MSC Splendida at Midnight: When Underpromising Turns into Overdelivering
For many, many years, welcoming the New Year on board a cruise ship has been our tradition — and honestly, once you’ve done it, it’s hard to go back. There’s something wonderfully irresistible about the festive buzz at sea: the lights, the music, the endless parties and that comforting feeling that everything is perfectly organised while you simply enjoy yourself. We started this ritual with Cunard, flirted with P&O and NCL, and then, six years ago, discovered MSC. We stayed — because MSC really knows how to throw a New Year party.
To keep things practical (and the wallet under control), a Mediterranean itinerary is our ideal formula: Christmas at home, a calm packing day, and then straight into celebration mode. For New Year 2025/2026, MSC Splendida carried us from Barcelona to Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Palermo and La Goulette, with a perfectly timed sea day for recovery, indulgence and questionable food choices.
And what a decision that was. MSC has perfected the art of underpromising and overdelivering, and Splendida delivered with style. Festive, fun, smoothly run and full of warmth, she reminded us why MSC remains our go-to for welcoming a new year — prosecco in hand, confetti in the air, and a big smile on our faces. Now, let’s get into the thumbs up and thumbs down…
THE SHIP – Thumbs Up 👍
Among seasoned cruisers, MSC Splendida is often labelled an “old” or even “old-fashioned” lady. Delivered in 2009 at a cost of around $550 million, she was once the pride of the MSC fleet and, at the time, the largest ship ever built for a European cruise line. Fast forward to 2026 and, yes, she doesn’t come with rollercoasters, go-karts or neighbourhoods that feel like a shopping mall. And that, dear reader, is exactly why I like her.
Splendida is no longer trendy and rarely the first choice for new cruisers chasing the latest floating attractions. But for those of us who still enjoy cruising as a way of travelling — not as a theme park at sea — she is a near-perfect match. Big enough to feel luxurious, yet small enough to avoid the human traffic jams of newer mega-ships, she offers a comfortable, elegant and refreshingly civilised experience.
Her décor divides opinion, and proudly so. Think Italian glamour turned up to eleven: Swarovski crystal staircases (each step reportedly worth €30,000 — yes, really), gold accents, glass elevators and a dramatic central atrium with sweeping staircases and a crystal piano. Some call it glitzy, others call it dated. I call it unapologetically fabulous. It’s more opera than TikTok, more Versace than minimalism — and that’s part of the charm.
Public spaces are plentiful and beautifully maintained. Splendida has 14 passenger decks, 25 lifts, and a layout that generally flows well, although first-timers may find the dining room entrances a small puzzle — and will eventually notice the mysterious absence of Deck 17 (Italy and superstition go hand in hand). Highlights include La Piazzetta, a charming Italian-style square, and numerous lounges and bars where it never feels uncomfortably crowded, except perhaps the buffet at peak hours.
Above all, Splendida feels inclusive, friendly and warm. She may not shout for attention, but she doesn’t need to. This “old lady” still sparkles — and she does it with confidence, style and a very Italian sense of drama
I have to admit it: I am completely in love with the Fantasia Class ships, and Splendida sits proudly at the top of my favourites list. Her size, décor and layout create a sense of calm and balance that feels refreshingly safe from kitsch and the overwhelming overcrowded vibes found on newer ships. There’s an effortless elegance here — stylish without shouting, refined without trying too hard — and it aligns perfectly with my own taste.
I don’t miss the gimmicks of the latest mega-ships. No slides, no race tracks, no blinking distractions at every corner. For me, cruising is still about comfort, atmosphere and quality rather than ticking off attractions. Splendida delivers exactly that: space to breathe, beautiful public areas, and a sense that you are actually on a ship, not in a floating theme park.
So yes, I will happily choose an “old” and “small” ship over the big, noisy, trendy ladies of the fleet any day. While others chase the newest launch, I’ll be sipping my drink in a quiet lounge, admiring a Swarovski staircase, and enjoying a cruising style that feels timeless rather than temporary. Quality over quantity — always.
