The MSC Poesia from MSC Cruises will be operating cruises from Hamburg in the upcoming winter season, visiting various major cities in Western Europe. You can currently book a 6-night trip starting at €469 per person. Oceanview cabins start at €509, and balcony cabins at €599 (prices per person based on double occupancy). For solo travellers, the cheapest inside cabin is available for €588, and even a balcony cabin only costs €757. That’s a surcharge of only around 25%.
If Hamburg doesn’t suit you as a starting/end point, you can also begin the cruise in Rotterdam, Le Havre, or Southampton. However, the price is a bit higher departing from those cities, and you’ll have fewer dates to choose from.
With MSC Cruises, the following services are included in the fare:
- All meals in the main and buffet restaurants (speciality restaurants available for a surcharge)
- Cold and hot water, coffee, tea, and milk throughout the day during buffet opening hours
- Gratuities
- Fitness facilities (gym, pools, and sports areas)
These are the cheapest dates from Hamburg:
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This is the cheapest date from Rotterdam:
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This is the cheapest date from Le Havre:
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And this is the cheapest date from Southampton:
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The Route
The cheapest cruise begins in the Hanseatic city of Hamburg, known for its fish market, the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, and the Speicherstadt warehouse district. After a day at sea, the ship reaches Rotterdam. The Netherlands’ second-largest city offers many sights, including the Cube Houses, Erasmus Bridge, and the Euromast observation tower.
Next is Le Havre, a city in the Normandy region of northern France that connects the Seine River with the English Channel. The final stop before returning is Southampton. Almost completely destroyed during World War II, the city is home to attractions such as the SeaCity Museum, which features an interactive model of the Titanic, the ship that departed from Southampton on its first voyage in 1912. After 6 nights, the journey ends back in Hamburg.
| Day | Location | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hamburg | 20:00 | |
| 2 | At sea 🌊 | ||
| 3 | Rotterdam | 07:00 | 16:00 |
| 4 | Le Havre | 09:00 | 20:30 |
| 5 | Southampton | 07:00 | 19:30 |
| 6 | At sea 🌊 | ||
| 7 | Hamburg | 07:00 |
Please note that, since April 9, 2025, you must apply in advance for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to enter the United Kingdom. This costs £16 (~€18) per person and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
The Ship
The MSC Poesia is a mid-sized cruise ship from MSC Cruises, launched in 2008 and accommodating just over 2,500 passengers. Built in the style typical for the line at the time, it combines public spaces with a distinctly European feel and a mix of traditional and contemporary design elements. While it offers the usual cruise ship facilities, its size keeps it more manageable to navigate compared to some of the newer mega-ships.
Onboard, passengers will find a range of lounges, bars, and entertainment venues, including a theatre, casino, and night club. The ship also has several dining options, from a main dining room and buffet to a few speciality restaurants. Outdoor space includes a pool deck with whirlpools, a sports court, and an area for sunbathing. While the layout is straightforward, the ship does have some busier areas during peak times, especially around the buffet and pool.
Cabins range from compact interior staterooms to larger balcony and suite categories. Accommodation is generally functional and comfortable, with decor that reflects the ship’s era. Storage space is adequate, though not overly generous, and bathrooms are on the smaller side in standard cabins. Most public and cabin areas are well-maintained, though some furnishings show the ship’s age compared to newer vessels in the fleet.
The MSC Poesia’s atmosphere is lively, especially on sailings with many families and groups, though quieter spaces can still be found in certain lounges or on deck. Service varies from efficient to occasionally slow, depending on the venue and time of day. Overall, the ship offers a classic MSC experience without the scale or flash of the line’s newest ships, making it suitable for those who prefer a mid-sized vessel with a mix of activity and relaxation.
Cover Picture: © Pjotr Mahhonin under cc-by-sa-3.0