Welcome to Your Favorites, where you have the opportunity to share your travel experiences with fellow Internet Travelers around the world.

Mediterranean Shipping Cruises

SS Melody

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Art & Barb Christensen
# previous cruises: 9
Date of Trip: January 24, 2000
Itinerary: Caribbean - Southern

The complete lack of organization during the embarkation and dis-embarkation procedure would be enough to discourage a first-time cruiser from ever wanting to repeat the experience. If there was a "minus rating", MSC would get one here! The majority of the passengers on this sailing were Europeans, and it almost seemed that english-speaking American and Canadian passengers were tolerated just to fill the cabins. If one is expecting a cruise experience a la Carnival, R.C., N.C.L. or even Airtours, this ship is definitely not for you!

The public areas were adequate, and indeed there always seemed to be plenty of deck chairs and lounges at various points on the sun deck and pool deck. But it is one of those ships that you "can't get to there from here". You have to be prepared to climb stairs or wait for an elevator to get to other areas on the same deck.

The food was adequate and plentiful, but nothing spectacular, although the Italian dishes and the seafood selections were very good. Getting something not on the food menus or bar menus was a challenge when faced with a staff who for the most part had a tenuous grasp of English. At times one was never quite sure of what one might receive.

Our cabin is one area where this ship excelled. There were three of us sharing this cabin which had two lowers and a convertible sofa. And this cabin had a large bathroom with a full tub and a shower - something usually only found on other ships if you have booked a suite or a larger cabin. Five stars for this cabin and the steward service we received, with the exception that this ship has no face cloths on board whatsoever.

If you enjoy most of your entertainment being presented by dancers dancing to "canned" music, this is for you. Definitely not up to the standards North American cruisers are accustomed to. Again, if there was a "minus rating", the entertainment would fall into that category.

Apart from a very attractive price for a 12-day cruise, the itinerary was the main reason for selecting this ship. We had the opportunity to visit our favourite Caribbean islands: St. Thomas, Antigua, Grenada, St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, Tortola and Nassau. As well, we enjoyed relaxing during three days at sea.

We enjoy meeting other travellers, and always ask to sit at a larger table in the dining room. We shared the company of two other Canadian couples, one of which turned out to be from our own city.