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The size of the ship, its facilities and ports can significantly impact a cruise experience. Our inaugural cruise was on the MSC Musica, a smaller ship lacking fancy facilities like a water park or a street promenade. However, It was the perfect ship to discover our love for cruising.  The smaller the ship, the more intimate it felt and without all the fancy gadgets it attracted a more adult crowd. This made us super social and we made friends everywhere on the ship - when boarding in the queue, having dinner, in the bar. For a family or group of friends, opting for a larger ship could be more suitable. These ships provide a variety of activities and spaces to ensure everyone stays entertained, such as waterslides, bowling alleys, arcades, spas, Broadway-style shows, youth clubs, shops, and bars. Look at the ports and timings and find a cruise that suits your needs. If you like having lazy mornings, then you may appreciate stops with later timings. If you want to explore more then you may find cruises that stop over at a destination overnight. If you have an annual travel insurance policy, ensure it includes cruise-specific coverage for medical care and trip interruptions. Just because your cruise is in a location covered by your insurance doesn’t mean you’re covered for cruising. Before boarding the ship Joining or starting a Facebook group for your sailing date could be incredibly useful.  Members often post about good deals and check-in openings, allowing you to secure early embarkation times. If you can secure an early check-in time, the ship should be a lot calmer and you'll be able to get lunch in the buffet without the huge crowds. If possible, arrive in your departure city a day early. Cruise ships won’t wait for late passengers, and having that extra buffer can save you a lot of stress if travel plans shift unexpectedly. It’s usually a good idea to download the cruise app before you reach the terminal as it’s often necessary for check-in. We once forgot and the app started acting up due to internet issues. This was a stressful situation that could have been avoided especially since this is the beginning of your trip and should be exciting not stressful. Your luggage might take several hours to arrive at your room, so be sure to pack a carry on with everything you'll need for embarkation day. If you require medication, chargers, swimwear, etc, ensure you pack these items and bring them on board with you to enjoy your first day. Usually, we've received our suitcase before dinner, but we've heard that some people didn't get theirs until much later in the evening. You can buy Wi‑Fi onboard or ahead of your cruise, but the speed isn’t like what you'd get at home. Download shows, playlists, and maps before you leave so you don't have to worry about playback interruptions. During your cruise A muster drill is a crucial first day task on your cruise and is quick and painless if you complete it. You’ll most likely watch a safety video in your room and then head to your allocated station. Missing it on board means you’ll have to do it the next day which could disrupt your holiday plans. If you dislike waiting in lines, consider disembarking about an hour after everyone else. The pools and other amenities will likely be pleasantly quiet. During our time on the MSC Seaview, the ship appeared empty when we docked at Palma and it was the most enjoyable couple of hours we spent on board. Your cabin walls are magnetic so if you prefer a tidy space pack some mini magnet hooks. They’re perfect for hanging lanyards, hats, jackets and more. If you can access your menus online, try to look at what you’re having in advance.  Don’t just stick to the buffet or main dining room; it’s perfectly fine to mix things up.  If you dislike the main dining room menu, head to the buffet.  This will allow you to have the perfect meal every time. Think about bringing a refillable water bottle. If your cruise leaves from the UK, your room might have a kettle. If it doesn't, you can still make a nice drink at the buffet or bars and bring it back to your room to enjoy. Also, if you haven't purchased a drinks package, this can help you save money. Gratuities are often automatically added.  As a UK citizen, ours are usually included in the purchase price but it’s wise to check beforehand or expect a separate bill at the end of your trip.  The TV in your room might display your onboard purchases which will help you keep track of your expenditure. If something doesn't look right, Guest Services can help you. This blog contains personal opinions for entertainment and commentary purposes only. All views are subjective, and no statements should be taken as factual assertions. I do not accept liability for any actions taken based on the content published here.

