This was my third cruise all European lines. I am very well travelled,europe ,US,and Canada. My husband and I live for holidays. Let me set the record straight about MSC. Although I have never travelled on an American cruise ship-I'm sure they are wonderful-traditional american standard, the bigger the better. Not my opinion mind you. My husband and I were floored to hear all the complaining by mostly Americans about the food only to see their plates over flowing. I'm sorry! if I don't like the food, I don't eat it.

I was particularly amused by the table of americans sitting behind us at dinner. Every night I would glance over and chuckle because they always ordering some kind of meat, mostly steak,and of coarse a baked potatoe.If these people, not saying we heard them complain, didn't even try the wonderful options of pastas and risotto's and fine meat like the lamb and duck,which my husband said was incredibly tasty,then that speaks volumes about the kind of people who write these awful reviews!If you can't embrace tradition and culture-stay home and stick to your typical U.S. modo "Super size me please".

Another beef I have is people critizing the italian staff. These people are trying so hard to please and compete in the U.S.cruise market and unfortunetly they can't when they are faced with prejudice remarks.Give them some credit. Do the American lines learn 6 different languages to accomodate guests? The answer is "NO",if you don't speak english,too bad for you!

I will say that I didn't hear a word about the amazing shows-everyone agreed that they were amazing.

My summary is this,the food although fantastic did lack presentation which other ships are known for-but I will say I rather have my food piping hot,which it was,rather than the chef playing around trying to be an artist, trying to impress us.

The food spoke for itself.If your looking to be well travelled and cultered please try this wonderful line. I have been to Italy many times.You find rude people every where you go.hint hint! I will travel with european lines because I love that. Viva La Orchestra!