MSC Cruises Answers

I just finished a sailing on the Poesia and have gone on a number of cruises before. The entertainment was very good for the size of the venue. The food at breakfast was typical, except the quality of the morning pastries tasted as though they were from a very inexpensive mix. Most of the food was mediocre. That was disappointing, but I could live with that shortcoming. What has made me decide to never use this line again is the rudeness of the staff at the reception and purser's counters. I had a cabin that was truly uninhabitable. Really, I am not one to complain unnecessarily, but this cabin vibrated so much that it was though I was in an earthquake for 3 days and nights. After returning, I did see a post on another message board from a fireman who had the same terrible experience. The staff at the reception counter was non-plused about my situation. They continued to insist that it was because of bad weather. The vibration was clearly a rhythmic motion caused by the rudder and engine because they were under full power enroute to Puerto Rico. As I was standing in line at these counters, waiting my turn, I heard the concerns and complaints of many other passengers. The staff was argumentative and didn't solve the valid concerns of the people in line ahead of me. Language is another area of concern. I am used to service staff being of another ethnicity and I appreciate their honest work and efforts toward making my stay enjoyable. But so much of the wait staff was so lacking in English that it was incredibly difficult to ask them for anything. The other area of concern is the lack of hygiene from the wait staff. Yes, the ship was clean in many areas, but there were two instances myself and my family witnessed of vomit not being cleaned or disinfected from eating areas for over 25 minutes. That was truly disgusting. I traveled with 50 family members and a number of them became ill from the food or from the flu that they contracted while on the ship. I know it is difficult to contain germs in such confined quarters, but the lack of clean up of vomit and the severe vomiting and diarrhea of members of my family is a strong indication that the staff does not do all it can to rid the vessel of the contaminants. All in all, I would not last 14 days on the Poesia. I would do as another passenger did while I was there, disembark early and spend the balance of her vacation in a better situation. Respectfully submitted for your reconsideration of this voyage.

Have a look at the Berlitz reports on the two ships on this site. You will see that Celebrity ships are 5 star and MSC 4 star, so it is no good expecting a similar level of luxury etc. However I believe they say that MSC is the cleanest cruiseline! When you read people's reviews as recommended, bear in mind that things are apparently done differently on US sailings, eg there is free coffee and water. We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise on an MSC ship, but you must approach it with the right level of expectations. It might have been better to do MSC before Celebrity, not after!

Why not look on the "cruise reviews" section. There are lots of reports there on the Poesia which should answer your questions...Brian

you can find fault in any cruiseline,as you can find good.you should of asked this question BEFORE booking

Dont you think its a little late to start inquiring about the ship as you have already booked and then to start comparing MSC to Celebrity well its a little late for that. You have booked go and enjoy.