This was my 12th cruise, and the first I have bothered to review. The 7
Princess, and 3 NCL cruises were great, and the Costa was a train wreck. So I took the MSC Poesia cruise with a little trepidation (Costa and MSC are both Italian lines). My father and his wife took a trip on the Poesia over the 2013 new years holiday, and were impressed. With over 30 cruises under there belts I trusted there judgment. In fairness to MSC this was a themed cruise for fans of progressive rock, we sailed with Yes, UK, Zebra, Steve Hacket, Saga,... so the ship was over run with ripped blue jeans and black tee-shirts. This was fine for my wife and I, but pissed off the other ten family members we were traveling with. I understand why it's not disclosed up front, but theme cruises should warn you after booking, and give you a no charge opt out, our clan would have found another cruise.
What is right with MSC Poesia. The food. I have seen some reviewers who were not impressed with the food, but as a serious home cook I was very happy with the food. Excellent quality baked goods, outstanding cheese, pastas, salads, and cold cuts. Near perfect roasted meats, grilled fish, and fresh pizza. I enjoyed every bite of food on the ship Breakfast to midnight snack it was well done. Just like a trip to Italy food and fashion are Poesias strong points. The ship also offered some very good wine education, we enjoyed a wine lecture and wine tasting, with advice on food pairings. The "wine makers experience" was also a lot of fun. we got to taste a number of different wine varietals then blend our own custom wine. One of the highlights of the trip.
Thin walls, got woken up by the phone in the cabin next door. postage stamp of a balcony, Half the size of Princess balcony. Hard and kind of lumpy bed, and crappy pillows. Crew vacuumed at 11:00pm almost every night.