MSC Cruises' Stylish MCS Poesia.

• On September 22, 2010, I had the pleasure of visiting MSC Cruises' MSC Poesia

• Upon boarding the MSC Poesia, one immediately notices the sophistication of the decor of the ship. All of the public rooms are decorated with bright, inviting Mediterranean colors. The ship is immaculately maintained and one of the cleanest ships I have been onboard.

• Since MSC cruises is privately owned by the Aponte family, each ship within the fleet has been decorated by Ms. Aponte. Choosing the fabrics, color schemes and decor for each public space, Ms. Aponte has done a beautiful job in creating a soothing, comfortable environment. Mrs. Aponte personally approves the interior designs and decorating schemes for the ships. The actual designs are done by De Jorio Design International, an award-winning design team in Milan, Italy.

• The MSC Poesia is well laid out and it is easy to find you way around the ship. The majority of the public rooms are located on two decks making everything centrally located.

• At 93,330 ton and  2,550 passengers double occupancy and 3,605 maximum capacity, the  MSC Poesia is considered a large ship but not as large as some of the newer ship being introduced. The Akyer Yard, who constructed the vessel in 2008, have created a design which gives the large ship an very intimate feeling.

• The public rooms onboard the MSC Poesia are very colorful and bright. The rooms also have a very uncluttered feel with tables and chairs strategically placed to provide a welcoming environment.

• On MSC Poesia guests can choose from 16 bars, inspired by different themes and inimitable in their wine and food selection, thus satisfying even the most sophisticated and demanding palates.

• As I stated before, the MSC Poesia is one of the cleanest ships that I have been onboard. All of the railing and glass are polished and clean and the ship shows no sign of wear. The crew definitely takes pride in the ship and keeping her in pristine condition.

• The MSC Poesia is easy to navigate and the flow of the ship is very intuitive. Although she is a large ship, all public areas are easily accessible and within a short amount of time, you will know your way around.

• The ship's 13 elevators can easily and quickly take you to any deck you desire. While on board, I found the elevators to run efficiently with only a short wait.

• Main Atrium - Le Rendez-Vous Reception are is very inviting an pleasing to the eye. The area is very open and airy. Multiple levels look upon the atrium below. Comfortable seating, a piano, a waterfall and nearby bar/coffee shop make this a great location for relaxing and people watching. The area uses light Mediterranean tones combined with Glass and gold railings to create a beautiful space.

• The main show lounge - Teatro Carlos Fellice Theater- With it's brightly colored rust rug, dark seats and neon trim, it is one of the most smartly decorated show rooms aboard any ship. MSC Cruises has done a wonderful job in making this large showroom, seem intimate. She definitely does not possess the stadium like feel found aboard other ships. All seats provide unobstructed views of the stage and the seating is such, that you do not feel that you are very far from the action on stage.

• The Casino Royale is a large casino with all of the games of chance, including roulette, slot machines, black jack tables and more. The bar in the casino is ideal for a break from gaming.

• The MSC Poesia has a large disco called the S32 Disco. This sparsely decorated room has silver box like chairs, steel framed bar and tables, rust panels on the walls and yellow lighting accents. The room has large windows on all 3 sides and provides excellent views of the seascape. Although the room appears stark during the day and devoid of color, at night, with flashing colored lights, strobe lights and rhythmic sounds, the room comes alive.

• Pigalle Lounge is a sizeable room with very comfortable, oversized red upholstered chairs. The lounge is very bright and the large windows let in a significant amount of natural light. The room has a large dance floor and a bar. The lounge is beautifully decorated and has a deep Mediterranean feel,

• The ship has a modest size library and card room where guests find a quiet place to take in a good book or play a game of cards with fellow passengers. I particularly enjoyed the library with it's large oversized seating and rich wood tones.

• Passengers looking to enjoy an after dinner cigar will definitely enjoy The Cigar Lounge.

