If you’re planning a cruise on MSC Poesia and wondering what the pools are like, the main thing to know is that the ship has two main outdoor swimming pools rather than several separate pool areas. Both pools are on Deck 13, along with four hot tubs, two pool bars, sun loungers and the main outdoor entertainment space.
MSC Poesia doesn’t have an indoor swimming pool, so the weather makes a big difference to how the pool deck feels. On a warm, sunny sea day, Deck 13 becomes one of the busiest and liveliest parts of the ship. In cooler or windier conditions, it can feel much quieter and more exposed.
There is also a small children’s splash pool on Deck 14, while passengers looking for quieter outdoor seating can explore the upper decks away from the main pools.
The 2026 refit also changed the exclusive outdoor areas onboard. The former Top 16 Solarium has become part of the new MSC Yacht Club, while Aurea guests now have access to the Top 15 Exclusive Solarium.
In this MSC Poesia pools guide, I’ll explain where the pools and hot tubs are, what the main pool deck is like, where to find quieter outdoor areas and what you need to know before your first sea day.
Watch My Full MSC Poesia Ship Tour
You can watch my full MSC Poesia ship tour below to see the pools, outdoor decks, bars, restaurants, entertainment venues and cabin areas. I filmed the tour before the 2026 refit, so the video shows the former upper-deck layout before the addition of MSC Yacht Club and the Top 15 Exclusive Solarium. The two main public pools, hot tubs and central pool deck shown in the tour remain the main swimming areas for passengers outside MSC Yacht Club.
How Many Pools Does MSC Poesia Have?
MSC Poesia has two main outdoor swimming pools on Deck 13. These are the Coral Bay pool and the Cayo Levantado pool. There are also four hot tubs around the main pool deck, with two positioned beside each pool area. For younger children, there is a small splash pool in the family area on Deck 14.
MSC Poesia doesn’t have an indoor pool, waterslides or a large waterpark. The pool experience is more traditional, with two outdoor pools, hot tubs, sun loungers, bars and organised activities concentrated on one main deck.
The new MSC Yacht Club also has a private sundeck and whirlpools, but those facilities are reserved for passengers staying in Yacht Club accommodation.
Main Pool Deck on Deck 13
Deck 13 is the main daytime outdoor area on MSC Poesia. This is where you’ll find both swimming pools, all four public hot tubs, Pirania Bar, Mojito Bar, sun loungers and the open deck space used for daytime entertainment.
The pool deck runs through the central part of the ship, with the MSC Aurea Spa and gym towards the front and the Villa Pompeiana Buffet at the aft. This makes Deck 13 a practical place to spend a sea day because the pools, bars and buffet are all close together.
The atmosphere depends heavily on the weather and daily programme. When the sun is out, the pool deck can become lively, particularly when music or organised activities are taking place. The central areas around Mojito Bar and the entertainment space are likely to feel busiest.
In cooler conditions, the open layout can feel exposed and breezy. Because there isn’t an indoor pool or a retractable roof, there is no fully enclosed alternative when the weather is poor.
Coral Bay Pool
Coral Bay is the first main swimming pool you reach when moving aft across Deck 13. The pool has surrounding sun deck space and two hot tubs nearby.
Pirania Bar is positioned alongside this section of the deck, making it the most convenient bar if you’re sitting around Coral Bay. This part of the pool deck is closer to the spa and gym than the aft pool area.
Coral Bay works well if you want to be close to the pool but slightly further away from the central Mojito Bar and the second main pool. However, it is still part of the main daytime deck and can become busy on a warm sea day.
Pirania Bar
Pirania Bar serves the Coral Bay pool area and is one of the two main outdoor bars on MSC Poesia and is a practical place to get a drink without leaving the pool deck The bar is best used during the day when passengers are sitting around Coral Bay or using the nearby hot tubs. It’s not really an evening destination in the same way as the indoor bars and lounges on Decks 5, 6 and 7.
Like the rest of the pool deck, how busy Pirania Bar becomes depends on the weather. On warm-weather itineraries, it is likely to be used regularly throughout the day. On a cold or wet sailing, this section may be much quieter.
Outdoor Entertainment Area
Between Coral Bay and the central part of the pool deck is an open area used for entertainment and organised activities.The exact programme changes throughout the cruise, but this is where passengers may find music, games, dancing or other daytime events. The large outdoor screen can also be viewed from the upper decks.
