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MSC Sinfonia Review
Everything about cabins, activities, and restaurants
Thinking of cruising on the MSC Sinfonia? You’re in the right place! Here, we give you our complete and honest feedback based on our experience onboard, with all the details that really matter.
Whether you’re an experienced cruiser or this is your very first trip, this guide will help you determine if the MSC Sinfonia meets your expectations.
What you will discover in this guide:
- Cabins and onboard amenities (with photos)
- Quality of restaurants, bars, and buffets
- Activities: pools, slides, zip line, shows, casino
- Ship’s strengths and weaknesses
- Our final verdict: thumbs up or not?
Get your sneakers… or your sandals 😄, and follow us to explore the MSC Sinfonia!
Technical Specifications
Before diving into the details, here are some key figures to better understand the scale of this ship:
MSC Sinfonia Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Gross Tonnage | 55,138 tons |
| Passenger Capacity | 2,646 |
| Crew Members | 721 |
| Number of Cabins | Approximately 1,058 |
| Length / Width / Height | 823 ft / 94 ft / 180 ft |
| Maximum Speed | 21 knots |
| Pools | 2 outdoor pools |
| Restaurants | Multiple restaurants and bars |
| Bars and Lounges | Varied spaces for drinks and relaxation |
| Entertainment | Theater, casino, activities for kids and teens |
Bars
MSC Sinfonia Review
On the MSC Sinfonia, explore 7 bars and lounges for a unique experience! While some seasoned cruisers might think this is a modest number, these spaces are thoughtfully spread out, mainly on decks 5, 6, and 11 (the pool deck).
The staff at these bars, dedicated professionals, take great care of guests with a smile, even after long hours of work. They undoubtedly add a special touch to your cruise. You will find all your favorite drinks, along with the lively atmosphere that comes with them! If you want to know the drink prices, feel free to check my dedicated page: Onboard Prices.
Caffe del Mare and Capri Bar
On deck 11, also known as the pool deck, you will find the two bars shown in the photo. The Caffe del Mare is a lively spot that is always busy, but the service is very efficient, making the wait quite reasonable. After all, we are on vacation! Additionally, servers are available throughout deck 11, which means you don’t need to go to the bar; they will come to your table or lounge chair to serve you.
The Cigar Room
Newer cruise ships are gradually phasing out smoking areas. However, the Cigar Room remains a haven for tobacco enthusiasts. It is an elegant and comfortable space where the smoke extractor works perfectly even when the lounge is busy.
Located on deck 6, next to the Shegar Café and the theater entrance, the Cigar Room is a very special lounge. It features leather sofas and exceptional decor, making it the preferred space for smokers on this ship. We are fortunate to have several options: half of the casino is reserved for smokers, outdoor smoking areas are available on the port side of the ship, and a dedicated smoking corner on deck 12 is also provided for our comfort.
In the photos below, you can see all these bars on decks 5 and 6. It’s important to note that on this ship, decks 7, 8, 9, and 10 are reserved for cabins, so you won’t find any bars there. Entertainment is mainly concentrated on decks 5, 6, 11, and 12.
Restaurants
MSC Sinfonia Review
On board the MSC Sinfonia, depending on your deck and cabin, you will be assigned either to the Il Galeone or Il Covo restaurant. Note that the first seating starts at 7:00 PM, while the second seating begins at 9:45 PM (which may seem a bit late for some). It’s best to specify your choice when booking your cruise, but don’t worry—if you forget, you can always speak with the restaurant manager to change your seating.
Il Covo
Having dined in both restaurants, Il Galeone is an excellent choice. The service is impeccable, with very friendly staff. However, I must share my personal favorite: Il Covo (deck 6 at the front of the ship), not only for its charming decor but especially for the outstanding team of servers. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the cuisine, which is truly delicious, and the service that exceeded all expectations. A big thank you to Alfredo and his colleague, as well as Pistouk and the entire team who take care of every detail. They provide special attention to each table, making the experience simply exceptional. You will enjoy your meal and create memorable moments. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but a spectacular and magical evening awaits you at the end of the week 🤫.
Il Galeone
The Il Galeone restaurant is a beautiful place for your meals on board. It is open in the morning for breakfast, then for lunch, and closes in the afternoon before reopening in the evening for the two dinner seatings. It’s an excellent choice not only to enjoy your meals but also to meet new people and share great moments with your future cruise friends.
