There was one cruise line I’d been unsure about trying for quite a while, and that was MSC Cruises. I’d heard very mixed opinions about the food, service and embarkation, and as someone who’d cruised regularly with P&O Cruises, I wasn’t convinced it would suit me. After finally sailing on MSC Poesia, though, my MSC vs P&O Cruises comparison ended up being very different from the one I expected to make.
MSC wasn’t chaotic, the food wasn’t a disappointment and I certainly didn’t come home thinking I wouldn’t cruise with them again. In fact, there were several things MSC did particularly well, while there were other areas where I still preferred P&O Cruises.
I’ve sailed with P&O on Iona, Arvia, Britannia, Ventura and Arcadia, so I’m familiar with how its ships work day to day. MSC Poesia was my first MSC cruise, on a Northern Europe itinerary from Southampton, which meant I could compare the two cruise lines from the perspective of someone already very familiar with P&O.
The most important thing I learnt is that MSC isn’t simply a cheaper version of P&O Cruises. It’s a different style of cruising, and whether you prefer one or the other will depend on what matters most to you.
MSC Poesia Honest Review: My First MSC Cruise Experience
Watch my MSC Poesia Honest Review below for my full experience of sailing with MSC for the first time, including what surprised me, what I liked and what I’d do differently.
Is MSC Really That Different From P&O Cruises?
Before my first MSC cruise, I expected the difference between MSC and P&O Cruises to feel much bigger than it actually did. I’d seen MSC embarkations in ports such as Civitavecchia that looked extremely busy, and I’d heard plenty of negative comments about the food and organisation onboard. It created the impression that MSC might feel considerably more chaotic than the type of cruise I was used to.
That wasn’t my experience on MSC Poesia. From the moment I arrived in Southampton, it simply felt like a different cruise line rather than a worse one. There were things to get used to, particularly the dining arrangements and the more international atmosphere onboard, but nothing felt particularly difficult.
Once I stopped comparing every small detail with P&O and started accepting that MSC did some things differently, it became a very easy cruise to enjoy. That’s probably the most useful starting point if you normally cruise with P&O and are considering MSC. Don’t book MSC expecting a P&O cruise with a different logo on the funnel. Go expecting a different style of cruise.
MSC vs P&O Cruises Embarkation
Embarkation was actually one of the first things that challenged my expectations about MSC. You might assume that boarding a P&O cruise from Southampton would automatically be smoother than boarding MSC. Southampton is P&O Cruises’ home port, after all, and embarkation is usually a familiar and well-established process.
However, individual embarkation experiences can vary considerably. When I boarded MSC Poesia in Southampton, the process was much easier than I’d expected. Everything happened step by step, there wasn’t any real confusion and I never felt rushed or overwhelmed.
Two weeks later, I boarded P&O Iona from Southampton and that embarkation actually felt busier and slightly more chaotic. There were more queues, lots of people moving around and it didn’t have quite the controlled feel I’d expected.
That doesn’t mean MSC embarkation is always better than P&O embarkation. What it showed me instead is that embarkation depends on much more than the name of the cruise line. The port, passenger numbers, arrival times and how the terminal is operating that particular day can all make a difference.
However I wouldn’t choose between MSC and P&O based on stories about embarkation alone. My MSC Poesia embarkation certainly wasn’t the chaotic experience I’d been expecting.
MSC vs P&O Dining: Fixed Dining Makes a Big Difference
Dining is probably the biggest everyday difference I noticed between MSC and P&O Cruises. On MSC Poesia, dinner in the main dining room was based around fixed dining. I had an allocated restaurant, dining time and table, and I returned to that table each evening. Initially, fixed dining can sound restrictive if you’re used to deciding when you want to eat. In practice, I found that it gave the evening a surprisingly relaxed structure.
After spending a full day exploring a port, I didn’t have to think about when I wanted dinner. I didn’t need to open an app, check restaurant availability or join a virtual queue. I knew exactly when and where I was eating. You simply arrive at the restaurant at your allocated time and your evening carries on from there.
There’s also a social side to it. You get to know your waiters, and if you’re sitting at a shared table, you’ll often see the same passengers every evening. That was particularly noticeable to me as a solo traveller.
P&O Cruises offers a different experience on ships such as Iona and Arvia, where freedom dining plays a much bigger role.Freedom dining gives you more flexibility, which some passengers will definitely prefer. You can decide when you’re hungry and organise dinner around whatever else you want to do that evening.
The disadvantage is that it can involve a little more planning. You might need to check an app, join a virtual queue or think about when restaurants are likely to be busiest. Occasionally, you can find yourself arranging your evening around when you’re able to get a table.