If you enjoy taking part in pool-deck activities, this central section is where you are likely to spend more time. If you prefer quieter outdoor seating, it is worth moving further away from the activity area or exploring Decks 14 and 15.
Mojito Bar
Mojito Bar sits centrally on Deck 13 between the two main swimming pools. It’s location makes it a natural meeting point and one of the busiest outdoor bars on a sunny sea day. The bar is close to the central entertainment area, so the atmosphere can feel lively when music or activities are taking place and is also convenient whichever of the two main pools you are using.
If you enjoy the main pool-deck atmosphere and want to be close to the busiest part of the outdoor area, Mojito Bar is likely to be one of the places you use most often. If you prefer a quieter drink, the indoor lounges or upper outdoor decks may suit you better.
Cayo Levantado Pool
Cayo Levantado is the second main swimming pool on MSC Poesia and is located further aft on Deck 13. This pool also has two hot tubs nearby. Together with the two hot tubs around Coral Bay, this brings the total number of public hot tubs on the main pool deck to four. The Cayo Levantado area is close to Mojito Bar and the aft section of Deck 13 leading towards the Villa Pompeiana Buffet.
There is also a designated smoking area near this pool. That is useful to know when choosing where to sit, particularly if you prefer to avoid smoke or are travelling with children.
Hot Tubs on MSC Poesia
MSC Poesia has four public hot tubs around the main pool deck. Two are beside the Coral Bay pool, and two are beside the Cayo Levantado pool.
The hot tubs can become busy during sea days, particularly if the weather is cooler and fewer passengers want to use the outdoor swimming pools.
If you want a quieter experience, it may be worth trying them early in the morning, while the ship is in port or later in the afternoon when some passengers are preparing for dinner.
Because all four public hot tubs are outside, their use can still be affected by strong wind or poor weather.
MSC Yacht Club passengers also have access to private whirlpools on the Yacht Club sundeck, but these aren’t open to passengers staying outside Yacht Club.
Does MSC Poesia Have an Indoor Pool?
MSC Poesia doesn’t have an indoor swimming pool. Both main pools are outside on Deck 13. This is one of the most important things to understand before booking, particularly if you are sailing on a cooler itinerary.
MSC Poesia was refurbished ahead of its first Alaska season, but the refit didn’t add an indoor public swimming pool. Passengers sailing in Alaska or during cooler weather may find that the pool deck is used less often than it would be in the Mediterranean or Caribbean. The outdoor pools may still be available, but the open deck can feel windy and exposed depending on the conditions.
Children’s Splash Pool
MSC Poesia has a small children’s splash pool on Deck 14. This is located close to the indoor children’s clubs, teen areas and outdoor family facilities.
It is much smaller and simpler than the large splash parks or water-play areas found on some newer cruise ships. There are no large waterslides or waterpark attractions onboard.
For families with younger children, the splash pool gives them a separate outdoor water area, while older children may prefer the main pools, mini golf, sports court or other organised activities.
Does MSC Poesia Have an Adults-Only Pool?
MSC Poesia doesn’t have a separate public adults-only swimming pool.Before the 2026 refit, the forward area of Deck 16 was used as the Top 16 Solarium. This was an outdoor adults-only sun deck rather than a swimming pool. That area has now become part of the new MSC Yacht Club and is reserved for Yacht Club passengers.
The new Top 15 Exclusive Solarium is available to eligible Aurea guests, but it is an exclusive outdoor sun deck rather than a separate adults-only swimming pool.CPassengers outside Yacht Club and Aurea use the main public pool deck on Deck 13.
MSC Yacht Club Pool and Sundeck Area
The biggest pool-related change after the MSC Poesia refit is the addition of MSC Yacht Club. Yacht Club is MSC’s private ship-within-a-ship experience and includes exclusive accommodation and facilities for eligible guests.
The new Yacht Club area includes a private sundeck with whirlpools, along with a grill restaurant and bar. These facilities are separate from the main public pool deck and are only available to Yacht Club passengers. For guests staying outside Yacht Club, the Coral Bay and Cayo Levantado pools on Deck 13 remain the main swimming areas.
The introduction of Yacht Club therefore gives premium guests a more private outdoor experience, but it doesn’t increase the number of public pools available to the rest of the ship.
Top 15 Exclusive Solarium
Aurea guests now have access to the Top 15 Exclusive Solarium. This is a dedicated outdoor area away from the main pool deck.
