Good but a little lacking

MSC Poesia Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Jennife98089222

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 0

Helpful Votes: 9

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Western Caribbean Wonders (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 27, 2011

Ship: MSC Poesia

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 13 years ago

Review summary

We enjoy MSC because we feel they are "one star" behind Holland America in quality, decor, and activities. This trip was a little lacking for us - the Cruise Director lacked enthusiasm. Prior cruises had a director who was visible and excited to be meeting guests. One show had "Anna" seemingly tired and not at all vested in guests entertainment. She was basically an announcer and that was all. The large group of 1000+ Vegans who took over some areas of the ship left us feeling shut out and unable to enjoy the library which we had looked forward to using when at sea. Their events and activities seemed to be a priority - sometimes closing us out of entire areas (pool deck and lounges).

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Entertainment

3 out of 5

We enjoyed the last night on board as they arranged the show times more conveniently with 2nd seating dinner guests seeing their show before they ate dinner. We have (11 cruises) experienced 2nd seating for dinner and attended the show before eating - much more conducive to getting to participate in "late night" events. The way MSC planned the cruise for all but the last night, the 2nd seating dinner guests saw their show after dinner - leaving us little if any time to catch evening events like the Gala Buffet and staff exit.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Our dining staff, whom we requested for lunch and breakfast as well, was superb and we feel we made a lasting friendship. Parasuta and his helper, Dewa, were so personable and interested in our well-being throughout the cruise. A+++ super guys!

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Stateroom was smaller than we have experienced on Holland America. Shower is not very easy to use - size-wise - for larger guests.

Ports of call

Key West, Florida

3 out of 5

We thoroughly enjoyed the trolley ride tour of Key West - an hour long event allowing us to see the "high spots" and get a narration of the history of the Keys.

Thumbs Up 0

Cozumel, Mexico

3 out of 5

Shopping was easy and convenient. We liked that there wasn't a lot of aggressive sales activity.

Thumbs Up 0

George Town, Grand Cayman

5 out of 5

We absolutely loved the undersea boat excursion - a submerged glass bottom boat (not the sub type) that was terrific. DO NOT forget the exchange rate in the restaurants - painful experience when we had a lunch and one drink each at Margaritaville here. Printing on the menu warning you that prices are in Cayman dollars is VERY small and overlooked easily. Shocked that 4 appetizers and 3 drinks plus an iced tea came to over $95.00 U.S.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: DO NOT MISS the Glass Bottom Boat undersea excursion - NOT the sub one. It was excellent

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

3 out of 5

Due to a health problem we only went shopping here but we did enjoy the time we spent at Margaritaville. The local who took our group photo was entertaining and the music was lively.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: Prior visits to Ocho Rios included the Dunns River Falls tour - usually a great thing to see.

Pros: Staff was excellent; ship was spotless

Cons: 1000+ guests were in a group "Holistic at Sea" and they took over the library and some lounges for their activities - blocking us from enjoying the full ship

Good but a little lacking

Overall rating:

Review summary

Ship experiences

Ports of call

Recommends MSC Poesia? Yes!

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