12 Nights Northern Europe: Tromso, Alesund & Bergen Cruise

Enjoyed Immensely

I was initially concerned reading so many negative reviews on MSC. Turned out great. The itinerary was an exquisite escape into the Norwegian fiords, cooler temperatures than the Mediterranean and a chance to engage in a truly European experience as we encountered few fellow Americans. The shows in the main theatre were varied and more interesting, engaging than the ships geared to US audiences, that serve up clichéd shows (that if you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all). The productions were more edgy, more sexy and more nuanced. The shows in the carousel lounge with the big band were outstanding. The two lead singers are world-class. That lounge (7 aft) during the day serves as a nice place to read a book, share a tea or coffee or work on your laptop. Both venues offered multiple nightly performances to suit one’s dining and cruising rhythms. Nice. The Kids’ program is outstanding and like a language camp with kids from several countries. Music, sports, games…and they incorporate parents to join in so that acquaintances are made. On the culinary side, the reviews are spot on. If you’re up for a Mediterranean diet and a steady supply of quality, pizza, pasta, mozzarella, and extra-virgin olive oil then you’ll be happy. If you’re after a continental cuisine, I would rate food quality as okay. With comfortable floor to ceiling windows looking at the sea. The dance classes offered were a definite highlight. There are several each day some on the outside pool deck, which really raises the moods to fever pitch, while later ones take place inside a lounge. The dance instructors are superb and effortlessly seem to juggle several languages while teaching. Every night on dinner and the shows, they were big dance parties on the sixth floor atrium, which feels like the main square of an Italian city, and the ceilings Graphic seemed to support this with an almost Florentine images. We sailed with the ship at nearly full occupancy, so there are moments in which you feel like you’re walking through Times Square, the generally it’s a blessing experience if you visit the buffet early or late. We had a great time and would definitely do another MSC trip on one of their newer ships not too distant future. You’re an American, looking for a comfortable American experience. It’s not a cruise line for you. But if you are open to new mentalities, new approaches and new experiences you will enjoy yourself immensely!

Super

This was our first cruise experience, and the ship exceeded our expectations. We were particularly impressed by theprofessionalism and attentiveness of certain staff members. The service at "Virgilio" on Deck 8 was outstanding — the team was consistently courteous,observant, and guest-focused. Our cabin steward, Tarek, also provided excellent service. We are truly grateful to all of them... The food and drinks were excellent we enjoyed every meal! The entertainment was also a lot of fun and really added to the overall experience. Big thanks to all of them for making our trip so special!... From live music to dance shows and themed nights, there was always something exciting happening. We also appreciated how clean and well-organized everything was. The atmosphere on board felt warm and welcoming.

Fabulous crew and attention to detail

The Staff on the scenic Crystal were second to none, It was like a family. Everyone went out of their way to smile and be of assistance. The chefs were amazing and the food was exceptional. The wine choices were fabulous too. The cabin staff were also amazing and everything in our cabin was as it should be with clean towels and anything you like on request. It was a shame about the changes to the programme which were not the fault of the crew on board. It was a shame that the ship was changed at the last minute as this one did not have a pool and was in need of some updating in relation to our ships. The change in programme was made to ensure the ship got to regenesburg and did not take into account the enjoyment of the passengers. Due to trying to get to Regnensburg on time the passengers were faced with major disruption to tours and faced with unacceptable coach journeys to tours which would have been much shorter if the programme had not changed. We understand water levels were lower than expected but our whole cruise was disrupted when it could have had a minor change at the end. Many people on board felt that we should have stuck to original programme and had monor disruption at the end of our tour. Shame as everything else was faultless.