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MSC Poesia

Large ship Bliss scored

Poetry is like the sea, lulling with gentle swells and stirring the emotions. Just as poetry brings pleasure, the MSC Poesia cruise ship introduces a new dimension of enjoyment on the high seas with all the eloquence of a finely crafted poem.

  • 2,550guests
  • 93,300gross tons
  • 47cruises now
  • $424fares from

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Le Fontane Ristorante, one of MSC Poesia's main dining rooms, offers an ambience of understated elegance and a menu of Mediterranean fare.

At a glance

MSC Poesia is a large-size cruise ship operated by MSC Cruises, in service since 2007. It carries 2,550 guests and 987 crew (2.6 guests per crew member) at 93,300 gross tons. It ties with 1 other ship as the 17th largest of 23 MSC Cruises ships by guest capacity. On Cruiseable's Bliss scale it scores highest for staterooms (8.7/10) and lowest for adventure & nature and family friendly (4/10). It is rated 3.5 out of 5 by Cruiseable, 3.5 out of 5 by Berlitz and 4 out of 5 by Cruise Critic. It has 47 cruises on sale, with lead fares from $424 to $3,917. 26 of its upcoming sailings dropped in price since the previous weekly fare check.

Builder's plate

Specs

Cruiseable
3.5 / 5
Berlitz
3.5 / 5
Cruise Critic
4 / 5
Guests
2,550
Crew
987
Gross tons
93,300
Decks
13
Length
964 ft
Beam
106 ft
Maiden voyage
2007
Launched
2008
Space ratio
2.6
Gross tons per guest
Guests per crew
2.6
Speed (mph)
26
IMO
9387073

Bliss scores

What MSC Poesia is best at

Ten dimensions scored by our editors on a 10-point scale. The Cruiseable app ranks every cruise against the mix you care about.

  1. Active 5.0
  2. Adventure and nature 4.0
  3. Cultural 6.0
  4. Dining 6.0
  5. Entertainment 6.2
  6. Family friendly 4.0
  7. Party 5.0
  8. Romantic 5.0
  9. Spa and fitness 8.0
  10. Staterooms 8.7

Our review

MSC Poesia: Poetry in motion on the high seas

Poetry is like the sea, lulling with gentle swells and stirring the emotions. Just as poetry brings pleasure, MSC Poesia from MSC Cruises introduces a new dimension of enjoyment on the high seas with all the eloquence of a finely crafted poem.

MSC Poesia, the third Musica class ship, offers the latest eco-technology to safeguard the environment, without compromising comfort and luxury. The ship is built to high and demanding ecological standards, resulting in a truly modern, efficient cruise ship. On board you'll discover a distinctive style of luxury cruising: a spectacular waterfall with bridges in the foyer, a Zen garden in the sushi bar and a serene 12,000 square foot spa. Then imagine yourself on a private balcony stateroom overlooking the ocean and a star-filled sky.

Designed with flair and elegance that guests associate with the MSC Cruises, staterooms onboard MSC Poesia are spacious and elegant and most have private balconies. Staterooms are elegantly decorated and passengers will appreciate the attention to detail and craftsmanship throughout the ship. Guests can stimulate the palate in a wine-tasting bar or relax in the casual Mojito bar.

Thinking of bringing the kids along? MSC offers an affordable family vacation where kids cruise free! They will go crazy for the Stone Age dinosaur-themed play area and even teens are catered to in the Teens Club.

Whether a luxury escape, family vacation, a romantic getaway or simply to rediscover your sense of self, the enchanting MSC Poesia offers a cruise vacation that is sure to inspire.

Who will like sailing on MSC Poesia

With its international flair, MSC Poesia appeals to a multinational crowd. You can expect most announcements to be delivered in at least five different languages: English, Italian, Spanish, French and German.

In general, the European crowd likes cruising at a much more relaxed pace. Dinners are eaten bit more leisurely, and portions are smaller than Americans might expect, but that just means you'll leave feeling pleasantly sated rather than overstuffed and needing a Tums. Crew members do their best to seat you with other English-speakers if you are looking for fluent conversation. Most passengers are in the 40- to 60-year-old range, with many couples and more families in the summer when school is out.

Where MSC Poesia sails

MSC Poesia features 7- and 11-night Mediterranean sailings to popular ports such as Kusadasi (Ephesus), Istanbul, Athens (Piraeus), Barcelona, Casablanca, the Canary Islands, Funchal, Madeira, Málaga, Costa del Sol, Barcelona and Rome. The ship also heads off on a 128-night world cruise that heads from Europe to South America and then New Zealand, Tahiti and beyond.

Read the full review

Dining

MSC Poesia offers two main restaurants, Il Palladio and Le Fontane and an a la carte restaurant, L'Obelisco. Each one boasts a top gastronomic selection thanks to the variety of dishes and the high quality of the foods, from choice Italian meats to fresh fruit. Every product is fresh and carefully handled, such as bread baked on board with the passion and knowledge of the most distinctive boulangerie. Dishes range from traditional and tasty Mediterranean fare, to the most refined international recipes.

For a quick lunch, choose Villa Pompeiana, a buffet restaurant offering the utmost quality and variety in Italian and international cuisine.

