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MSC Orchestra reviews
Everything about cabins, activities, and restaurants
Thinking about cruising on the MSC Orchestra? You’re in the right place! Here, we provide our full, unfiltered review based on our onboard experience, covering all the details that really matter.
Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or this is your very first voyage, this guide will help you decide if the MSC Orchestra meets your expectations.
What you’ll discover in this guide:
- Cabins and onboard amenities (with photos)
- Quality of restaurants, bars, and buffets
- Activities: pools, slides, zipline, shows, casino
- Ship strengths and weaknesses
- Our final verdict: would we recommend it?
Lace up your sneakers… or your sandals 😄, and join us to explore the MSC Orchestra!
Technical Specifications
The MSC Orchestra is a Musica-class cruise ship built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire for MSC Cruises. Launched in 2007, it measures 966 feet long and 105 feet wide, accommodating up to 3,223 passengers and 940 crew members.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Gross Tonnage | 92,409 tons |
| Passenger Capacity | 3,223 |
| Crew Members | 940 |
| Number of Cabins | 1,275 including 17 for guests with reduced mobility |
| Length / Width / Height | 966 ft / 105 ft / 195.6 ft |
| Maximum Speed | 26.3 knots |
| Pools | 3 pools & jacuzzis |
| Restaurants | Shanghai, Four Seasons, La Piazzetta, Villa Borghese, Ibiscus |
| Bars and Lounges | Savannah Bar, La Cantinella Wine Bar, La Cubana Cigar Room, Barracuda, The Amber, Purple Bar, Shaker Lounge |
| Entertainment | Covent Garden Theater, Palm Beach Casino, nightclub, kids and teens activities |
Bars
MSC Orchestra reviews
Discover a world of liquid pleasures aboard the MSC Orchestra, where every bar invites you to escape and explore. With 16 bars available, here are a few highlights. Remember to drink responsibly, especially if you’re not used to alcohol; for the rest of you, cheers 🥂.
| Bar | Description |
|---|---|
| The Savannah Bar | Dive into a warm African-inspired atmosphere with exotic cocktails and a lively vibe that takes you on a sensory adventure. |
| Barracuda Bar | Relaxed poolside spot, perfect for sipping refreshing drinks while enjoying the sun. |
| Incontro Bar | A friendly bar to meet friends or make new ones in a welcoming atmosphere. |
| La Cubana Cigar Room | For cigar enthusiasts, a premium selection in an elegant setting, perfect for connoisseurs. |
| The Amber Bar | Elegant space with soft lighting and refined décor, ideal for relaxing and tasting drinks. |
| La Cantinella Wine Bar | Dedicated to wine lovers, offering exquisite flavors in a sophisticated setting. |
| The Purple Bar | A palette of flavors and colors, perfect for experimenting with creative and vibrant cocktails. |
| The Shaker Lounge | The art of mixology showcased by talented bartenders crafting custom cocktails. |
Restaurants
MSC Orchestra reviews
Onboard the MSC Orchestra, the dining experience is varied, though not as extensive as on the MSC Sinfonia. Enjoy the meals included in your cruise at the main restaurants, Hibiscus and Villa Borghese, where quality cuisine awaits.
If you want to explore other flavors, you can choose the Four Seasons or Shanghai restaurants (these are specialty, extra-charge venues).
| Restaurant | Description |
|---|---|
| Hibiscus | Main restaurant offering a warm and friendly atmosphere, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a variety of international dishes. Experience may vary depending on staff. |
| Villa Borghese | Elegant restaurant providing a refined dining experience with a wide range of international dishes and attentive service. |
| Four Seasons | Specialty restaurant serving refined Mediterranean à la carte cuisine. Elegant dinner with an extra charge. |
| Shanghai Chinese Restaurant | Specialty restaurant offering authentic Chinese cuisine for a true Asian dining experience. |
| MSC Club Restaurant | Exclusive for MSC Voyagers Club members, offering a premium gourmet experience with delicate dishes. |
La Piazzetta Buffet
MSC Orchestra reviews
The MSC Orchestra’s La Piazzetta Buffet offers a wide range of dishes for every taste. Vegetables, meats, fish, snacks, and pizzas are available throughout the day. While some other ships in the fleet offer slightly higher-end experiences, the buffet is still very good, and the pizzas are particularly tasty, reflecting MSC’s culinary expertise. Located on Deck 13, the buffet remains open until 2 a.m., giving you great flexibility for your meals.