Click here for a tour of MSC Splendida (interiors – part 1) https://youtu.be/RLiKrirANkA?si=gjEpdRgvEM-H9r2O
Click here for a tour of MSC Splendida (interiors – part 2) https://youtu.be/oNOdGYl2hIE?si=CrUXWJKyLSEgmt1e
Click here for a tour of MSC Splendida (exteriors) https://youtu.be/xAEt8v7RpDg?si=GhzZYTzS4q9RtYjK
YACHT CLUB – Thumbs Up 👍
The MSC Yacht Club is often described as a “ship within a ship”, and while that phrase gets thrown around a lot in cruising, here it actually makes sense. This is MSC’s answer to luxury cruising without the luxury price tag — a private, all-inclusive enclave designed for guests who enjoy being pampered but don’t feel the need to shout about it.
Located at the top of MSC Splendida and accessible only with your cruise card, the Yacht Club immediately feels like stepping into a different world. The crowds disappear, the noise fades away, and suddenly cruising becomes very civilised. Guests enjoy exclusive access to their own restaurant, bar, Top Sail Lounge and private pool deck — meaning you can relax, sunbathe, dine and sip champagne without fighting for a lounger or queueing for a drink. Bliss.
But hardware alone doesn’t make the Yacht Club special — service does. And on Splendida, service is where things truly shine. Suites are elegant and indulgent, fitted with Myform Memory mattresses, a pillow menu, Egyptian cotton bathrobes, Mascioni bedding, marble bathrooms with both shower and bathtub, a complimentary minibar and nightly Venchi chocolates. Honestly, going back to a “normal” cabin afterwards feels slightly traumatic.
Accommodation options range from 66 Deluxe Suites with balconies (279–419 sq ft), to spacious Executive and Family Suites, and finally the crown jewels: the two Royal Suites on Deck 16. With wraparound balconies, private hot tubs, dining areas and prime forward views, they are the kind of suites that make you forget what day it is — and why you ever worried about emails.
On this New Year cruise, I had the privilege of sailing for the first time with Marco, the Yacht Club Director, who leads his team with an effortless blend of professionalism and warmth. Under his guidance, the entire Yacht Club operation ran like a Swiss watch — only more Italian and far more stylish.
The Top Sail Lounge service was flawless: fast but never rushed, polished without being stiff. Barbara, one of the lounge butlers, deserves a special mention for navigating the lounge with grace, charm and an uncanny ability to remember everyone’s favourite drink — all while maintaining genuine, friendly conversations.
Our butler Edwin, whom we had the pleasure of sailing with before, was once again exceptional. His attention to detail, proactivity and instinctive understanding of guest preferences are simply unmatched. This is service delivered with class, confidence and sincerity.
Finally, the Concierge team, led by the outstanding Anna, was another major highlight. Always available yet never intrusive, knowledgeable without being overwhelming, and capable of solving any request with calm efficiency — this team ranks among the very best I’ve experienced across the MSC fleet.
Every single member of the Yacht Club team genuinely deserves their place there. From the Yacht Club Director and Head Butler down to the butlers, room stewards, waiters and pool attendants, the level of professionalism, attention to detail and service standards is outstanding. They are true ambassadors not only for the Yacht Club product, but for the MSC brand as a whole. This is service delivered with pride, polish and consistency — and it elevates the entire cruise experience.
That said, even near-perfection has room for fine-tuning. Two areas stood out as the weakest links during this sailing. First, the food offering in the Top Sail Lounge. While pleasant, the snacks and sweet temptations have remained largely unchanged for the past six or seven years. Given how important the lounge experience is to Yacht Club life, both variety and consistency in quality could definitely be improved to better match the rest of the premium experience.
The second — and more noticeable — misstep was the entertainment in the Top Sail Lounge. The pianist, Giuseppe, clearly a Cruise Director favourite, missed the brief entirely. Loud, heavy-handed and better suited to a concert hall than an intimate lounge, his performances often turned evenings into an accidental competition between music and conversation. Thankfully, common sense prevailed. Yacht Club Director Marco stepped in, changed the musician, and harmony — both musical and conversational — was swiftly restored.
