The childrens facilities on aboard MSC cruises are excellent. We travelled with the MSC Lirica in 2007. The entertainers make the children laugh, each ship has a bright colourful and EXTREMELY Safe childrens room. The walls are spongy and they keep the children happy.

I have recently returned from a MSC cruise.My son aged 11 didnt enjoy the kids clubs as most of the children were either Italian or German. As he was on his own he felt slightly isolated.Also he went to the kids club to find it was often shut I have also been on a P&O cruise. I felt the kids club was much better organised.

You will certainly find MSC very different to P&O. Points to be aware of if you are travelling with children. There is no alternative dining in the evening. If you prefer second sitting your children will have no option but to dine with you late. Fine if you opt for first sitting. The buffett area becomes a chargeable Bistro in the evening. They provide the usual 'kids menu' in the Dining Room ie Fishy Shapes, Chicken Nuggetts, Pizza Chips etc. There is also always on the main menu - spag bol, chicken breast and thin steak. Tea/Coffee/Water/Juice is not available 24/7 in the buffett area. The buffett opens and closes throughout the day and you cannot go up to the dispensers to get your own tea/coffee/water. This has to be served to you by the waiters. At other times Tea/coffee is available in bars at a charge. Also they will try to sell you bottled water with meals. Do not be afraid to ask for a jug of iced water at no charge. Kids club - my son was 11 when we were on board - he took one look at the kids club and decided it looked 'too babyish'. On other Cruise lines he is always keen to go. Reports from other parents were - they had taken their kids out of the kids club as other kids were unruly and not well supervised. Be prepared for a lot of pushing and shoving. European culture does not know what an orderly queue is and can, do and will be very rude at jumping in front of you for buses, shuttles and at pursers desk etc. Their transfers and flights which often have late departures can be chaotic and disorganised with lots of waiting around. Ships are spotlessly clean. Shows are mime/circus type to appeal to all. Announcements are made in multitude of languages. If the itinery is right and more importantly the price then give it a go. I dont want to put you off but I like to tell it as it is. If you go prepared for what to expect you wont end up being dissapointed.