Just off Poesia - The good and not so good

[2910car]

First let me say we enjoyed our first MSC cruise - but may not take another. Living in Florida we have taken many cruises and like different things about different ships.

 

The ship is beautiful and very clean. The crew was very friendly and always helpful. We loved that the dinners in the MDR took only 1 1/4 hours instead of the 2 hours we have had on some ships. The bread, pasta and desserts were wonderful (as evidenced by my gaining weight). However the steak was inedible and the soups and main courses need improvement.

 

The buffet had the same food every day at lunch, except for two or three "specials" that were not usually to my liking. You have more choices on other ships. But the pizza was delicious.

 

At first we loved the entertainment but it got very repetitious, probably they are limited because of the language differences. We do not care for opera although I am sure that the singers were excellent (got standing ovations) for the people who enjoy it.

 

We felt the pool area was very crowded with people reserving every single chair early and then never showing up. I really wish some of the cruise lines would do as they say and start removing peoples belongings from empty chairs after an hour.

 

We were on a baseball great cruise and my husband definitely enjoyed that. But there were really no other daytime activities, probably again because of the language situation. They tried to play trivia but it just got silly with people shouting out answers. We enjoy trivia on other cruises.

 

Finally we felt the everything in 5 languages (English, Italian, German, French and Spanish) go boring after a few days. The cruise director did it flawlessly and we were amazed by her, but it just took too long for us.

 

If anyone has any questions or comments we would be glad to hear them.

[papcx]

First let me say we enjoyed our first MSC cruise - but may not take another. Living in Florida we have taken many cruises and like different things about different ships.

 

The ship is beautiful and very clean. The crew was very friendly and always helpful. We loved that the dinners in the MDR took only 1 1/4 hours instead of the 2 hours we have had on some ships. The bread, pasta and desserts were wonderful (as evidenced by my gaining weight). However the steak was inedible and the soups and main courses need improvement.

 

The buffet had the same food every day at lunch, except for two or three "specials" that were not usually to my liking. You have more choices on other ships. But the pizza was delicious.

 

At first we loved the entertainment but it got very repetitious, probably they are limited because of the language differences. We do not care for opera although I am sure that the singers were excellent (got standing ovations) for the people who enjoy it.

 

We felt the pool area was very crowded with people reserving every single chair early and then never showing up. I really wish some of the cruise lines would do as they say and start removing peoples belongings from empty chairs after an hour.

 

We were on a baseball great cruise and my husband definitely enjoyed that. But there were really no other daytime activities, probably again because of the language situation. They tried to play trivia but it just got silly with people shouting out answers. We enjoy trivia on other cruises.

 

Finally we felt the everything in 5 languages (English, Italian, German, French and Spanish) go boring after a few days. The cruise director did it flawlessly and we were amazed by her, but it just took too long for us.

 

If anyone has any questions or comments we would be glad to hear them.

 

Thanks for the balanced summary, much better than the MSC bashing we tend to get.

 

Can you tell me were Kadeck and Julius still on board? They could usually be found in the Bar Dei Poeti.

[sharecruises]

Thanks for your balanced review. I had just asked about the baseball greats (I'm not into sports but I guess fun for those who like it?)

 

Did you have a "North American Cruise Director" along with a European gal (language whiz/multilingual?)

 

When I was on Poesia 2x before they had a Canadian guy who handled some daytime games, trivia for US/Canadians. *(English)

 

Any especially good menu items you would suggest?

 

any to avoid ? (steak LOL?)

 

Did they have juices in the buffet in morning and which ones please?

 

Did you eat breakfast/lunch in the dining room?? I enjoyed that on MSC

 

 

Oh and one more question : how was the nightlife? Bands, duos, music, dancing?? thanks

[sidari]

Shame about the Trivia but the problem there was clearly down to rude passengers who clearly set out to spoil it for the others taking part! on our Transatlantic last November Claudio who did the Trivia never had any problems at all from those taking part, the teams included the following Americans,English,Irish,Welsh Scottish, Canadian and New Zealand.

 

The Steaks it seems can be hit and miss, ours were very good but we spoke to others who were not happy with theirs, we rarely sit near the pools and mainly used the deck at the rear of the disco though this meant having to carry sunloungers up there every day or through the disco from the deck on the other side.We did see a few pool attendants going around checking on items left on loungers that were not occupied.

 

Sounds like the entertainment was the same that we saw and also i think "papcx" on his trip, but as you say they have to entertain a multicultural passenger base so a comedian would not go down well in the theatre! with the 5 language announcements you just learn to switch off after you have heard your own.

[GOLDENBONNY]

First let me say we enjoyed our first MSC cruise - but may not take another. Living in Florida we have taken many cruises and like different things about different ships.

