of carvery section, an Indian section, and a few others that would change out depending on the day and the time. 

I did discover this amazing thing, it was like a pineapple dessert pizza or a big triangle doughnut?

I don’t know what it was but that’s what’s great about cruising, you can try all kinds of random foods. 

They also had some great doughnuts but they were only served at breakfast time alongside things like waffles and pancakes, I have no idea why, I would have eaten those doughnuts at any time of day.

Oh, and yes, of course, there were cookies. They were more like shortbread biscuits, but always very yummy. 

The Buffet Was Closed on One Side

The way that half the buffet was closed made sense, I did wonder if they would do this with the rest of the ship but they didn’t seem to.

We never found any bars or lounges that were closed, no more than normal anyway. 

We might find that there would only be a couple of people in a bar, but everything pretty much went on as normal.

The MSC Seaview Has Lots to do Onboard

The daily schedule definitely was reduced due to the capacity, usually, the daily schedule is multiple pages long but there was only one page per day.

There was the usual live music, game shows and quite a few dance classes.

On a couple of occasions, I saw the crew doing a dance class with no guests there, which did make me laugh a little bit, I just loved how they carried on with everything as normal. 

There Were Lectures in The Theatre

We also watched a presentation in the theatre about what it was like behind the scenes of the ship which I found very interesting.

We learned about the bridge and galley and various other things.

I knew a lot of it already as I do a lot of research for my website but it was very nice to have somebody who clearly knew what they were saying confirming to me the things I have written online in the past. 

Covid Regulations Onboard The Ship

MSC were very hot on mask-wearing, we had to wear masks all the time unless we were sitting in a bar or a restaurant.

There were usually 2 or 4 crew members standing in the corners of the theatre and if somebody took off their mask they would swoop in and tell them to put their mask back.

Covid regulations are still taken very seriously in the southern Caribbean, there really aren’t any regulations left in the UK but when you’re traveling you of course have to follow the rules of the places that you’re going to. 

We Visited The British Virgin Islands

Our next port stop took us to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and we had a bus with sides this time.

Our tour guide was great and she even gave us sugar cane to chew and rum to drink on the bus. It was a very memorable experience. 

The roads were quite bumpy and the tour guide would often show us things on maps or her phone.

I do get quite travel sick and really can’t look at things like maps when I’m in a moving vehicle but I did my best to look like I was paying attention. It was great to hear from a local. 

MSC’s excursions although organised by MSC are run by third-party companies, so you don’t have any MSC employees with you on the trip. 

Here we docked next to Celebrities Millenium, the Celebrity Millenium is a pretty big ship but she looked small next to the MSC Seaview.

We looked down into the ship and it was quite funny to see everybody walking around by the pool.

I Still Can’t Believe How Little I Paid For This (£580!)

I hadn’t felt the sun quite like this in years and spent the whole cruise saying ‘can you believe how much we paid for this?’

I have friends who pay more to stay in London for the weekend than I did for this whole thing, including all my drinks and food. I still can’t quite believe this deal.

We met people onboard who were staying for a month or two just because of how cheap it was. It’s still the same price now too, if you can cruise right now you can pay almost the same price as I paid. 

If you are interested in the more practical side of how to cruise as cheaply as I do, you’ll find everything you need in a step-by-step process inside the How to Cruise For Less cruise course: How to Cruise For Less.

The MSC Seaview Had a Zipline!

On top of the MSC Seaview is the ship’s famous zipline.

The zip line wasn’t running during our cruise which it does say in small print on the MSC website, I didn’t read that before the cruise though so I was expecting to see somebody flying across it at some point. 

The MSC Seaview is very much a ship designed for fun, her splash park area is huge, the slides stick off the edge and everything is very relaxed.

MSC’s Onboard App

When you’re on an MSC cruise and you want information about something the first place that you go to is the MSC app.

The app lets you see how much you’ve spent on things, what you’ve got planned like excursions and you can even see the menus for the dining rooms ahead of time. 

I don’t think at any point I went to dinner or lunch without having already looked at the menu and decided what I wanted.

I wish all cruise lines did this. 

The MSC app worked really well, they haven’t overcomplicated it but it has the basics right. I’ve recently cruised with Cunard and P&O, both of which don’t have the daily schedule in their apps which is annoying, they could learn a thing or two from MSC.

We Received Freebies from MSC’s Loyalty Program

Another thing that MSC do better than other cruise lines is their status match program.

If you have a loyalty status without another cruise line or some hotel brands, MSC will give you the equivalent status.

I did this years ago and matched my NCL status to MSC, now I get lots of freebies every time I cruise with MSC. 

The benefits arrive throughout the cruise so one day we would come back to the cabin and find some macaroons, or a chocolate ship. 

This chocolate ship is very tasty but it is almost indestructible.

I’ve bought it home before and put it in a bag and just tried to break it to pieces. I have never found a knife that could cut this thing. 

Claiming my Loyalty Status Free Meal

As our cruise went on I realised that I hadn’t had any information about the specialty meal that I get included for my loyalty status.

I knew that this was a perk I was entitled to so I went to the specialty restaurant section of the ship and asked if I could book and use my status.

They said yes and I’m glad I actually went to find out, or I would have missed out. I’m not one to miss out on free food though!

We ate in the Asian Fusion restaurant and it was great.

There were more chefs in the kitchen than guests in the restaurant when we were there, so we basically had our own personal chefs.

At the end of the meal, I had to sign for the £0 bill which was awesome. At no other point during the cruise did we actually have to sign for anything when ordering food or drink. 

The Speciality Restaurants Location is Odd

The specialty restaurants were located up behind the second buffet which was closed.

It would be very easy to cruise on the MSC Seaview for a week and never find any of the speciality restaurants.

I did find it a bit strange that they were so out of the way but it did cut down on the amount of upselling that we experienced.

On the MSC Meraviglia class of MSC ships, the speciality restaurants are in the central street so as you are walking through the crew will often to try to upsell you speciality meals or drinks packages.

We really didn’t have any of that on our cruise which was a relief.

That may be partly to do with the fact that we already had the top drinks package. 

I did find, as I do with most cruises, that the people who worked at the spa were very keen to get us to go in and have a treatment, but I always just politely said no thanks and then very quickly ran in the opposite direction.

The Ship’s Capacity Increased as we Visited More Ports .

When we docked in St Maarten more guests embarked and I’m pretty sure that from this point on the capacity was higher than the 23% that we started with.

We noticed a lot more children onboard too and generally areas like the theatre and the atrium felt busier than they had done before. 

There was a man in the theatre who sat in the same seat every night right at the front and he stood and up and applauded after each song, it was just the sweetest thing and I think everybody needs a cheerleader like that in the front row. 

It was definitely still noticeable that the ship was at reduced capacity but I’m sure it increased.

Guests Embarked on Multiple Days

It was a little strange having guests embark when we had already been on the cruise for a few days, the safety drill information was broadcast throughout the ship and into all of the cabins, even though we had already been earlier in the cruise.

This is one of the downsides of having a cruise where guests get on and off in different places.

One big bonus of that though was that on disembarkation day we were able to stay on the ship until 3 pm and we kept our room until 12pm because we were on an MSC night flight back to the UK. 

They might not have done this if the ship was at full capacity but they definitely had the space to spare. 

MSC’s Dress Code s

MSC are a very casual cruise line and we wore shorts almost all day everyday.

MSC do have one ‘formal’ night but I use the word ‘formal’ in as loss as terms as possible.

The dress code for the formal night is only suggested and there isn’t actually a dress code, or there wasn’t one on our daily schedule, it was just suggested if you do want to dress up, today is the day. I put on a dress but that was about it. 

To learn more about MSC’s dress codes, check out this guide: MSC Dress Code Photo Guide – 96% Agree The Dress Codes are Relaxed

Given the fact that it was warm on this cruise, I really enjoyed not having to wear formalwear. 