In short, the Yacht Club on MSC Splendida isn’t just a product — it’s an experience. One that quietly exceeds expectations, delivers outstanding value, and once tried, makes it very hard to cruise any other way
Click here for a tour of Top Sail Lounge https://youtu.be/eeTfGrVmfUA?si=WnhJwsZEoy2PmTQX
Click here for a tour of VIP Concierge https://youtu.be/ebNTcRy2x-I?si=RQZd70KjdyGjKZvz
Click here for a tour of ONE POOL : https://youtu.be/NPSb3kZI4pY?si=vHTOnyVloSVKBtrJ
Click here for a tour of YC1 and YC2 suites: https://youtu.be/-gJO–TxLIA?si=cTSynqDdizU3BYpi
YACHT CLUB RESTAURANT L’OLIVO – Thumbs Up 👍
L’Olivo, the Yacht Club’s exclusive à la carte restaurant on Deck 15, enjoys one of the most enviable locations on MSC Splendida, overlooking the Playa del Sol pool and the ship’s wake. Reserved solely for Yacht Club guests and fully included in the fare, it offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in an elegant, calm setting that immediately feels like a retreat from the rest of the ship.
The dining room has the atmosphere of a refined pavilion, with green and gold chairs, arched trellises, soft drapes and plenty of space between tables. All meals are waiter-served — no buffet in sight — which already sets the tone. Breakfast ranges from freshly squeezed juices, fruit and cereals to indulgent classics such as eggs Benedict, waffles and a proper full English. The express breakfast, served in one efficient delivery for excursion-bound guests, is a small but thoughtful touch.
Lunch continues the Mediterranean theme with well-balanced starters like salmon tartare or mussel and potato soup, followed by pasta with fresh tuna, grilled sea bass or pork fillet in mustard crust. Familiar favourites are always available for those craving comfort.
Dinner begins with a glass of Prosecco and quickly becomes the highlight. Beautifully presented dishes — risotto with monkfish and seafood, braised lamb shank, vegan casseroles — prove that the galley can still deliver finesse, even within today’s industry-wide budget constraints. Menus, admittedly, could benefit from a refresh after several years, especially for frequent cruisers.
In the past, Yacht Club dining has been inconsistent for me, swinging from brilliance to near-disaster. This time, L’Olivo was the strongest link of the entire Yacht Club experience. Above all, the service made the difference. Led superbly by Salvatore, the team understood that feedback is a gift and adaptability is key. Elegant, professional, warm and efficient, every meal felt less like dining — and more like an event.
Click here for Breakfast in L’Olivo: https://youtu.be/-q77RBXKQo8?si=IXtd4snE2-rT_2YJ
Click here for Lunch in L’Olivo: https://youtu.be/osUPDrYztJw?si=-7pDsiT8uqQj4nCO
Click here for Dinner in L’Olivo: https://youtu.be/Ah1aw3tqtTQ?si=IfFyOJ4GANLnkL-V
Click here for Salvatore’s surprise lunch: https://youtu.be/XKZamifSvW4?si=2eAHQvujoCo2mVhY
FREE DINING ON MSC SPLENDIDA – Thumbs Up 👍
If the MSC Yacht Club is the elegant, polished side of Splendida, then the ship’s main dining rooms and buffets are the beating heart of the free dining scene — lively, bustling, and full of options. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner each bring a “Heinz 57” variety of cuisines, from classic Italian and Mediterranean favourites to international comfort foods, all served with efficiency and a smile.
La Reggia (Decks 5 & 6) is the larger of the two main dining rooms, spanning two decks with a central staircase linking them. Seating is allocated for the cruise, usually grouping passengers by language for dinner, though breakfast and lunch are more casual with mixed-nationality tables. Decorated in gold tones with a glittering staircase at its centre, the room is handsome, if slightly tightly packed during peak dinners. Breakfast here includes a buffet of fruit, cereals, yoghurt, and pastries, alongside à la carte options like eggs Benedict, pancakes, omelettes, and French toast — all served with tea, coffee, and friendly waiter service. Lunch follows a similar format, combining a salad bar and buffet items like vegetable curry, devilled chicken thighs, and Cuban sandwiches, with hot and cold choices for every taste.
Evening dining at La Reggia brings themed menus — Mediterranean night, Spanish tapas, Greek pies, Moroccan couscous — along with classics like mushroom risotto, squid ink pasta, or beef with green peppercorn sauce. Desserts include dark chocolate mousse, lemon sponge, and always a cheese plate and fresh fruit. For an extra touch, T-bone steaks with wine or Canadian lobster tails with Prosecco are available for a modest supplement. The freshly baked bread deserves a special mention — delightfully crusty, aromatic, and impossible to resist.
