Embarking on the MSC Splendida cruise from Durban (8-12 December) to the alluring Portuguese Islands was a journey that left an indelible mark on my travel diary. Awarding the cruise an impressive overall 3.9/5, this recount captures the highs of the adventure, delves into the nuances of the experience, and suggests ways to make future voyages even more remarkable.

Setting Sail - My Highlights:

Abundance of Activities:
From the moment we had something to eat and drink after setting foot on the ship until we disembarked, there was never a dull moment, even on the last 2 days of not so great weather. The MSC Splendida lived up to its name, offering an array of activities that catered to every whim and fancy. Table tennis, Indoor pools, Kids activites, Games, Simulatiors, Shows, etc...

Thirsty Package Triumph:
Opting for the Thirsty Package turned out to be a brilliant decision. The cocktails were not only delightful but also a great value for money, adding a flavourful touch to the entire cruise. This wasn't the case for everyone, since all parties travelling together were obligated to purchase a drinks package, even if only one person in the group opted for it - but I certainly scored :)

Informed Leadership:
Kevin, the Ship Director, emerged as a crucial figure in our journey. His updates were not just timely but engaging, making sure we were always in the loop and enhancing the overall cruise experience.

Entertainment Extravaganza:
The onboard entertainment was nothing short of spectacular. Each day unfolded like a show, offering a diverse range of performances that catered to various tastes.

Culinary Excellence:
The dining staff were the unsung heroes of the trip. Their exceptional service, coupled with the delightful culinary offerings and awesome cocktails, created a memorable dining experience.

Navigating Stormy Waters - My Areas for Improvement:

Overcrowded Bars:
Some of the bars faced challenges with overcrowding, leading to delays and less-than-optimal service. A call for more support staff in these high-traffic areas resonated with my own experiences.

Embarkation and Disembarkation Woes:
The embarkation process tested our patience, stretching to a lengthy three hours. Disembarkation wasn't much better at two hours. Streamlining these processes emerged as a common suggestion among fellow passengers.

Lackluster Bars on Portuguese Islands:
The bars on the Portuguese Islands left a lot to be desired, especially in terms of cocktail offerings. A bit more attention to the beverage choices at this destination would be greatly appreciated.

Expensive Photography:
The cost of onboard photography raised eyebrows. $15 for a small picture seemed steep, and I couldn't help but wonder if a more reasonable pricing structure would encourage more passengers to capture memories.

App Inconsistencies:
Discovering that South African guests were missing out on the CHAT feature on the MSC App was disappointing. Aligning features across all international cruises seemed like a simple fix for a more seamless experience.

Room Service Oversight:
Room service breakfast had a couple of hiccups, with items forgotten twice. Paying attention to the details of orders, especially when it involves children, is crucial for a smooth cruise experience.

Event Cancellation Communication:
Better communication on the app regarding event cancellations or venue changes would have alleviated confusion. I found myself wishing for more proactive updates to keep everyone in the loop.

Plotting a Course for Improvement - My Suggestions:

Buffet Management:
Improving the management of the buffets could elevate the dining experience for everyone on board, ensuring efficiency and minimizing disruptions. The food is mass produced and unfortunately mostly tasteless and bland - but at this scale it's to be expected but I did have my hopes up.

Welcome Snacks:
A small gesture of providing snacks upon guest arrival, especially after enduring a lengthy embarkation process, would go a long way in satisfying hungry travelers since once onboard, there are ridiculous queues to get something to eat!

Reasonable WiFi Pricing:
Revisiting WiFi pricing for a four-day cruise could make it more accessible for passengers who want to stay connected without feeling financially strained.

Photography Price Adjustments:
Reevaluating photography prices to make them more reasonable would likely encourage more passengers to capture and commemorate their cruise memories.

Increased Staff in High-Traffic Areas:
Deploying additional staff at busy or popular spots would undoubtedly improve the passenger experience, ensuring prompt and efficient service for everyone.

With a few tweaks and adjustments, this cruise has the potential to set sail into a new era of seamless and unforgettable experiences on the high seas.