It Was Completely Different to my Last Cruise With Cunard

My last cruise was onboard the Queen Mary 2 where the dress codes are incredibly strict, the most formal night on any MSC cruise is still 50x more casual than the most casual night on a Cunard cruise.

That is what is great about cruising through, there is so much variety between cruise lines. 

MSC are at one end and Cunard right at the other. 

Check out the video below to see for yourself:

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A fantastic cruise!

We have only good things to say about our cruise in November of 2023 on MSC Seaside out of Orlando. The embarkation was quick and efficient. Our room was ready as soon as we boarded. The ship was big, beautiful, and clean. We were shocked at the cruise fare! We received the drink and wifi package as part of our fare. Also, my daughter sailed for free. The price cant be beat. We never waited for drinks for more than 5 minutes. The servers went out of their way to accommodate requests. We enjoyed the food in both the buffet and the MDR. Great, quick service in the MDR. Venchi chocolate was worth the paying for. We loved it as well as the gelato. We really loved the Michael Jackson show. One of the absolutely best shows at sea! We found all of the entertainment to be fun and appropriate for our multi-generational party. We feel like many negative review issues had been addressed by the time we sailed. Ocean Cay is by far our favorite private island of any cruiseline. We have already booked more cruises with MSC!

Date of experience : November 04, 2023

MSC Seaside is beautiful ship and I…

MSC Seaside is beautiful ship and I enjoyed the facilities, destinations and entertainment. I did not enjoy the restaurant evening meals as the food was bland and unappetising. Some of the pasta dishes for an Italian ship was inedible and the same bland vegetables were served every evening. The buffet however was excellent but a bit crowded at times.

Date of experience : March 05, 2024

Very poor customer service staff are r…

Very poor customer service staff are rude and arrogant. My whole experience was very bad from start to end it felt like I'm in a jungle not on a cruise ship. over crowded no places to sit people reserving sunloungers from early morning without using them so you can't use the facilities because it was very Crowded horrible food too. Pay a bit more and look elsewhere

Date of experience : March 17, 2024

This company comes across as homophobic,and i would not recommend anybody to book a cruise with this company

Date of experience : April 07, 2024

Really poor service

Really poor service. MSC. Have travelled with you several times before but this will be our last. We get a better service from other cruise companies. Accommodation is awful dripping taps, bed stains etc. paid a lot of money to be on this cruise. Complained and yet nothing has been done. Made formal complaint to head office and basically got told tough…. Fair enough won’t be back then…..

Date of experience : March 12, 2024

Worst Cruise line company

Worst cruise we went on so far. We were on the MSC Meraviglia and they overbooked it. You had to wait in line for everything. They have a private Island where youre supposed to stop for a day. The captain didnt feel it that day so we stayed on the ship. It was supposed to be their main attraction. We did complain but they didnt care

Date of experience : March 03, 2024

Terrible. Any other line is better. Cattle barge. Canceled our port to Ocean Cay, their private island to let another unscheduled MSC ship take our spot on the dock. Spend a little more and book a real cruise line. Big mistake trusting MSC.

Date of experience : March 27, 2024

First MSC Cruiseship

This was our first cruiseship experience. I found MSC Euribia amazing, from the staffs to the services they provided. I like the food (they should serve varieties of cusines everyday, ex. Persian food during Monday, Korean food during tuesday) also some tastes blant. The staffs were very much welcoming and warm, I’m just sadden by the thought that they been working for 12hours without getting some rest or sit for awhile. The excursions were expensive, it should be free. Wifi should be free as well. Anyway, this is an italian company, what do u expect?

Date of experience : March 22, 2024

Extremely poor customer service

Extremely poor customer Service. It doesn’t feel like anyone there knows what they are doing, I have been told conflicting information by different members of staff and had some of the most useless and unhelpful responses I have had from any company. I would strongly advise you book your cruise with another company. I only wish I had seen some of the reviews here before I booked. Shoddy.

Currently on MSC Poesia world cruise

Currently on MSC Poesia world cruise. MSC Customer service has been appalling…. No response to written correspondence prior to embarkation (due to multiple itinerary route changes - some of which were due to the Red Sea conflict, others due to yellow fever, others due to, well who knows!!). Complaints made to the CS manager whilst on the ship also gone ignored. Replacement ports poor, food below standard, entertainment terrible. Currently 900 passengers have signed a petition as a result of their dissatisfaction to the sailing = 40% of the ships passengers which shows how bad it is. Threats are now being made by the ships staff (including Captain) to retract complaints, AVOID, AVOID, AVOID!!!! One saving grace is the fabulous hospitality staff on board who MSC are unbelievably lucky to have.

Date of experience : March 19, 2024

The worst cruise ever!

The worst cruise ever! It’s like a zoo- so crowed and not enough room and the food my dog wouldn’t even eat. The shoes and entertainment are disgraceful!!! Never any seats, and when you do get one, people stand in front of you. Everyone heated and upset. Claustrophobic and sad- and stressed. This is no holiday It’s making me and my boyfriend feel so poorly that our days are ruined! Staff treated terribly Do not travel with MSC!!! Pay more and go elsewhere whatever you do!!!! The staff are so overworked it’s disgusting to see. All so lovely but so disorganised. The Drinks are also disgusting I am So poorly from the pina colada!

Date of experience : March 28, 2024

Our experience was HORRIBLE

We have cruised many times. This was our first time with MSC and we were celebrating our 12th wedding anniversary. We were excited to see what MSC had to offer. The Seashore is an incredibly curated ship, with incredible amenities. However, the reason for this rating isn't about the ship, it is about the staff. On our first day on the boat, we were notified that our excursion for the first day in port would need to be cancelled. We went to the excursion desk to inquire and were told that we could keep the excursion but couldn't use the amenities because it was for Yacht Club members only. This would have been a complete nightmare because the cabana was excluded and they food/butler/drink service would not be available to us. Because we were already on the boat, there were no excursions for us to replace that one with because everything for that day was sold out. The whole reason we got it was for the upgraded amenities but reluctantly, we chose to cancel. The best they could offer was an umbrella, which we couldn't use because the winds created a major hazard and we were not allowed to use them. This situation completely ruined the plans we had set up for the first port day. On the 2nd morning of the cruise, my wife was badly injured when she slipped on a stair while we were walking to the spa. She required medical attention. The medical staff was okay. There was one nurse who was amazing. He helped my wife tremendously and I truly wish that I could remember his name. He used appropriate cleanliness measures and ensured that he was wearing appropriate PPE when assisting my wife. A few of the medical team members were doing things without washing their hands or wearing gloves, i.e. drawing medications from vials. There are cameras all over the boat, I cannot make this up. It was a horror to watch. Upon getting help, we quickly realized that she would need surgery. We were given some instructions about going to see a hospital in Nassau. As we are not citizens of the country, we felt that it was safest to fly back to the U.S. to get help, rather than in a foreign country. We just wanted to get assistance with ensuring that we could get home safely. I reached out to the venues where we had prepaid excursions. The spa was great, they assisted us with no issues. The excursion desk however, was a complete nightmare. Although they knew my wife was hurt, they gave me the run around. I did everything they asked and the run around didn't stop until later that evening. It was a total mess and waste of time. They made little effort and it was disheartening. Different members of the staff kept calling and asking the same questions as if they were note communicating with one another. I'd finally had enough and asked them to stop calling because we had already had the same conversations about five times. Even worse, I had to advocate at the front desk to get help. Eventually, a supervisor at the front desk got involved. She asked me to come back into her office, which I assume was to prevent from making a scene. She made a quick phone call and things got moving. After all of that, they had me sign paperwork stating that we were disembarking for personal reasons, even though they knew that my wife got seriously injured on the boat. It was very insulting and dehumanizing, especially because they were fully aware of what happened. To make matters worse, the insurance policy that I purchased was useless. You can't use it on the ship. The policy doesn't actually kick in until you have completely disembarked and paid for everything out of pocket, to include surgeries. Only then can you file a claim for reimbursement. I can't, in good faith, recommend this to friends and family. If the staff is a reflection of the leadership, then the leadership has failed. I couldn't imagine recommending MSC to people that I love and respect.