It replaced the previous arrangement where eligible Aurea guests could use the Top 16 Solarium at the front of Deck 16. The former Top 16 area is now part of MSC Yacht Club, so the exclusive Aurea outdoor space has moved.
The Top 15 Exclusive Solarium gives Aurea guests somewhere quieter to relax, but it isn’t an additional public swimming pool. Passengers should check the experience included with their booking before assuming they have access.
Sunbeds on MSC Poesia
Most of the sunbeds are positioned around the main pool deck on Deck 13 and across the upper outdoor decks. The loungers closest to Coral Bay, Cayo Levantado and the hot tubs are likely to be the most popular on warm sea days. If you want a sunbed directly beside the pools, it is sensible to arrive earlier rather than waiting until late morning.
However, there is more open deck space than you may realise if you only stay around Deck 13. Deck 14 gives you elevated views over the pools and outdoor screen, while Deck 15 has additional open deck space and a smaller aft sunbathing area.
The best option depends on whether you want to be close to the water or simply want somewhere outside to sit. If the main pool deck feels crowded, moving up one or two decks can make a significant difference.
Quieter Outdoor Areas Near the Pools
MSC Poesia has several quieter outdoor spaces away from the main pool deck. Deck 14 has an open deck loop which works well for a gentle walk in the morning or early evening.
It isn’t a dedicated running track, but it gives you elevated views over the pools and the outdoor screen below. This can be a useful place to watch pool-deck activities without sitting in the middle of the busiest area.
At the aft of Deck 14, outside S32 Disco, there is a small viewing deck overlooking the wake. It’s easy to miss but can be a lovely place to stand during sail-away or early evening.
Deck 15 also has mini golf, shuffleboard and open deck space. At the aft of Deck 15, there is a small sunbathing area. I didn’t have the weather to use it properly during my cruise, but it is worth knowing about if you want somewhere quieter than Deck 13.
There is also a small forward-facing outdoor area on Deck 15. The entrance isn’t especially obvious because it is close to the cabin corridors, and many passengers may walk past without realising it is there.
Access to outdoor areas can depend on the weather and operational restrictions, but they are worth exploring early in the cruise.
What Are the MSC Poesia Pools Like in Bad Weather?
The pool deck is fully outdoors, so bad weather has a noticeable effect. There is no retractable roof and no indoor public swimming pool. Strong wind, rain or cooler temperatures can make Deck 13 feel exposed, particularly while the ship is moving. The upper decks can be even breezier because they are more open.
On a cooler day, passengers are more likely to move inside to the bars, lounges, spa and other public areas. The outdoor pools and hot tubs may still be available depending on the conditions, but whether you want to use them is another matter.
This is worth considering if the pools are one of the main reasons you are looking at booking MSC Poesia for Alaska or another cooler itinerary.
Which MSC Poesia Pool Area Is Best for Families?
The main pool deck on Deck 13 is the best option for families who want to be close to the swimming pools, hot tubs, bars and buffet. The children’s splash pool and youth facilities are on Deck 14. This keeps most of the main family areas within a relatively small section of the ship.
MSC Poesia doesn’t have waterslides or a large children’s waterpark, so families looking for major water attractions may find the pool facilities more limited than on newer resort-style ships.
However, the traditional layout means the pools, buffet and family areas are easy to reach from one another.
Which MSC Poesia Pool Area Is Quietest?
There isn’t a separate quiet public pool area. Both main swimming pools are part of the same central Deck 13 pool deck. The quieter option is usually to move away from the water and use one of the upper outdoor spaces on Decks 14 or 15.
Aurea guests can use the Top 15 Exclusive Solarium, while Yacht Club guests have access to their own private sundeck and whirlpools. For passengers in standard cabins, the smaller aft and forward outdoor areas are likely to be the best alternatives when the central pool deck feels busy.
Final Thoughts
MSC Poesia has a traditional cruise ship pool layout, with two outdoor swimming pools and four hot tubs concentrated on Deck 13. Coral Bay and Cayo Levantado are both close to bars, sun loungers and the main daytime entertainment area. The layout is convenient, but there isn’t an indoor pool, adults-only public swimming area or waterpark. That means the pool deck works best on warm-weather itineraries.
The 2026 refit has added private outdoor facilities for MSC Yacht Club passengers and moved the Aurea sun deck to the Top 15 Exclusive Solarium, but the main public pool experience remains centred around Deck 13.
