MSC cruises' 2,500-passenger Orchestra is a handsome ship, finely finished with marble and rich woods, and programmed with quality entertainment and lively night-time activities. Unfortunately, its recent U.S. inaugural struck a note so sour that many first-time MSC passengers said they wouldn't sail the line again.

Some issues shouldn't affect future cruises. The ship arrived late from its Europe-to-Fort Lauderdale crossing. That delay, coupled with a computer glitch, left many passengers waiting for three to four hours to board the ship for the two-day introductory voyage.

The line to disembark was also unusually long -- in most cases, at least an hour. The Orchestra staff seemed unprepared for the throng of short-cruise passengers who carried on luggage and sought to leave at the same time, rather than at staggered times as on the ship's normal seven-day voyages. Though the exit deck was clogged, the shipboard announcer kept calling more passengers.

What happened in between was largely due to an inexperienced crew untrained in U.S. expectations, said the line's U.S. president, Richard Sasso. More seasoned members had been moved to the line's newest ships, launched this year in Europe, and many of the 987 crew members were new to the Italian-owned MSC.

Though some staffers were cheery and efficient, others seemed indifferent or even rude. Food service was slow; several passengers received the wrong orders and much of the food was overcooked. Buffet lines were sometimes hours long. Some cabins were cleaned later in the day than usual; services like maintenance and separating beds from a king to twins were slow or simply never happened. A group of gamblers waited more than an hour for a croupier to come to the craps table after being told they would wait only a few minutes.

Other issues seemed to stem from a culture clash with a crew unfamiliar with American-style cruising. The Italian staffer conducting the English-language trivia game had such a heavy accent that she was barely understood. Menus were sometimes unsuited to U.S. palates: one dinner appetizer choice was canned tuna salad in pastry, and an entree described as ''sliced steak'' turned out to be roast beef. Several passengers said they were unable to get popular American cocktails at the bars.

Iced tea, artificial sweeteners and brewed decaf were unavailable; these items will be on board soon, said Sasso.

Jo Koegel of Sarasota reported similar problems via e-mail on the preceding transatlantic voyage. Matthew Sudders of London, who also contacted us by e-mail, said he had a similar experience over Christmas aboard the new MSC ship, Fantasia, in Europe.

Following the cruise, MSC issued a letter of apology and offered Orchestra passengers a $200 credit toward a future sailing.

The discord obscured the Orchestra's physical attributes. Dining and entertainment areas flow conveniently from one space to the next. Contemporary, upscale design stretches from the comfortable cabins to the stylish (though crowded) main dining rooms. Cuisine and decor in the specialty Chinese restaurant, Shanghai, are reminiscent of fine Hong Kong eateries. Lounges are larger than on many ships, allowing passengers the option of moving close to the music or tucking away in a private corner. A European-style variety show the final night featuring a mix of short acts -- juggler, acrobats, dancers, opera singers -- was met with enthusiastic applause.

Though MSC's European-style cruises aren't popular with all Americans, its previous ships have plenty of fans. Some were on board the recent two-day sailing and said they would sail on MSC again.

Ellie Dulude, a travel agent with Cruise Planners in Pembroke Pines, said a 17-night voyage on the MSC Lirica several years ago was a far different experience. ``It was great. They have some ironing out to do on this ship, but I would give them another chance.''

But first-time MSC passengers were less forgiving. ''Never ever ever ever ever,'' said Norma Varas, a frequent cruiser who sailed with 18 family members and friends. ``I'm embarrassed. My cousin and her family came because of us.''

Info: 800-666-9333, www.msccruisesusa.com.

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