The speciality restaurant Kaito Sushi Bar is a unique concept where food is all prepared by hand by the experienced master Sushi chefs in an authentic Japanese minimalist restaurant setting, providing a genuine taste of Japanese cold and hot dishes, including sushi, sashimi, tempura, etc.

Bars & lounges

On MSC Poesia guests can choose from 16 bars, inspired by different themes. There is something for everyone and  an effort  to satisfy even the most sophisticated and demanding of palates.

Entertainment

MSC Cruises' unrivaled entertainment programs and facilities offered onboard MSC Poesia will delight even the most skeptical of cruisers. With its state-of-the-art 1,240-seat Teatro Carlo Felice, futuristic S32 Disco and Casino Royal with over 600 square meters of casino gaming and Virtual Games, video games room you can be out and about every night if you choose to.

Gefion Fountain, on the waterfront in Copenhagen, features animal figurines being driven by the legendary Norse goddess, Gefjun.
Gefion Fountain, on the waterfront in Copenhagen, features animal figurines being driven by the legendary Norse goddess, Gefjun. Christian Alsing / Courtesy of VisitDenmark

Spa & fitness

You can stay fit on your cruise by participating in an activity of your choice or perhaps by trying something new.  Sweat it out on the tennis court, in the gym, mini-golfing  (ok maybe you won't work up a sweat), aerobics or a jog around the track. The MSC Poesia also boasts two swimming pools and four jacuzzis. For a feel good effect, or to primp for the evening's festivities check out the beauty parlor, Thalassotherapy facilities, solarium, sauna and steam room.

Activities

Onboard activities include shopping, gaming, gambling, wine tasting, cigar smoking (in the cigar lounge of course), dancing, art and photo appreciation and so much more.

Your take

Have you cruised on the MSC Poesia? Please share a story, tip or discovery. What was the highlight?

Interested in a cruise on this ship?

For pricing, itinerary information and to reserve your spot on MSC Poesia, contact a Cruiseable travel consultant by email or call 1-877-322-3773.

SEE ALL MSC POESIA SAILINGS

On board highlights

Dining

Where to eat on MSC Poesia

Photos

Inside and out

Dining 1

  • One of MSC Poesia's must-try specialty restaurants is the elegantly Asian Kaito Sushi Bar.
    One of MSC Poesia's must-try specialty restaurants is the elegantly Asian Kaito Sushi Bar.

On board 1

  • MSC cruise ships are family friendly, with pools and entertainment areas dedicated to children and teens.
    MSC cruise ships are family friendly, with pools and entertainment areas dedicated to children and teens.

Ship exteriors 2

  • MSC Poesia and the smaller Viking Star face off when docked in Istanbul.
    MSC Poesia and the smaller Viking Star face off when docked in Istanbul.
  • MSC Poesia at dockside in Istanbul, Turkey.
    MSC Poesia at dockside in Istanbul, Turkey.

Staterooms 1

  • MSC Poesia's spacious Balcony Staterooms feature lush reds and rich textures. Just outside, the Mediterranean wows with its own palette of colors.
    MSC Poesia's spacious Balcony Staterooms feature lush reds and rich textures. Just outside, the Mediterranean wows with its own palette of colors.

More photos 9

  • Le Fontane Ristorante, one of MSC Poesia's main dining rooms, offers an ambience of understated elegance and a menu of Mediterranean fare.
    Le Fontane Ristorante, one of MSC Poesia's main dining rooms, offers an ambience of understated elegance and a menu of Mediterranean fare.
  • MSC Poesia brings elegance and luxury to Mediterranean cruising.
    MSC Poesia brings elegance and luxury to Mediterranean cruising.
  • Warm sun and sweet breezes lure MSC Poesia passengers to the Esterna Sundeck.
    Warm sun and sweet breezes lure MSC Poesia passengers to the Esterna Sundeck.
  • Il Palladio Ristorante, vivid and inviting in red, is one of two main dining rooms on MSC Poesia.
    Il Palladio Ristorante, vivid and inviting in red, is one of two main dining rooms on MSC Poesia.
  • Teatro Carlo Felice provides an opulent setting for performers and shows on board MSC Poesia.
    Teatro Carlo Felice provides an opulent setting for performers and shows on board MSC Poesia.
  • MSC's signature piano adds a note of classic elegance to Poesia's  glamour-infused reception area.
    MSC's signature piano adds a note of classic elegance to Poesia's glamour-infused reception area.
  • MSC Poesia's inspired Italian design includes  lofty spaces, palms and a palette that evokes the bright hues of the Mediterranean.
    MSC Poesia's inspired Italian design includes lofty spaces, palms and a palette that evokes the bright hues of the Mediterranean.
  • Villa Pompeiana, a casual cafeteria, offers MSC Poesia's passengers a relaxed, casual setting and expansive views across the sea.
    Villa Pompeiana, a casual cafeteria, offers MSC Poesia's passengers a relaxed, casual setting and expansive views across the sea.
  • MSC Poesia cruises to the ports of the Mediterranean and to South America.
    MSC Poesia cruises to the ports of the Mediterranean and to South America.

Sailing now

Cruises on MSC Poesia

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