The Diverse Aspects of Life – Traveling in Comfort

Life is a tapestry of diverse experiences, and each of us finds joy in travel for different reasons.[...]

Life is a tapestry of diverse experiences, and each of us finds joy in travel for different reasons. Some seek growth, others aim to broaden their horizons, and some just want to live a different life for a while. For me, the allure of travel lies in the moments of contemplation it offers—those quiet instances when I can gaze out a window, whether stationary or in motion, and savor the solitude. As the scenery slips away and the view transforms, my thoughts wander, sparking unique insights.

This time, I opted for a novel travel experience: a cruise. I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of cruising, a mode of travel known for its effortless nature. I set sail on the MSC Splendida, a flagship of MSC Cruises, which debuted in Shanghai in 2018. MSC Cruises, founded by the Aponte family from Sorrento, Italy, is one of the world’s largest family-owned cruise companies with a legacy spanning over 300 years in shipping and sea exploration. They are renowned for their commitment to quality, encapsulated in their philosophy: ‘no cost spared for quality’.

The most striking feature of the Mediterranean Splendida is the crystal staircase in the atrium, decorated with 47,400 Swarovski crystals and valued at a staggering 20 million CNY. The ship is adorned with famous artist paintings, exuding an air of elegant opulence that is distinctly European and aristocratic. Cruising is indeed a relaxing way to travel, saving both time and effort. With no daily commute, there’s ample time for leisure and reflection. The ship’s daily newspaper keeps you informed about entertainment and performances, saving even more time.

The comfortable 4-day vacation on the cruise ship was a respite from the stress of work, allowing for a truly relaxing getaway. The experience was so enjoyable that I found myself contemplating bringing my family back for another visit, so they too could unwind. Elderly family members who might be averse to travel due to the hassle often find cruising hassle-free, with elevators providing easy access and short walks to any part of the ship. Hunger is never an issue, as the buffet restaurant offers delicious food at any time.

My first encounter with the MSC Splendida was at the Shanghai Wusongkou Port. After flying from Guangzhou to Shanghai and a day of rest, I prepared my luggage and made my way to the port from my hotel by car. The driver reminded me to use the ‘Shanghai Cruise Center Mini Assistant’ WeChat mini-program to reserve a vehicle entry spot, a requirement for all vehicles entering the port. Failure to do so results in a 200 CNY fine and a deduction of 3 points. The process is simple: search for ‘Shanghai Cruise Center Mini Assistant’, select ‘Reservation for Port Entry’, and fill in the required details such as passport number, license plate number, driver’s mobile number, and verification code.

From within the vehicle, the towering Splendor appeared like a high-rise building, an impressive sight for someone who had never seen such a large vessel. The ship was much larger than I had imagined. The boarding process began at 1:30 PM with a queue for luggage check-in, where passports were necessary for staff to attach boarding tags. After that, we took photos and collected room cards. Customs and security checks were efficient, and upon boarding, staff scanned the room cards to grant access to the cabins. To my delight, my checked luggage had already been placed outside my room by the staff. Inside, I was greeted by a complimentary bottle of champagne and fruit, a thoughtful touch from the Splendor. My room, with a terrace, was designed with a practical use of space. The bathroom and wardrobe were on either side upon entry, with a bed, television, telephone, sofa, coffee table, dressing table, refrigerator, and a well-stocked mini bar inside. The terrace was spacious, furnished with a coffee table and two lounge chairs, making for a perfect spot to enjoy mornings with fruits and pastries, quietly watching the sea and listening to the waves.

Duration: 4 days
Average cost per person: 5000 CNY
Companions: Friends
Activities: Gastronomy, Photography, Free and Easy Travel, Petite bourgeoisie
Places visited: Shanghai
Published on: 2019-10-26 18:02The Mediterranean Splendor offers endless activities and views. Is it possible to get bored while cruising at sea? The answer is no. This metropolis on water provides entertainment, shopping, and dining options suitable for everyone, day or night.

The entertainment facilities on the Mediterranean Splendor are comprehensive. There are five indoor and outdoor pool areas, a water park, F1 racing, a 270-degree sea view gym, a grand theater, a 4D cinema, a spa and beauty center, a Lego maritime park, a children’s club, various themed restaurants, and duty-free shops. Whether traveling with a partner, friends, or family, there are plenty of entertainment options to choose from, all of which have become joyful memories of my cruise travel.