Covent Garden Theater
MSC Orchestra reviews
The MSC Orchestra Theater is a true gem, hosting breathtaking shows! With its captivating atmosphere and stunning décor, it transports you into an unforgettable entertainment world. Every evening, you can enjoy top-level performances featuring talented artists delivering jaw-dropping acts. The theater is one of the most beautiful in the MSC fleet, combining elegance, design, and grandeur. Get ready to be dazzled and enchanted by the magic of live shows onboard the MSC Orchestra!
Palm Beach Casino
MSC Orchestra reviews
You know, the Palm Beach Casino is really something! We had two amazing sessions there! We tried our luck at some games and left with smiles—and even a bit more money than expected!
The slot machines are very popular, and the gaming tables are always full. But despite that, the atmosphere remains super friendly—you’ll see!
I highly recommend stopping by, even just to soak in the vibe. You don’t need to spend a fortune; you can simply enjoy a drink—their cocktails are excellent! And there are plenty of slot machines to suit all tastes.
Pools
MSC Orchestra reviews
On the MSC Orchestra, during winter, the two outdoor pools and the kiddie pool are not ideal for swimming, although some brave passengers still ventured into the cold.
For relaxation, the ship offers four hot tubs on Deck 13, perfect for warming up and enjoying a peaceful moment.
Regarding activities, the outdoor area is quieter in winter, but the bar atmosphere and interactions among passengers remain friendly. The Deck 13 staff are welcoming and take orders directly at your table, making the experience very pleasant.
The vibe on Deck 13 is relaxed, especially when the sun is out. It’s a great space to spend time, with attentive service and the buffet nearby for easy meals.
For families with children, the MSC Orchestra is not the most suitable. MSC ships from the MSC Fantasia onward feature indoor pools and more complete water structures, allowing kids to fully enjoy water games regardless of the weather. For more information, you can check the page MSC Cruises Ships
Sports Facilities
The MSC Orchestra offers a variety of facilities for passengers’ enjoyment:
- A dedicated basketball court is available for all enthusiasts.
- A mini-golf course is tucked away on Deck 14 at the aft of the ship.
- Ping pong tables
- For clubs, balls, rackets, and paddles, you’ll find accessories next to the bar, available free of charge.
Gym
Fitness enthusiasts will love the gym, which offers breathtaking views of the sea. Don’t forget to bring your sneakers, proper workout attire is essential.
The gym is located within the spa on Deck 13, where you can also enjoy massages, pedicures, scrubs, and more. The spa offers a high-end experience, although prices can be steep due to an additional 15% service fee applied to each treatment.
Spa
At the spa, you’ll find a full range of wellness services, including relaxing massages, hair treatments, and pedicures to meet all your needs. Keep in mind that these services can be a bit pricey, so plan your budget accordingly to fully enjoy these indulgent treatments.
When visiting the spa, the team treats you like royalty. They are exceptional—friendly, professional, and attentive.
Cabins
Onboard the MSC Orchestra, you’ll discover a wide selection of cabins that will amaze you. I had the pleasure of trying both interior cabins and balcony cabins, and each option offers an exceptional and unique experience. While one may be more affordable than the other, both are truly worth it.
Interior cabins are comfortable, providing everything you need for a pleasant stay. On the other hand, balcony cabins allow you to enjoy spectacular sea views and offer a sense of extra space. Whatever your choice, you’ll be impressed by the quality and comfort of these cabins.
Nightclub
On the MSC Orchestra, the nightclub opens at midnight, right after karaoke starts at 11:15 p.m. at the Savannah Bar on Deck 6. Themed parties, such as White Parties and disco nights, usually take place on Deck 13 near the pool until 2 or 3 a.m. in summer, after which the party continues at the nightclub.
In winter, the evening starts with karaoke at 11:15 p.m. at the Savannah Bar, with no deck parties. Guests then head directly to the nightclub on Deck 14. Whether in summer or winter, there’s always fun to be had!
