MSC Poesia Review, MSC Cruises Review

Ok, so I am really new to the travel industry.  Since I live in Florida it seemed like a no brainer to specialize in cruises.  After all, it seems like everyone I run into has just returned from a cruise, or is going on a cruise, or can't wait to go on their first cruise, or...well I think you get the picture.  Did it matter to me that I had only been on one cruise in my life and that was many years ago?  Well, it did a little, so I figured I had better get cruising.  And that is what I did.

I was fortunate to be able to take my mom on a 7 day cruise on the beautiful MSC Poesia.  Poesia means Poem in Italian, and it is part of MSC Cruises which is, dare I state the obvious, an Italian owned cruise line.  The ship is really quite elegant.  There is a waterfall in the foyer, marble floors, brass handrails, and windows throughout the ship.  The ship was perfectly maintained and cleanliness was a top priority.  Our cabin was very comfortable and roomy and we had a private balcony, which for me was one of the highlights of the trip.  I can not imagine traveling on a cruise ship without having a balcony!

In keeping with Italian tradition,  MSC Cruises request proper attire for dinner when using the dining rooms.  While some may find this cumbersome, it was actually fun to get dressed up for dinner every night.  And since we had the same waiter each night he got to know what we liked.  That just seemed to make the service even better!

If you are looking to get away from it all and want to be pampered and waited on and entertained, you will find all of those things on the MSC Poesia.  And kids sail free!  Check out this last minute cruise deal: Round trip from Ft. Lauderdale on February 27, traveling to Key West, FL; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico with rates starting at $499.00!  Hmmm...maybe it is time for me to take my next cruise!

Mary Chiara
Cruise Specialist
mchiara@bellsouth.net

Outlook for Cruise Market

As a new travel agent who favors cruises as a vacation destination, I follow the news and trends in this niche closely.  I never really paid much attention to the industry before last year, but from what I have learned it seems to me that a cruise vacation continues to increase in popularity.  Clearly, the industry itself feels confident since 8 brand new ships are scheduled to begin service this year alone.  These ships range from mainstream to luxury, offering something for everyone.  You can travel almost anywhere in the world to exotic and exciting destinations on beautiful ships.  And while you are traveling to your destination there will be so many activities to choose from you will never be bored.  You may choose to go ice skating, shopping, zip-lining, rock climbing, attend culinary and wine events, learn a second language.....really the options are endless.

While many people hold on to the notion that a cruise is nothing more than being trapped on a ship with nothing to do but eat all day, the reality is so much more exciting and varied!  You can go almost anywhere you desire, see all kinds of beautiful and exotic destinations, and only unpack your suitcase once.  And as the cruise lines add more entertainment options and raise the bar on service I think the public will respond in kind.  You can still find amazing deals, but those prices are sure to rise as the economic climate improves.  If you are thinking about taking a cruise, there is no time like now to make your plans!

Mary Chiara
Cruise Specialist
mchiara@bellsouth.net

Fun at Sea

When you take a cruise vacation you will be amazed by the varied and wonderful activities that are available on and off the ship.  The destinations are definitely part of the fun, but there is no shortage of choices onboard the ship to keep you busy and occupied.  For example, on a recent cruise I took I was able to taste and learn about various wines at a formal wine tasting.  The afternoons were filled with options from taking a yoga class to learning to speak Italian.  In the evening I learned how to dance the cha cha, went to the shows and watched movies under the stars.

Shore excursions varied from the high energy to the relaxing.  You could choose to go snorkeling, be part of a crew on a sail boat, tour the islands or have a romantic picnic on the beach.  It seemed the choices were endless and varied enough to provide a perfect match for anyone.  Of course if you just want to explore on your own, that too is an adventurous option.  Whatever your pleasure, you will find that a cruise is a fun and affordable vacation.

Why I think everyone should give cruising a try!

I have to admit that for the longest time I did not think a cruise vacation was for me.  After all, you are stuck on a big boat (it seemed so impersonal) and all there would be to do is lay around the pool and eat.  Forget about seeing new sites and being spontaneous!  Besides, cruises are expensive and the cabins are tiny.  Well, as it turns out I could not be more wrong!

I recently traveled with my mother on a 7 day MSC cruise to the Caribbean.  We had an amazing time.  We had a balcony stateroom that was generous in size.  The ship was beautiful and offered so many activities it was difficult to make time for all those that interested me.   My short list of activities include dance lessons, Italian lessons, wine tasting and watching movies under the stars.  Of course we visited exotic ports which included St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Nassau!    And the ship's crew was amazing!  They made us feel welcome and pampered!  I really did not want to get off the ship to return to reality.  And the reality is that these days a cruise vacation could not be a better value!  So much is included that with a cruise vacation you really end up getting so much more than you paid for!

Mary Chiara