The 2,550-guest MSC Orchestra, launched in 2007, combines bright, splashy décor with Art Nouveau details, and offers an Italian-inspired experience to a global mix of passengers, something for which MSC Cruises is widely known. Tradition characterizes onboard dining, and most guests eat dinner at set times with assigned seating. This is a family-friendly ship, where you'll find children of all ages on board, and a jungle-themed playroom and plenty of pools to entertain them.
Long Hours at the Lunch Buffet: The midday buffet is open until 4 pm, which means less crowds and shorter lines for the excellent pasta and other options.
Shanghai Chinese Restaurant: Arguably the best dining venue on the ship, this Far East-inspired eatery features an array of regional Asian dishes such as succulent Peking duck.
Dancing: This is a ship for those who like music, with classes from tango and merengue to cha-cha. The disco rocks into the morning.
International Flavor: MSC delivers a slice of Italian life on board, from the Mediterranean vibe to the delicious pizzas and pastas. Meanwhile, the passenger list includes people from all over the world: Europe, the UK, Australia, Asia, and North America.
Family-Friendly: Everyone from teens to tots seem to get a kick out of the kids programs' creative activities, and because of the diverse passenger make-up, young cruisers are bound to emerge from the programs with new phrases in half a dozen languages. Bonus: On many sailings, kids 12 and under sail free when traveling with their parents.
Global-minded Travelers on a Budget: MSC caters to a crowd that enjoys rubbing elbows with people from around the world, but also love the cruise line’s budget-friendly fares.
Multiple Onboard Languages: All major announcements are repeated in as many as six languages — which can get very annoying over the course of the cruise.
Skip the Room Service: You’ll pay an extra fee for each order, and the quality of the food (mostly cold sandwiches) is mediocre.