When we were researching hotels in Rome, we came across Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá. After we found out that the ladies from the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills stayed here, we knew we had to book it! When we arrived, we noticed celebrities checking out, confirming that this is the ideal place in Rome to begin or conclude your trip in luxury. It's conveniently near the Vatican and just a 10-minute walk from Trastevere - our favourite neighbourhood for dining and drinking in Rome! The room was super comfy and everything is controlled electronically. You can see directly into the shower from the bedroom, but you can put down the blinds for added privacy. The toilet is in a separate room so no worries about anyone seeing you in there. The pool was a pleasant addition, and we enjoyed using it for a few hours each afternoon. The Aperol Spritz were super tasty, albeit a bit expensive, but we didn’t mind. It's nice that you receive towels and a free bottle of water with each visit. We have stayed in other hotels in Rome, but this was by far our favourite! This blog contains personal opinions for entertainment and commentary purposes only. All views are subjective, and no statements should be taken as factual assertions. I do not accept liability for any actions taken based on the content published here.

We travelled on the MSC Grandiosa in September 2025, visiting Rome, Palermo, Ibiza, Valencia, Marseille, and Genoa. The itinerary was perfectly timed, with only one early start (Valencia) required - allowing us to fully enjoy everything the ship had to offer.    After scrolling through countless posts and YouTube videos, we knew the MSC Grandiosa was a ship we had to experience. It’s a stunning blend of modern elegance - picture glittering Swarovski crystal staircases paired with jaw-dropping LED ceiling display. Add to that a mix of complimentary and premium entertainment options, and you’ve got a floating resort that promises an unforgettable journey for travellers of all ages.   The ship was launched in 2019 and is part of MSC’s Meraviglia-Plus Class. It has facilities to suit every type of traveller - from a galleria-style promenade lined with shops and restaurants to a water park, multiple pools, football pitches, theatres, bowling alley, and kids’ clubs - this ship truly has it all. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, it’s ready to deliver an unforgettable journey.   Cruise Ship Ratings     Cabin Comfort ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The cabins were spacious and modern, perfect for us as a couple sharing. We never encountered the steward, which was unusual for a cruise, but our room was cleaned daily. On my birthday, we returned to find a card and an animal towel, which was a lovely gesture. However, the bedside lights were difficult to turn off at night due to a faulty touch mechanism, and the in-room personal assistant/speaker was not functioning.     Dining Experience ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐  We paid for the My Time dining experience, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve ever made on a cruise. Since Europeans tend to dine later, and we prefer eating around 7 pm, we enjoyed VIP-level service before the dinner rush began. By the time most guests arrived around 8, we were already wrapping up our meal in peace and comfort. The servers had our drinks ready and waiting for our arrival, which was a lovely perk.   Entertainment ⭐⭐⭐⭐  We enjoyed the free shows, but the paid performances in the Carousel Lounge were even more impressive, particularly the Strings performance. Sweet was decent, but it didn't quite match up to Strings. The silent disco was a standout experience, and it was delightful to see so many people having a great time. Our favorite bar was Masters of the Seas, offering an intimate setting, charming acoustic music, and servers who consistently provided delicious little snacks.   Service & Staff ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  Friendly and helpful. Fewer people trying to sell dining packages that you don’t want or need. The masseuse gave me one of the best deep tissue massages. We absolutely loved the entertainment staff on this cruise - so energetic and engaging! One of the standout moments was the White Party on the top deck, where we danced our way through Zumba Around the World. It was vibrant, fun, and a fantastic way to celebrate under the stars.   Value for Money ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐  We booked our trip in advance and received a complimentary drinks package, so we decided to treat ourselves to the Aurora experience. We spent a total of around £3,000 for a balcony room for two people, and considering everything we received during the trip, it was absolutely worth it.    Overall Experience ⭐⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️ Would cruise again! We had an unforgettable time aboard MSC Grandiosa. Highlights included the flexibility and service of the My Time dining experience, the spa/massage, the peaceful retreat of the private solarium, relaxed mornings thanks to later starts, and the fun of the silent disco. Altogether, it was a perfect blend of comfort, entertainment, and relaxation.   This blog contains personal opinions for entertainment and commentary purposes only. All views are subjective, and no statements should be taken as factual assertions. I do not accept liability for any actions taken based on the content published here.

