If you’re planning a cruise and wondering what’s onboard MSC Poesia, the first thing to understand is that this isn’t one of MSC Cruises’ newest or largest ships.
MSC Poesia offers a more traditional cruise ship experience, with two main outdoor pools, several bars and lounges, a large theatre, a casino, two main dining rooms, a buffet, speciality dining, children’s clubs, outdoor sports areas, a spa and plenty of open deck space.
The ship has also undergone a refit, and some areas and facilities have changed. I’ve included the relevant updates throughout this guide, based on how the ship was arranged when I sailed. I’ll also cover the refurbishment separately in my full MSC Poesia refit guide, where I’ll look more closely at what changed and what passengers can expect.
One of the main things I noticed onboard was that MSC Poesia has more quiet spaces than you might expect. The main pool deck and central bars can feel lively, but there are also hidden forward decks, small aft viewing areas, quieter lounges and outdoor spaces that many passengers never discover.
The main public areas are concentrated around Decks 5, 6 and 7, while most of the daytime outdoor facilities are on Decks 13 to 16. Once you understand those two main zones, the ship becomes fairly straightforward to navigate.
Watch the Full MSC Poesia Ship Tour
If you want to see what MSC Poesia actually looks like onboard, I’ve included my full ship tour below. In the video, I walk through the ship deck by deck, starting at the top on Deck 16 and working down through the outdoor decks, pools, family areas, cabin decks, entertainment venues, restaurants, bars and atrium.It also shows some of the quieter outdoor spaces that are easy to miss when you first board.
What’s Onboard MSC Poesia: What Are the Outdoor Spaces Like?
The main outdoor areas on MSC Poesia are spread across Decks 13 to 16. Deck 13 is the main pool deck and is where most daytime activity takes place. This is where you’ll find the two main swimming pools, four hot tubs, outdoor bars, activity areas and the Villa Pompeiana Buffet.
MSC Poesia doesn’t have an indoor swimming pool, which is important to know when choosing the ship or itinerary. The outdoor areas work best in warm, dry weather, but the pool deck can feel exposed and breezy on cooler sea days.
The first main pool area is Coral Bay. This has a swimming pool, surrounding deck space and two hot tubs. The Pirana Bar is located nearby, making this one of the main places to get a drink during the day.
Behind Coral Bay is an open section of deck used for organised activities and outdoor entertainment. The way this area is used depends on the daily programme and the weather.
Further aft is the Mojito Bar, which sits centrally between the two main pool areas. This is one of the busiest outdoor bars on a sunny sea day and acts as a natural meeting point when music or activities are taking place nearby.
Beyond the Mojito Bar is the Cayo Levantado pool area. This is the second main swimming pool and also has two hot tubs, bringing the total on Deck 13 to four.
There is a designated smoking area close to this pool, which is worth knowing when choosing where to sit.
The pool deck can feel lively when the weather is good, particularly around the bars and organised activities. However, there are quieter alternatives if you move away from Deck 13 and explore the higher outdoor decks.
New MSC Yacht Club and Quieter Outdoor Areas
One of the biggest changes following the MSC Poesia refit is the addition of the MSC Yacht Club at the front of the ship. The area previously used for the Top 16 Solarium has become part of the new MSC Yacht Club. This is now a private area for Yacht Club guests rather than an adults-only sun deck available to Aurea guests or passengers buying a day pass.
The Yacht Club facilities are separate from the main public areas of MSC Poesia, so passengers staying in standard cabins won’t be able to access this part of Deck 16.
There are still several quieter outdoor spaces available elsewhere around the ship. On Deck 15, you’ll find mini golf, shuffleboard and additional open deck space. These activities can be easy to overlook because they sit above the main pool deck and away from the busiest areas.
There is also a small forward-facing outdoor deck 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 there is an outside space there. When it is open, it is a good place for fresh air and forward-facing sea views.
At the aft of Deck 15 is another small outdoor area with space for sunbathing. 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 the main pool deck.
Deck 14 also has an outdoor deck loop. It isn’t a formal running track, but it works well for a gentle walk in the morning or early evening and gives you elevated views over the pools and outdoor screen below.
