It is a good idea to do the reseach ahead of the spend.but you know that now.

Hi kazzy

You can read our reviews of various MSC ships by clicking Cruise Reviews at the top of the page.

luci

Bit harsh!

Sue

Hi Kazzy,

Everyone is of course entitled to their opinion so when you read reviews you have to decide what is most important for you. Personally, I have sailed twice with MSC and have to say I thoroughly enjoyed both cruises! Yes, they do announce everything in 5 languages, this is after all an Italian shipping line who DO attract a multinational clientele! Yes, the food does have a decidely Italian bias! What else would one expect from an Italian ship! (Outside the buffet restaurant they have a chef cooking a fresh pasta dish at lunchtime each day! You don't get fresher than that) They do however present standard cruise ship fare too! I haven't been on Poesia but what I have seen of her in the way of pictures reminds me of Armonia which is a very tastefully designed/furnished ship! I do hope you have taken Luci's advice and have read the reviews in this forum. I fancy they will reassure you somewhat! Look at all of their ships - that will give you a good idea of MSC as a cruise line.

Enjoy Kazzy!

Hi again Kazzy,

Regarding excursions, at Katakolon you can walk in to the village(a very long but flat pier!) and get a local bus to Olympia. I also believe taxis to Olympia are not too exensive. I think you will arrive in Bari on a Sunday. Virtually immediately after disembarking you will find a small general shop where you can stock up on soft drinks to keep in your cabin fridge! You can walk in to town but watch out, the shops will be closed! At Dubrovnik the chances are that you wil be tendered ashore. This takes you to the harbour which is in the centre of town which is a delightful place to walk around. Almost immediately upon entering the town through an arch from the harbour, you will come across a little square which has a small market! It is mostly fruit and veg but also sells bread and cheeses and a few typical 'market' stalls too! On the ship you will be offered an excursion which includes 'walking the walls' of Dubrovnik. You can do this perfectly easily on your own! Dubrovnik is really lovely to wander around and has some lovely little shops which aren't immediately obvious because they just look like houses! I can't advise on the Turkish ports. I have no idea how long you will be in Venice for. What time does your flight arrive/leave? When I sailed from there I went two days early so that I could have a little time exploring!

Cheers
Magsy

magsy thanks for the info. I think we would rarther do most of the excursions ourselves and it seems most things to see are not too far from port.
I have found out that the poesia sailed for the first time only last week and that's why I haven't found any reviews yet. I'll be on the lookout for anyone returning and posting comments, though I know everone has different opinions of the same things it's nice to get some ideas. We will be in Venice for 3 nights before we sail, so will have a bit of time for sightseeing there.

Lucky you Kazzy! Spending 3 nights in Venice and then cruising on a brand new ship! I am pretty sure you will enjoy all of it so Bon Voyage!