We cruised aboard Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas in June 2025, visiting Belgium. It was a short sailing, with entertainment clearly tailored to a British audience - meaning we made plenty of new friends and laughed every day. We chose this cruise because it was marketed as a Eurovision cruise, and we couldn’t resist finding out what that entailed being Eurovision fans. The standout design feature was the Royal Promenade. It truly felt like the heart of the ship, with useful spots like Starbucks, Sorrento’s Pizza, shops and the British pub. On the very first night, we joined a lively street party complete with a balloon drop - an unforgettable start to the trip. 🛏️ Cabin Comfort ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The room looked a bit dated at first but it was exactly what we needed for the trip. The beds were comfy and perfect for when we needed a lie-in after a night in the club. We stayed in a balcony room and it was nice to have space to sit and have a read or have a drink before going out. The configuration of the room worked well, with the beds closer to the balcony. It was really nice having the central space to get ready before all the wonderful activities of the ship. We had a connecting room door in our cabin, which we were worried about at first, but noise from the other side did not spil into our room. Since the walls were magnetic, we hung our hats and lanyards on this door on hooks we had taken, making it a really useful place to store them. If you're sailing from Southampton, you will get a kettle in your room. This was a first for us, but by far my favourite thing that I wish more cruise lines would do, or at least offer it for us Brits regardless of the embarkation port! 🍽️ Dining Experience ⭐⭐⭐⭐ This ship is a drinker’s dream - and not just for alcohol. Everywhere you go, there are pop-up drink stations. The buffet offered grab-and-go soft drinks, and hot drink stations were conveniently placed near restaurants. Coca-Cola Freestyle machines were dotted throughout the ship, so with a drinks package cup you were never without a refreshing option. Starbucks being included in the package was a delightful surprise. We tried the main dining room once, but preferred the buffet. It offered the same meals plus more variety, and the service felt quicker and of better quality. The buffet was easily the best we’ve had on any cruise. It was nice to see the welcome message made out of cupcakes. This is just a nice touch which made it a little more special. 🎭 Entertainment ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Entertainment was non-stop. Since we’d booked a Eurovision cruise, we were treated to a surprise performance by Jedward - the highlight of the trip. They spent over an hour with guests, performing, dancing in the crowd, and taking photos. They joked, “We’re on a cruise ship, we don’t have anywhere else to go,” and kept singing beyond their set, making everyone feel special. Other memorable moments included the sail-away party and the street party with a balloon drop. The Broadway production of Grease was impressive, delivering all the songs we know and love. We also found ourselves at Perry Grant’s show every night - he’s hilarious and knows how to get a crowd laughing (and shaking maracas). He was so popular that people would form queues to watch and listen, so if you want a seat, you have to get there early! Would "return, return, return" on this ship for Perry Grant alone! Although we didn’t try it, the surf simulator looked fun. Our favorite spot was the adults-only pool, where we could grab a drink and relax in the pool chairs. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Service & Staff ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cabins were consistently clean, and the bar staff went above and beyond. Service had that American-style attentiveness, which made the experience feel polished and welcoming. Never waited long to be served or receive a drink. 💸 Value for Money ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The trip itself wasn't expensive, but the add-ons did seem a bit high. But we joined a Facebook group for that specific sailing date and it was incredibly useful. We got reminders about check-in and secured a great embarkation time, and learned when drinks packages were discounted. We cancelled our original drinks order and re-booked when it was a really good value. 🌟 Overall Experience ⭐⭐⭐⭐ For such a large ship, we rarely felt overwhelmed by crowds. Even during the street party, the crowd dispersed quickly after the balloon drop. The ship’s many spaces kept guests spread out and comfortable. We loved the buffet for its variety, quality, and ease of finding a seat and drink - it’s the best buffet we’ve experienced at sea. Small touches stood out too: watching the front of the ship via the live camera, grabbing a slice of pizza after a night out, and enjoying Starbucks every morning. The only downside was the very British vibe, with plenty of hen parties onboard. But since we booked specifically for the Eurovision theme, it was exactly the lively atmosphere we wanted. The main dining room was a little slow, but with so many other dining options, it wasn’t a problem. ✨ Verdict: A fun, energetic cruise with standout entertainment, excellent buffet dining, and great value for money. This blog contains personal opinions for entertainment and commentary purposes only. All views are subjective, and no statements should be taken as factual assertions. I do not accept liability for any actions taken based on the content published here.