Villa Verde (Deck 6) mirrors La Reggia’s menu but offers a slightly different ambiance with opulent blue and green décor and large panoramic windows aft. Although it doesn’t serve breakfast, it provides the same high-quality lunch and dinner experience, and the sea views make it feel more spacious and open.
For more casual, flexible dining, the buffet options are generous and convenient. Bora Bora (Deck 14) is the main buffet, located next to the Aqua Park, and operates 24/7 for self-service coffee, tea, water, and light snacks, transitioning seamlessly from breakfast to lunch and dinner. Breakfast includes all the classics — eggs, bacon, sausages, pastries, fruit, yoghurt, and cold cuts — while lunch and dinner showcase themed stations: salads, Mediterranean dishes, burgers, pasta, pizza, and even a children’s corner. The pizzeria is a standout, with chefs preparing thin-crust pizzas continuously, including daily wholemeal options. Staff work tirelessly during peak periods to maintain drinks service, clear tables, and keep the buffet running smoothly, all with a friendly attitude.
Pago Pago (Deck 14) runs aft of Bora Bora and is slightly quieter, offering a smaller selection of hot and cold items, tea, coffee, water, and ice 24/7. When Bora Bora is crowded, head straight to the back of Pago Pago — chances are you’ll find an empty table. The two buffets flow together seamlessly, giving passengers flexibility to move around and sample whatever suits their taste at any time.
In short, MSC Splendida’s free dining options combine sheer variety, friendly service, and smart logistics. Whether you’re after a leisurely sit-down meal in La Reggia or Villa Verde, or a quick snack or pizza from Bora Bora, there’s something for everyone. The mix of formal and casual, international and Italian, buffet and à la carte ensures no one goes hungry — or bored. It’s busy, yes, and slightly chaotic at times, but that’s part of the charm. This is cruising with energy, efficiency, and an unmistakable Italian flair — exactly what you hope for in a ship designed to cater to thousands of hungry passengers while still making them feel taken care of.
Click here for Breakfast in Bora-Bora: https://youtu.be/8try1j-tb08?si=wihc47t9dbO3Z9V9
Click here for Pizza delivery: https://youtu.be/Z8JGkfHOyw8?si=eif_vwhKTJLOMen6
SPECIALITY DINING – Thumbs Up 👍
Fee dining on MSC Splendida is limited — one steakhouse, one sushi restaurant, and a couple of sweet/snack bars — but for meat lovers, Butcher’s Cut is the star of the show. As a non-sushi fan, I booked a dinner here, and it did not disappoint.
The décor is a playful nod to its TexMex past: giant cacti, a horse-drawn cart, retro Mexican photos, and tables resting on giant horseshoes, giving the space character without feeling kitschy.
The food is consistently excellent. Steaks arrive perfectly cooked, tender, and seasoned to perfection, rivaling the best steakhouses ashore. Sauces enhance without overwhelming, and sides like truffle fries and sautéed mushrooms are rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. Desserts — particularly the lava cake — finish the meal memorably.
Service is friendly, attentive, and paced just right, allowing each course to shine. Butcher’s Cut delivers across the board: food, atmosphere, and experience. Highly recommended for birthdays, anniversaries, or a special final-night celebration.
Click here for Dinner in Butcher’s Cut: https://youtu.be/ZRTOyq3weY0?si=wwtWAI-KLgEgWVUz
BARS & LOUNGES – Thumbs Down 👎
With 19 bars and lounges scattered across MSC Splendida — 13 indoors and the rest outdoors, including the exclusive Top Sail Lounge for Yacht Club guests — there’s no shortage of places to raise a glass. On this cruise, a few venues quickly became my go-to spots, each offering a very different vibe.
The Splendida Bar on Deck 5 is a true all-day classic, serving everything from early-morning coffee to late-night cocktails. Its atrium-side location makes it perfect for enjoying live music while watching the pianist perform on the crystal-studded piano.
Up on Deck 6, L’Aperitivo is always buzzing, ideal for pre-dinner drinks and prime people-watching, while nearby La Piazzetta feels like a charming Italian square at sea, complete with ornate tiles, a central fountain and a relaxed café atmosphere almost around the clock.