At the aft of Deck 14, just outside S32 Disco, there is a small viewing deck overlooking the wake. It is easy to miss, but it can be a good place to stop during sail-away or early evening.
Food and Dining on MSC Poesia
MSC Poesia has two main dining rooms, a large buffet and two speciality restaurants. The Villa Pompeiana Buffet is located at the aft of Deck 13. It is the main casual dining venue onboard and is open at different points during the day for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and late-night snacks.
Inside, there are food stations and a large amount of seating. The tables towards the back have views over the wake and can sometimes feel quieter than the central buffet seating.
There is also outdoor seating at the aft of the buffet. In good weather, this is one of the nicest places to eat because you can sit outside without being directly beside the swimming pools.
MSC Poesia has two main dining rooms. Il Palladio Restaurant is on Deck 6. It is easy to recognise because it has red chairs and red carpeting.
Le Fontane Restaurant is on Deck 5 and has blue chairs and blue carpeting. Le Fontane is used for breakfast, lunch and dinner, depending on the restaurant opening times and the daily programme.
The main dining rooms are where most passengers have their included sit-down evening meals. Your dining arrangements and allocated restaurant will be shown in your cruise information.
One of the biggest dining changes following the MSC Poesia refit is the addition of Butcher’s Cut. Butcher’s Cut is MSC’s American-style steakhouse and is an extra-charge speciality restaurant. It gives passengers another sit-down dining option beyond the main dining rooms and buffet, with a menu focused on steaks, grilled meat and steakhouse-style sides.
The other speciality restaurant onboard is Kaito Sushi Bar on Deck 7. This serves sushi and Japanese-style dishes and also costs extra.
The addition of Butcher’s Cut gives MSC Poesia more speciality dining choice than it had before the refit, although the overall number of restaurants is still more limited than on MSC’s newest and largest ships.
Bars and Evening Venues on MSC Poesia
MSC Poesia has several bars and lounges spread across Decks 5, 6, 7, 13 and 14. During the day, the Pirana Bar and Mojito Bar serve the main outdoor pool areas. These are the most convenient places to get a drink when you’re using the pools or sitting outside.
Inside the ship, the Zebra Bar on Deck 6 is one of the largest and most popular venues onboard. It’s used throughout the day and evening for activities, quizzes, live music and other events. The colourful design makes it one of the most recognisable rooms on the ship.
Although the Zebra Bar can get busy, its size and seating layout mean it can sometimes be easier to find a seat here than in some of the smaller bars.
Bar dei Poeti is another central venue on Deck 6. It sits within the main shopping area and is somewhere you’re likely to pass regularly while moving around the ship.
Giada Bar and Bar Smeraldo are also on Deck 6, close to the entrance to Il Palladio Restaurant. These are smaller bars and can be useful as meeting points before dinner.
Le Rendez-Vous Bar is located on Deck 5, close to the atrium, Guest Services and Le Fontane Restaurant. It is a popular place to meet because it sits at the bottom of the main atrium and is close to several important facilities.
On Deck 7, Il Grappolo d’Oro is the ship’s wine bar. It has a more relaxed feel during quieter parts of the day and also has large screens showing sport, including football.
The Hitchcock Lounge is also on Deck 7. This is the ship’s cigar lounge and is a designated smoking venue.
At the aft of Deck 7 is the Pigalle Lounge. During the day, it can be a comfortable place to sit because it has large windows and views over the wake.
In the evening, the atmosphere changes completely. Pigalle is used for live music, themed parties, the silent disco, the White Party and other entertainment.
High at the aft of Deck 14 is the S32 Disco. This is MSC Poesia’s late-night venue, with music and dancing continuing later into the evening.
During the day, S32 can be surprisingly quiet. There is seating inside and good views from the aft of the ship, making it worth visiting even if you’re not interested in the nightclub.
Just outside S32 is a small open viewing deck overlooking the wake. It is easy to miss, but it can be a good place to stop during sail-away or early evening.
Entertainment Across the Ship
The main entertainment venue on MSC Poesia is the Teatro Carlo Felice. The theatre spans Decks 6 and 7, with the main entrance on Deck 6 and balcony seating on Deck 7. Evening shows usually run more than once, with performance times arranged around the main dining sittings. The theatre is used for production shows, music and other performances during the cruise.
