Review: 11-Day Baltic Cruise on MSC Poesia – Half the Cost, Double the Fun
- Fiona Cook
- 14 hours ago
- 9 min read
There are cruises that are good… and then there are cruises that make you want to immediately start planning your next one before you’ve even unpacked. Our 11-day Baltic adventure aboard MSC Poesia definitely fell into the latter.
We’d originally booked another cruise with a different line, but when a deal popped up that cut our cost in half, we couldn’t say no. Spoiler: it was not half the experience. Far from it — this one was a hit in every way.
Sailing roundtrip from Warnemünde, Germany, our itinerary was packed with northern charm — just one sea day (the perfect mid-cruise breather) and plenty of ports that each had their own magic. We’d planned for an overnight in Stockholm, which was a dream, and thanks to some last-minute logistics, we scored an unexpected bonus overnight in Copenhagen too. More time to explore, more pastry sampling — no complaints from us.
This wasn’t a wild, party-style cruise. It was more of a “sip a cappuccino while admiring the Baltic skyline” kind of vibe — and honestly, we were all in for it. The ship, the food, the ports, the value… it all came together beautifully.
The Itinerary (or: 11 Days of Baltic Bliss)
Warnemünde → Gdynia (Gdańsk, Poland) → Klaipėda (Lithuania) → Riga (Latvia) → Tallinn (Estonia) → Helsinki (Finland) → Stockholm (Sweden, 2 days) → Copenhagen (Denmark, 2 days) → back to Warnemünde.
Karlskrona, Sweden, was meant to be on the list but got swapped for an extra day in Copenhagen — no complaints here. A Baltic cruise greatest hits, all without ever needing to repack your suitcase.
Warnemünde, Germany – A colourful seaside town with sandy beaches, cute cafes, and a laid-back vibe that makes boarding day feel like part of the holiday. It’s also just a couple of hours from Berlin by train, making it an easy and stress-free place to embark (or disembark).
Gdynia, Poland – We docked in Gdynia, but a quick and easy local train whisked us to Gdańsk — a gorgeous town full of colourful facades, stunning architecture, and plenty of charm. The old town feels like a storybook come to life, and the pierogi alone are worth the trip.
Klaipėda, Lithuania – Compact and easy to explore, with cobblestones, quirky sculptures, and a relaxed pace that suits a day ashore perfectly.
Riga, Latvia – Art Nouveau architecture, leafy streets, and a quietly confident charm. A little less polished than its Scandinavian neighbours — and all the better for it.
Tallinn, Estonia – Like stepping into a medieval fairytale. Towering spires, winding alleys, and cobblestones that make every corner look like a postcard. We wandered, ate, and soaked up the old-world charm (and a bit of sunshine too).
Helsinki, Finland – Design-forward, effortlessly cool, and home to korvapuusti — Finland’s answer to the cinnamon bun. Minimalist style, maximum flavour.
Stockholm, Sweden – The sail-in alone is worth waking up early for, weaving through islands before reaching the old town. Two days here meant plenty of time for fika, museums, and admiring how Swedes make everything look so stylish.
Sea Day – One perfectly placed pause between Stockholm and Copenhagen. Time to nap, spa, and stare at the horizon pretending to read.
Copenhagen, Denmark – Bright, beautiful, and brilliantly efficient. We wandered Nyhavn, visited palaces, and did our best to blend in with the locals who bike everywhere in designer coats.
Shore Excursions: DIY and Loving It
We skipped the organised tours and went full “independent explorer.” The Baltics are ideal for it — easy to navigate, super safe, and brimming with character (and excellent local eateries).
In Tallinn and Riga, you literally walk off the ship and straight into the old town — it doesn’t get more convenient. In Helsinki, we explored on foot until the weather turned, then called an Uber back to the ship (best decision of the day). In Copenhagen, we opted for the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus from the cruise terminal to dodge the regular showers — and still managed to see all the highlights without getting drenched.