 

The ship is beautiful and very clean. The crew was very friendly and always helpful. We loved that the dinners in the MDR took only 1 1/4 hours instead of the 2 hours we have had on some ships. The bread, pasta and desserts were wonderful (as evidenced by my gaining weight). However the steak was inedible and the soups and main courses need improvement.

 

The buffet had the same food every day at lunch, except for two or three "specials" that were not usually to my liking. You have more choices on other ships. But the pizza was delicious.

 

At first we loved the entertainment but it got very repetitious, probably they are limited because of the language differences. We do not care for opera although I am sure that the singers were excellent (got standing ovations) for the people who enjoy it.

 

We felt the pool area was very crowded with people reserving every single chair early and then never showing up. I really wish some of the cruise lines would do as they say and start removing peoples belongings from empty chairs after an hour.

 

We were on a baseball great cruise and my husband definitely enjoyed that. But there were really no other daytime activities, probably again because of the language situation. They tried to play trivia but it just got silly with people shouting out answers. We enjoy trivia on other cruises.

 

Finally we felt the everything in 5 languages (English, Italian, German, French and Spanish) go boring after a few days. The cruise director did it flawlessly and we were amazed by her, but it just took too long for us.

 

If anyone has any questions or comments we would be glad to hear them.

 

lol STEAK on MSC is somthing you should avoid :D My DH ordered it 3 times during cruise just to give them a chance...did not work:D

[TickledBlue]

Been on the Poesia twice (and a third time soon). Obviously, we enjoy the MSC experience - really like the traditional dinners that are waning on mainstream American cruise lines.

 

This is the most balanced reviews I've read about MSC. Haven't had the steak - not much of a fan, but the pasta and deserts were real standouts. The lobster was overcooked both times I've had it, but that seems true for most cruises. MSC food portion sizes seemed very generous.

 

I was not an opera fan either, but watched a little just to give it a try...I'm still not an opera fan :rolleyes:. We just find something else to do on opera night. There were a couple of Vegas-style shows and a few acrobatics-style shows, we enjoyed those.

 

The 5 languages do get a bit old before the entertainment, but I bring along my iPad and ignore the non-English parts - made them go a lot quicker :)

[2910car]

Thanks for your balanced review. I had just asked about the baseball greats (I'm not into sports but I guess fun for those who like it?)

 

Did you have a "North American Cruise Director" along with a European gal (language whiz/multilingual?)

 

When I was on Poesia 2x before they had a Canadian guy who handled some daytime games, trivia for US/Canadians. *(English)

 

Any especially good menu items you would suggest?

 

any to avoid ? (steak LOL?)

 

Did they have juices in the buffet in morning and which ones please?

 

Did you eat breakfast/lunch in the dining room?? I enjoyed that on MSC

 

 

Oh and one more question : how was the nightlife? Bands, duos, music, dancing?? thanks

 

 

We did have an English speaking co cruise director - Corbus from South Africa. He did try to do trivia but no answer sheets. Just asked questions and people raised hands to answer. It really turned into more of a guessing game, so we only went twice. He was quite personable and we liked him though.

 

As for the food we only liked the bread, pasta, pizza and desserts. We sent back some food but it didn't get better. One thing that was strange was they didn't remove the lobster tail from the shell, which they do on most cruises. So it was difficult to eat and not that great anyhow. We ate breakfast and lunch in the buffet which we prefer. Maybe should have tried the dining room but since the dinners were not too good, probably made no difference. We did have orange juice for breakfast and ice tea at lunch. Not sure about other juices.

 

The music in the evening was pretty good. We especially liked the guitar player in the small red lounge where the songs were mostly in English.

[2910car]

Been on the Poesia twice (and a third time soon). Obviously, we enjoy the MSC experience - really like the traditional dinners that are waning on mainstream American cruise lines.

 

This is the most balanced reviews I've read about MSC. Haven't had the steak - not much of a fan, but the pasta and deserts were real standouts. The lobster was overcooked both times I've had it, but that seems true for most cruises. MSC food portion sizes seemed very generous.

 

I was not an opera fan either, but watched a little just to give it a try...I'm still not an opera fan :rolleyes:. We just find something else to do on opera night. There were a couple of Vegas-style shows and a few acrobatics-style shows, we enjoyed those.

 

The 5 languages do get a bit old before the entertainment, but I bring along my iPad and ignore the non-English parts - made them go a lot quicker :)

 

Curious if you go on MSC just for traditional dining. Most ships, other than NCL, do offer this. And the food is usually better on other lines.

 

Also, how did you know when was "opera night". We got no information other than the name of the show and we feel uncomfortable leaving during a performance even if we are bored.

[TickledBlue]

Curious if you go on MSC just for traditional dining. Most ships, other than NCL, do offer this. And the food is usually better on other lines.

