This was our second time cruising. Last year we went on Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas and liked it, but didn't love it. We saw all of the bad reviews for MSC Poesia and were a little hesitant but ultimately were attracted to it by its European culture.

This time I was traveling without my husband with three daughters (20, 16, and 9). We flew to Fort Myers 2 days before the cruise and stayed with relatives. They drove us to Port Everglades the afternoon of embarkation. Embarkation went smoothly-- no waiting at all, we arrived around 2 pm. The port staff was extremely nice and helpful. Before we were escorted to our room, we were given information about Kids Club, a kids life vest, and a kids bracelet. Luggage was brought up within an hour and there was already so much to explore!

The room was small for four people, but for two or three it would be perfect. We had a superior balcony room with a pull out couch and a bed came out from the wall. It was difficult to get to the balcony in the evenings after the turn down service. Storage for four people was not adequate in the closet. However, in the bathroom there was plenty of storage (mostly because we brought an over-the-door rack to put toiletries in). Room stewards were excellent and cleaned our rooms 2-3 x a day promptly and if we needed anything specifically, they would follow through. They were very friendly and mostly invisible. Read more