MSC is known for carrying passengers from different countries, and announcements and introductions may be made in several languages. This is particularly noticeable during theatre shows and larger organised events.
The Pigalle Lounge is another major entertainment venue and is used for live music, parties and larger evening activities.
The Zebra Bar also has a full programme throughout the cruise, including quizzes, daytime activities and live entertainment.
S32 Disco becomes the main late-night venue once the other lounges begin to quieten down.
Casino Royale is located on Deck 7, close to the theatre. It has slot machines and gaming tables and also acts as a main walkway between the forward and central sections of the deck. Because of its position, you may find yourself walking through or close to the casino even if you don’t plan to use it.
Other entertainment and activities vary according to the sailing, but the daily programme may include pool deck games, quizzes, dancing, live music, parties and organised sports.
The MSC for Me app is the main place to check what is happening each day. You can also request a printed version of the daily programme onboard.
Family Areas and Activities
Most of the children’s and teenagers’ facilities are located on Deck 14. There are indoor children’s clubs, teen areas, a video arcade and a virtual games room. There are also outdoor play areas and a small children’s splash pool. The exact activities will depend on the age group, number of children onboard and the programme during the sailing.
The family facilities are positioned close to the outdoor deck loop and not far from the upper pool areas, which keeps many of the daytime family spaces in the same general part of the ship.
Older children and teenagers also have access to the sports court, mini golf, shuffleboard and organised activities around the ship.
MSC Poesia doesn’t have the large waterparks, climbing attractions or high-tech activities found on some newer resort-style ships. The family experience is more traditional, with children’s clubs, pools, games, sports and scheduled entertainment.
Cabins on MSC Poesia
Cabins are spread across several decks, with Decks 8 to 12 largely dedicated to accommodation. I stayed in a standard inside cabin on Deck 11.
The cabin was practical rather than luxurious, but it had everything I needed for the cruise. There was a desk and dressing area with a chair and mirror, a television and a small fridge underneath. A kettle with tea and coffee supplies was provided, along with a hairdryer and a safe inside the wardrobe.
Storage was sensible rather than especially generous, with hanging space, drawers and shelving. It was enough to organise clothes and belongings for the cruise without leaving everything in the suitcase.
The cabin had both UK and European plug sockets, but they were located around the desk rather than next to the bed. That is worth planning for if you normally charge your phone overnight or need to plug something in close to the bed.
The bathroom was compact but functional, with a walk-in shower, toilet, sink and storage. Shower gel and shampoo were provided in dispensers, along with soap beside the sink.
MSC Poesia doesn’t have self-service passenger laundry rooms, so you can’t wash your own clothes onboard in the way you can on some cruise lines. Paid laundry services may be available through the ship.
Hidden Outdoor Decks Near the Cabins
One of the most useful features of MSC Poesia is the outdoor access at the forward and aft ends of some cabin decks. If you walk all the way to the end of certain corridors, you may find doors leading to shared outside deck areas.
These spaces are particularly useful if you have an inside cabin and want quick access to fresh air without going all the way up to the main pool deck. They are often very quiet because many passengers don’t realise they are there.
Access can depend on weather conditions and whether the doors are open, so you shouldn’t assume every outside section will always be available. However, they are worth looking for when you first explore the ship.
Spa, Gym and Sports Facilities
The MSC Aurea Spa is located at the front of Deck 13. This is where you’ll find the treatment rooms, thermal facilities and relaxation areas. Spa treatments and access to the thermal suite normally cost extra unless something is included with your experience or booking.
The gym and fitness centre are located next to the spa. The gym has cardio equipment, free weights and strength machines. It is used regularly, especially early in the morning and on sea days.
The Sport Centre is higher up on Deck 16 and provides the main outdoor court for football, basketball and organised games.
Mini golf and shuffleboard are on Deck 15, along with open deck space for walking or relaxing.
There is also the outdoor walking loop on Deck 14, although this isn’t a dedicated running track.
Shops and Other Facilities
MSC Poesia’s main shopping area is on Deck 6. The shops surround Bar dei Poeti and include a boutique, jewellery shop, perfume shop, MSC Logo Shop and Mini Mall.