Date of experience : March 26, 2024

Overcrowded, overpriced excursions, travel to and from cities on the shuttle bus extortionately priced when p&o was free. Food average but very busy around the buffet area. Euribia only used EU plug sockets but didn't clearly make this aware to us before hand. Also charged us an authorised payment and when challenged they said it was for their charity?? Yet thisnwas not discussed or agreed with us, and was not clear if this was written down anywhere before being taken out. Really long queues for the shows which extended uncomfortably close to people sitting in restaurants nearby which felt tacky and poor for a luxury establishment. Similar complaints looking at the previously review. I'll stick to P&O in future.

Date of experience : February 23, 2024

Euribia 9-16 Feb 2024

NEVER NEVER NEVER again will i cruise with MSC over crowded, under staff, repetitive food, poor quality food, unhappy staff , ridiculous excursion costs Basically a floating holiday camp third time with MSC , previous 2 where satisfactory this one with Grand children, they loved it , kids club people where excellent . constantly running out of this running out of that in the restaurants , MSC in not interested in calls on my feedback , im just making potential customers aware , think twice next year ,back on P&O or Royal Carribean

Date of experience : February 09, 2024

We won’t cruise with them again!

We were supposed to leave for our cruise in 16 days but a family member has just been diagnosed with cancer and we are unable to go now. When we called to cancel or they kept $900 out of the $1200 we paid, including our drinking package. We will never cruise with MSC again and I will make sure I tell everyone I can about this, every chance I get.

Don't make a mistake and book with MSC Cruises

For last experience with MSC cruise Bellissima (Japan & South Korea), as usual we paid all excursions in advance. First day scheduled excursion (SAKURAJIMA Sightseeing -KAGOSHIMA) was cancelled due weather condition. They promised to refund the amount within 60 days. After 6 months and many follow ups from us with them, they rejected to refund the amount. Besides, MSC cruise is wasting of money and time. Zero quality in everything.

Date of experience : August 16, 2023

Customer service not responding

Customer service still haven't replied after 2 weeks. It felt like we were a cash machine on the cruise. Everything was extortionate. Had to pay to use wifi!! One day pool towels were not delivered to our room so we had to pay 60€ for 2 towels on the day we left, to our surprise ... The whole experience was pretty unpleasant

Date of experience : February 11, 2024

MSC Orchestra Mediterranean Cruise

Overall, the value for money was good. The crew kept things running smoothly and i really appreciated the housekeepers, who cleaned our room twice a day. Having the daily programs delivered to our room was helpful, although these were delivered around 8-9pm which I found a bit late, because after a long day of walking and exploring I would like to be in bed by then. The size of the room was fine, and was on the smaller side which was to be expected on a ship, and seemed to be fairly clean, besides the pencil marks left on some of the furniture by a previous guest's child. When we got to the room there were actually no towels, and we had to ask for towels twice(?) before getting any. I was not a fan of the shower, which went between too hot and too cold, and the shower stall was too small to really move out of the way of the burning stream of water when it went too hot. I was glad to have a shower at home after that. I would also have expected shuttle busses out of the port to be included in the cruise fare, or at least offered at cost - charging €17 per person for a 20 minute bus ride was a bit steep. The food was okay. Some of the dishes (mostly the egg dishes) were downright gross, bad texture etc. It didn't help that the ship was quite crowded, and by the time I'd find a table most of the food would have gone cold, which I could deal with, but the cold eggs were an especially big no from me. I really enjoyed the desserts, pizza, pancakes, chocolate croissants, some of the rice/pasta dishes, etc. There was a big enough selection of food that I could avoid the dishes I didn't like and still be fed just fine. I thought it was a bit weird as well that we were seated with other passengers at the restaurant dining. This was a celebratory anniversary trip, and sitting by strangers at dinner was so not romantic. Besides that, the dinner portion sizes were tiny, and it took forever to get our food, like an hour and a half to have finished our dinner. We ate at the buffet for dinner most times. My biggest gripe has got to be the water situation on board. If you want water, your options are to pay for bottles of water, or use a small plastic cup basically at meals only, unless you want to walk all the way to the other side of the ship for water. We made due with the free water, but if we'd bought water bottles, we could have spent around €120 on water alone. My only other real criticism is how crowded the ship is. I think the ship was at near-capacity during our cruise, and it showed. On the day we were at-sea, the deck was so crowded that there was literally no where to sit outside. There are not enough dining tables inside, we had to eat outside often. One time I had to bring the food back to my room to eat because there was not a single table open anywhere. The theater shows were pretty cool, somewhat hit or miss and sometimes kind of repetitive, but many of the performers are extremely talented and I looked forward to the shows every night. All in all it was a positive experience, there are definitely some areas for improvement but I'm glad we went, I'm glad we didn't pay more than we did, and I would absolutely go on another MSC cruise again in the future (given that fares remain affordable), but not any time soon!

What an absolute joke

What an absolute joke, been cruising for many years first time on msc and will never be coming back again, it's a circus on the sea. Staff member Sandeep Kumar on reception of euribia is the rudest person I've ever met. Never been treated this bad on holiday ever.

Date of experience : February 12, 2024

If only you could rate ZERO stars

There is evidently no single person hired by MSC with an IQ over 70. Their web site could have been designed by a child...and has never worked in the 3 weeks I've been trying to access it. Their policies are mind-bendingly stupid in their conception. Again, a child could come up with better thought-out procedures. In short, no matter HOW cheap these functional half-wits make their cruises...IT"S NOT CHEAP ENOUGH. Don't make the mistake of booking MSC. Your holiday will be ruined.

Date of experience : February 27, 2024

MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES

Jump on board on one of our Mediterranean cruises , and immerse yourself in the Egyptian, Greek, Persian, Iberian and Roman cultures, to mention a few. Taste the real Mediterranean cuisine where olive oil, wheat, grains, fruits and vegetables are always abundant. If you have always wanted to visit some of the most emblematic monuments around the world like the Colosseum in Rome , the Parthenon in Athens or the Basílica de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona , we invite you to go on a romantic holiday as a couple or create unique experiences and memories as a family or a group of friends, like you have never done before, on one of our MSC cruises around the Mediterranean. Discover all the hidden gems in Spain , Italy , France , Greece , Morocco, Croatia , Cyprus, Malta, Montenegro, Portugal, Slovenia, Serbia, Albania, Tunisia and Turkey, while on a cruise in the Mediterranean Sea. Adventure and culture are out there, take a look through our available Mediterranean excursions and choose from a list of unforgettable visits to the Acropolis in Athens, making a wish by the Trevi Fountain in Rome or tasting French cuisine when in Marseille . Let us organise everything for you to enjoy every moment of your Mediterranean holiday . There's no better time than now to plan your holidays and book one of our Mediterranean cruises for 2024 and 2025 ; or treat yourself to a last-minute escape on a Mediterranean cruise with MSC Cruises .

Mediterranean Countries

Greece & greek island cruises.

