Cruising Aboard The MSC Preziosa

[REVIEW] Last week I was invited by Trips100 and MSC aboard the cruise ship MSC Preziosa for a tour of the facilities available on board.  I traveled down to Southampton the day before and called a local taxi firm to take me to the ship the next day.  I didn’t need to worry about finding the correct gate at the docks as the taxi firm knew exactly what ship was due at each gate and this made my short journey to the ship so much more relaxed and I can imagine how much of a difference that would make to anyone going on holiday.

We were lucky to have a beautifully sunny October day, sun always makes such a difference doesn’t it?  The cruise ship looked huge whilst sat in the dock at Southampton and at 333,300m long and 14 public decks there is plenty of space to get lost in and have a relaxing holiday without feeling you are crowded.

The ship boasts 7 bars and lounges, 12 entertainment areas inc. a casino, children’s play pool, a waterslide, a 4D cinema, video games arcade, bowling alley and an entertainment theatre.

The MSC fleet is currently Europe’s number one cruise line and comprises of 13 ships.  The average age of people taking cruises is in the late 50s but MSC are trying to encourage more families to considering cruising and their customer base has an average of 43.  The whole ship just shouts glamour and much thought has gone in to the design of the public areas.

The cruise ship has a number of pool areas both inside and out and as well as hot tubs, sauna, spas, beauty salon and a fully equipped gym.  There are bars available for refreshments plus plenty of seating to relax pool side and soak up the sun.

What always springs to mind about cruises is food.  I think it is safe to say I am certainly a foodie and I was looking forward to what the MSC Pereziosa had to offer.  there are 8 restaurants on board ranging from fine dining to a more relaxed atmosphere.  We dined in The Golden Lobster for lunch where we had a choice from a lovely Italian Seafood orientated menu.  We could choice from 6 dishes per course.  My choice was the seafood cocktail, a delicious mix of scallaps, calamari and prawns followed by a ricotta pasta and mille feuille.

As well as the al a carte menu in The Golden Lobster there was also a buffet of hot and cold main meals and fruit and pastries for dessert available.  All food is included in your cruise price and if you want to you can literally eat all day and night!  Any food allergies can be catered for very easily.

Glitz and Italian glamour is certainly the order of the day on board MSC Preziosa with decadent interiors that I’d love to transfer to my home.  I am certain these crystal-encrusted staircases would look amazing in my house however, the price tag of 8 to 10k Euros per step may be a little out of my price range!

Aboard there are also a number of shops selling clothing, pool wear, jewelry and luxury handbag.  The Perzoisa, like most cruise ships runs on a none cash basis.  Each passenger will be issued with a card to use for purchases on board and this will be taken from a nominated credit/debit card at the end of your cruise.

Next year MSC will be increasing the number of cruises from Southampton around Europe and for me that is the type of cruise I’d love to go on as due to medical issues I don’t fly long haul.  For anyone who has mobility or health issues I found the ship perfect as there are lifts through out to all floors.  There are also a medical team including Drs and nurses on board should the need for medical attention be required.  The bedrooms cater for differing budgets and range from Royal Suites with a balcony and a number of rooms to interior cabins for those looking to travel on a tighter budget.  There are also family rooms and rooms with connecting doors available.

I’d like to thank the staff both on board and land based of MSC for this fabulous day out and the Sally and everyone at Trips100 for the opportunity.  Think its safe to say we all had an amazing time on board.