The MSC Excursions Desk is also located in this area. This is where you can ask questions about MSC shore excursions or make bookings during the cruise.
The Photo Shop and Gallery are on Deck 7. This is where you can view and purchase the professional photographs taken around the ship and during embarkation or port days.
The Timeless Studio is also on Deck 7 and is used for professional photography sessions.
MSC Future Cruises is nearby and is the place to ask about booking another MSC sailing or any future-cruise offers available onboard.
The Poesia Meeting Room on Deck 6 is used for presentations, talks and organised events.
There is also a separate Poker Room used for card games and poker sessions.
Villa de Arte on Deck 7 includes a card room and a small selection of books. It is one of the quieter indoor areas and can be a useful place to sit away from the main bars. There isn’t a large traditional library, but passengers may leave books for others to swap or borrow.
Guest Services, Atrium and Practical Facilities
The main atrium is on Deck 5 and opens upwards through Decks 6 and 7. Guest Services and Reception are located at the base of the atrium. This is one of the most important areas to find when you first board because it is where you can ask questions about your account, cabin, cruise card or other onboard issues.
The atrium is also used for live music and smaller events, so it becomes a central meeting place during the cruise.
The medical centre is on Deck 5, close to the forward cabin section. Even though you’ll hopefully never need it, it is worth knowing where it is located.
Cruise card activation terminals are available around the midship areas of Decks 5 and 6.
You may need to use these terminals on embarkation day to activate the payment card connected to your cruise account. My MSC Poesia embarkation day guide explains that process in more detail, along with the other things you need to do when you first board.
Does MSC Poesia Have a Promenade Deck?
MSC Poesia has an outdoor promenade on Deck 7, although it isn’t a full wraparound promenade. It still gives you a more sheltered place to walk outside and provides a different view of the sea from the higher open decks.
There are also several other outdoor walking areas around the ship, including Deck 14, Deck 15 and the smaller forward and aft decks beside the cabin corridors.
The ship has more outside access than you might realise from the central public areas, but some of it is hidden away and requires you to explore the ends of the decks.
How the MSC Poesia Layout Works
MSC Poesia becomes easier to navigate once you understand where the main areas are concentrated.
Deck 13 is the main daytime deck. This is where you’ll find the pools, hot tubs, outdoor bars, spa, gym and buffet.
Decks 14, 15 and 16 contain the children’s clubs, disco, walking areas, outdoor activities, mini golf, shuffleboard, sports court and the new Yacht Club.
Decks 8 to 12 are mainly cabin decks.
Decks 5, 6 and 7 contain most of the indoor public areas.
Deck 5 is the base of the atrium and has Guest Services, Le Rendez-Vous Bar and Le Fontane Restaurant.
Deck 6 has the main theatre entrance, Zebra Bar, Bar dei Poeti, shops, excursions desk, smaller bars and Il Palladio Restaurant.
Deck 7 has the theatre balcony, casino, Kaito Sushi Bar, wine bar, cigar lounge, photo facilities and Pigalle Lounge.
The ship has three main stair and lift areas, which help divide it into forward, midship and aft sections.
A simple way to get your bearings is to remember that the theatre is forward, the atrium is midship and the larger lounges and buffet are towards the aft.
What Changed After the MSC Poesia Refit?
The biggest changes to MSC Poesia are the addition of the MSC Yacht Club and Butcher’s Cut.
The new MSC Yacht Club now occupies the forward part of the upper decks, including the area previously used for the Top 16 Solarium. Butcher’s Cut has also been added as a new extra-charge speciality restaurant.
Other areas of the ship have been updated, but MSC Poesia still has the same traditional layout, with most of the main bars, lounges, restaurants and entertainment venues spread across Decks 5, 6 and 7.
My separate MSC Poesia refit guide covers all the changes in more detail, including what was added, what was updated and what passengers can expect after the refurbishment.
Is MSC Poesia Easy to Navigate?
MSC Poesia is reasonably easy to navigate once you know where the main public decks are. The indoor bars, theatre, restaurants, casino, shops and Guest Services are concentrated across Decks 5, 6 and 7.
The pools, buffet, spa, gym and outdoor facilities are mainly on Decks 13 to 16.