The 14th deck is a lively and joyful water park, often hosting pool parties or seaside BBQs. With a retractable roof and heated pool, one can enjoy a relaxing warm water massage. There is also a large water slide for an exhilarating rush of adrenaline.

The top deck’s outdoor leisure area is perfect for enjoying romantic and leisurely moments in the warm sunset.

The F1 racing experience is incredibly realistic. I had to try it for myself. The racing was incredibly thrilling and exciting, with high speeds and responsive steering. One slight lapse in concentration and the car was hard to control.

Another thrilling entertainment option is the 4D cinema. Although I usually avoid roller coasters, I took the risk to experience it, and the realism was overwhelming, with the seat shaking so much that it made me a bit dizzy.

The Technogym Sea View Fitness Center is perfect for those who find their days on the cruise ship too leisurely and are looking for a place to exercise. Experiencing the rare pleasure of sweating while enjoying the sea view is hard to come by. The ocean has a healing power; watching the waves roll in and retreat brings a sense of tranquility.

The Grand Theater on the ship offers a variety of themed performances daily. You can check the cruise newsletter for timings and choose to watch your favorite shows.

For a place to relax and heal, the Spa and Beauty Center is ideal. When tired or physically exhausted, enjoy a treatment from professional Balinese therapists. This center is rated by the Berlitz Cruise Guide as one of the top five cruise ship spas, offering over 20 health and beauty treatments by professional therapists, allowing you to experience physical relaxation and mental peace.

With 13 bars of varying styles, the cruise ship’s bars offer a diverse experience. Each bar has a unique decor and music style, ranging from classical elegance to fiery Latin, chic jazz, and romantic ballads. The Purple Jazz Bar on Deck 7 features live band performances every night, including charming jazz music, passionate Latin melodies, and fresh, gentle tunes. The purple ambiance, accompanied by jazz music, creates an enchanting atmosphere. There are also dance lessons, such as rumba, blues, and mixed Latin dances, where you can swing improvisationally with the musicians. Detailed schedules are provided daily in your room. The Brilliant Bar on Deck 5 features a Swarovski-embellished piano playing melodious tunes, with talented resident singers performing passionately to the music. The ship’s captain sometimes makes an appearance here for interaction and photo opportunities. Deck 14 is particularly comfortable, with bars where you can sit, listen to music, enjoy the sea breeze, and taste exquisitely crafted cocktails. Another musical performance that I personally favor is the Dim Sum & Tea House, featuring a foreign guitarist and singer who is very skilled in Chinese pop songs. His voice is rich and captivating, especially when singing love songs, making it very relaxing to listen to him.

There are three LEGO sculptures on the cruise ship, created by LEGO Master Builders, waiting for you to discover and take a picture with them. Parents traveling with children can also bring their kids to the LEGO Sea Paradise, which offers exclusive clubs and 30 entertainment facilities for children, along with professional childcare and attentive service. Just pick up your child at the designated time.

The Mediterranean Brilliant features two Swarovski crystal staircases, one in the ship’s atrium and the other in the Mediterranean Yacht Club area. Composed of 47,400 Swarovski crystals, these staircases are worth a staggering 20 million. Walking on the crystal staircase feels dreamlike, and you’ll feel like the owner of thousands of Swarovski crystals. Due to their extravagant nature, tourists also compete to take photos here. It is recommended to wear red or white dresses for particularly beautiful photos.

Notably, upon entering the room, there were two neatly made single beds, but upon returning in the evening, I found them thoughtfully combined into a large bed by the attentive staff. The bathroom was also well-designed, with a good size. Adjacent to the sink was a set of MED fragrance toiletries provided by MSC Cruises, with a subtle and pleasantThe duty-free shop on the cruise ship offers a wide range of products at significant discounts, including cosmetics, watches, jewelry, and luxury goods, ensuring you’ll find something irresistible.

For food enthusiasts, the culinary experience on a cruise ship is paramount. On the Mediterranean Splendor, one can sample various lifestyles through three meals a day. The ship boasts a variety of restaurants with different themes. Among them are four complimentary dining venues: Pago Pago, Bora Bora Buffet, Reggia Main Restaurant, and Villa Verde Main Restaurant; as well as three premium restaurants: The Steakhouse, Sea Pavilion Hot Pot, and Dim Sum & Tea House. Each evening features a menu themed around a different country, such as passionate Spain, natural Greece, and romantic France. The diverse cuisines cater to both our Chinese palate and our constant quest for exotic flavors. Signature dishes crafted by three renowned chefs further elevate the gustatory experience.

