It will take me FOREVER to catch up on all the posts during my absence, but thought I'd let you know it was a fantastic cruise! I'll try not to ramble on too much.

We were so lucky with the weather and were obviously on the right side of the Med as the other side was having the most dreadful storms and flooding. Not a drop of rain fell on us.

I must say I was impressed with MSC - embarkation was a breeze, although the ship wasn't full, so that may have helped. Great "sailaway" party from Genoa on the back deck, with complimentary wine and canapes. Our cabin was huge - must be the biggest outside cabin I have ever stayed in (perhaps that is the advantage of an older ship?) Must also comment that it was probably the cleanest ship I have sailed on - spotless everywhere, everyday. Also liked that I could stand on deck at the bow of the ship, just below the bridge and watch the mooring and unmooring at each port. Often on newer ships this is hidden or inaccessible.

Loved the ship, got that feeling of being on a real classic - good sized public rooms and bars, 2 pools - 1 aft with 2 whirlpools and one mid-ships on same deck with magrodome which was rarely closed as the weather was so good.

This was also the area for the alternative buffet breakfasts,lunches and late night buffet and a very pleasant area with loads of seating, bar and a bandstand. Live music to accompany every meal which was a nice touch. The formal dining room was excellent - the daily pasta and risotto was unmissable! Had to have even a small taste every day! Found some fabulous Italian red wines, but my only regret is I think most of them are unavailable here in Australia.

MSC biggest plus I think, is it's staff. Friendly, smiling, courteous and helpful - I don't think they know how to say "no" to any request. We wanted to adopt our cabin stewardess and our head and assistant waiters - you only had to ask once for something in your cabin or at the dining table, and there it was everyday! Very visible and gregarious Captain (I believe he is usually the Captain of Monterey).

No great wait to disembark at ports and handled very smoothly. All the ports were excellent - Salerno, Kusadasi, Istanbul, Volos, Athens, Valetta, Sorrento. I must return to Valletta, Malta - such an interesting place.

Passenger mix was interesting - majority were German, but quite a few English-speaking guests - Australian, English, American and a scattering of French, Italian, Austrian and Dutch. Made some wonderful new international friends.

Announcements kept to a minimum (I think this must have changed from previous cruisers posts). Only essential announcements in Italian, German, then English and French. No bingo, art auction, "come make a paper flower", "in 10 minutes there will be... in ...room" calls - hooray!

Great memories -not the least being the sight of the Gallipoli memorial at night as we sailed through the Dardenelles and THAT volcano erupting as we sailed pass Sicily (twice!)

As you can probably tell, I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of this "budget" line. The prices may be budget, but whatever was done, was done with typical Italian style and flair. I will travel again with MSC in the Med.
I am happy to answer any specific questions any future cruiser may have.

Now, it's bmajor's turn to tell us about his Pacific Princess cruise!

..particularly since the Phoenicians and the Romans were sailing those sees for some centuries earlier. In far more substantial ships than those used in the Carib and Alaskan waters!

This is an area I would love to sail.

Here's a link to the P&O Press Release with details of Med cruises:

http://www.pacificsky.com.au/holidays/media/2002/1127.htm

Old Egypt has Sailing Ships and a Culture of more than 5000 Years.

And in 488 before Christs Birth, there was the Battle of SALAMIS, where the Greek Fleet destroyed the much bigger and stronger Fleet of the Persians, today is this the IRAN.