Greece & Greek Islands are known for their white beaches and turquoise-blue waters, and also for a vast cultural and historical heritage that has influenced the rest of Europe for millennia. Come aboard our ships for a Greek cruise with MSC Cruises and discover destinations such as Rhodes , a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its medieval city, the ruins of Kamiros, or the temple of Athena Lindia; Katakolon , the gateway to Olympia, home to the first Olympic Games, and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site; or Heraklion , the location of the famous Minotaur labyrinth myth, and capital city of Crete, where you will be able to visit the Palace of Knossos, the Palace of Phaestos, and much more. Don't miss the magnificence of this country, with all its attractions such as the Acropolis and La Plaka in Athens , but also smaller coastal towns with charming and picturesque harbours in, Corfu , Santorini  or Mykonos , with our Greek island cruises . Enjoy the treasures of each destination.

Italy Cruises

Italy holds a prominent position in the Mediterranean, and its long coastline offers many cultural and natural opportunities for those travelling by sea. Our Italy cruises can take you to well-known cities such and world-class places as Rome , Naples   (Pompeii, Capri and Sorrento), Venice , Genoa  (Portofino and Le Cinque Terre), Messina  (Taormina), Siracusa  or Palermo , among others, but MSC Cruises during your Italy cruise can also offer calls and excursions to suggestive gems like Trieste  with the Miramare Castle, Livorno  - gateway to Florence and Pisa - , or the wonders of Puglia and Basilicata, featuring Bari , Brindisi , Lecce, Alberobello, Matera. Whether with your family, with friends, or in a couple's getaway, experience life aboard a spectacular cruise ship while travelling to cities surrounded by the turquoise blue of the Mediterranean Sea: immerse yourself into the local culture and savour all the different cuisines offered by each Italian region. Every cruise is a special time with MSC Cruises.

Croatia Cruises

Croatia is a treasure of the Adriatic Sea , with many islands and coastal towns famous for their picturesque buildings, enhanced by the natural beauty of their surroundings. Choose a Croatia cruise and discover the city of Dubrovnik , an UNESCO World Heritage Site: enjoy the Rector's Palace, the Modra Spilja Cave, or a stroll around the charming streets with the Mediterranean at one side, and idyllic mountains on the background . If you want to experience a place with a little more bustle, our Croatia cruises will take you to Split , an Ancient Roman town that has turned into a busy city, no longer resembling a Roman settlement more than vestigially, with its seafront cafés and businesses as well as historical sites, such as the Temple of Jupiter.

MEDITERRANEAN ports

VENICE CRUISE

Discover one of the most beautiful and unique cities in Europe with one of our Venice cruise ships , and experience the bustle of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built upon 118 small islands , interconnected by more than 400 bridges .

Venice has been a most influential port since de Middle Ages, when it amassed great wealth that is now visible in its impressive architecture and art. During your Venice cruise you can stroll around Saint Mark's Square , visit the city's museums, or go on a Gondola ride. The " Queen of the Adriatic " just awaits you: come on board and MSC Cruise to discover the treasures of each Mediterranean destination.

BARCELONA CRUISE

Choose a Barcelona cruise and experience a city that combines the intricate street patterns of a medieval settlement and the ordered avenues of a modern town. The "Ciudad Condal" is attractive to visitors for countless reasons, and at MSC Cruises we organise excursions for you to see some of the landmarks, such as the Sagrada Familia , the Camp Nou Stadium , or the Casa Milà , a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The port of Barcelona  is also a sight in itself: it is Spain 's cruise main port, and it has a history of almost 2,000 years. Not a bad place to begin your Barcelona cruise, treat yourself to an unforgettable holiday.

ROME CRUISE

The " Eternal City " has been welcoming travelers for millennia, and the gateway to a Rome cruise is through the port of Civitavecchia . At MSC Cruises we organise excursions so you can immerse yourself into the culture, with visits to the Ancient Roman Colosseum , the Baroque Trevi Fountain , or the awe-inspiring Vatican and Vatican Museums with the famous Cappella Sistina by Michelangelo .

You might also stroll leisurely along the Tiber and see Sant'Angelo castle or the Palazzo Farnese . After seeing the sights, you will be welcome on board to continue with the Rome cruise across the Mediterranean Sea. Discovery awaits you!

view all MEDITERRANEAN PORTS

• Alicante, Spain
• Ancona (Urbino), Italy
• Arrecife de Lanzarote (Canary Is.), Spain
• Barcelona, Spain
• Bari, Italy
• Bodrum, Turkey
• Brindisi (Lecce), Italy
• Cadiz (Seville), Spain
• Cagliari (Sardinia), Italy
• Cannes (Côte d'Azur), France
• Cartagena, Spain
• Casablanca (Marrakech), Morocco
• Cephalonia, Greece
• Ceuta, Spain
• Chania (Crete), Greece
• Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
• Corfu, Greece
• Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Funchal (Madeira Is.), Portugal
• Genoa (Portofino), Italy
• Haifa (Jerusalem), Israel
• Heraklion (Crete), Greece
• Ibiza (Baleari Is.), Spain
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Izmir, Turkey
• Katakolon (Olympia), Greece
• Koper, Slovenia
• Kotor, Montenegro
• Kusadasi, Turkey
• La Goulette, Tunisia
• La Seyne-sur-Mer (Toulon), France
• La Spezia (Cinque Terre), Italy
• Limassol, Cyprus
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Livorno (Florence), Italy
• Mahon, Spain
• Malaga (Granada), Spain
• Marmaris, Turkey
• Marseille , France
• Messina (Taormina), Italy
• Monfalcone, Italy
• Mykonos, Greece
• Naples (Pompeii), Italy
• Olbia, Italy
• Palermo (Monreale), Italy
• Palma de Mallorca (Baleari Is.), Spain
• Piraeus (Athens), Greece
• Rhodes (Lindos), Greece
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Is.), Spain
• Santorini, Greece
• Sibenik, Croatia
• Siracusa (Sicily), Italy
• Split, Croatia
• Tangier (Tetouan), Morocco
• Taranto , Italy
• Tarragona, Spain
• Thessaloniki, Greece
• Trieste (Venice), Italy
• Valencia, Spain
• Valletta, Malta
• Venice - Marghera, Italy
• Villefranche sur Mer (Montecarlo), France
• Zadar, Croatia
• Zakynthos, Greece

Reviews ON OUR MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES

" Loved every port of call except having to finally return home! "

Teresa T., Cruising the Mediterranean

" We found Winter an ideal time to visit Rome ..cooler and less busy. "

Laura B., Cruising the Mediterranean

" I did enjoy being in Marseille but I really liked each port we sailed to... "

Joan E., Cruising the Mediterranean

What is the best time of year to cruise the Mediterranean?

What is the weather like in the mediterranean sea, what countries are part of a mediterranean cruise, where do mediterranean cruises depart from, how long is a mediterranean cruise, how much is a cruise around the mediterranean, thank you for visiting msc cruises.

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MSC Fantasia Review – Western Mediterranean Cruise (Updated 2024)

Are you looking for an MSC Fantasia Review in the Western Mediterranean? Then I got you covered!

After my first cruise exploring the Eastern Mediterranean with the MSC Magnifica (read all about it here ), I was in the mood to cruise. Not long after, we decided to explore the other half of the Mediterranean Sea.

The MSC Fantasia sailed to Spain, France, and Italy with us – and I can already tell you one thing: it was amazing!

If you are still wondering if the MSC Fantasia or the Western Mediterranean is right for your vacation, then I got you covered.

Learn all about life on board the MSC Fantasia and read about my second cruise in this Western Mediterranean cruise review.

Let’s set sail!

Table of Contents

Msc fantasia review – the amenities, msc yacht club – msc fantasia review, msc fantasia review: pros and cons, western mediterranean cruise: itinerary, the cruise port, things to do in cannes, things to do in palma, the barcelona cruise port, barcelona things to do, corsica cruise port, things to do in corsica, the naples cruise port, la spezia cruise port, things to do in cinque terre, sea days on a cruise, conclusion: msc fantasia review, faq: msc fantasia cruise review, more 1 day cruise itineraries, about the author.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my  disclaimer  for further information.