The Sea Pavilion Hot Pot Restaurant: Chef Leung Tze-Kin personally designs and signs off on this Asian restaurant, tailor-made for ‘Chinese stomachs’ with his signature hot pot. Selecting high-end fresh ingredients like Boston lobster, Japanese Wagyu beef, and abalone, paired with Chef Leung’s meticulously prepared broth, it’s a feast that leaves one craving more, all while enjoying a 270-degree ocean view.

The Steakhouse: A carnivore’s paradise at sea, this American-style steakhouse serves naturally raised, certified Angus beef. The steaks are lean, juicy, and full of flavor, with a rich and chewy texture. Complemented by 170-year-old Morton brand sea salt from the Mediterranean, the beef’s freshness is accentuated. A complete Western meal with appetizers, main courses, and desserts enriches the culinary experience.

Dim Sum & Tea House: This all-day leisure tea house at sea offers Hong Kong-style tea snacks, a variety of tea-based noodles, and fine Asian teas, satisfying the Chinese palate.

MSC Yacht Club’s Authentic English Afternoon Tea: It’s worth mentioning that only 4% of passengers on the cruise ship can access this unique ship-within-a-ship, akin to a luxury yacht on a giant cruise liner. Exclusive amenities include a dedicated marina, VIP lounge, check-in counter, VIP通道, and exclusive privileges, granting immediate access to a prestigious identity and exclusive pass. Guests are greeted with a welcome champagne and fresh fruit plate, unlimited complimentary beverages at the bar, in-room minibar, custom luxury fragrance brand, med toiletries, a daily exclusive VIP newspaper, and free access to exquisite continental breakfast and authentic English afternoon tea. The English Afternoon Tea restaurant, located at the bow of the ship, offers a view almost identical to that of the captain, with a 270-degree sea view. In the afternoons, a captain’s cocktail party and music performances are held here, which can be attended by checking the schedule. The English afternoon tea is served on a three-tiered porcelain plate, with tea naturally being the main attraction. Earl Grey tea is selected for its refreshing aroma that wafts through the air upon brewing, and can be enjoyed with lemon and milk. Remember, lemon and milk should not be mixed together. The time spent enjoying tea and resting seems to take one back to the Victorian era. The British place great importance on the etiquette of tea drinking, and with a variety of delicious snacks, they create a tranquil, comfortable, and opulent atmosphere for tea drinking. Enjoying a tea ceremony filled with a sense of ritual makes me pay more attention to life. As the writer Henry James wrote in his book, “There are few things in life more agreeable than to devote an interval to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.”

Encountering the beautiful sunset and twilight, boarding the top deck of the cruise ship to watch a sea sunset, the surrounding sea is a vast expanse of blue, with the Pacific Ocean merging with the sky in the distance. The setting sun is just right, without clouds blocking it. The sunset on the cruise ship is as beautiful as if it were unreal. The sky continuously changes colors as the sun sets. Watching the sunset gradually disappear on the sea level until it is nowhere to be found.

Perhaps I should also be ready to say goodbye to the MSC Splendida. At the moment of walking out of the deck, I stop and look back at the MSC Splendida that has carried me through a four-day journey. It is extremely huge, while I look up at it like an insignificant ant. Today, all the guests on the ship will disembark. The crew on the ship is still busy. They need to quickly tidy up the guest rooms and replenish the supplies needed on the ship because they will set sail for the Pacific Ocean again. In these few days on the cruise ship, I see the sincere smiles and politeness of the crew every day. They make this cruise ship full of warmth. That charming sunset, the wonderful adventure at sea, and quietly looking at the sea from the balcony also bring countless thoughts to my mind.I cherish those days spent on the deck, and I want to keep those memories alive as I set off on new adventures. Speaking of which, I have some exciting news to share: the MSC Splendida has finally arrived in the south, and now you can embark on a cruise ship from Shenzhen. This cruise will take you to the beautiful destinations of Da Nang and Okinawa. The exclusivity of cruise vacations to areas with free shipping is no more – tourists in the south can now also indulge in the experience of a pure European-style cruise vacation. For those interested, here are the specific routes and details… (Original text and images by Momo Li Loves Travel).