Terrazza Buffet
MSC Sinfonia Review
At the buffet (deck 11), you will find a wide selection of tempting food, from the salad bar to fresh meats and fish, pizzas, vegetables, and fries… available at lunch and dinner (for those who prefer dining at the buffet). The seating, whether chairs or booths, is very comfortable, and the entire space is impeccably clean, offering stunning views of the sea. Although the buffet can get busy at peak times, the flow of traffic remains smooth. If you arrive right at noon, you may have to wait about 5 minutes for an available table.
The quality of the food on board is truly remarkable, often exceeding what you typically find on other cruise ships. The chefs truly deserve praise for their expertise and the variety of dishes offered.
At all times, ice-cold water is available, along with a wide selection of teas and coffees, which is not always the case on other ships like the Costa Smeralda. It’s worth reminding first-time cruisers that all of these services are included in the cruise price.
The staff plays a key role in the onboard experience: always smiling, attentive, and available even after long hours of work. Their dedication and kindness make every meal and every moment on board even more enjoyable and memorable.
San Carlo Theater
MSC Sinfonia Review
The San Carlo Theater on the MSC Sinfonia is an elegant venue where you can enjoy a variety of shows every evening. Dance, music, cabaret, or musicals: the programming is designed to appeal to all passengers.
Despite the ship’s smaller size compared to MSC’s larger vessels, the theater offers excellent acoustics and comfortable seating. Every show becomes a special moment, perfect for ending the day on a high note. The 600-seat auditorium, spread over decks 5 and 6, is very comfortable and accommodates all body types. The sound and lighting are perfect, ensuring a delightful experience.
Performances often feature experienced MSC Cruises talents, guaranteeing quality and professionalism. Whether you enjoy dance, singing, or acrobatic performances, the San Carlo Theater never disappoints.
Never forget to applaud the performers—it’s their tip and recognition. They all work hard to live their passion, and a smile or applause is a real reward. Plus, smiling uses fewer muscles, so in the end, fewer wrinkles!
Casino
The MSC Sinfonia casino is located on deck 6 and offers an enjoyable entertainment space for passengers seeking thrills. You will find around a hundred slot machines, as well as classic gaming tables, roulette, and video poker. Everything is designed to provide a varied experience, whether you are a beginner or an experienced player.
The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with attentive and welcoming staff always ready to explain the rules or offer advice to players. While I didn’t witness spectacular wins like those sometimes seen on the MSC Seaview, the experience remains enjoyable and provides a fun way to spend time on board.
Whether you are curious or passionate about gaming, the Sinfonia casino offers a pleasant setting to try your luck and enjoy a playful break during your cruise. Between tense moments, laughter, and camaraderie, it’s a space to relax and soak up the unique MSC ship atmosphere. For enthusiasts, good luck!
Pools
MSC Sinfonia Review
On board the MSC Sinfonia, you will find two outdoor pools, perfect for cooling off and relaxing. The water is refreshed daily for your comfort. You’ll enjoy the lively atmosphere around the pool, with sun loungers to soak up the sun and entertaining activities for the whole family.
During this cruise, we spent a lot of time at the pool because the weather was ideal. The mood was fantastic thanks to the entertainment team, the sun was shining, and relaxation and fun were guaranteed. I truly wish you an amazing cruise because that’s exactly what you will experience on the MSC Sinfonia!
Sports Facilities
MSC Sinfonia Review
As mentioned earlier, the MSC Sinfonia, despite its age, offers a variety of facilities for the enjoyment of its passengers.
Fitness enthusiasts will be pleased with the gym, which offers stunning views of the sea. Don’t forget to bring your sneakers, as proper workout attire is required.
The gym is located within the spa (deck 11), where you can also indulge in massages, pedicures, body scrubs, and more. The spa provides a high-end experience, although prices can be high due to the 15% service charge added to each treatment. If you are fortunate enough to have Caroline attend to you, you’ll be in excellent hands.
Gym
For football and basketball enthusiasts, a dedicated court is available for everyone. Additionally, a mini-golf course is nestled between decks 11 and 12 at the rear of the ship, or more precisely on the “deck 11 and a half.”
