Cruising Guide: MSC Orchestra
Maiden MSC voyage *
It has one of the largest fleets in the world but MSC isn't exactly a household name in Australia. That may in part be rectified when an MSC ship visits our shores for the first time in March, when the 2550- passenger Orchestra arrives as part of a 33-night Grand Voyage from Dubai, which ends in Fremantle in March.
Orchestra keeps the Italian vitality for which the line is known - think dancing competitions in the night clubs, Latin dance classes, crew-led pool deck games and a real mix of entertainment styles - mostly music based (it is a "musica class" ship, after all) rather than comedy or theatre.
The formal, sit-down dining rooms Villa Borghese and L'Ibiscus have Mediterranean- themed menus and there's a buffet with pizza, pasta, salads and a carvery.
There's other cuisine available at the steakhouse, wine bar, Chinese and sushi restaurants but these attract an extra charge, albeit reasonable.
Getting a drink isn't an issue with nine bars on the ship and a coffee and chocolate cafe, treats from which may lead you to the gym perched high above the bridge, with floor to ceiling windows.
Nearly 80 per cent of cabins have private balconies, while staterooms with interconnecting doors make the ship good for families.
MSC Orchestra is cruising the Arabian Peninsula on seven-night voyages from Dubai before the ship sets off on a 33-night cruise to India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Australia. msccruises.com.au and 1300 028 052.