About the MSC Fantasia – Cruise Review

The MSC Fantasia is a cruise ship released in 2008 and is known for its stylish, yet ecological design.

Spread out over 18 decks you can find a multitude of amazing things to spend your time on. From a great selection of restaurants to a 4D cinema, a palazzo filled with chic boutiques, and a massive range of sports facilities – there is something for everyone!

Let’s have a closer look at the amenities of the MSC Fantasia.

• Entertainment: MSC Fantasia offers a huge array of entertainment. You can enjoy live music, various shows in the Avanguardia Theatre, and even a Panorama Liquid-Disco! I definitely danced the night away on many evenings on the MSC Fantasia.
• Fitness: For sports fans, there are many different opportunities on the MSC Fantasia. You can play tennis, basketball, and mini-golf. To be honest, I only made use of the elegant pool and the gym on the ship.
• Sundeck: There are many places to tan or enjoy the view on the MSC Fantasia. The 18th floor offers a designated sundeck where you can catch the best of rays every day.
• MSC Aurea Spa: I absolutely loved relaxing in the spa on board. We booked massages and facials and enjoyed the quiet atmosphere in the hidden away spa.
• Restaurants: There are several different restaurants on the MSC Fantasia. The bigger L’Africana Buffett is open all day and serves many delicious dishes. There is a big variety to choose from, and the quality of the food and the service is outstanding. The Red Velvet Restaurant and the LÉtoile Restaurant were used for dinner settings. There was also a Mexican restaurant, but that was exclusively for Yacht Club Members.
• Bars: There were so many fun bars on the ship, I can barely even remember. From a fun Sports Bar to the Piazza San Giorgio and relaxing Pool Bars – there was a nice spot for everyone.

For a more luxurious experience, cruise guests of the MSC Fantasia can book membership in the MSC Yacht Club.

The MSC Yacht Club offers you entrance to special, separate parts of the ship, such as a private pool and sundeck and a private restaurant.

You can also make use of the concierge and butler service 24/7.

If budget is not an issue, I suggest booking the MSC Yacht Club Membership.

• Many different restaurants and bars for every taste
• Super friendly staff
• Big ship with lots of space
• Amazing fitness and spa amenities
• Delicious and high-quality food
• Chic design and modern cabins
• Great pool area
• Fly + Cruise Packages available with direct transport from the airport
• High passenger numbers, can get crowded at times
• Shore excursions are pricey

Day 1: Genoa

Day 2: Cannes

Day 3: palma de mallorca, day 4: barcelona, day 5: corsica.

Day 6: Naples

Day 7: Cinque Terre

Day 8: Genoa

Our first port on this cruise was the famous little town at the French Cote d’Azur, Cannes.

The disembarkation process at this port was especially fun (for me at least) because we were brought to shore on small tender boats.

Getting a slot for the tender boats was a bit of a hassle. Many people wanted to go at the same time, so there was some waiting time.

Read all about our shore day in Cannes in this detailed cruise guide.

The small coastal town of Cannes on the French Riviera is mostly known for hosting the annual fabulous film festival. We chose to explore Cannes on foot because it’s not too big and very nice to walk around.

We strolled around the Boulevard de la Croisette and took a nice walk along the coast, lined with sandy beaches and cute small boutiques.

Another beautiful part of Cannes that you should definitely check out is the Old Town, which is also known as Le Sequet. The little fishing village offers old-world charm as well as exceptional views.

Below the Le Sequet, you can find the charming Old Port. If you wish to take it a bit easy I can recommend trying the fabulous private beach clubs along the Croisette. I can especially recommend La Plage du Martinez and the Carlton Beach Club. Make sure to check out Le Baoli, my favorite restaurant in Cannes.

There are also many lovely villages in the South of France that you could check out on your shore day.

The biggest cruise port in Palma de Mallorca is in the middle of the city, right in front of the Old Town’s streets. This was the port we docked at. You can walk from Palma de Mallorca cruise port to the old town.

Port Palma is connected from one side to the other with a seafront promenade. There are also some shoreline docks, commercial docks, and recreational docks.

One of the most underrated stops on this cruise route is Palma de Mallorca.

While the island has a terrible reputation for being home to all the German drinking tourists, in reality, there is so much more to see. Just make sure to avoid the Ballermann area if you do not wish to encounter these people.

The rest of the island is filled with beautiful coastlines, long white sandy beaches, and a charming historical old town. This port was my favorite one of all mentioned in this Mediterranean cruise review.

The capital of the island is Palma de Mallorca. You can easily explore it on foot. Make sure to visit the beautiful Santa Maria Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic landmark overlooking the Port of Palma.

The old town of Palma is nice to explore and stroll around in, vibrant little cafes and street artists cover the cobblestoned streets. Another beautiful spot to visit is Bellver Castle, a circular 14th-century castle that offers an amazing view of the city.

For a more relaxing day at the beach make sure to visit Paseo Maritimo or the Playa c’an Pere Antoni, the closest two beaches to the port. If you wish to explore any beaches further away from the port make sure to arrange for transportation or book a guided tour with the cruise line.

For amazing half-day trips and excursions in Palma de M

There are 7 different cruise terminals in Barcelona. They are conveniently located at the end of the Las Ramblas shopping street.

It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the cruise terminal to Las Ramblas. You can book a transfer with the ship or book a private transfer in advance.

We opted for booking the transfer with MSC Cruises, although it was quite expensive for a short ride.

Read my detailed one-day in Barcelona cruise ship itinerary for more information.

Combining maritime charm with astonishing medieval architecture is the Spanish City of Barcelona. The city is famous for its fantastical church Sagrada Familia, as well as other modernist landmarks designed by Antonio Gaudi.

The cruise ship transfer dropped us just outside the port and we decided to walk all the way towards the Sagrada Familia, the famous unfinished cathedral of Barcelona. The surrounding quarter of the cathedral is picturesque in itself and definitely a great place for you to explore.

The walk took quite some time but gave us a nice impression of the Catalonian capital. We decided to combine our lunch break with some shopping at the famous shopping mall El Corte Ingles at the Placa de Catalunya. Make sure to visit the rooftop restaurant of the mall to have a stunning view of the city.

Our walking tour continued us down the famous pedestrian street Las Ramblas. The boulevard connects the Placa de Catalunya with the Port Vell. The street is filled with cute little restaurants, street artists, and shops and is absolutely vibrant. For fresh fruit and street food make sure to stop by the Mercat de la Bouqueria.

For lovers of architecture, I can recommend the Casa Batllo as well as the Park Guell.

For an amazing photo opportunity make sure to check out the Bunkers del Carmel. Beach lovers will find themselves right at home at Barceloneta Beach, the most famous of Barcelona’s beaches.

Lastly, make sure to visit the Camp Nou Stadium of the Barcelona football team, if time permits.

The famous Ajaccio cruise port is located on the western coast of Corsica.

The port city is the largest on the island, but it is not huge. Ajaccio cruise port is situated in the Gulf of Ajaccio, right by the city. 

The city is not big, but it has lots of quirky shops and amazing restaurants. Ajaccio can easily be explored on foot from the cruise ship. The harbor itself is super beautiful.

Read all about our shore day in Corsica in this detailed guide.

Corsica is famous for being the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte and has a great selection of beautiful beaches.

Upon arrival, we booked a tour on a small train that took us across the island and showed us all the magical places, and explained the great history of the island. We took it relatively easy in Corsica, but there are many other fun things to do there.

