MSC Sinfonia was originally built and operated by the now-defunct Festival Cruises. Like sister ship MSC Armonia, it was built on the platform of the Mistral, with an 114.8-ft long (35-meter) mid-section added to increase the ship’s length and provide more space per passenger than Mistral. MSC Sinfonia has an azimuthing pod propulsion system, instead of conventional rudders and propellers, in the latest configuration of high-tech propulsion systems. The lido deck surrounding the outdoor swimming pool also has whirlpool tubs and a large bandstand is set in raised canvas-covered pods.
The interior layout is stylish. Passenger flow is good, as are the “you are here” deck signs. The decor is decidedly “European Moderne” and includes clean lines, minimalism in furniture designs (including some chairs that look interesting but are totally impractical unless you are prepared to face reconstructive surgery).
Facilities include Amadeus, the ship’s show lounge, and La Gondola Theater, for plays and other theatrical presentations. There’s a cigar smoking room (Ambassador), with the hallmarks of a gentleman’s club of former times, as well as a piano bar. The Goethe Library/Card Room has real writing desks (something many ships seem to omit), and this ship has an internet cafe, as well an English pub called the White Lion. Those who enjoy gambling may find excitement in the Lido Casino, with blackjack, poker and roulette games, plus the usual one-armed slot machines. The onboard currency is the euro.
Standing in line for embarkation, disembarkation, shore tenders and for self-serve buffet meals is an inevitable aspect of cruising aboard all large ships. The heavy smokers are virtually impossible to avoid (in typical European fashion, ashtrays are simply moved – if used at all – to wherever smokers happen to be sitting). All announcements are in several languages, although these are thankfully fewer than in the past. The entertainment is of a low standard, with intrusive animateurs that mean well, but who perform as one would expect to find in a holiday camp – with great energy and enthusiasm but little else.
The cruise line keeps prices low by providing air transportation that may be at inconvenient times, or transportation involving long journeys by bus. In other words, be prepared for a little discomfort in getting to and from your cruise in exchange for low cruise rates. The constant push for onboard revenue is also very irritating – you have to pay extra even for a visit to the ship’s navigation bridge. The staff is much more focused on Italian passengers than those who speak any other European language (including English), although the international mix adds to the overall ambiance of the cruise experience.
If you are considering doing two back-to-back 7-day cruises, note that some ports may be duplicated, and all menus and entertainment are based on a 7-day cycle, so there is much product repetition (including the cruise director’s jokes). Regular passenger complaints include poor ports of call information and rudeness of shore excursion staff.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008