              POOL AREA - MSC Poesia - Copyright NYCruiseInfo.com

• Located on the pool deck is the Mojito Bar which is adjacent to the Cape Levantado Pool Area and adjoining whirlpools. Here one can bathe in the sun, jump into the whirlpool or sip a tropical drink.
• Moving forward on the pool deck is the Pirana Bar located by the Coral Bay Pool Area. This area offer the same amenities.
• The MSC Poesia has ample deck space for those who are wishing to bathe in the sun. Although there are multiple areas - the areas immediately surrounding the pools can get congested.

• The Zebra Bar is actually a very interesting public room with it's Black and white Zebra print covering the chairs and rugs. The rooms is very inviting and interesting. The lounge has a two-sided grand entry stair case also adding a feeling of sophistication. This public room is the only room onboard which does not use the bright Mediterranean tones widely found elsewhere throughout the ship.

• The MSC Poesia has a Cyber Cafe which provides internet access at an additional cost.

• For those needing batteries, film, memory chips or wanting to purchase a photograph taken by the ship's photographer there is the Photo Gallery and photo shop.

• For those looking to do some shopping at sea, the MSC Poesia offers duty free shopping on items like Jewelry, Liquor, Tobacco, perfume, Tee Shirts and Souvenirs.

• For passengers looking to sample the world's wines, the MSC Poesia has a Wine Bar, where vino can be purchased by the glass.

• In the event of a  Medical emergency the MSC Poseia has a Medical facility which is stocked to simple remedies to complex equipment to help stabilize passengers should they require land based attention.

• The accommodations onboard the MSC Poesia were clean, bright and very functional. Thecabins were immaculate and has adequate storage. I found the bathrooms within the cabins to be larger than those found on most ships and well laid-out.

• There are primarily 4 categories of cabins found onboard the MSC Poesia. There are inside cabins, which are ideal for passengers who do not expect to spend much time in their room except for sleep and getting changed. Inside cabins are great for those who are budget conscious.
• There are outside cabins which feature an ocean view through either a porthole or picture window.
• Balcony cabins which have a private Veranda large enough for two chairs and small table and finally the high end Balcony suites which not only have a larger balcony but also have more living space.
• Below is a description of the 4 cabin categories in detail.

   

  • Balcony Suites - Double bed that can be converted into two single beds (on request). Spacious wardrobe. Bathroom with tub. TV. Telephone. Availability of internet connection by your own laptop (on payment). Mini-bar and safe. Hair dryer. 317 sq ft (269 sq ft + 48 sq ft balcony).

   

  • Balcony Stateroom - Single beds that can be converted into double bed (on request) except for wheelchair accessible staterooms. Spacious wardrobe. Bathroom with shower. TV. Telephone. Availability of internet connection by your own laptop (on payment). Mini-bar and safe. Hair dryer. Superior Balcony: 234 sq ft (191 sq ft + 43 sq ft balcony); Standard Balcony: 199 sq ft (161 sq ft + 38 sq ft balcony). 

   

  • Ocean View Stateroom - Single beds that can be converted into double bed (on request) except for wheelchair accessible staterooms. Spacious wardrobe. Bathroom with shower. TV. Telephone. Availability of internet connection by your own laptop (on payment). Mini-bar and safe. Hair dryer. 183 sq ft.

   

  • Interior Staterooms - Single beds that can be converted into double bed (on request) except for wheelchair accessible staterooms.  Spacious wardrobe. Bathroom with shower. Interactive TV. Telephone. Availability of internet connection by your own laptop (on payment). Mini-bar and safe. Hair dryer. 151 sq ft

• Aurea Spa and Spa Bath is an expansive spa are found high above the forward portion of the ship. The Spa features treatment rooms, saunas, whirlpools and pool. The spa staff provides a wide array of treatments, therapies and indulgences for passengers who want to be pampered. (The spa treatments are available at an extra cost).

• The MSC Poesia has a Beauty Salon so you look your best for that special evening.

• The MSC Poesia has a large gym and exercise facilities including  treadmills,  cross trainers, and other exercise equipment for those wanting to burn off the extra calories.