Corsica is also known as “The Island of Beauty.” Here are some of my favorite spots to check out:

• Discover Calanques de Piana: Located on the western coast of Corsica, the Calanques de Piana are magnificent red granite cliffs. You can take a boat tour or hike along the coastal paths to see them.
• Explore Bonifacio: Visit the charming town of Bonifacio is another cool thing to do. It is perched on the southernmost tip of Corsica. The cute town is famous for its beautiful citadel, pretty harbor, and narrow streets with interesting buildings.
• Relax on Corsican Beaches: Corsica has many beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters. From the famous Palombaggia and Santa Giulia beaches in the south to the secluded Saleccia and Rondinara beaches in the north, there’s a beach for every taste. Spend a day unwinding, swimming, and soaking up the Mediterranean sun.
• Visit the Citadelle de Corte: Situated in the heart of Corsica, the town of Corte is home to the Citadelle de Corte. It is an impressive historic fortress on a hilltop. You will have an amazing view if you walk all the way up there.

Do you need travel insurance in the Mediterranean? Yes, travel insurance in the Mediterranean is highly recommended. Unsafe roads, water sports accidents, and food poisoning are only a few examples of when travel insurance could come in handy.   EKTA offers worldwide travel insurance  with 24/7 service and no hidden fees or restrictions.

Day 6: Naples & Vesuvio

The port of Naples is called Porto Napoli and that is where we docked. The cruise terminal is called Stazione Maritima.

From there you can catch ferries that travel between Naples and Capri, Ischia, Sorrento, and other cities.

The Naples port is located on the southern side of the city. From the cruise terminal, you can find a passenger walkway that leads you to the Piazza del Plebiscito. It will lead you right to the city center, the centro storico.

Getting to the center of Naples on foot from the terminal will take you about 10 minutes. Walking is one of the easiest ways to get to the city.

Read all about the best things to do in Naples in one day in this guide.

Our next stop was the home of the Pizza and Mount Vesuvio – the Italian city of Naples . This was the only port of call where we had actually booked an excursion provided by the cruise line .

Immediately upon arrival, we boarded a bus that drove us straight to the starting point of our tour. This was about an hour away from the famous crater on Mount Vesuvio.

We hiked up to the crater on a small tour, guided by a local who shared his knowledge about the volcano with us.

The Vesuvio is one of the only two active volcanoes in Europe and is about 1281 meters high. The hike does not require any previous hiking experience and the top is not particularly difficult to reach.

The crater is quite impressive to see and also allows you to overlook the city of Naples from above.

The last eruption was in 1944, authorities expect the next one in the near future. It could be devastating for all the people who live close by, in the so-called death zone.

The ship docked in a big Cruise Terminal in La Spezia.

The Port of La Spezia is located in the Region of Liguria. La Spezia is about one hour away from the more famous city of Genoa. From there you can also easily reach Tuscany and see Pisa, Lucca or even Florence.

The cruise port   Golfo dei Poeti  has been there since 2015. From there you can easily catch a train or a boat for an excursion.

Cinque Terre is a string of five old fishing villages perched high on the Italian Riviera. The five towns are famous for the colorful houses and vineyards that cling onto the steep terraces. The villages are called Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Rio Maggiore.

In high season there are a lot of tourists roaming the cities and they are hard to explore. We explored the villages via a boat tour and I can definitely recommend that. We booked the tour via MSC Cruises.

We were able to get a beautiful view of the hillside villages without having to mingle with the masses of tourists. Make sure to try some famous pesto or delicious seafood if you do happen to explore the villages up close!

Many people ask me if the sea days on the ship were not boring. While I agree, that shore excursions are great fun, they can also be pretty demanding. Therefore I have also included an example of a day at sea in this MSC Fantasia review.

On a typical sea day, I can finally sleep in and enjoy my breakfast in peace. On some shore days, you have to be up quite early to not miss your excursion.

After breakfast is a great time to explore the sundecks and lie beside the pool until lunch comes around.

Having lunch on the ship is another great advantage of the sea day. Usually, you are gone during lunch hours so I used to miss that on shore days. The lunch buffet at the MSC Fantasia is amazing.

You can choose between many different dishes from all over the world. Sea days are also nice to enjoy the cocktail package we booked. You can drink an endless amount of fabulous and fun cocktails by the pool.

Later in the day, it is time to check out the shopping street on the ship. Also, we had a look at the shows. There are infinite things to do on a cruise ship, so a sea day is perfect to explore all of them.

Therefore, unless you have many sea days in a row, I find them quite enjoyable.

If I had not already been a huge fan of cruising and especially of the MSC lines, I would have been after this cruise. I hugely loved all the stops and I have gained so many new experiences in just a small week.

In hindsight, I think I should have taken it a bit easier on some of the stops. I was very exhausted when we arrived at the Cinque Terre. This is something I definitely wanted to mention in this MSC Fantasia Review.

This time we could not reach our first port of call by car, so we booked a Fly + Cruise option via the MSC Website. I can definitely recommend booking the flight alongside the cruise.

In the case of a delayed flight, the cruise boat will actually wait for you. Otherwise, the cruise line will make other arrangements in order to still catch your boat.

After landing the bus picked us up at the small airport of Genoa and drove us directly to our vessel. The Fly + Cruise option is something I can recommend if you are looking for a relaxed and stress-free cruise!

Overall, the MSC Fantasia is a fantastic ship that offers every single amenity you could wish for. I can wholeheartedly recommend MSC Cruises and MSC Fantasia in general.

If you are interested in exploring the Eastern Mediterranean with MSC, make sure to read my cruise review and my detailed shore itineraries. Lastly, many Western Mediterranean Cruises have Gibraltar on their itinerary , another great spot.

Or maybe even explore the Dutch Caribbean on the boat?

No, there is no dress code on the MSC Fantasia. However, there is usually one Gala Night per cruise, as well as some themed nights. Make sure to pack some nicer clothes and perhaps some special dresses for theme nights (white, colorful).

Yes, the MSC Fantasia has been refurbished in 2019. The Ship was first launched in 2008 and has since then been given a full makeover to be even more modern and stylish.

There are four big pools and 12 jetted tubs on the MSC Fantasia. One of the pools is exclusively reserved for MSC Yacht Club passengers.

Yes, the MSC Fantasia has one skydome swimming pool. This is especially important, when embarking on a cruise to a colder destination.

Yes, the MSC Fantasia has a waterslide. The water park on the MSC Fantasia is one of the biggest attractions for families. Enjoy 4 big pools and 12 jetted tubs on the MSC Fantasia.

The MSC Fantasia has 18 decks. 14 of these decks are passenger accessible. Technically, there are only 17 decks on the MSC Fantasia. However, the Italians consider the number 17 unlucky, so they skipped it when numbering the decks.

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Sabrina is a passionate travel blogger and content creator, based in the Netherlands. She spends most parts of the year abroad at various destinations with her husband.

She provides slow-paced itineraries that focus on quality over quantity. Sabrina wants to help her readers to get more out of their travel experiences – while doing less. Read more.

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MSC Cruises drink packages: Prices, inclusions and how to save money on onboard beverages

A sailaway from port doesn't seem quite as celebratory without a glass of Champagne or cocktail in hand. But if you don't have a drink package for your cruise , ordering these sailaway glasses of bubbly every day — and a glass of wine at lunch and dinner — can add up quickly during a weeklong vacation.

If you're sailing with MSC Cruises , the line offers five options for all-inclusive drink packages, with two for nonalcoholic beverages. If you know you'll be imbibing daily, it might be worth purchasing a drink package rather than buying cocktails a la carte. Also, bottled mineral water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and soft-serve ice cream on some ships (gasp!) are not included in your cruise fare, so you'll have to factor in the additional cost of those beverages — and the beloved frozen treat — along with any alcohol you plan to consume.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

We've broken down the list of MSC Cruises' drink packages to explore which refreshments are (or are not) included and the cost per person, per day. We've also answered the most frequently asked questions to help you determine whether or not a drink package will save you money on your next cruise.

