This was may first cruise and I wasn't sure what to expect, especially after doing some research online about MSC Poesia and some of the negative comments I found. This is my opinion based on my experience on the Eastern Med route - I cannot compare this to any other cruises out there. I bought the Fantastica experience and went with a friend.

Firstly, embarkation - I was expecting to wait hours and hours. I arrive at about three hours before departure time and didn't queue for any longer than half an hour - quite possibly less. Once through to customs, yes, there are various steps to go through which all take time but on the whole I thought the staff had everything very well organised.

The ship: Very art deco, stylish and clean - spotless in fact. The bars and public areas are pretty well laid-out and all have their own style. The theatre is a bit like a UK regional theatre in size and feel - tho perhaps a bit more glitzy. Read more