Some P&O ships still offer fixed dining, so the difference isn’t universal across the fleet. If you already like traditional fixed dining on P&O, the MSC system probably won’t feel unusual at all. I thought I’d prefer the flexibility of freedom dining, but I ended up really appreciating how simple MSC’s fixed dining made my evenings.
MSC vs P&O Food: Which Is Better?
Food was one of the areas I was most interested in comparing because I’d heard so many negative opinions about MSC before travelling. My experience was much better than I expected.
The first major difference was the buffet. On P&O ships such as Iona, Arvia and Britannia, the buffet areas can look enormous, but different sections often repeat the same dishes. That can make the buffet appear to offer more variety than it actually does. I sometimes find myself walking around a P&O buffet several times without seeing very much I particularly want.
MSC Poesia was different. I found the buffet food consistently hot, there was plenty I wanted to eat and dishes such as freshly prepared pizza and pasta made it feel like a dining option I actively chose rather than somewhere I only went because it was convenient. The pizza was one of the simplest foods onboard, but it was also something I returned to repeatedly.
That doesn’t mean MSC automatically beats P&O for food. Where P&O Cruises has a significant advantage, particularly on newer ships such as Iona and Arvia, is the number of different included places you can eat. Depending on the ship, you might have venues such as The Quays, Taste 360 and Olive Grove alongside the main dining rooms and buffet. That means you don’t necessarily need the buffet as much.
MSC Poesia had fewer different included dining venues, so the buffet played a more important role in the overall cruise. When it came to food quality, though, MSC surprised me. The meals I ate on MSC Poesia were consistently good, and there were occasions when I preferred them to food I’d previously had on older P&O ships such as Arcadia.
That’s why I don’t think a blanket statement such as “P&O food is better than MSC” or “MSC food is better than P&O” is particularly helpful. It depends on the ship. If I were comparing MSC Poesia with a newer P&O ship such as Iona or Arvia, P&O would probably win on the overall range of dining options. Compare MSC Poesia with one of P&O’s older ships like Arcadia, though, and the gap becomes considerably smaller.
P&O Has the Edge for Theatre Entertainment
Entertainment is one area where I found the difference between MSC and P&O Cruises much clearer. For theatre productions, I preferred P&O Cruises. P&O shows tend to be longer and there’s generally more variety across the cruise. One evening might have a production show while another has a completely different type of performance or guest entertainer.
MSC Poesia’s theatre shows were generally much shorter, often lasting around 30 minutes, and relied heavily on singing, dancing and visual performances. They were polished and I enjoyed watching them, but they didn’t feel as substantial as the shows I’ve seen on P&O.
There’s an understandable reason for that difference. MSC attracts a much more international mix of passengers, so its entertainment needs to work for people speaking several different languages. A comedian or spoken-word guest act that works well for a predominantly British P&O audience isn’t necessarily going to work on an international MSC ship.
Visual entertainment can cross that language barrier much more easily. Outside the theatre, though, the two cruise lines become much more similar. On both you’ll find live music, quizzes, bars and different venues providing entertainment throughout the evening. So I wouldn’t describe MSC as lacking entertainment. It’s the style of entertainment that’s different.If theatre shows are particularly important to you, I think P&O has the advantage.
MSC vs P&O Drinks and Drinks Packages
The actual drinks I had on MSC Poesia weren’t significantly different in quality from those I’ve had on P&O Cruises. Both cruise lines offer the usual mix of cocktails, wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks, and I don’t think most passengers switching between the two would notice a dramatic difference in the drinks themselves.
The bigger difference is how the packages are structured and how you pay for them. MSC uses different drinks package tiers, and I found the system relatively straightforward once I understood which drinks were covered by my package.
MSC fares can also sometimes be booked with a drinks package included as part of the overall price. There’s a psychological advantage to that. If you’ve already paid for your package before travelling, drinks can simply feel like part of the holiday rather than another expense you’re constantly adding up. You’re also less likely to spend the cruise mentally calculating whether you’ve consumed enough to make your drinks package worthwhile.
P&O Cruises works perfectly well if you prefer paying as you go. Individual drink prices tend to feel fairly familiar to anyone used to UK pub prices, and if you don’t drink enough to justify a package, paying individually gives you complete control over your spending.
P&O also offers drinks packages, but whether they represent good value depends heavily on how much and what you normally drink. For me, this part of the MSC vs P&O Cruises comparison comes down more to spending style than drink quality. If you like paying in advance and knowing most of your drinks are already covered, MSC can work particularly well.If you’d rather pay only for what you actually consume, P&O makes that easy too.