What's included in MSC Cruises' drink packages?

Here are the details of MSC Cruises' five drink packages. If one passenger books a drink package, all guests traveling together in the same cabin and dining at the same table must also book a package. Beverage packages are not transferable, and you cannot use them to buy drinks for friends.

None of the drink packages include items purchased at the signature venues, which include Venchi 1878 (chocolate, coffee and gelato), Lavazza (coffee), Jean Philippe (chocolate, coffee, crepes and gelato), Starship Club (robotic bartender on MSC Virtuosa) and Hola! Tacos & Cantina.

Related: What is the best cruise ship cafe? I spill the tea on the best cups of joe at sea

Minors Package

The Minors Package is for children ages 3 to 17 on European itineraries and ages 3 to 12 in the Caribbean and North America. It must be purchased when underage guests are traveling with adults who've purchased a beverage package.

This package covers a wide variety of nonalcoholic beverages. They include mocktails, fresh fruit and protein cocktails, energy drinks, flavored water, sodas by the glass or bottle, hot beverages (think regular coffee and tea) and soft-serve ice cream. (Note that soft-serve ice cream is complimentary only on MSC ships sailing from the U.S.)

Related: Which cruise ice cream is the best? I ate dozens of scoops to find out

Guests can use the package to purchase drinks in the self-service buffet; the main restaurant; on Ocean Cay , the line's private island; and at bars on the ship. Kids can only use the package in the specialty restaurants if the adults traveling with them have purchased an Easy Plus or Premium Extra package.

Alcohol-Free Package

The Alcohol-Free Package includes the same beverages as the Minors Package, but it's available to purchase for adults (or anyone 13 and older in the Caribbean and North America).

The same restrictions apply regarding where you can (and cannot) use the package on and off the ship.

Easy Package

MSC's Easy Package offers both alcoholic and nonalcoholic options for adult passengers. The list of covered beverages includes select classic or international cocktails; a variety of spirits (vodka, gin, rum, tequila, brandy and whisky); house wines (white, red, rose and sparkling); Heineken on draft or in the bottle (the brand of beer may vary); nonalcoholic cocktails and mixed drinks; fountain or canned soft drinks; fruit juices by the glass or in the bottle; bottled mineral water; and hot drinks such as espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, hot tea and hot chocolate.

You can use the package in the bars, the main restaurant and the buffet, and on Ocean Cay, but not in the specialty restaurants or signature venues.

Easy Plus Package

The next upgrade in MSC Cruises' drink packages is the Easy Plus option, which covers drinks up to $10. The included beverages with the package are a selection of classic and frozen cocktails; protein shakes and fresh fruit cocktails; well spirits, liqueurs and cordials; a variety of bottled and draught beers; mocktails and all nonalcoholic beverages; bottled mineral water; and the hot drinks included in the Easy Package mentioned above.

The Easy Plus Package also provides a selection of wines by the glass and a 10% discount on bottles of wine. You can use this package in the main restaurant, at the bars, in the buffet, on Ocean Cay and in the specialty dining venues. It is not available to use in the signature venues.

Related: 8 best drinks to order with a cruise ship beverage package (and 3 to avoid)

Premium Extra Package

If you enjoy Champagne, fine wines and premium spirits, you'll want to splurge on MSC's Premium Extra Package for your cruise vacation.

This package covers drinks up to $16; a wide selection of international and premium cocktails; mocktails and nonalcoholic drinks; premium spirits, liqueurs and cordials; fresh fruit and protein cocktails; a wide variety of draft and bottled beers; bottled mineral water; and classic or specialty hot drinks (Irish coffee, anyone?).

You can also purchase bottles of wine and Champagne at a 25% discount and order fine wines and Champagne by the glass (up to $16). You can use the package everywhere except for the signature venues.

If you've reserved accommodations in the MSC Yacht Club, the line's ship-within-a-ship private enclave, you will automatically receive the Premium Extra Package as part of your cruise fare. You may use it to purchase beverages at the Top Sail Lounge and exclusive restaurant in the Yacht Club and at any of the complimentary or specialty dining venues around the ship.

What are the MSC drink package prices?

MSC's package pricing is based on the length of the cruise, with longer voyages having a lower price per day. You'll save at least 15% on the price if you purchase the package online before your cruise rather than on board. (The current prices listed below come in at even higher savings.) All gratuities are included in the prices.

The following package prices are per person, per day.

• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $21; seven-night or longer cruise, $19
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $25; seven-night or longer cruise, $22
• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $30; seven-night or longer cruise, $28
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $35; seven-night or longer cruise, $33
• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $49; seven-night or longer cruise, $46
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $60; seven-night or longer cruise, $57
• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $64; seven-night or longer cruise, $61
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $76; seven-night or longer cruise, $72
• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $88; seven-night or longer cruise, $85
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $104; seven-night or longer cruise, $100

You can also take advantage of MSC's special promotions on select sailings that include a beverage package. For example, a current promotion online has 40% off cruise fares and includes a drink package (the Easy Plus Package), Wi-Fi and up to $400 of onboard credit per cabin, depending on the category booked. You can upgrade the drink package before you sail (at a discounted price) or once on board the ship for full price.

Related: How to get free or cheap drinks on a cruise

MSC cruise drink packages FAQ

What happens if i want to purchase a drink that costs more than the package allowance price.

If you want to order a cocktail, glass of wine or spirit that's not included in the package you've purchased, you will only pay the difference in price between the package allowance and the price of your beverage.

Are the drink offerings the same on all MSC Cruises?

You'll find a variety in the selection of beverages and ingredients used to make cocktails, depending on the destination of your MSC cruise and the time of year. If you thoroughly enjoyed one type of wine during your summer cruise in the Mediterranean, you might not be able to order the same wine on board your Caribbean cruise during the holidays.

Related: 17 best cruise ship bars

What is the best time to buy MSC Cruises drink packages?

As I mentioned above, it's best to purchase your drink package online before your cruise for the lowest price. The MSC Cruises website advertises discounts of up to 15% when you purchase in advance of your sailing rather than on board the ship. Once your cruise is booked, you can select the package of your choice for your voyage under the "Manage Your Booking" section.

Are drink packages available on MSC Cruises ships?

Drink packages are available on all MSC Cruises ships, except for vessels sailing to South Africa or China.

Is a drink package included if I book a world cruise?

The line's Dine & Drinks package is included if you're embarking on a world cruise with MSC. The package covers house wines, draft beer, soft drinks and mineral water at the buffet and in the main restaurant during lunch and dinner. This package is only available to guests sailing on the world cruise; it is possible to upgrade the package.

Can you upgrade an MSC Cruises drink package?

Yes, all passengers have the option to upgrade their packages. Before your sailing, upgrades are only available if the package is included in your cruise promotion; the upgrade will be available at a discounted price. Otherwise, you can upgrade your beverage package once you board the ship, but it will be at full price.

Is there a limit on drinks with an MSC Cruises drink package?

The all-inclusive packages do not put a limit on the number of alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, bottled mineral waters or other drinks you can order each day.

Is an MSC Cruises drink package right for you?

If you enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or aperitif, have a glass of wine (or two) at dinner and possibly even splurge on a chocolate martini for an after-dinner drink at the show, a drink package could be a worthwhile investment for your cruise.

Many people also prefer bottled water over the free water available at the dining venues and lattes or cappuccinos over regular coffee in the morning. If that's you, the cost of the individual nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages can add up quickly during a weeklong cruise. And you could pay a lot more for purchasing a la carte drinks than you would with a beverage package, especially if you plan on ordering fancy wines and specialty cocktails.

