MSC Poesia Review

Fantastic first cruise experience, shame about the food and transfers

Review for the Western Mediterranean Cruise on MSC Poesia
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MaggieRock
First Time Cruiser • Age 50s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Sep 2022
Black forest gateau in the El Fontane, excellent.
Massive walk in wardrobe in our suite
Nice view from our deck 15
Amazing food at specialist Japanese restaurant (at extra cost) Keito.

Being first time cruisers (this being a "trial run" before doing a TA with Cunard), we had read up on reviews and info re MSC and the Poesia somewhat beforehand.

The Western Mediterranean intinerary suited us well, as we had never before been to Portugal.

Having 11 days in port out of a total 14 was a very exciting prospect, too. On paper, at least.

Cabin Review

Suite 15018 had lots of space, albeit a very crooked shape. A large vanity corner table, a huge walk in wardrobe, lots of drawer space, plenty of room for our 5 suitcases (yes, as first timers, we made rookie mistake and over packed).

Nice size television, but very meager selection of channels, mainly portuguese, spanish and italian ones that entertaiment wise felt like travelling back in time. It would have been nice with some pay-per-view movies for sea day/evening.

The bathroom was big with a low bath tub, flimsy shower curtain, nice size sink and sides and plenty of storage space.

Nice size double bed but I needed an extra matress as it was rock hard. The cabin stewards helped with this.

Good lightning from several options of lamps. Large balcony, big enough to seat all three of us.

Tiny fridge, but maybe it is the same on all cruise ships?

Nice complimentary bath robes and slippers.

Msc scented diffuser was a nice touch as were the silence in the room.

We heard not one other passenger in the suite during our stay.

Port Reviews

Rostock (Warnemunde)

Firts thought we might pass this over, having been to northern Germany a lot, but we are glad we didn´t. It is a charming little seaside resort and has a lot to offer, a nice walk, small shops, cafés and lovely views.

Ferrol

Very interesting to experience this little port town in northern Spain. Hit by recession and a lot of youg people deserting it, it really was an insightful and humbling place to visit.

A beautiful church and a nice town square and wonderful walk around the port.

Porto (Leixoes)

Porto is beautiful. You need the transfer (at cost) for this one, but may also venture into town by yourself.

Don´t miss eating a pastie or two, and definately go for a ride on the tram along the harbour.

Lisbon

Our first experience was being dropped by a taxidriver 3 kilometers from where we needed to go, and he overcharged us (no meter running) for the pleasure.

But as we had two whole days, and rented a car, we did it ALL. Beaches, palaces, mountains, villages, Lisbon, Sintra, Quinte and also our favorite Monserrate palace.

Food is great, pasties lovely, people fantastic.

Seville

Well, since Seville is almost 2 hrs by bus inland, you get to arrive in Cadiz. And from there you can go to a number of wonderful places other than Seville. Cadiz itself is like a small version of Havanna, the seafront is beautiful as are the little mews and small streets.

Vejer de Frontera is just a short ride away and a beautiful mountain White village, Pueblo Blanco.

Jerez de Frontera is another lovely town where they make famous vinegar, sherry and other vines.

Come hungry!

Malaga

You have the choise of so many places of the Costa del Sol here, Fuengirola and Marbella are our favorites. Malaga itself is very much a big city, but has many nice sites and historical buildings.

Palma de Mallorca (Majorca)

Rhe ship docks at Porto Pi. You can make the short walk to the nice shopping center there for some retail therapy, and then get a taxi to the cathedral. Once there you should brace yourself for both queues and a magnificent place. Also nexr ro the cathedral is the old quarters with wonderful buildings, shopping, restaurants and nice sites. Palma really is the Queen of the Baleares, she is fantastic.

Barcelona

You can´t go wrong with Barca, wheater you are into Gaudi or old gothic esthetics.

It has something for everyone. Enjoy.

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