Information about Poesia and MSC sailing from USA please.

[Jo and Rob]

Originally Posted by mikesteg

That is "the" Atlantis... well, the THE Atlantis, but it is the one you see commercials for. However, the package we got (around $50/pp) does not include access to the pools. The Aquaventure(?) package was was hundreds more. A bit cheaper direct at the hotel, but still far to expensive for a few hours.

I'm not sure about the currency question. I thought there was a blurb on the website about it being billed in the 'local' currency. Were you looking at the general site, or actually logged in to (pretend) book? I am wondering if it will change to the correct currency when it knows who you are? Then again, it might think that pounds are the right currency for you until you actually board.

There is a very small aquarium below the hotel at Atlantis but I must admit I remember it being very very expensive to eat or do anything much (just to warn you!) I'm not sure without the pool how much of an attraction it is apart from the fact it costs a bomb to stay in one of the celebrity suites. I remember some fancy yachts too (money money money). Have you looked on the Bahamas forum to see what people think of it?

I did go on the MSC website and book some excursions and this time they were in dollars so it is all good. I like the fact you can change your mind if you want.

[mikesteg]

Originally Posted by Jo and Rob

Have you looked on the Bahamas forum to see what people think of it?

I'll check it out but the wife wants to go.

If I understand correctly, even if you stay at the hotel you still have to pay for the 'waterpark' pass at full price. I'm hoping that a small taste will satisfy her and save me a $5000 trip to Nassua later... though the opposite could happen too!

[Jo and Rob]

Originally Posted by mikesteg

I'll check it out but the wife wants to go.

If I understand correctly, even if you stay at the hotel you still have to pay for the 'waterpark' pass at full price. I'm hoping that a small taste will satisfy her and save me a $5000 trip to Nassua later... though the opposite could happen too!

I see your logic!

I would like to know more about the food! I understand there are two restaurants and the buffet, where else can you eat that is complementary? What items would you recommend? Does anyone know if the pasta is egg pasta (my daughter is allergic to egg).

[CRUISER2B]

Originally Posted by Jo and Rob

I see your logic!

I would like to know more about the food! I understand there are two restaurants and the buffet, where else can you eat that is complementary? What items would you recommend? Does anyone know if the pasta is egg pasta (my daughter is allergic to egg).

MSC Poesia offers 2 main restaurants, Il Palladio and Le Fontane and an à la carte restaurant, L’Obelisco. Each one boasts a top gastronomic selection thanks to the variety of dishes and the high quality of the foods, from choice Italian meats, scrupulously controlled, to fresh fruit. Every product is fresh and carefully handled, such as bread baked on board with the passion and knowledge of the most distinctive boulangerie. Dishes range from traditional and tasty Mediterranean fare, to the most refined international recipes. For a quick lunch choose Villa Pompeiana buffet restaurant offering the utmost quality and variety in Italian and international cuisine.

Kaito Sushi Bar is a unique concept where food is all prepared by hand by our experienced master Sushi chefs in an authentic Japanese minimalist restaurant setting, providing a genuine taste of Japanese cold and hot dishes, including sushi, sashimi, tempura etc.

L'Obelisco and Kaito are not free. Ate at Kaito and it had 2 specials that made it cost effevtive for DH and me. One was $18 per person for a sampler meal. It was more food than I ormally eat in a Japanese restaurant. We could have shared one order but do not know if that was permitted. Also another night they offered $25 per person all you can eat. However on both deals, there was a special menu. They can be checked out early as they display them before hand outside the restaurants.

One person traveling with my mother-in-law had a food allergy too (gluten free). She notified MSC before hand and a special waiter was assigned to her and she had her own special menu. She stated she had no problems.

[Jo and Rob]

Originally Posted by CRUISER2B

MSC Poesia offers 2 main restaurants, Il Palladio and Le Fontane and an à la carte restaurant, L’Obelisco. Each one boasts a top gastronomic selection thanks to the variety of dishes and the high quality of the foods, from choice Italian meats, scrupulously controlled, to fresh fruit. Every product is fresh and carefully handled, such as bread baked on board with the passion and knowledge of the most distinctive boulangerie. Dishes range from traditional and tasty Mediterranean fare, to the most refined international recipes. For a quick lunch choose Villa Pompeiana buffet restaurant offering the utmost quality and variety in Italian and international cuisine.