If the pool deck feels too busy, it is worth exploring Decks 14 and 15, where you’ll find elevated views, smaller outdoor spaces and quieter places to sit away from the main activity area.
Related MSC Poesia Guides
For a full overview of the ship, my What’s Onboard MSC Poesia guide covers the restaurants, bars, pools, entertainment venues, cabins, family facilities and outdoor spaces.
If you want to know where to get a drink around the pool deck and elsewhere onboard, my MSC Poesia bars guide covers the outdoor bars, wine bar, cigar lounge, live music venues and late-night spaces.
My MSC Poesia refit guide explains the changes introduced during the 2026 refurbishment, including the new MSC Yacht Club, Butcher’s Cut, redesigned spa, upgraded gym and Top 15 Exclusive Solarium.
My MSC Poesia embarkation day guide explains what happens when you first board, how to activate the payment card connected to your cruise account and the main things you need to do on embarkation day.
My MSC Poesia Dining Guide explains the main dining rooms, buffet, included food and extra-charge dining options available on the ship.
For my overall opinion of the ship, my MSC Poesia honest review covers what I liked, what could be improved and whether I think MSC Poesia is worth booking.
MSC Poesia Pools: Frequently Asked Questions
How many pools does MSC Poesia have?
MSC Poesia has two main outdoor swimming pools on Deck 13: Coral Bay and Cayo Levantado. There is also a small children’s splash pool on Deck 14.
Does MSC Poesia have an indoor pool?
No, MSC Poesia doesn’t have an indoor swimming pool. Both main pools are outside on Deck 13.
Does MSC Poesia have an adults-only pool?
No, MSC Poesia doesn’t have a separate public adults-only swimming pool.
How many hot tubs does MSC Poesia have?
MSC Poesia has four public hot tubs around the main pool deck, with two beside Coral Bay and two beside Cayo Levantado.
Does MSC Poesia have waterslides?
No, MSC Poesia doesn’t have waterslides or a large waterpark.
Does MSC Poesia have a children’s pool?
MSC Poesia has a small children’s splash pool on Deck 14 near the youth facilities.
Where are the main pools on MSC Poesia?
Both main swimming pools are on Deck 13. Coral Bay is closer to Pirania Bar, while Cayo Levantado is further aft near Mojito Bar and the designated smoking area.
Is there a pool in MSC Yacht Club on MSC Poesia?
MSC Yacht Club has a private sundeck with whirlpools. These facilities are only available to Yacht Club guests.
What happened to the Top 16 Solarium?
The former Top 16 Solarium became part of the new MSC Yacht Club during the 2026 refit.
Does MSC Poesia have an Aurea sun deck?
Yes, eligible Aurea guests can use the Top 15 Exclusive Solarium.
Are there enough sunbeds on MSC Poesia?
There are sunbeds around Deck 13 and additional outdoor seating on the upper decks. The loungers closest to the pools can fill quickly on warm sea days, but quieter alternatives can often be found on Decks 14 and 15.
What is the quietest outdoor area on MSC Poesia?
For passengers outside Yacht Club and Aurea, the quieter outdoor areas are generally on Decks 14 and 15, including the aft viewing area outside S32 Disco and the smaller sunbathing spaces away from the main pools.
Can you use the MSC Poesia pools in bad weather?
The pools are outdoors, so wind, rain and cooler temperatures can affect how comfortable they are to use. MSC Poesia doesn’t have an indoor pool or retractable roof over the main pool deck.
Which MSC Poesia pool is best for families?
Both main pools are on the same Deck 13 pool area and are close to the buffet and bars. Families with younger children may also use the small splash pool on Deck 14.
Useful Cruise Items to Consider
These are a few simple items that can make your cruise more comfortable and help you stay organised onboard. I personally use variations of these when cruising, and they’re all practical rather than essential.
Magnetic hooks Perfect for extra storage in your cabin
Packing cubes Keep your suitcase organised
Cruise luggage tags Protect your tags at the port
Travel Extension Lead UK For charging multiple phones, cameras, and laptops
Toiletry organiser Great for small bathrooms
You can also browse my full Cruise Essentials list for more useful items I use or recommend for cruise holidays.
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Affiliate disclosure: This section contains an affiliate link. I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through the link, at no additional cost to you. I haven’t personally tested the Saily cruise eSIM yet, so check the current coverage, data allowance and compatibility with your phone before purchasing.