For example, if you're on a four-night cruise, the Easy Plus Package will cost you $64 per person, per day, which includes gratuities, for a total of $208. There is no limit to either the nonalcoholic or alcoholic beverages you consume, so if want one or two lattes to start your day, have a glass of wine and bottled water at lunch and have a few bottled waters by the pool, you're probably already at about half of the daily price (or more) of the package if you were purchasing the items individually.

Add to that a pre-dinner drink, a glass of wine or two at dinner with bottled mineral water, and then maybe a cocktail later in the evening, and you're easily past that $64 per day — and you've had to pay gratuities on the bar bills.

Related: Are cruise line drink packages worth the price? What to know before you buy

An advantage of buying one of the two higher-tier packages is the discount on bottles of wine. If you enjoy ordering bottles of fine wine at dinner, then this could be a plus if you have one of the more expensive packages.

If you're cruising in the Middle East, you should know that MSC Cruises will not serve alcohol due to Saudi law while the ship is docked in a Saudi Arabian port. Alcohol will be served again once the ship is sailing in international waters. But if you have a few days in Saudi Arabia, that's something to consider when purchasing a beverage package.

Bottom line

Doing the math is the best way to determine if a drink package makes sense. If you think you'll want all the beverages that come at an extra cost on the ship, then the best option is to purchase a package pre-cruise online. Buying the package beforehand affords the most significant discount and will save money over waiting to purchase it on board the ship.

Also, if you're traveling with someone in the same cabin (or you plan to dine with them) and they want a drink package, you won't have the choice to purchase a package — you'll have to spring for one, too.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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MSC Cruises' Latest Sale Has Voyages Starting at $179 — When to Book

The sale is running until April 18.

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is offering monumental savings on sailings to warm weather destinations starting at less than $200 per person.

The sale, which was extended and must be booked by April 18, offers cruises starting at just $179 per person, according to MSC. The sale rate is based on double occupancy and does not include the taxes, fees, or port expenses.

Travelers who take advantage of this deeply-discounted rate can sail on three and four night journeys from Miami for just $179, or from Orlando starting at just $189, MSC shared with Travel + Leisure .

“It’s a great opportunity, whether you’re curious about cruising for the first time or you’re an avid cruiser looking to book your next sailing,” Koreen McNutt, the senior vice president and commercial sales officer for MSC Cruises USA, told T+L. “These quick getaways let guests discover everything we have to offer from world-class onboard entertainment and outstanding family programming to a variety of delicious dining venues and wonderful amenities. Plus, these short cruises all visit our private island in The Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, with beautiful white-sand beaches and pristine water brimming with vibrant marine life.” 

The sale also includes MSC’s cruises from Galveston , which the company plans to introduce as its newest homeport in the United States in 2025. The cruise line expects to sail 7-night trips to Mexico and Central America on the MSC Seascape out of Galveston, which start at just $459 per person during the sale.

In addition, MSC is offering savings on its newest ship, the MSC World America , which the company plans to launch next year complete with a thrilling over-water swing ride, 13 different restaurants, an 11-deck-high dry slide, and more. Cruises on this ship start at just $649 per person as part of the sale.

“Cruising offers an unbeatable value proposition for vacations and we’re offering more itinerary options from a larger selection of embarkation ports than ever before, which makes it even easier for more people to discover what MSC Cruises is all about,” McNutt added.

Beyond the cruise fare, MSC is offering the option for travelers to add a drink package and Wi-FI to their booking starting at just $329.

A cruise ship stuck in Barcelona resumes sailing after passengers accused of having fake visas were removed and investigated by authorities

• A cruise ship carrying 1,500 passengers was stuck in Barcelona because of a visa dispute.
• Spanish authorities suspected that the visas of 69 Bolivian passengers were fake.
• The passengers are being held on another boat while authorities investigate. 

A cruise ship carrying 1,500 passengers was stuck in port in Barcelona after Spanish authorities investigated 69 Bolivian passengers.

The police believed that the Bolivian passengers' visas were fake and are investigating, Spanish police authorities told news agency Efe .

The MSC Armonia cruise ship set off from Brazil and was due to continue through the Mediterranean, with some passengers switching over in Barcelona, Efe reported.

Related stories

The delay has meant that planned stops in France, Greece, and Croatia have been canceled which has caused some disgruntled passengers to leave the boat early, Reuters reported.

Barcelona was meant to be the final destination for the Bolivian passengers. However, the ship had to stay in port until the situation was resolved.

In a statement shared with Business Insider, MSC Cruises confirmed that the cruise would resume sailing on Thursday.

"Thanks to the cooperation with the Spanish authorities, the group of Bolivian guests has been disembarked and will now follow the immigration process as required by law. We are fully assisting with this process," they said.

The spokesperson confirmed that the passengers' visas were found to be not valid for entry and that the Spanish authorities are investigating.

The passengers' will be held on another boat while Spanish authorities decide whether they will be deported or granted asylum, Reuters reported, citing the government's regional delegation in Catalonia.

Solange Duarte, a Bolivian diplomat in Barcelona, told the AP that she had received reports that some of the Bolivian passengers had been duped into obtaining fake visas.

MSC Cruises is one of the world's largest cruise lines, known for its long luxury trips that can set sail for months at a time.

Its new four-month-long world cruise, which will set off in 2026, is expected to cost passengers between $15,800 and $38,210 per person, depending on their cabin.

Watch: Inside the world's biggest cruise ship that just set sail

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Spain to deport dozens of Bolivians whose false visas held up cruise ship in Barcelona

FILE - Passengers are photographed on the cruise ship MSC Armony, moored in the port of Barcelona, Spain, on April 3, 2024. Spain is to deport more than 60 Bolivians who arrived last week by cruise ship in Barcelona but were not allowed to disembark because their visas were false. Spanish government officials said 65 of the 69 Bolivians that arrived would be flown to the Bolivian city of Santa Cruz. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti, File)

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MADRID (AP) — Spain will on Thursday deport more than 60 Bolivians who arrived last week by cruise ship in the northeastern port of Barcelona but were not allowed to disembark because their visas were false.

The Spanish government’s office in Barcelona said 65 of the 69 Bolivians who arrived will be flown to the Bolivian city of Santa Cruz. The plane will be paid for by MSC Cruises, which owns the ship in which they arrived from Brazil.

Four members of a family with Spanish relatives will be allowed to enter Spain.

Spanish authorities said the Bolivian passengers had false visas to enter the European border-free Schengen area, an ID-check-free travel zone comprising 29 European countries.

The Bolivians’ visa problems meant that the cruise ship with more than 1,000 passengers was stuck for two days in Barcelona and unable to continue on its route in the Mediterranean Sea until the situation was resolved.

The cruise ship set sail after the Bolivians were temporarily accommodated in another boat while police interviewed them.

MSC Cruises said last week the Bolivian passengers’ documentation appeared correct upon boarding in Brazil.

Spain to deport dozens of Bolivians whose false visas held up cruise ship in Barcelona

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Spain will on Thursday deport more than 60 Bolivians who arrived last week by cruise ship in the northeastern port of Barcelona but were not allowed to disembark because their visas were false.

The Spanish government’s office in Barcelona said 65 of the 69 Bolivians who arrived will be flown to the Bolivian city of Santa Cruz. The plane will be paid for by MSC Cruises, which owns the ship in which they arrived from Brazil.

Four members of a family with Spanish relatives will be allowed to enter Spain.

Spanish authorities said the Bolivian passengers had false visas to enter the European border-free Schengen area, an ID-check-free travel zone comprising 29 European countries.

The Bolivians’ visa problems meant that the cruise ship with more than 1,000 passengers was stuck for two days in Barcelona and unable to continue on its route in the Mediterranean Sea until the situation was resolved.

The cruise ship set sail after the Bolivians were temporarily accommodated in another boat while police interviewed them.

MSC Cruises said last week the Bolivian passengers’ documentation appeared correct upon boarding in Brazil.

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