Making our way from Mallorca to Malta 621 nautical miles.

Day 402 – April 8th, 2015. Cruise Day 18 – At Sea.

MSC daily program for 8th April 2015

We checked out the Duty Free shops on board today for the first time, can you believe that, day 18 and no shopping as yet. Funny though, that soon changed and Moni found another travel adapter.

Duty free shop on MSC Magnifica 2015

Anyone for buffet today

We decided to have lunch from the buffet today for a change and managed to find a table without stress and enjoyed our lunch. Service for drinks was not fast, and I found it easier to go to the bar myself.

Buffet lunch selection MSC Magnifica 2015

Another Aurea Spa experience

That afternoon we enjoyed some relaxing time in the Aurea Spa thermal area making use of our cruise long spa pass

Aurea Spa whirlpools and relaxing room on MSC Magnifica

Not many people were using the facilities today, or any day for that. Maybe not the right clientle or just too expensive, whatever the reason MSC should take a closer look at their Spa services and quality of what they offer.

MSC Aurea Spa steam rooms on Magnifica 2015

After all, it’s rather a large space on the ship not to be making a real profit. The gym was nearly always full with people waiting for the machines!! crazy if you ask me, but then again I’m no gym junkie.

Inside the MSC Aurea Spa on Magnifica 2015

The gym on MSC Magnifica 2015

Dinner tonight was an Italian theme, let’s take a look at the menu

Italian dinner menu MSC Magnifica 2015

Appetisers

Affettati misti all’italiana – mixed Italian cold cuts, speck, prosciutto and salami with shavings of Grana Padano cheese, grilled artichokes and marinated olives (J&M)

Salad

Insalata tricolore – tender leaves of Romaine lettuce, Mozzarella cheese and tomato wedges (M)

Soups

Tortellini brodo all’emilana – stuffed with beef, Parmesan and parsley, served in a consommé (J)

Pasta and Risotto

Risotto al Prosecco – Prosecco wine risotto (M)

Lasagne alla bolognese – pasta au gratin with meat sauce, béchamel and Parmigiano Reggiano (J)

Main Courses

Coscia di vitello da latte al forno Goccia d’Oro – Oven-baked veal leg with rosemary sauce, accompanied by pan-fried potatoes, champignons and bacon (J)

Pesce spada grigliato alla siciliana – broiled swordfish Sicilian-style in a light Salmoriglio sauce made of extra virgin oil, garlic, parsley and oregano served with grilled vegetable medley (M)

Desserts

Tiramisu – Mascarpone cream and sponge cake soaked in coffee, sprinkled with bitter cocoa powder (J)

Picture sequence from top left to bottom right.

Italian theme dinner on MSC Magnifica 2015

The meals tonight were some of the best of the voyage, maybe because it was an Italian theme, I’m not sure but we enjoyed them. The lasagna was way too big for a pasta course though.