Shops
The MSC Orchestra shops are located on Decks 6 and 7. You’ll find essentials, as well as clothing, bags, accessories, and perfumes. The shops are numerous and well distributed. Staff are attentive and helpful, ensuring a great shopping experience (no, I don’t work for MSC!).
Entertainment
MSC Orchestra reviews
Regarding entertainment on the MSC Orchestra, it depends on the time of year. In winter, activities are a bit quieter since the team is smaller and the cold limits outdoor events. This is true for all cruise ships, regardless of the company. Still, between theater shows and the lively cruise staff, there’s always something to do. Competing with the entertainment team on the MSC Sinfonia remains a real challenge.
On the MSC Orchestra, I had the chance to meet amazing people from all over France and from very diverse backgrounds. During this cruise, which coincided with Carnival week, we organized a fun costume challenge among passengers. It was a very entertaining and friendly moment.
I would also like to thank all our new friends: José, Rose, Patrick, Karen, Majdi… You brought so much joy to this cruise. That’s the magic of sea travel: meeting people you might never encounter otherwise, building connections, and sharing unforgettable moments. This cruise will remain an exceptional memory for us, full of kindness and friendliness.
Majdi, The King of MSC Orchestra
It’s hard to talk about every crew member on a cruise, given the challenging conditions and their remarkable kindness, professionalism, and dedication. But today, I want to highlight a man who made our journey unforgettable: Majdi.
Majdi, a server at the Cigar Room on Deck 7, impressed us with his thoughtfulness and excellent service. Throughout the week, he was attentive from morning to evening, combining efficiency with contagious positivity.
His passion for his work is evident, and he goes the extra mile to satisfy guests. He takes the time to talk to everyone; although his native language is Tunisian, he speaks French fluently and shows rare attention to detail.
His professionalism is exemplary, handling orders flawlessly even during peak times. His kindness and smile brighten the Cigar Room, and it’s clear that all guests truly appreciate him.
Thank you
For us, Majdi is undoubtedly the best employee on the MSC Orchestra. He embodies the true spirit of cruising and greatly contributed to making our trip unforgettable.
Majdi, if you read this, know that we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You are a true treasure, and we will never forget you.
And to all fellow cruisers, if you have the chance to meet Majdi, don’t hesitate to seek him out. You won’t be disappointed!
Besides Majdi, it’s important to note that the entire MSC Orchestra staff was exceptional. Their kindness and professionalism greatly contributed to the success of our cruise.
A big thank you to everyone!
Practical Tips
MSC Orchestra reviews
Here are some important tips to keep in mind before going on a cruise:
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Required Documents | Valid passport or ID card. Without these documents, you will not be allowed onboard. |
| Advance Formalities | Check that your documents are valid for the entire duration of the cruise. Review the requirements of the cruise line and planned destinations. |
| Prepare Your Budget | Most products onboard are duty-free, which is an advantage 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 | Research excursions in advance, including prices and reservations. For all shore activities, visit my page Shore Excursions & Cruises. |
| Packing | Check the cruise line’s luggage and allowed items guidelines. Bring appropriate clothing, swimsuits, toiletries, and any necessary medications. |
Smoking areas
If you are a smoker, know that smoking is allowed on the port side. Signs clearly indicate where smoking is permitted.
| Situation | Details |
|---|---|
| Permitted Areas | Outdoors on the port side (left side of the ship), clearly marked by signs |
| Prohibited Areas | Cabins, private balconies, indoor public areas (except designated smoking lounges or specific casino areas) |
| Shore Stops & Refueling | Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited during port stops or refueling for safety reasons |
| Penalties | Non-compliance may result in fines or penalties from the cruise line |
✅ Conclusion MTT – MSC Orchestra reviews, we approve… But we’ll do it again
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Conclusion | MSC Orchestra, we approve! Although renovated in 2015, we plan to cruise it again to see if it still delivers on its promises. |
| Overall Experience | The MSC Orchestra remains a great experience: impressive ship, varied ports of call, numerous pools and onboard activities, and above all, a caring crew. |
| Ship Condition | Renovated in 2015, the ship is generally comfortable and pleasant, although some details could still be improved. |
| Next Cruise | We plan to sail on the MSC Orchestra again soon to check if it continues to meet expectations and to update our review. |
MSC Orchestra reviews – Our full and honest test
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MTT wishes you the most beautiful and memorable cruise experience!