I’ve got separate guides covering both the MSC drinks packages and P&O Cruises drinks packages if you want to compare exactly how the different options work before booking.
Is MSC Cheaper Than P&O Cruises?
Value for money was ultimately what persuaded me to try MSC in the first place. The price of my MSC Poesia cruise was good, the Northern Europe itinerary suited me and it made sense to try something different.
What changed my opinion was discovering that the onboard experience didn’t feel like a compromise. Before travelling, I think part of me assumed the cheaper price would mean accepting a noticeably lower standard than P&O Cruises. That simply wasn’t what I found.
There were differences, certainly, but most were about style rather than quality. That changes how I now look at MSC prices. Instead of asking whether I’d rather cruise with MSC or P&O in general, I’d look at two comparable cruises and ask what I’m actually getting for the money.
If an MSC sailing was considerably cheaper than a similar P&O itinerary, I’d have no hesitation considering MSC. That doesn’t mean MSC will always be cheaper. Cruise prices change depending on the ship, itinerary, cabin, departure date and demand, so there’ll inevitably be cruises where P&O offers better value. But I no longer see a cheaper MSC fare and assume I’ll be giving up a lot in return. Sometimes the better-value cruise could genuinely be MSC.
You Need to Compare Ships, Not Just MSC vs P&O
This is probably the most important thing to remember when comparing MSC with P&O Cruises. You’re not really booking a cruise line. You’re booking a particular ship, travelling on a particular itinerary, at a particular time of year. That matters because there can be enormous differences between ships belonging to the same cruise line.
MSC Poesia and P&O Iona, for example, aren’t particularly sensible ships to compare directly. Iona is much newer and larger, with far more emphasis on having a wide choice of restaurants and venues onboard. MSC Poesia is an older, smaller ship offering a different type of cruise experience. A comparison between newer MSC ships live MSC Virtuosa and Iona or Arvia would make much more sense.
The same problem exists within P&O Cruises. Arcadia doesn’t feel like Iona. Britannia doesn’t feel exactly like Arvia. Ventura and Azura offers a different experience again. You could easily enjoy one ship belonging to a cruise line and decide another ship in the same fleet isn’t for you. That’s why I’d always look at the ship, itinerary and price before making a decision based purely on the MSC or P&O name.
MSC or P&O for Solo Travellers?
As a solo traveller, there were elements of both cruise lines that worked particularly well for me. One thing I liked about MSC Poesia was the social side of fixed dining. Returning to the same table each night meant there was a natural opportunity to get to know other passengers without having to make arrangements yourself.
I also found MSC Poesia more social generally than I’d expected. There were plenty of bars and lounges where people naturally sat together for live music and evening entertainment, and it didn’t feel difficult to enjoy the ship alone.
P&O Cruises also works extremely well for solo cruising, particularly if you already know the ships and understand how the dining and entertainment systems work.
For me, I wouldn’t choose between the two cruise lines purely on the basis of travelling solo. I’d still make the decision based on the individual ship, itinerary and price.
MSC vs P&O Cruises: Which Has the Better Atmosphere?
This is another area where “better” probably isn’t the right word. The atmosphere is different. P&O Cruises is very British.Announcements, entertainment, food and the general feel onboard are designed primarily for a British audience, so there’s an immediate familiarity if you live in the UK.
MSC is much more international. You’ll hear announcements in several languages, passengers come from many different countries and some aspects of the entertainment are designed specifically to work without relying heavily on spoken English. I noticed that difference, but I didn’t find it a problem. You quickly get used to the multilingual announcements, and after the first day they simply become part of the background of the cruise.
If you particularly like the familiar British atmosphere of P&O, MSC will feel noticeably different. If you enjoy travelling internationally anyway, you might actually enjoy that difference.
What Does P&O Cruises Do Better Than MSC?
Based on the ships I’ve personally sailed on, P&O Cruises has some clear advantages. I think the theatre entertainment is stronger, particularly if you enjoy longer productions and a wider variety of shows. The newer P&O ships also have an excellent choice of included dining venues, and that can make the overall food experience feel more varied than it did on MSC Poesia. For example on P&O Arvia you have the Quays and Sixth Street Diner as extra included dining options.
There’s also the familiarity factor. If you’ve taken several P&O cruises, you already understand how everything works. You know roughly what to expect from restaurants, entertainment, onboard spending and the general rhythm of the day. That familiarity can make a cruise feel very easy.
What Does MSC Do Better Than P&O Cruises?
MSC surprised me in several areas. I preferred the buffet on MSC Poesia to the buffets on several P&O ships I’ve sailed on. I found the food hot and consistent, and there was generally more that I actively wanted to eat.