 

Also, how did you know when was "opera night". We got no information other than the name of the show and we feel uncomfortable leaving during a performance even if we are bored.

 

No we don't go on MSC for just the traditional dining, but we do miss it on NCL. We think the MSC food is a bit better than NCL too, but comparable with the other lines that we've been on.

 

I think the daily flyer provided gave hints that the evening singers were going to be opera. Being on an Italian cruise line kind of gives one a heads up as well that it may be coming (although I was a bit surprised on the first cruise that the Italians still like the genre). I have to admit, it was my more savvy wife that made the suggestion that they may be opera singers.

 

We stuck by the doors for one of these shows and left after we got a good taste of it. I agree that it would have been a bit inconsiderate to sit in the middle of a row upfront and leave shortly after the show begins but in the back, no one notices.

[Maryanne2000]

We have just returned from two weeks on this ship and had a ball!!

OK the main courses were a bit of a hit or miss and the waiters were not exactly trained in fine dining, but we made the best of it and enjoyed all the other more positive aspects of this immaculately clean ship.

 

We chose the all inclusive drinks package and it is a bargain, with cocktails and loads of other lovely drinks included.

 

Our cabin had a lovely balcony with plenty of room, which was fab.

Coming from Scotland this was definitely the best time of year for us , great weather and good company all round.

 

We have also recently been on the Cunard QM2 and although the meals are defo 5 star on that ship the Poesia has many other qualities, so we would take this trip again , has a great time

[sidari]

Maryanne2000 ... Good to hear you enjoyed the Poesia and that you will travel again with MSC, it seems that more people are heading their way and hopefully someone in their top team will be reading about or hearing about some of the issues regarding the food and put it right in order to make MSC teh line people want to travel with.

 

On our cruise on Poesia after a couple of days and complaints in the Buffet they had a member of staff asking questions of people which was written down, the following days and for the rest of the cruise the food improved and there were more staff working at cleaning tables and more managers making sure that things moved along better than they had done in the first few days.

[jt1120]

Can you recall any of the dinners that you liked? Also, what is available to snack on after 10pm? What is the smoking policy on board?

[2910car]

Can you recall any of the dinners that you liked? Also, what is available to snack on after 10pm? What is the smoking policy on board?

 

I believe snacks at night are available in the buffet, but we never went so not sure how late.

 

Smoking is not allowed in the cabin or balcony. One side of the pool and one side of one lounge allowed smoking. There is also a cigar room where people smoke.

[sidari]

Try this link about the Buffet, from the pics it does not look any different from November to me.

 

http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/MSC-Restyled-Mediterranean-Buffet-Area.aspx

[jt1120]

Thank you for answering my other questions. Let me try one more: what time did embarkation begin? Due to our travel schedule, we might be at the terminal earlier than 1pm and don't feel like standing around waiting. Thanks.

[quattrohead]

Went on the Poesia a few weeks back with another family who are Celebrity snobs :D

We all had a fantastic time, the ship has to be the cleanest ship sailing the Caribbean, I did not see a speck of rust anywhere on the outside unlike all the others. The older Carnival ships look particularly sad.

Shows are stunning, food was a bit hit and miss, Italian night was the best food I have ever had, period, stake Diane on another night was awful.

 

MSC really need some American input to help them out over here with customer service issues but they have a good starting point, they certainly know how to run a clean ship and generally do alot of things refreshingly different and right in my book.

[quattrohead]

You will be able to get on then no problem, just in time for lunch.

 

Thank you for answering my other questions. Let me try one more: what time did embarkation begin? Due to our travel schedule, we might be at the terminal earlier than 1pm and don't feel like standing around waiting. Thanks.

[CruzControl]

Thank you for the review, we are leaving in three weeks on the Poesia and very excited. Have a quick question, do they have a midnight buffet on board and if so does anyone know which night it typically occurs on a W. Carribean trip? We have two under the age of 5 and not sure if we should let them stay up.

 

Thanks again to everyone on the boards for helping us plan our trip:D

[Crusing Nut]

What form of currency is used in the casino when the ship is sailing from Florida?

[Crusing Nut]

Thank you for the review, we are leaving in three weeks on the Poesia and very excited. Have a quick question, do they have a midnight buffet on board and if so does anyone know which night it typically occurs on a W. Carribean trip? We have two under the age of 5 and not sure if we should let them stay up.

 

Thanks again to everyone on the boards for helping us plan our trip:D

 

We sail on the 20th, will try to leave the ship nice and clean for you. ;-)

[2910car]

No special midnight buffet, just the same buffet every night. As I said not sure of the hours because we did not go at night. After the show and some dancing in the lounge we were done.