Coffee lovers will gravitate to L’Espresso Coffee Bar on Deck 7, where everything from proper espressos to indulgent boozy coffees is on offer. When evening turns into night, the Aft Lounge comes alive with dancing and themed events, the Purple Jazz Bar tempts couples onto the dance floor, and La Prua Piano Bar provides a more intimate, stylish end to the evening with live music and creative cocktails
Unfortunately, the bars and lounges scored the lowest points on this MSC Splendida cruise — and not because of the venues themselves. Quite the opposite. The ambiance is there, the music is good, and the spaces (especially The Purple Jazz Bar and the Aft Lounge) are perfectly designed for long, lively evenings. The problem? Service standards that were, at best, optional.
Despite an abundance of bar staff, many seemed to have mastered the fine art of actively avoiding passengers. Plenty of movement behind the bar, lots of chatting, plenty of looking busy — yet ordering a drink often took 20–30 minutes, and receiving it required the patience of a monk. All of this unfolded under the relaxed gaze of the Bar Manager, who appeared far more interested in socialising than supervising.
Consistency was another major issue. On a cruise, you inevitably fall in love with a favourite cocktail — mine was the Passion Fruit Martini from the Top Sail Lounge. Ordering the same drink elsewhere became a game of chance: different taste, different presentation, sometimes even a different glass. Same bar, same order, different reality.
The low point? Watching a bartender ignore a clearly ordered Hendrick’s and tonic with cucumber, replacing it with a cheap gin, tonic and lime — unmeasured and unapologetic. This, for a €70+ per day premium drinks package.
A real pity. Splendida’s bars have the soul of a great party — sadly undermined by service that does everything possible to kill the vibe
Click here for Blue Dimond Cocktail Party: https://youtu.be/wN0ioK4u4fg?si=KQ7UPX4iOBVAsS-J
Click here for Voyagers Club Cocktail Party: https://youtu.be/rqV8smuXvrE?si=5GM9M8j7T9BmKoi1
Click here for Yacht Club Cocktail Party: https://youtu.be/nIEkCnHbmKU?si=b0tEDFmPvhtcNfps
ENTERTAINMENT, EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES – Thumbs Down 👎
Another major disappointment on my recent MSC Splendida cruise was, unfortunately, the entertainment and onboard activities. And this comes from someone with almost 100 MSC cruises behind him — so expectations were not unrealistic, just based on experience. What I encountered this time, however, was a worrying low point.
The stunning Strand Theatre, a venue with enormous potential for high-impact productions, hosted shows that felt painfully amateur. Despite the presence of an ultra-sophisticated LED screen capable of impressive 3D effects, the end result was flat, under-rehearsed and strangely joyless. Dancers, singers, staging and overall delivery barely rose above the level of an end-of-year school performance — and that may even be generous. It was hard to believe this was the same cruise line that previously delivered polished, energetic and genuinely memorable evening shows.
Live music around the ship was another missed opportunity. A few genuinely talented performers were hidden away in the wrong venues at the wrong times, while others — experts in killing atmosphere — dominated prime locations during peak hours. This pointed to either a total lack of interest or a complete inability from the Cruise Director to understand crowd dynamics. His rare public appearances, mostly during loyalty events, were memorable only for a personality resembling a supermarket self-checkout machine: functional, silent and utterly soulless.
Unsurprisingly, the entertainment team followed suit. Daytime activities felt childish and chaotic, while signature events such as the White Party, Silent Disco and even the New Year’s celebration turned into forgettable non-events.
And all this on an Italian ship — from a country that gave us Sanremo, Canale 5 and Rete 4. Really, MSC? For a New Year cruise, this wasn’t just underwhelming — it was under beginner level
As I had already visited all the ports on this itinerary, I skipped MSC’s shore excursions and chose to rediscover the cities independently — a decision I congratulated myself for almost immediately. Freedom, flexibility and zero flag-waving. Bliss.
The only exception was the Enhanced Behind the Scenes Tour, an excursion with all the ingredients for a big hit. The crew members waiting for us in technical areas were genuinely passionate, eager to share hidden corners of the ship, insider stories and operational secrets. They were knowledgeable, proud of their work and more than happy to answer questions. In short: exactly what you hope for from such a tour.