We used local trains in Poland to get where we needed — quick, cheap, and easy. And we got incredibly lucky with the weather: blue skies most days, perfect for walking. Katie even managed to get sunburned in Lithuania, which none of us thought was meteorologically possible. It wasn’t too hot or too cold, just ideal for clocking up our 20,000 steps a day exploring.
The only thing we booked ahead was a food tour in Stockholm (through Get Your Guide, linked in our Stockholm destination guide) — and it was absolutely worth it. Beyond that, we relied on our own research — a mix of travel blogs, YouTube city guides, and trusty Google Maps. Each port had its own custom map of bookmarked spots, from must-see churches and castles to great little shops and restaurants. It was the perfect mix of freedom, food, and just enough planning to look like we knew what we were doing.
Food & Drink: The Mediterranean Meets the Baltic
The food on MSC Poesia was a really pleasant surprise. We’d heard mixed reviews before sailing, but honestly — no complaints from us. The food was plentiful, great quality, and way better than we’d expected.
The breakfast buffet each morning had endless choice, though I somehow found myself gravitating back to fresh fruit and cereal most days. That said, I did have a memorable run of smoked salmon and cream cheese on fresh bagels — a combo that’s now firmly in my “cruise breakfast greatest hits.”
We often lunched ashore, but when we did head back early, the lunch buffet was faultless too. I even developed an unexpected love for the turkey dogs with sauerkraut — a nod to the northern European influence mixed in with MSC’s signature Italian flair. And speaking of Italian flair… the legendary MSC pizza absolutely lived up to the hype. An afternoon slice was basically mandatory (purely for research purposes, of course).
The main dining room impressed us night after night. Fresh menus, well-executed dishes, and a chef who fully embraced my fascination with risotto — a different version appeared each evening, and not one disappointed. The courses were beautifully presented and full of flavour. We had the same table each night, and our waiter team was phenomenal — they knew exactly what we liked and somehow always appeared at the perfect moment.
We did try the specialty restaurant one night — Kaito Sushi Bar — which was nice but, honestly, didn’t quite match the service or warmth of the main dining room. The food was good, just not spectacular enough to lure us away twice.
Being a Baltic cruise, we didn’t exactly have tropical cocktail cravings, but the unseasonably warm weather meant a few sunny afternoons by the pool with a mojito in hand. The drinks package was definitely worth it — between the endless chardonnay, morning cappuccinos, and the occasional poolside cocktail, we got full value (and then some).
MSC’s food scene is a lovely blend of Italian heart and European flair, and Poesia delivered across the board. By the end of the cruise, we were completely converted — and possibly a few kilos heavier, but very happy about it.
Cabin: Small Space, Big Views
We went for a balcony cabin (because life’s too short for inside rooms), and it was absolutely the right choice. After watching Poop Cruise on Netflix, our group made a pact that we’d never sail without a balcony again — and we stand by that decision wholeheartedly.
The cabin itself was a pleasant surprise — really spacious, with a large, comfortable bed and a proper couch seating area. The balcony was well used too: every sail away, every port arrival, coffee/chardonnay in hand, watching the world glide by. The Baltic may not be tropical, but there’s something unbeatable about sitting outside as the sun sets, wrapped in a blanket and feeling smug about your life choices.
Our cabin was serviced to a high standard each day — towels magically refreshed, bed perfectly made, everything spotless. Apart from the very start of the cruise, we hardly saw our cabin attendant, but you could tell he was incredibly efficient and took real pride in his work. He wasn’t after tips; he just genuinely seemed to want everything to be right.
Overall, the cabin was the perfect mix of comfort, space, and practicality — proof that a small room can feel surprisingly luxurious when it’s well designed and impeccably cared for.
Entertainment: Euro Energy and a Bit of Glitter
The theatre shows on MSC Poesia were really good quality — normally a mix of popular tunes, impressive vocals, and excellent dance routines. But what really blew us away were some of the more unusual offerings, like the sand art show, which had us completely entranced. If you haven’t seen one, put it on your list — we were amazed at the creativity and skill on display.