Kaito Sushi Bar is a unique concept where food is all prepared by hand by our experienced master Sushi chefs in an authentic Japanese minimalist restaurant setting, providing a genuine taste of Japanese cold and hot dishes, including sushi, sashimi, tempura etc.

L'Obelisco and Kaito are not free. Ate at Kaito and it had 2 specials that made it cost effevtive for DH and me. One was $18 per person for a sampler meal. It was more food than I ormally eat in a Japanese restaurant. We could have shared one order but do not know if that was permitted. Also another night they offered $25 per person all you can eat. However on both deals, there was a special menu. They can be checked out early as they display them before hand outside the restaurants.

One person traveling with my mother-in-law had a food allergy too (gluten free). She notified MSC before hand and a special waiter was assigned to her and she had her own special menu. She stated she had no problems.

It is good to read some positive information about food. We need to be prepared but have never been disappointed on a cruise yet, so I'm hoping as long as we go with open minds we will not be disappointed.

[CRUISER2B]

Originally Posted by Jo and Rob

It is good to read some positive information about food. We need to be prepared but have never been disappointed on a cruise yet, so I'm hoping as long as we go with open minds we will not be disappointed.

I apologize but the first 2 paragraphs were from the MSC website. However, I enjoyed the food. The buffet was better than I expected and I would have been happy to eat all meals there. The Sushi place was great but wished we had shared... Too much food.

The chicken was dry but favorable in the MDR and the steak hit or miss. Pasta superb. Loved the appetizers and soups. DH/MOM liked the salads.

Really had no complaints about the food in general.

[kyroadrunner]

Greetings all,

This is my first post as I am somewhat new to cruise critic. I have found this thread to be incredible insightful. My wife and I are sailing on Poesia in March. I was wondering if anyone knew whether or not fountain sodas are available on this ship? The info I have seen regarding beverage packages states that soda is offered in cans unless fountain is available. I appreciate your help.

[monicajay]

Originally Posted by kyroadrunner

Greetings all,

This is my first post as I am somewhat new to cruise critic. I have found this thread to be incredible insightful. My wife and I are sailing on Poesia in March. I was wondering if anyone knew whether or not fountain sodas are available on this ship? The info I have seen regarding beverage packages states that soda is offered in cans unless fountain is available. I appreciate your help.

Welcome to Cruisecritic, seeing this is your first post. I don't remember about the soda though as I usually only drink beer or water. I'm sure someone will answer you though.

[CRUISER2B]

Originally Posted by kyroadrunner

Greetings all,

This is my first post as I am somewhat new to cruise critic. I have found this thread to be incredible insightful. My wife and I are sailing on Poesia in March. I was wondering if anyone knew whether or not fountain sodas are available on this ship? The info I have seen regarding beverage packages states that soda is offered in cans unless fountain is available. I appreciate your help.

My son had the soda package and so he only got soda in bottles or cans. Even when he did not use the voucher. He never got soda from a fountain that I am aware of.

[seacat66]

are the soft drinks coke or pepsi? i seem to recall reading somewhere they were pepsi.

if i bring some coke on board in peurto rico, will they confiscate it? if they don't confiscate it, can i drink it by the buffet?

[mikesteg]

Originally Posted by seacat66

are the soft drinks coke or pepsi? i seem to recall reading somewhere they were pepsi.

if i bring some coke on board in peurto rico, will they confiscate it? if they don't confiscate it, can i drink it by the buffet?

Ugh! I didn't even think about that. If it's not coke my wife will make me cancel!

I found a thread from 2010 that indicated coke, and the top of the cans in the "soft drink" picture on the MSC website appears to be coke.

I will be first timer on MCS shortly also, so I can't answer the rest.

[CRUISER2B]

Originally Posted by seacat66

are the soft drinks coke or pepsi? i seem to recall reading somewhere they were pepsi.

if i bring some coke on board in peurto rico, will they confiscate it? if they don't confiscate it, can i drink it by the buffet?

My son says that they had both Coke and Pepsi available.
I do not know MSC's policy about bringing soft drinks on board.