Sadly, this promising experience was spectacularly derailed by the Shore Excursion department logistics. What followed was a multilingual circus worthy of Eurovision rehearsals. Different nationalities were mixed together, translations were partial at best, and languages were switched mid-sentence with impressive agility. Italian explanations sounded like full TED Talks, French got the “medium version,” English was reduced to bullet points, and German — well, three words if you were lucky.
The guides themselves seemed bored, constantly checking the time, clearly hoping to finish early. Their abrupt and sometimes rude attitude wasn’t limited to guests; even colleagues were treated with visible impatience.
Thank goodness most of us were fluent enough to decode information across four languages like true EU citizens. Funny in hindsight, perhaps — but for an excursion that certainly wasn’t cheap, the overall organisation was unprofessional, chaotic and unacceptable. A backstage tour should reveal how smoothly things work, not expose the cracks so clearly.
Click here for White Party: https://youtu.be/jJ-XTptdKxU?si=i_BnuDl-qOYt3nms
EMBARKATION & DISEMBARKATION – Thumbs Up 👍
Embarking on MSC Splendida in Barcelona had all the ingredients for a logistical nightmare. Bad weather meant the ship couldn’t dock in the Catalan capital and was diverted to Tarragona instead. Surprisingly, MSC handled the situation far better than expected. I received a message the day before — short on details but impressively proactive — advising passengers to be at the Barcelona cruise terminal by 13:30. Given the circumstances, that alone felt like a small miracle.
On arrival at Terminal H, an army of shore staff efficiently took charge of luggage and directed guests onto waiting buses. Luck was on our side: minimal waiting time and a nearly full bus meant a prompt departure. The 98 km journey to Tarragona, however, turned into a slow-motion documentary, taking a heroic 2 hours and 30 minutes on the motorway. Add a driver who believed December temperatures should be “experienced, not avoided,” and the ride became… memorable. Still, we eventually reached the impressive industrial port of Tarragona.
From that point on, MSC returned to its comfort zone. Yacht Club efficiency kicked in immediately: butlers appeared, luggage disappeared, and check-in and security were handled with smooth, almost theatrical ease. There was even a charmingly improvised Yacht Club lounge inside a tent pretending to be a terminal — points for creativity. The visible presence of Marco, the Yacht Club Director, personally supervising the operation completed the picture of a well-managed embarkation under pressure.
Disembarkation in Barcelona mirrored the same professionalism. Clear information arrived two days in advance, luggage tags were straightforward, and MSC’s generous midnight deadline for leaving luggage outside the suite was much appreciated. Even better, after vacating the suite at 8:00 a.m., Yacht Club guests could still enjoy breakfast — and even lunch — at L’Olivo, the Top Sail Lounge, and the One Pool, all fully operational. When it was finally time to leave, a butler escort to the terminal sealed the deal.
In short: despite the drama, MSC nailed it
Click here for Embarkation MSC Splendida: https://youtu.be/lnrGZ6lh_ys?si=Z42d25u82RHSJX0S
Click here for Disembarkation MSC Splendida: https://youtu.be/qkBO1EHkfdQ?si=uv5hCj6wt-hOwzpa
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY – Thumbs Up & Thumbs Down 👍& 👎
The main reason I chose MSC Splendida to welcome the New Year was simple: based on previous experiences, MSC knows how to do New Year’s Eve. Really well. Elegant, glamorous, festive, with that unmistakable Italian flair that balances “posh celebration” for Yacht Club guests with full-energy, dance-until-you-drop parties across the rest of the ship. Expectations were high. Very high.
This time, however, New Year’s Eve on Splendida turned into a curious cocktail of success and missed opportunities — proof that even the best recipe can fail without proper planning.
The evening began, as tradition dictates, in the Top Sail Lounge. Yacht Club guests were dressed to impress, champagne glasses were ready, and the collective excitement of welcoming 2026 at sea was tangible. Unfortunately, the celebratory mood was slowly, methodically… assassinated. The weapon of choice? The Yacht Club pianist. Determined to perform as if auditioning for the New Year’s Concert in Vienna, he delivered loud, dramatic interpretations of classics better suited to a farewell tour than a countdown party. My Heart Will Go On, Memories, My Way — because obviously nothing screams “Happy New Year!” like existential reflection and emotional closure.