The entertainment crew were everywhere on the ship all day, making sure there was something for everyone. They ran endless dance classes, quizzes, game shows, live bands, singers — you name it. The team worked hard to get guests involved, and it wasn’t just professional enthusiasm; they genuinely interacted with people. Stop for a drink at the bar? They’d chat. Play a game of cards? They’d join in. MSC really knows how to entertain.
There were a few themed evenings, including a gala night that was quite understated compared to others we’ve experienced, and a “white night” that we completely missed (apparently we weren’t the only ones who didn’t get the memo). So this wasn’t a wild, non-stop party cruise — just a fun, lively, and well-organised atmosphere that let everyone enjoy themselves at their own pace.
We also spent plenty of evenings in the lounges, soaking up great live music, surprisingly good cocktails, and top-tier people-watching. The vibe was lively without ever feeling chaotic, and the distinctly European crowd was a treat — every language under the sun, yet somehow everyone knew the words to ABBA.
Ship & Crew: Happy, Efficient, and Multilingual
MSC Poesia is one of those ships that just feels happy. She’s not brand-new — in fact, she’s showing her age a little — but she’s in surprisingly good condition, and we were excited to hear she’s about to get a full refurb, which looks amazing. Public spaces are well-maintained, cabins comfortable, and the overall vibe is bright and welcoming.
What really made this cruise, though, was the crew. They were so engaging — we spent ages chatting with bar staff, waiters, entertainers, even security. Everyone was friendly, approachable, and genuinely seemed to enjoy their jobs.
And here’s the kicker: the languages they spoke. Every announcement on board went out in German, Italian, Spanish, French, and English — and the crew seamlessly switched between them as if juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. Seriously impressive.
Service was warm, everything ran smoothly, and the mix of cultures onboard gave it a truly international holiday feel. If you like a little sparkle, a little chaos, and a lot of efficiency — plus a side of good humour — you’ll feel right at home.
Final Verdict: MSC Poesia Baltic Cruise – Rated & Reviewed
After 11 days of exploring Northern Europe, eating surprisingly well, and racking up more steps than we thought possible, it’s time to reflect on our MSC Poesia adventure.
🗺️ Itinerary – 9/10
Perfect mix of cities and ports, with extra nights in Copenhagen and Stockholm giving us bonus exploring time. Easy train links from Warnemünde to Berlin and Gdynia to Gdańsk made independent exploration a breeze.
🍽️ Food – 9/10
We had heard mixed reviews, but we were pleasantly surprised. Buffet breakfasts, faultless lunches, and dinners with fresh risottos and hearty German/Italian influences kept us happy. Drinks package = mojito heaven. Specialty sushi was nice, but the main dining room stole the show.
🛏️ Cabin – 9/10
Spacious balcony cabin with a comfy bed and seating area — perfect for sail-aways and morning port views. # balcony cabins forever. Daily service was efficient without being intrusive.
🎭 Entertainment – 8/10
High-quality theatre shows, excellent dance routines, and a mind-blowing sand art show. Crew-led activities, quizzes, and games kept the days fun. This wasn’t a party cruise, but the atmosphere was lively and relaxed.
🤵 Service & Crew – 10/10
The real highlight. Friendly, engaging, multilingual — they made everyone feel included and genuinely cared. Announcements in five languages were impressively seamless.
🌊 Overall Experience – 9/10
Half the cost of our original cruise, but not half the experience. Great ports, excellent food, engaging crew, and a ship full of personality. Would we sail MSC Poesia again? Absolutely — balcony cabin booked in advance next time.
All in all, MSC Poesia delivered a Baltic adventure that exceeded expectations—great ports, fantastic food, a friendly crew, and just the right mix of fun and relaxation.
Have you sailed the Baltic before, or are you planning your first Northern Europe cruise? Drop a comment below or send us a message—we’re happy to chat itineraries, food, or the all-important question of which balcony view is best for sail-aways!
