We've just returned from an exceptional cruise aboard the MSC Poesia. After 100+ cruises, on most every cruise line, we really didn't expect much from this particular cruise line; especially after reading many negative reviews posted by other cruisers. Surprise!! Surprise!! We had one of the best times we have ever had on board any cruise ship, regardless of the price. If you want to have a great time with great entertainment, this is the ship to be on! Embarkation was easy, quick and orderly and for the first time ever, our luggage had arrived at our cabin door before we had. Our cabin was of average size with a small but comfortable balcony. Storage space was good and there was even a magnified makeup mirror in the bathroom. The decor was bright and pleasant, good light for reading and the cabin was very clean. Our ice bucket was always freshly filled and our cabin stewards were very helpful. My in cabin continental breakfast was served on time and the toast was always hot. The Poesia is a beautiful and fairly new ship (2008). Her public rooms are generally very attractive and diverse in decor. The Zebra Lounge was gorgeous as was the Pigalle Lounge at the back of the ship. The dining rooms were intimate in that there was banquet seating and cozy alcoves throughout the room. Our dining room, Il Palladio, was especially beautiful with red decor, crystal chandeliers and a cozy alcove banquet where we enjoyed generally delicious dinners. As far as cuisine, we generally enjoyed the dinners in the dining room. You had a choice of the "Stars and Stripes" menu (American cuisine) or the Italian menu. There was also an everyday menu that contained a vegetarian dish; steak, chicken or salmon if the regular menu did not contain something that you enjoyed. We chose from both menus and had some very delicious dinners including an osso bucco that was the best we ever had. Prime ribs, shrimp cocktail, steak, calamari fritti and cannelone guaranteed that we never left the dining room hungry. Breakfast and lunch buffets were extensive and there was a casual dining area (a la carte) as well. Pizza, gelatti, and four o'clock tea time with snacks and cakes, completed our "eating schedule". I can't imagine anyone losing weight on this ship. Entertainment on the Poesia was exceptional!! There was a variety show every night of the cruise, whether or not we were in port, generally followed by a later showcase presentation. There was also wonderful entertainment during the day as well; operatic arias and love songs performed by a very talented tenor and soprano, classical music performances, informal comedy shows, a Michael Jackson tribute show and informal activities headed by a fantasic entertainment staff under the direction of Richard Abreau. In the evenings, all of the lounges were alive with music, continually. Great for dancing or just listening. We found the staff to be polite and accommodating. It is true, that English was not well spoken by everyone, but we never had a problem making our needs known. The staff that services the dining rooms and the cabins understand and speak English quite well. Also, MSC is a European ship and there are passengers from all over the world sailing on her. Important announcements were made in five languages. People from England, France, Italy, Spain and Germany were also on board and this added to the fun. We felt that we were experiencing something other than the usual groups we generally meet on board. Disembarkation was quick and orderly and we were on our way in about 30 minutes. Of all of the cruises we have taken, we had the most fun on this one. If you want to have a great time, try the MSC Poesia. Marilyn