MSC Opera – Is she really something to sing about?

MSC Opera – Is she really something to sing about? - Quite frankly – YES!!

On Tuesday a couple of my cruise.co.uk colleagues and I took a road trip down to Southampton. The weather when we arrived was warm and sunny and it made it even more pleasant being on the ship, walking across the pool area, seeing people in the ample pools and Jacuzzi areas Good news - They don’t mind you having a cocktail in the Jacuzzi – I asked, best place to enjoy a strawberry Daiquiri if you ask me!!

I was quite impressed with the central reception area s- The light pine & mirrored effect was very ‘Cunard-ish’ the staff were friendly – happy to be there, and OH MY GOSH that ship is clean – so much polishing and buffing going on! There were guys polishing the brass scuff boards all along the ship.

I enjoyed the fact that whilst she has all the main requirements, a gym, spa, pool, kids clubs, nightclub, swanky piano bars, she wasn’t over the top with the Milan Glamour feeling I usually get from MSC Ships, I heard a comment that she is the poor relation in the fleet and well if that really is the case, I cant wait to see her sisters – MSC Magnifica & Splendida . The casino looked amazing – so Vegas like the real thing.


Cocktails in the Carusoe lounge where they have the shows, amply seating enough for two shows a nights so that you don’t miss it if you are on second dining!

My lunch was great – Appetiser I enjoyed Pineapple & Parma ham which was so delicious the pineapple was perfectly ripened and suited the ham. This was followed by a tagliatelle dish with porcini mushrooms. – divine!! Main course was small – But that’s how its done in the Mediterranean style – Little and often! Strips of fillet beef served on a bed of rocket & cherry tomatoes drizzled with dressing and cheese. Finished beautifully with coconut cream cake. The down side was being the driver I only had half a glass of red wine with dinner and a ‘mocktail’ fruit punch earlier in the day I was looking forward to some exquisite Italian red to finish the meal wonderfully, instead I was disappointed by a fairly ropey dry flavour that felt grainy.


So as a review, I’m quite happy to that YES I would travel on Opera and YES she is great Value for money and YES there is everything that should be there and Yes she has a great atmosphere..


Prices are really good at the moment and I don’t think you can go wrong at all!