MSC Poesia Review
If I could give this cruise a negative rating, I would ...
Rating by category
Additional details
If you want to be treated like a criminal, discriminated against and be at risk of burning to death on the open seas, MSC is the cruise line for you!
My issues started even before the cruise. As a solo traveller, and a gay man, I emailed MSC asking if they would hold an LGBT drinks event on the cruise, as nearly every other cruise line does. The email response did not address my question, so I rang MSC here in Australia and spoke with someone who promised to inquire and to email me back before leaving for my trip to Europe. She never did reply, and once on the cruise I realised she was likely ordered not to or simply too embarrassed by what the response would be. But this was not the only issue I had. There are so many that I'll separate them:
1) Luggage misplaced. After several hours, neither of my two bags had been delivered to my cabin. I went to the buffet and just happened to come down by the aft staircase and saw one of my bags outside of someone else's cabin (other end of my floor).
Cabin Review
Balcony Stateroom
I had no problems with my balcony cabin. It was a little small (if for two people), but travelling on my own it was fine. The cabin steward was excellent, unlike most of the staff on the ship.
Port Reviews
Casablanca
I did an excellent tour to Rabat and Casablanca. The only bits I didn't enjoy were the food market in Casablanca, which could easily be excluded from the tour, and the lunch, which wasn't great and was chaotic, but then Morocco is a developing country so you can't expect 5-star food. It was fine overall and our guide was really impressive and knowledgeable. The Hassan II Mosque was the real highlight of the tour. Incredibly beautiful building!
Marseille
Second time to Marseille -- not a fan of it, but as I boarded the ship there I took the opportunity to visit Avignon for a day beforehand, which was fantastic despite the cold and rain.
Malaga
Despite being disappointed at not being able to take the excursion to Granada, I enjoyed Malaga. It's a nice , very attractive city and much different to what I had expected. I wouldn't necessarily rush back, but I wouldn't be opposed to going back if I had a reason.