My MSC Spendida Mediterranean cruise experience
I was always one of those people that presumed cruises were for the elderly or honeymooners, but these, along with all my other preconceptions, were thrown out of the window once I boarded the MSC Splendida in Civitacchia, Italy.
Here began my three-day #MSCBlogCruise, where I was given the chance to really find out what the cruising experience is like.
At first I was a bit overwhelmed when I boarded the ship, as it really is huge. The MSC Splendida can hold around 4,000 guests and there’s close to 1,500 staff. With 18 decks – 14 of which are for guest use, I did occasionally get a little lost, but it wasn’t long before I found both my bearings and my sea legs.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I reached my cabin, but when I slid my keycard into the door and walked in, I discovered a comfortably sized room with a sofa, table, desk and TV and a balcony that allowed me to look over the port or sea. When I checked out the bathroom I was also impressed as the shower was more roomy than those found in most hotels I’ve stayed in.
After a couple of hours to settle in, all the bloggers came together to get a full tour of the ship, where we were shown around the Splendida’s four restaurants, seven bars, casino, shops, games area, theatre spa, gym and pools. It really is an impressive sight, and you completely forget that you’re on-board a ship – you actually feel like you’re staying in a Vegas hotel!
Yes it really does have that over the top glamour to it, with glitzy staircases, mirrors and colourful décor, but I also loved how whenever I wandered about I’d always see someone cleaning, so the ship was consistently spotless.
Food
It’s an impressive feat to keep thousands of people fed, but the catering aboard the Splendida is a well-oiled machine. Head to deck 14 and you’ll come across the Bora Bora buffet with its expansive spread of foods to suit all. There’s daily specials, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, continental meats, Asian dishes…I could go on and on. To walk around the entire restaurant will take you a good few minutes, so you could come here every day and eat something different if you wished. If I’m honest the food wasn’t jaw dropping, but it wasn’t poor either – it was perfect to fill yourself up on at lunch before heading off on another cruise ship adventure.
The Splendida has speciality restaurants like the Santa Fe Tex Mex, offering tasty fresh food, however my favourite meals were taken in the beautiful La Reggia restaurant, where you were offered a new five-course menu every day. Highlights included oxtail consommé with julienne vegetables, freshly smoked salmon and perfectly cooked beef with puff pastry and almond broccoli. Delicious!
I couldn’t go on without mentioning the gelateria and L’espresso coffee bar, which given the chance I would frequent every day! Wonderful Italian ice cream and a choice of speciality hot chocolates – what’s not to love?!
Entertainment
During our time on-board we tried to fit in as much as we could of what the Splendida had to offer. Of course there was no way we could try out everything in just three days, however, we gave it a good go! We spent time in several of the bars and checked out the impressive theatre shows, but one of the most fun evenings was on gala night, where all the guests dressed up to the nines for drinks with the captain and a slap up meal. Before we headed off to the restaurant however, we decided to try out the 4D cinema, F1 simulator and a bit of bowling – ever tried that in an evening dress and heels? The mini bowling alley was a blast, but riding a rollercoaster through space on the 4D cinema was a real highlight for me – I love my theme park rides!
Spa time
As I do love to be pampered, my favourite place on-board was the MSC Aurea Spa, which looks like it belongs in a high-end city hotel. Run by highly trained staff, it combines the magic of Balinese massage with the most modern and exclusive treatments. Specialities include traditional water treatments, saunas, Turkish bath, solarium, relaxation room, thalassotherapy and whirlpool baths.
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to try out several treatments here and loved them so much I kept going back! Out of them all I enjoyed the Balinese massage the most as I felt the masseuse release all the tension from my back and shoulders, however the blue coral facial, Aurea Papveris body scrub and manicure and pedicure left me in pamper heaven too!
The staff were wonderful and friendly and as a regular spa-goer I have to say it’s one of my top five spa experiences.
Excursions
Being aboard the cruise ship was great fun, however as a traveller I was also keen to see as much of the cities we docked in as possible so ventured out on two excursions to Genoa and Aix-en-Provence.
Although you only spend a few hours exploring on the half-day trips, I really enjoyed the excursions and found the guided tours interesting and educational. In Genoa we explored the city’s historical centre, wandering the narrow streets known as carruggi and visiting the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and in Aix-en-Provence we explored the 12th century St Saviour’s Cathedral and wandered around a local market. At the end of each trip you were given some time to explore on your own, so I took these opportunities to grab a drink in a local café and people watch.
It’s a great way to get a taster of the towns and cities you visit on your cruise and would definitely recommend these to other first time cruisers.
Will I cruise again?
Yes I will! Although I’d still like to do regular ‘land-based’ holidays, I now feel that I can both be entertained and relax on a cruise ship and it’s a great way to visit several locations without having to keep packing your suitcase. I really loved opening my curtains every morning, going onto my balcony and seeing a brand new city in front of me, it’s such a buzz!
Now I’m considering the best locations for a cruise and am looking into possibly the Norwegian fjords or possibly the Caribbean...
A seven night Mediterranean cruise on board MSC Splendida starts from £529 per person including return flights, departing from Genoa (Italy) on 30 November; 7, 14 December 2013 and 4, 11, 18 January 2014, calling in Marseille, Barcelona, La Goulette, Palermo, Civitavecchia and back to Genoa.
For further information on MSC, bookings and terms and conditions please visit www.msccruises.co.uk or call 0844 561 1955.