• MSC Poesia offers 2 main restaurants, Il Palladio and Le Fontane and an à la carte restaurant, L’Obelisco. Each one boasts a top gastronomic selection thanks to the variety of dishes and the high quality of the foods, from choice Italian meats, scrupulously controlled, to fresh fruit.

• For a less formal breakfast or lunch - one can choose Villa Pompeiana buffet restaurant offering the utmost quality and variety in Italian and international cuisine. The buffet features American favorites as well as dishes from around the globe.

 

 

DINING ON BOARD - Delicious entrees on board the MSC Poesia - Copyright NYCruiseInfo.com

• Dishes range from traditional and tasty Mediterranean fare, to the most refined international recipes.
  • While dining onboard we had lunch with Rick Sasso, the US President of MSC Cruises. Rick encouraged those at the table to sample the Italian items on the menu, since those are the most authenticate items on  and reinforce the Italian heritage of the ship and cruising experience.
  • While on board I sampled the Chicken Francise which was very tasty and nicely prepared.
  • The meal did not disappoint anyone and the choices of deserts were not only visually pleasing but also tasted great.

• Service on board the MSC Poesia was outstanding. The crew was very attentive and was always willing to lend a hand. The crew was polite and everyone was greeted with a sincere smile.

• For those looking for an alternative dining experience there is the Kaito Sushi Bar. The Kaito Sushi Bar is a unique concept where food is all prepared by hand by our experienced master Sushi chefs in an authentic Japanese minimalist restaurant setting, providing a genuine taste of Japanese cold and hot dishes, including sushi, sashimi, tempura etc. 
• This food service is available at an additional fee.

• On MSC Cruises - Kids 17 and under sail free when accompanied by 2 full fare paying adults. You only need to pay the port taxes and fees.

• The MSC Poesia has a substantial kids program and a number of rooms and areas strictly dedicated to children activities. Younger children are checked in and under supervision, while teens may have the ability to roam the ship and partake in activities like a scavenger hunt.

• The number of children onboard can differ based on the itinerary and time of the year. When children are in school - less children will be sailing onboard, Also New England Canada cruises tend to attract older more seasoned travelers - usually sailing without children.

• The MSC Poesia has a outdoor children's pool  and surrounding play area for younger cruisers.

• The MSC Poesia offers an large video arcade (games are played at an additional cost)

• The MSC Poesia offers additional activities for children of all ages. Please see the outdoor areas section below for additional places kids can have fun.

• The MSC Poesia offers a jogging track to those wanting to burn off the extra calories from those delicious meals.

• Located high above the ship is a full sized, dual purpose, basketball court/tennis court for those wishing to get in a quick game.

• Shuffleboard courts can be found on the upper decks for those wishing to play this traditional game enjoyed by generations of cruise passengers.

• MSC Poesia has a large Television screen located pool side, so passengers can enjoy events and movies on deck, either during the day or under the stars at night.

• MSC Cruises prides itself on its entertainment. Shows include Italian singers, American singers, magicians, acrobatic dancers, traditional dancers, liver music and  Las Vegas style review shows and comedians.

• Because of the the size of the ship, there are usually shows and music being performed in multiple rooms simultaneously, making it easier for passengers to find entertainment pleasing to them.

THe MSC Poesia is.......

• One of the cleanest ships afloat.
• Nicely Decorated and the interior is very pleasing and inviting.
• Offer delicious Italian and Continental Cuisine.
• Entertainment is quite good, featuring singers, dancers and entertainers from around the world.
• Crew is very attentive, pleasant and dedicated.
• Ship has ample deck space.
• Cabins and baths are lean, colorful, neat, functional and adequate.
• European Feel - Passenger mix is normally European and American, with Europeans outnumbering Americans frequently.
• Excellent Cruise value for the price. MSC frequently offers great deals at discounted prices.
• The MSC Poesia sails the Mediterranean in the Summer, New England/Canada in the Fall and the Caribbean in the Winter and Spring.