In February 2026, the MSC Poesia will operate a repositioning cruise from Hamburg to Valletta, the capital of Malta, making several stops along the way in Western Europe and the Mediterranean. You can currently book this 15-night journey at attractive early-bird rates. The lowest-priced inside cabin is available from €1,129 per person. Other options include outside cabins from €1,369 and balcony cabins from €1,719 (per person, based on double occupancy). Solo travellers pay at least €2,078 for an inside cabin.
Do you have questions about the offer, need help, or are you looking for a cruise that suits you even better? Feel free to contact us via our inquiry form. We’re glad to help.
With MSC Cruises, the following services are already included in the fare:
- All meals in the main and buffet restaurant (speciality restaurants available at an extra charge)
- Cold and hot water, coffee, tea, and milk throughout the day during buffet opening hours
- Gratuities
- Fitness facilities (gym, pools, and sports areas)
You can also book the Special+Easy package, bumping the price up to €1,500 per person (i.e. a surcharge of €23 per day). In that case, you’d also get classic cocktails and mixed drinks with house spirits, house wine, house beer, and non-alcoholic beverages, such as coffee and tea, soft drinks, mocktails, and still and sparkling water.
The Route
The cruise begins in Hamburg and first takes you to Rotterdam. In this Dutch port city, the Erasmus Bridge and the Euromast rank among the main sights, while the cathedral is also worth a visit. From there, the ship continues via Zeebrugge to Le Havre in France. Located where the Seine meets the English Channel, the city features many examples of reinforced concrete architecture. The next stop is Southampton, where shopping enthusiasts will enjoy the West Quay shopping centre.
The MSC Poesia then sails towards the Iberian Peninsula, stopping in Lisbon and Cádiz. After passing through the Strait of Gibraltar, the ship enters the Mediterranean. Here, Barcelona and Marseille await your visit. The final port before arrival is Civitavecchia, from where an excursion to Rome is possible, ideally on a shore excursion organised by the cruise line. After 15 nights, the MSC Poesia reaches Valletta. The Maltese capital, by the way, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here’s the detailed itinerary:
| Date | Location | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 8 | Hamburg | 20:00 | |
| February 9 | At sea 🌊 | ||
| February 10 | Rotterdam | 08:00 | 19:00 |
| February 11 | Zeebrugge | 07:00 | 18:00 |
| February 12 | Le Havre, France | 09:00 | 20:30 |
| February 13 | Southampton | 07:00 | 20:00 |
| February 14 – 15 | 2 days at sea 🌊 | ||
| February 16 | Lisbon | 07:00 | 17:00 |
| February 17 | Cádiz | 11:00 | 21:00 |
| February 18 | At sea 🌊 | ||
| February 19 | Barcelona | 08:00 | 19:00 |
| February 20 | Marseille | 07:00 | 14:00 |
| February 21 | Civitavecchia (~70 km from Rome) | 08:00 | 20:00 |
| February 22 | At sea 🌊 | ||
| February 23 | Valletta | 07:00 |
The Ship
The MSC Poesia, introduced in 2008, is part of MSC Cruises’ Musica-class and carries just over 2,500 passengers. It sits in the mid-sized range by today’s standards, offering a different feel than the newer mega-ships in the fleet. The atmosphere is more traditional, with interiors that feature marble, glass, and rich colours, reflecting MSC’s Italian heritage.
At the heart of the ship is the central atrium with its staircase and piano bar, which serves as a social hub. Other public spaces include a theatre for nightly shows, several lounges, themed bars, and outdoor decks with two pools, hot tubs, and open-air space for sunbathing or strolling. A spa and fitness centre provide wellness options, while sports facilities like tennis and basketball give the ship a touch of activity beyond the pool areas.
Dining follows a fairly classic setup, with main dining rooms offering multi-course meals, a buffet for casual choices, and a small number of speciality venues, including a sushi bar. Bars and lounges vary in mood, giving passengers both lively and quieter spots to spend time.
Cabins range from compact inside staterooms to balcony cabins and suites, with decor in line with the ship’s overall style. While MSC Poesia doesn’t have the flashy features of the line’s newer flagships, it appeals to those who prefer a more manageable size, a straightforward layout, and a cruising style rooted in MSC’s European traditions.
Flights
Flights to Hamburg or back from Malta are not included. Feel free to use our search form to see how much they cost from/to your home city:
Cover Picture: © Pjotr Mahhonin under cc-by-sa-3.0