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November 12, 2022

Here we are at the end of the journey with MSC Splendida, if you have missed the beginning of the story you can find the first parts here (part 1, part 2, part 3). Now all that remains is to enjoy the last 2 days on board!

Welcome to Puglia

Taranto is a recently added stop. And it was the most awaited because it was the only city I had never visited! I opted for a DIY tour in Alberobello but I will gladly return to visit the city of Taranto too.

After disembarking the ship at the port with a port shuttle, a few meters away you will find buses that will take you to Alberobello for €25. It would take you 3 hours to travel there independently! This is the perfect time to get lost among the trulli structures, take some photos, and taste something typical like Apulian taralli. I liked Alberobello a lot; it felt like being screened in a little cartoon village, and it was very clean and quaint.

Back on the ship, I immediately rushed to the buffet. Walking made me so hungry. After a hearty lunch, we’re back in the pool to catch some of the warm Apulian sun, but also because lunch knocked me out. In the afternoon, I participated in the animation games in the already super-decorated pool, waiting for the evening White Party!

White Party

Here is the best party of the cruise: At least for me, I must say that there were many participants in this round. You don’t always find all the passengers dressed in white as it is only recommended clothing, but this time the ship was very WHITE and it was nice to see!

We were all in the pool after dinner. Luckily the weather allowed it. All the white flags were waving while the band played and the bridge filled up more and more! Another performance before the party, that actually started around 11 pm with the White Night Show, was curated by MSC Splendida dance troupe. Dancers and acrobats performed directly on the pool platform. After this fantastic show, the White Party and animation team left the room for a night DJ set!

Last day

The last day of the cruise arrived. It was another day of navigation before arriving in Civitavecchia for disembarkation. Ugh, the worst day – you have to pack your bags and start thinking that you will return to normal life. Tell me if there is a worse feeling than this!

Trying not to think about the end of the holiday, I enjoyed every moment of the last day of the cruise! The funniest part was the afternoon Sea Party, which was a team game organized by the animation team where 2 groups of passengers compete with games by the pool. I couldn’t miss this opportunity. For me, it is a ritual. I participate every time!

After a couple of games ended in a draw (because this game is played just for fun), 2 Mega trains ended up by the pool in front of the stage. Crew was waiting with bottles of sparkling wine to toast and celebrate together ending with the classic team theme “feel the magic!”

The last evening on board was an elegant evening again, but not as important as the gala. This was a bit disappointing. My mood certainly contributed, but there were no organized games or evening events, only piano bar performances.

The Landing

Once we were in Civitavecchia, we had the opportunity to leave our luggage in the storage room. It’s located in the atrium and open until 12, so we could enjoy the ship a little longer. We still had time to collect our bags so we enjoyed a last lunch at the buffet, which lasted longer than usual.

After paying the bill, it was time to disembark. We received assistance until the last moment as the staff accompanied us along the exit gangway.

What can I say? Once again a good experience with MSC Cruises. It wasn’t perfect – good food but not excellent, some small maintenance issues in some areas need attention – but certainly top assistance and hospitality, guaranteed fun, ease of getting around on board and lots of relaxation!

I hope to tell you about a new experience of mine, because you know after one cruise you can’t wait to do another one! And you? If you want to tell us your experience you can do it by leaving a review on Cruising Journal!

Also do not miss further updates, news and reviews of MSC Cruises on Cruising Journal with photos, videos and cruises on offer.

Giorgia Lombardo

Mikkel Woodruff Translator

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