Adding to the confusion were the “festive culinary touches”, which turned out to be exactly the same snacks served on any other evening in the Top Sail Lounge. No creativity, no surprise, no luxury twist. Meanwhile, social media cruelly reminded us that other MSC ships that very same night were swimming in oysters, caviar, and premium champagne. Comparison, as always, was the thief of joy — and of patience.
The only visible connection to the “big night” came in the form of a few slices of dry panettone and some custard, proudly placed in a corner like a forgotten afterthought. In a noble attempt to save the evening, the poor Maître d’ of L’Olivo introduced a live cooking station with lentil stew, a traditional New Year dish from the Sorrento area. Culturally admirable, yes — but when guests are dreaming of oysters and caviar, lentils tend to raise eyebrows rather than spirits. The reaction ranged from polite curiosity to ironic smiles.
Salvation arrived just before midnight. Marco, the Yacht Club Director, finally changed the musician, introduced a DJ, and unleashed the Yacht Club crew onto the lounge. Add to that a generous flow of cocktails, and suddenly — magically — the atmosphere shifted. The party finally started. And when it did, it was genuinely fun. The countdown felt right, the energy was there, and for a moment, it was the MSC New Year’s Eve we expected.
Still, it was impossible to ignore the fact that the vibe was created by the passengers and crew, not by the event planning itself. A missed opportunity for a product that should excel precisely on nights like this.
After 1:00 a.m., curiosity led me “downtown”, and there the contrast was striking. The rest of the ship was alive. Latin rhythms set the Aft Lounge on fire, evergreen hits filled La Prua, and a fantastic DJ turned the atrium into a dance floor that stayed packed until 4:00 a.m. This was proof that when music, timing, and atmosphere align, MSC absolutely knows how to deliver.
Ironically, the New Year’s Eve vibe outside the Yacht Club was better than inside it. But credit where credit is due: passengers didn’t wait to be entertained — they created their own fun. Without much help from the Cruise Director or animation team, the party happened anyway.
Maybe next time, with better planning, the magic will start earlier. Because MSC Splendida — and her guests — deserve nothing less.
Click here for New Year Party MSC Splendida: https://youtu.be/-hZIzaKjifE?si=ADjaJUO4Jx3S_NSA
CREW OF MSC SPLENDIDA – Double Thumbs Up 👍👍
If you spend even five minutes scrolling through online reviews of MSC Cruises, one thing becomes crystal clear: ships change, itineraries vary, food sparks debates — but the crew? The crew is the constant. And my recent cruise on MSC Splendida proved, once again, that MSC knows exactly how to turn a multinational workforce into something far more powerful than a service team: a floating family that creates memories with you, not just for you.
From day one, it was obvious that professionalism here doesn’t come with stiffness or robotic smiles. Quite the opposite. Every interaction felt genuine, warm, and refreshingly human. People didn’t just do their jobs — they owned them, enjoyed them, and somehow made you feel part of the experience rather than a customer passing through.
Let’s start where many cruises live or die: food and service. At L’Olivo, the Yacht Club restaurant, Salvatore, the Maître D, runs the dining room like a maestro conducting an orchestra — effortlessly, gracefully, and with impeccable timing. There is no stress, no pressure, no visible chaos, even when the room is full. His team of waiters and assistant waiters work with a rare balance of fun and professionalism, turning every breakfast, lunch, and dinner into an event rather than a routine. Feedback isn’t just welcomed — it’s treasured. Needs are anticipated before they’re spoken. Plates arrive with precision, smiles arrive naturally, and guests leave feeling genuinely looked after. This is hospitality with emotional intelligence, not just training manuals.
At the Concierge, Anna and her team were nothing short of outstanding. Friendly? Yes. Efficient? Absolutely. But what really stood out was their proactive mindset. They don’t just answer questions — they solve problems before they become problems. With deep local knowledge, excellent communication skills, and a discreet, confident approach, they transform everyday requests into personalised solutions. It’s the kind of service that makes you wonder how you ever travelled without a Yacht Club concierge.
In the Top Sail Lounge, the team delivered exactly what this iconic space promises: relaxed luxury with a personal touch. Drinks appear almost magically before glasses are empty, preferences are remembered without needing reminders, and conversations flow naturally without ever feeling intrusive. The atmosphere is warm, elegant, and effortless — the kind of place where you stop checking the time and start losing track of days.