I also grew to really like the simplicity of fixed dining. Knowing exactly when and where I was eating every evening removed one small piece of planning from the day, which was particularly welcome after spending hours exploring ports.
And when MSC offers a strong cruise fare, I think its value can be difficult to ignore. That was ultimately the biggest change in my thinking. I went onboard expecting to find out what I was sacrificing by paying less. Instead, I came home thinking about what else MSC might offer for the money.
Should P&O Cruisers Try MSC Cruises?
Yes, I think MSC Cruises is well worth trying if you normally cruise with P&O. You just need to go onboard with the right expectations. MSC won’t feel exactly like P&O Cruises. Dining may be more structured, the passenger mix will be more international, theatre entertainment is different and you’ll hear announcements in several languages. But different doesn’t mean worse.
I found areas where I preferred P&O and others where MSC surprised me by being better than I expected. Most importantly, I never felt that MSC Poesia was simply a step down from the P&O cruises I’d previously taken. It was a genuine alternative. If I found another MSC cruise offering an itinerary I wanted at a good price, I’d happily book it. And that’s probably the biggest compliment I can give MSC after going onboard with fairly low expectations.
MSC vs P&O Cruises: My Verdict
There isn’t one winner in the MSC vs P&O Cruises comparison because the answer changes depending on what you value most. If you want a very British cruise experience, more varied theatre entertainment and, on the newer ships, a greater range of included dining venues, P&O Cruises has some real advantages.
If you like fixed dining, a strong buffet, a more international atmosphere and can find an MSC sailing at a particularly competitive price, MSC becomes a very compelling alternative. I’d also never compare fares without comparing the actual ships.
MSC Poesia versus P&O Iona tells you relatively little about MSC versus P&O because the ships themselves are so different. Look at the ship, the itinerary, what’s included and the final price. That’s much more useful than choosing purely because you’ve always sailed with one particular cruise line. Trying MSC changed my opinion considerably, and I’m glad I didn’t let some of the negative comments I’d heard put me off.
Useful MSC and P&O Cruise Guides
If you’re considering trying MSC after cruising with P&O, my MSC Poesia honest review goes into much more detail about what I liked, what I didn’t and whether I’d book the ship again.
You can also read my MSC Poesia Dining Guide for a closer look at the buffet, main dining rooms and speciality dining onboard, or my MSC Cruise Mistakes guide for the things that are useful to know before your first MSC cruise.
If drinks are an important part of your comparison, my MSC drinks package guide explains how the MSC packages work, while my P&O Cruises Drinks Package guide covers the different P&O options and whether they’re likely to offer good value.
I also have a full P&O Drinks Menu 2026 if you prefer to pay as you go and want to see typical onboard prices before deciding whether you need a package.
And if you’re relatively new to cruising rather than just new to MSC, my First Time Cruise Tips: What You Need to Know Before Your First Cruise guide covers the practical things worth knowing before embarkation, whichever cruise line you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions About MSC vs P&O Cruises
Is MSC better than P&O Cruises?
Neither cruise line is automatically better. P&O has advantages including more varied theatre entertainment and a wide choice of dining venues on newer ships such as Iona and Arvia. MSC impressed me with its buffet, fixed dining system and value for money. The individual ship and itinerary matter more than the cruise-line name.
Is MSC cheaper than P&O Cruises?
MSC can sometimes be considerably cheaper than a comparable P&O cruise, but this isn’t always the case. Prices vary according to the ship, itinerary, cabin, date and demand, so it’s worth comparing individual cruises rather than assuming either cruise line will always be cheaper.
Is MSC food worse than P&O?
That wasn’t my experience. I found the food on MSC Poesia consistently good and particularly liked the buffet. Newer P&O ships such as Iona and Arvia do offer a wider choice of included places to eat, though, so the answer depends heavily on which ships you’re comparing.
Does MSC have fixed dining?
MSC Poesia used fixed dining in the main dining rooms, with an allocated restaurant, dining time and table. I found this made evenings very easy because I always knew when and where I was eating. Dining arrangements can depend on your booking and ship.
Is MSC good for people who normally cruise with P&O?
Yes. MSC feels different from P&O rather than like a lower-quality version of it. Expect a more international atmosphere, multilingual announcements, a different style of theatre entertainment and more structured dining. If the itinerary and price are right, I think it’s well worth trying.
Is MSC good for solo travellers?
I found MSC Poesia worked well as a solo traveller. Fixed dining created a natural social opportunity, while the bars, lounges and live entertainment made it easy to spend evenings around other passengers. I’d still choose a solo cruise based on the individual ship, itinerary and price rather than the cruise line alone.
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.