The NEW MSC Fantasia-something Special...

I just returned from Italy and the christening of MSC Cruises Newst ship, the 133,000 ton 1094 foor long, MSC Fantasia that carries 3200 passengers. She is almost as big as the queen Mary 2 and a gorgeous ship. You can check out my pictorial at CruiseCenter.Smugmug.com for more details on this wonderful addition to the cruise industry.
I really like MSC Cruises as it offers a different approach to cruising. The ambiance is European and the producrt is geared towards the International traveler. If one needs a strictly "American" ambiance, don't pick this line. It's a shame that more people aren't open to an international mix of passengers and trying different experiences. I think that most of the contemporary and premium cruise experiences today are a floating Vegas where you a nickel and dimed. MSC does not do that.
The MSC experience is elegant, low key, and the service is more European style (although most of the staff are Indonesian and Honduran), there is a subtle differnce. I equate cruising the MSC ships as traveling to an Italian hotel with a strongly European ambiance.
The big thing for most American's is the food being different as it does cater to European taste buds. I have found that the food is actually quite good except for the steak. The Italians know one thing-overcook the meat to death. This can be corrected to American palates by a travel agent in the know, and one who can tell their valued clients to ask for meat specifically to be cooked to their taste. I have found the breads, pastas,risottos, soups, salads, and desserts to be excellent. most of the fish and poultry are too.
The ships are spotless, elegantly decorated and nice cabins except for the lirica which does have smaller cabins. she is a delightful ship-nonetheless.
The smoking issue has not been a real problem or different than any other line. MSC allows smoking in only designated bars and deck spaces. Smoking is not allowed in the cabins or balconies. You may get a string whiff of smoke by going into a smoking room or passing through but that is no different from other ships or a Las Vegas Casino.
I find MSC Cruises to offer one of the most affordable cruise options with Kids under 18 sailing Free on all cruises! Also, they have GREAT itineraries.
If you are looking for something different, try MSC Cruises and the NEW MSC Fantasia is one of the best options in the Mediterranean...