Then there are the butlers — the unsung heroes of the Yacht Club. Led by a fantastic Head Butler, the team provided consistently elevated service throughout the cruise. And special mention must go to Edwin, our suite butler, with whom I’ve had the privilege to sail before. Edwin operates on a different level altogether: anticipatory, discreet, impeccably mannered, and almost telepathic in his understanding of guest preferences. From logistics to tiny personal details, everything is handled seamlessly, with absolute confidentiality and flawless etiquette. This is five-star hospitality that makes life onboard feel not just easy — but elegant.
Of course, none of this happens without strong leadership. Tiziana, the Hotel Director, is a dynamic presence — combining strategic vision, operational mastery, and exceptional people skills. You can feel her influence everywhere: in the calm efficiency, the motivated teams, and the overall polish of the onboard experience. Similarly, Marco, the Yacht Club Director, brings a wealth of experience from both land and sea. He is visible, proactive, and genuinely engaged with guests, embodying the “ship within a ship” concept by creating a true home away from home. His leadership style is hands-on, warm, and focused on making every Yacht Club guest feel unique.
And then, of course, there is the legend himself: Captain Giuseppe Maresca, Master of MSC Splendida. Known not only for his nautical expertise but for his passion for guest experience, Captain Maresca once again proved that true leadership starts at the top. Visionary, detail-oriented, and empathetic, he blends operational excellence with a personal touch, empowering his crew to deliver unforgettable moments. His presence sets the tone, his standards inspire, and his genuine care for guests and crew alike is unmistakable.
Are there areas to fine-tune? Of course. The Bar Manager and Cruise Director could benefit from stronger leadership, more passion, and a greater ability to energise both guests and teams. But the beauty of MSC Splendida is that these gaps feel solvable — especially when surrounded by so many outstanding managers who lead by example.
In the end, I simply don’t have enough adjectives to properly thank the entire crew of MSC Splendida. You didn’t just deliver a cruise — you created an experience, a rhythm, and a collection of memories that will linger long after disembarkation.
So here it is, loud and clear: THANK YOU. Double thumbs up, standing ovation, and a heartfelt bravo.
Click here for Crew of MSC Splendida: https://youtu.be/OWVskLtnPLc?si=cNc5VFUpWJ13fvDh
Choosing MSC Splendida to celebrate the New Year turned out to be not just a good decision, but a fantastic one. This cruise delivered exactly what I hoped for — and, in true MSC style, quietly added a few pleasant surprises along the way. If there is one thing MSC does remarkably well, it is this: they consistently underpromise and overdeliver, especially when it comes to the Yacht Club experience.
From the very first day, the level of service felt elevated, polished, and reassuringly familiar. The Yacht Club product remains one of the best value-for-money luxury experiences at sea, even on an older ship like Splendida. The hardware may not be the newest, but the soul of the ship — its people — is timeless. Service was exquisite, warm, and genuine, never forced or theatrical. Crew members were not just doing their jobs; they were creating moments, sharing smiles, and somehow becoming part of the memories themselves.
What truly stood out on this sailing was the consistency. MSC knows its identity and embraces it fully. The cosmopolitan, European flair is alive and well, perfectly suited to an international crowd that values style, energy, and authenticity over gimmicks and overdesigned spectacles. This is cruising that feels lived-in, elegant without being intimidating, lively without being overwhelming. And yes — all of this comes without a luxury price tag that makes your credit card cry.
Of course, no cruise is perfect, and some areas would benefit from fine-tuning. But what makes the difference on MSC Splendida is leadership. The managers onboard are visible, approachable, and — most importantly — open to feedback. Comments are treated as gifts, not complaints, and when action is needed, it is taken quickly and efficiently. That openness creates trust, and trust creates loyalty.
MSC continues to prove that you don’t need the newest ship in the fleet to deliver a premium experience. What you need is a clear vision, strong leadership, and a crew that believes in what they do. Splendida has all three. This cruise reminded me why I always choose MSC: I know what to expect, yet there is always room for surprise — small touches, standout individuals, and moments that rise far above expectations.
Ultimately, enjoying MSC is about understanding its unique blend of affordability, entertainment, and European charm. For those seeking an authentic, international cruising experience — stylish, energetic, and great value — MSC remains a winning choice. As for me? The countdown has already started. I can’t wait for my next MSC cruise.
Leonard Miron 