 

Currency in the Caribbean is all US dollars.

 

As for embarkation - which is quick and easy - we were on the ship by 12:30 and our cabin was ready.

[Crusing Nut]

No special midnight buffet, just the same buffet every night. As I said not sure of the hours because we did not go at night. After the show and some dancing in the lounge we were done.

 

Currency in the Caribbean is all US dollars.

 

As for embarkation - which is quick and easy - we were on the ship by 12:30 and our cabin was ready.

 

 

Not to appear dense but the currency in the ship's casino is dollars, right?

[TickledBlue]

Not to appear dense but the currency in the ship's casino is dollars, right?

 

Yes, the ship's casino takes dollars. They'll also take your shirt, if you aren't careful :D

[cruisetrail]

First let me say we enjoyed our first MSC cruise - but may not take another. Living in Florida we have taken many cruises and like different things about different ships.

 

The ship is beautiful and very clean. The crew was very friendly and always helpful. We loved that the dinners in the MDR took only 1 1/4 hours instead of the 2 hours we have had on some ships. The bread, pasta and desserts were wonderful (as evidenced by my gaining weight). However the steak was inedible and the soups and main courses need improvement.

 

The buffet had the same food every day at lunch, except for two or three "specials" that were not usually to my liking. You have more choices on other ships. But the pizza was delicious.

 

At first we loved the entertainment but it got very repetitious, probably they are limited because of the language differences. We do not care for opera although I am sure that the singers were excellent (got standing ovations) for the people who enjoy it.

 

We felt the pool area was very crowded with people reserving every single chair early and then never showing up. I really wish some of the cruise lines would do as they say and start removing peoples belongings from empty chairs after an hour.

 

We were on a baseball great cruise and my husband definitely enjoyed that. But there were really no other daytime activities, probably again because of the language situation. They tried to play trivia but it just got silly with people shouting out answers. We enjoy trivia on other cruises.

 

Finally we felt the everything in 5 languages (English, Italian, German, French and Spanish) go boring after a few days. The cruise director did it flawlessly and we were amazed by her, but it just took too long for us.

 

If anyone has any questions or comments we would be glad to hear them.

 

Thank you for the report.

 

We have never been as close to book the same cruise as this time.

We had exact dates but did not have exact ship.

MSC demping price was really tempting.

But I had to talk to myself honestly.

I knew the itinerary.

I knew the ship (but a few details) so I was able to play all 7 days of the cruise in my mind like a video.

I did it.

Your review is a part of what I saw.

However, I saw much more...

 

I like to cruise just to see ship designs but not this time.

This time I needed a good cruise vacation.

 

I asked myself: is there anything but the demping price that makes you look at MSC Poesia?

The answer was: nothing!

 

What I save I is not what I get. In case of MSC Poesia I would lose much more than I save.

 

So I made the right choice. My choice was more expensive but that was a quality product (actually the best available on those dates).

 

Now standing on the deck of the other ship returning to Port Everglades after a paradise cruise and looking at MSC Poesia, I am thinking: thanks God I did not make that mistake!

 

Understand me right: this is not about how bad MSC Poesia product is.

This about my actual cruise on the other ship being 10 times better, incomparably better, like day and night.

 

I don't live in Florida and don't cruise every other week or so.

Therefore I simply cannot afford spending my precious vacation days and hard earned money on MSC Poesia.

 

[jt1120]

We sail on the 20th, will try to leave the ship nice and clean for you. ;-)

 

We're on the same sailing, and, yes, we'll try to leave some food for them as well.

 

I asked myself: is there anything but the demping price that makes you look at MSC Poesia?

The answer was: nothing!

 

What I save I is not what I get. In case of MSC Poesia I would lose much more than I save.

 

So I made the right choice. My choice was more expensive but that was a quality product (actually the best available on those dates).

 

Now standing on the deck of the other ship returning to Port Everglades after a paradise cruise and looking at MSC Poesia, I am thinking: thanks God I did not make that mistake!

 

Understand me right: this is not about how bad MSC Poesia product is.

This about my actual cruise on the other ship being 10 times better, incomparably better, like day and night.

 

I don't live in Florida and don't cruise every other week or so.

Therefore I simply cannot afford spending my precious vacation days and hard earned money on MSC Poesia.

 

 

First of all, what does "demping" mean? I've never heard the word before so, in order to understand your post, it would be helpful to know what demping is.

 

You didn't cruise the MSC Poesia so how do you know what you lost? You didn't "lose" anything. You sailed a different cruiseline and had a great time, and that's great, but how do you KNOW you made the better decision? Plus, how does gazing across the port and looking at the beautiful Poesia give you a bad view?

 

You can't criticize what you have not experienced. In other words, you can't say you don't like broccoli if you've never tried it.