8-Day Caribbean Cruise aboard MSC OPERA

We are a group of 8 Canadians that just finished a 10 day cruise out of Lisbon the the Opera. We have been on MSC ships in the past and other cruise lines as well. The service was great, absolutely no complaints about the dining room wait staff, bar service or cabin steward. The ship on the other hand is lacking on a very big way. Entertainment is terrible. On the pool deck - dance lesson with 6 attendees and games with 12 attendees everyday single day. Not even fun to watch. Theatre shows - just ok. We only saw three. The food was just passable. Selection at dinner was terrible and we were there every night - pork dishes inedible. Do not order this or the beef ribs - disgusting. Risotto, soups and pizza were good. We chose this ship for the itinerary. I would recommend chosing another ship - definitely not this one.

Our cruise on MSC OPERA 25/07 - 04/08. We went on the Mediterranean Cruise from Málaga.

We had a upgrade which was lovely. Every member of staff we came into contact with was friendly and helpful.

Our cleaner was lovely. The restaurant staff were unbelievably helpful Bibi and Alex could not do enough for us. I have an allergy and Bibi was available every meal time to ensure that my meal was safe for me. Can't thank her enough for making meal times enjoyable. It was my partner's birthday while away and Alex and the other waiting staff sang happy birthday and gave him a birthday cake. It made his birthday extra special.

Cruise was spoilt by people leaving towels on sun beds but not using them leaving many people without beds. The theatre has lots of lovely shows but some were spoilt by people standing on the stairs blocking the view of people seated. It would have helped if a member of staff was available once the show started so it didn't happen.

Unfriendly staff (except for cabin cleaning lady), sub-standard food, bad fruits (small variety, over ripe), terrible pizza, no option for poached eggs, warm balcony cabin (with ac on), very unfriendly restaurant staff and especially rude restaurant manager at La Caravelle, Charges for Alcohol on last minute when disembarking, when no alcohol was purchased or consumed (& no way to dispute it) additional (double charges) to account when account was settled and cleared night before before retreating to cabin for night and balance was on zero. Duplicate charges at gift shop and endless unfrirndliness to try to sort it out. Rude exit personnel, no questionaire after cruise. First MSC cruise and probably last one as well. Very disappointing-did not receive confirmation for paid privé lounge booking before arriving before lounge on embarkation day, had to stand in heat and wait for turn to explain to several people that booking was paid, but confirmation never received before start of trip. Did not even reveive a complimentary or promtional sticker or lanyard to very expensive trip