Fond memories, our first MSC cruise: Melody, 2002

[shipgeeks]

During the 1990's we sailed with Premier, NCL, Chandris/Celebrity, Regal, and HAL.  The Social Hostess on Premier's Seabreeze told us what a beautiful ship MSC Melody was; we had seen pictures of the exterior and were not especially impressed: so flat-sided!  But we made the leap, and booked a 12-night cruise in January of 2002, sailing out of Port Everglades.

 

When we boarded, the Philipino young lady who escorted us to our cabin spoke English with an Italian accent.  The Welcome Aboard lunch consisted of pizza, salami sandwiches, cookies, and red wine.  This turned out to be the extent of the daily buffet - minus the wine - if one did not eat in the dining room.  There were no self-serve beverages between meals.

 

Departure was at 8:35, so it was a rush to get to our assigned 9pm dinner.  We were at an 8-top, and at 11pm we were all still talking.

 

Throughout the cruise, the shows, music, dancing, and entertainment were varied and plentiful.  Some of the featured entertainment included:

The Fascination Ballet Company

A Spanish Flamenco/Contemporary Dance Company

A magician couple

The Golden Violin of Vincenzo

Hand shadow puppets, with vignettes set to music

Mr. Melody and Lady Melody contests

The Samoan Crew Show

A "fancy dress" (costume) night with Masquerade Parade

Two dance classes every day

Music and dancing in many venues

 

Even with our limited cruising experience, the passenger makeup looked different.  Several men wore Speedos or thongs.  Very few passengers wore t-shirts with "World's Best Grandpa" or "Hard Rock Café" printed on them.  People speaking Italian, German, and French were heard regularly.

 

It was not until this year that we had the opportunity to sail with MSC again, on Seaside.  Our new favorite cruiseline!  Interestingly, during a conversation with the Captain of Seaside, Francesco di Palma, we learned that he had been an officer onboard Melody in 2002 as well.

 

We will return.

 

 

 

 

 

[shipgeeks]

Did any of you ever sail on Melody?  How was your cruise?