The decks between these areas are largely cabins, so you will usually travel directly between the lower public decks and the upper daytime areas rather than stopping on every level.
The main thing that can catch passengers out is the number of smaller outdoor spaces at the forward and aft ends of the ship. These aren’t always obvious from the corridors, but they are worth finding if you prefer quieter areas.
Who Is MSC Poesia Best Suited To?
MSC Poesia is likely to suit passengers who enjoy a more traditional cruise ship layout and don’t need a huge number of high-energy attractions.
The ship has pools, entertainment, children’s clubs, sports, bars and organised activities, but it doesn’t have the large waterparks, rides or extensive speciality dining found on some newer ships.
It may appeal to passengers who enjoy spending time in lounges, watching live music, using the outdoor decks and following a more traditional dining and entertainment routine.
The ship can still feel lively around the pool deck, Zebra Bar, Pigalle Lounge and evening parties, but it also has plenty of quieter spaces if you know where to look.
Related MSC Poesia Guides
My MSC Poesia embarkation day guide covers what happens when you first arrive at the terminal, how boarding works, what to do with your cruise card and the main things you need to complete after getting onboard.
My MSC Poesia refit guide explains the refurbishment in more detail, including the areas that changed and what passengers can expect from the ship after the work.
My MSC Poesia Dining Guide explains the main dining rooms, buffet, included food and extra-charge dining options available on the ship.
My MSC Poesia bars guide gives you a closer look at the indoor and outdoor bars, lounges and evening venues around 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.
What’s Onboard MSC Poesia: Frequently Asked Questions
How many swimming pools are on MSC Poesia?
MSC Poesia has two main outdoor swimming pools on Deck 13. These are the Coral Bay pool and the Cayo Levantado pool.
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.
How many hot tubs are on MSC Poesia?
There are four hot tubs around the main pool deck, with two beside each of the main swimming pool areas.
Is there an adults-only area on MSC Poesia?
MSC Poesia no longer has the former Top 16 Solarium for Aurea guests. That area has become part of the new MSC Yacht Club and is reserved for Yacht Club passengers.
There isn’t a separate adults-only pool or sun deck included for all passengers elsewhere on the ship.
Does MSC Poesia have a buffet?
Yes, the Villa Pompeiana Buffet is at the aft of Deck 13. It serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and late-night snacks at different times during the cruise.
How many main dining rooms are on MSC Poesia?
MSC Poesia has two main dining rooms. Le Fontane Restaurant is on Deck 5, and Il Palladio Restaurant is on Deck 6.
Does MSC Poesia have speciality restaurants?
Yes, MSC Poesia has two speciality restaurants. Butcher’s Cut is the ship’s American-style steakhouse, while Kaito Sushi Bar serves sushi and Japanese-style dishes. Both cost extra.
Does MSC Poesia have a theatre?
Yes, the Teatro Carlo Felice spans Decks 6 and 7. The main entrance is on Deck 6, with balcony seating on Deck 7.
Does MSC Poesia have a casino?
Yes, Casino Royale is on Deck 7, close to the theatre and central public areas.
Does MSC Poesia have a nightclub?
Yes, S32 Disco is at the aft of Deck 14. It is a quiet lounge during parts of the day and becomes the ship’s late-night music and dancing venue in the evening.
Is MSC Poesia suitable for children?
MSC Poesia has children’s clubs, teen areas, a video arcade, virtual games room, outdoor play areas, a small splash pool, mini golf and a sports court.
Does MSC Poesia have a running track?
MSC Poesia doesn’t have a dedicated running track, but there is an outdoor walking loop on Deck 14.
Does MSC Poesia have a gym?
Yes, the gym and fitness centre are at the front of Deck 13, next to the MSC Aurea Spa.
Does MSC Poesia have self-service laundry rooms?
No, MSC Poesia doesn’t have self-service passenger laundry rooms.
Are there UK plug sockets in MSC Poesia cabins?
The inside cabin I stayed in had both UK and European plug sockets around the desk area. There were no sockets beside the bed.
Does MSC Poesia have a promenade deck?
MSC Poesia has an outdoor promenade on Deck 7, although it doesn’t wrap all the way around the ship.
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.
This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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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.