Spa
MSC Sinfonia Review
At the spa, you will find a full range of wellness services, including relaxing massages, hair treatments, and pedicures to meet all your needs. However, it’s important to note that these services can be a bit pricey, so be sure to budget accordingly to fully enjoy these delightful treatments.
Cabins
Over the past 15 years, I’ve been fortunate to go on many cruises, at least three per year. I’ve experienced different types of cabins, from balconies to interiors. I can assure you that the MSC Sinfonia makes no compromises when it comes to comfort and luxury, whether you choose the smallest or the most spacious cabin. The rooms are roomy, spotless, and the bed comfort is exceptional. By the way, I wonder where they get their mattresses because they are truly amazing 😄.
Nightclub
The nightclub opens at 12:45 AM in the summer, as themed parties, such as White Party and disco nights, usually take place on deck 11 near the pool until that time. These parties are incredible; the vast majority of passengers (98%) are extremely friendly, here to have fun, relax, and share good times, creating an amazing atmosphere. Of course, there are always the 2% grumpy ones who got lost 🤭. After the themed parties end, the nightclub usually takes over. Its décor is charming, it offers a nice space, and the photos above speak for themselves.
Shops
The shops on the MSC Sinfonia (decks 5 and 6) offer both essential items and, more importantly, clothing, bags, accessories, and perfumes. The boutiques are numerous and well-distributed. Customer service is excellent; the staff is attentive and helpful, ensuring you find great deals (no, I don’t work for MSC 😄).
Entertainment
We’ve never been so impressed by a team. Led by Christophe Frédérique, this crew is everywhere, all the time: deck activities, games, wild parties… Their energy is incredible and their enthusiasm contagious. A huge shout-out to Chris, Allan, Zambi, Nayara, Diego, and Morris.
On the management side, a special mention goes to Simona, the Cruise Director. Multilingual, radiant, and always present, she embodies the spirit of the MSC Sinfonia. You can see her on stage or on deck at various times of the day. Her kindness and availability make a real difference for passengers.
Simona speaks several languages, wears a constant smile, and radiates true joy. Whether at the theater during shows or on deck, her presence is always felt. She helps create a friendly and lively atmosphere, where everyone can enjoy the activities and events offered on board.
✅ MTT Conclusion – MSC Sinfonia – 1 PERFECT Cruise
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Conclusion | The MSC Sinfonia ticks all the boxes for an enjoyable and successful cruise, despite its age. |
| Overall Experience | A fantastic ship, diverse ports of call, attentive crew from start to finish, and activities day and night. |
| Atmosphere and Comfort | Friendly atmosphere, comfortable and clean accommodations, high-quality dining, and smooth organization of activities and entertainment. |
| Recommendation | The MSC Sinfonia is one of the most successful ships in the MSC fleet and comes highly recommended. |
Practical tips
Here are some important tips to keep in mind before going on your cruise:
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Required Documents | Valid passport or ID card. Without these, you will not be allowed on board. |
| Advance Formalities | Check that your documents are up to date and valid for the entire cruise. Review the requirements of the cruise line and planned destinations. |
| Budget Preparation | Most items are tax-free, which is great for shopping. Tobacco is only available outside European waters: 1 pack per day per adult if purchased at the bar. For cartons, check your country’s customs regulations. |
| Excursions and Activities | Check in advance for available excursions, prices, and reservations. For all activities during ports of call, see my page on cruise ports and excursions. |
| Packing | Review the cruise line’s luggage and allowed items policies. Bring clothing suitable for activities, swimsuits, toiletries, and medications if needed. |
Where to smoke
Finally, if you are a smoker, know that smoking is allowed on the port side. Signs clearly indicate the areas where smoking is permitted.
| Location | Details |
|---|---|
| Allowed Areas | Outdoors, on the port side (left side of the ship), clearly marked with signs |
| Restricted Areas | Cabins, private balconies, indoor public areas (except the Cigar Room or certain casino sections if specified) |
| Port Calls and Refueling | Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is strictly prohibited during port calls or refueling for safety reasons |
| Penalties | Failure to comply may result in fines or sanctions from the cruise line |
MSC Sinfonia Review – Our complete onboard experience
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MTT wishes you the most beautiful and memorable cruise experience!
