3dogmom

I'm on the Preziosa this September from Hamburg and have read that so many people who have been on this MSC ship love it, and a lot say it's their favorite MSC ship.  Just curious as to why?

Thank you all for the information!  

Our ship; MSC Preziosa is scheduled to arrive in Hamburg at 7:00 AM. I'm thinking the earliest I should book my ticket to Berlin is 10:00 or 11:00? 

10 minutes ago, julig22 said:

OK-BF is what I've always gotten.

You have to call MC or use the online request form.

If you call, they might let you choose your cabin, they will pick your cabin if you use the online request form. If you have a specific cabin in mind, it never hurts to ask for it, no guarantees.

Thank you!

I'd like to use 30k points to upgrade an Obstructed OV. Do you know which balcony category this would be? Also, if you book with a TA, do they have to process the points/upgrade or do you still call NCL MC?  Thanks!

I'm on the MSC Preziosa in September and Belfast is still listed on my booking, and excursions are available. I will really be bummed to miss this port.

3 hours ago, jmlh said:

We did the Book of Kells experience but were quite underwhelmed. However, the library is quite something BUT was going through a refurbishment in the fall.  So was not the best use of time for us.

I've read that a lot of books are not in the library as they are still doing the refurbishment.

I think you solidified my plan! Thanks so much.

Thank you all for the replies. Looks like taking a taxi is the best and fastest way to get there. 

If we have time afterwards, might book The Book of Kell's experience. Not sure if that's a "must see" for us, though. We love our pubs, so I can see us at Trinity Bar or any other pub that you recommend!

16 hours ago, gnome12 said:

Central Station is the same as Hbf. If you are prepared to taxi at each end it is very simple. 

Thank you, yes we will taxi or Uber (if available?) to/from the stations.

1 hour ago, Globaliser said:

Where are you starting from in Hamburg, and where are you going in Berlin? That might point you to whether there's a good reason to get the train from or to any station other than the Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) in either city.

We will be disembarking from Hamburg Cruise Center - Steinwerder. It looks like Hamburg Central Station, which I believe is next to, or the same as Hamburg Hbf is a 15 minute car ride from the cruise port.  We're staying in the MItte area of Berlin. 

I looked at bahn.de page and they have ICE trains that take approximately 2 1/2 hours with 3 stops from Hamburg Hbf to Berlin Hbf. From the train station, it's a 5 minute car ride to the Airbnb.

I'm thinking this won't be as complicated as I thought....*crosses fingers* 

Thank you! This is a great starting point.

After our MSC cruise that ends in Hamburg, we are planning to take the train to Berlin for a 3 night stay before flying home.

Hoping someone can point me to the right site to book tickets, which train and station, etc. I'll take any helpful hints!

Thanks so much!

11 hours ago, LostAtSeaForever said:

I am also on this cruise and sounds like we are on all the same tours. On your Own  Dublin, evocative Scenery Isle of Lewis. I am also in fb group

What are you planning to do in Belfast? 

What private tour company did you use?

16 hours ago, oceans.calling said:

Sorry, no social media site for me. Our cruise is Sept 8-18 and I’ll look into that tour. Thanks. Sounds like something we would like. 

Yes, 9/8!

41 minutes ago, oceans.calling said:

We’re on the same cruise with you in Sept. May I ask what tour you booked?

I booked the EVOCATIVE SCENERY OF THE ISLE OF LEWIS: PORT NESS AND ITS LIGHTHOUSE tour.

Please join the group on the social media site if your sailing September 7th!

Thanks, Heartgrove, this was very helpful.

I booked an excursion for Stornoway, so I'm making great progress!

1 hour ago, Heartgrove said:

 

Two suggestions. First: Stateroom 13088 has a connecting door to 13090. Did you mean to write 13086? We enjoyed being on Deck 11 but Deck 13 should be fine.

 

Second: I would recommend doing the ship excursion for Stornoway. The anchorage is about a 15-20 minute ride to shore. MSC's policy is to get the MSC excursion passengers ashore first. It took three hours before starting the general passengers tendering to shore. The queue to go back to the ship was almost 1-1/2 hours long. But Stornoway was supposedly building a cruise ship pier but I am not sure when it will be completed.

 

Also, the Galaxy Restaurant for Sushi is in a very nice part of the ship on Deck 16 with great views. The Galaxy Lounge adjacent to the restaurant is also great for views and seems to be underused as a lounge.

 

Thank you for all the information. I wasn't clear on the cabin. I did book 13088 (I think 13086 was already booked), but based on the video I assume they will be the same since they are neighboring cabins.

I booked the "On your own" excursion in Dun Laoghaire for the same tendering nightmare reason you mention. I wish MSC would list which ports were tender on their invoice! I will definitely take a look at the Stornoway excursions available.

Anything else you care to share about the ship/ports/transportation, I'd love to hear.  Thanks!

On 9/19/2023 at 6:00 AM, Heartgrove said:

We normally sail on HAL and are 4* Mariners. Currently we are aboard the MSC Preziosa sailing from Hamburg to Scotland and Ireland. Last year we were in YC aboard the MSC Splendida but decided to try the Fantastica Experience this time. Our staterooms is on Deck 11 a bit forward of mid-ships. Deck 11 is a good choice as you are below the large overhang of 13 but above the lifeboats. Other than a long walk to the Buffet and L' Arabesque dining room (our assigned dining room) the ship is fine. We are a full ship with 3,400 passengers so busy but not overly crowded at times.

 

Food is good with decent portion size. By the time you have the three courses you will be full. Maybe order the soup plus the appetizer depending on what the main is. Pizza in the Buffet is the best I have had on any cruise ship. I believe they have at least six different pizzas. My favorite is the Charcoal pizza.

 

Service onboard is excellent! Our staterooms is serviced twice a day. The stateroom is a Deluxe and very good size. It is also an adjoing room as we are traveling with DSIL.

 

 

 

I'm taking this same cruise; Hamburg to Scotland and Ireland this September.  I booked cabin 13088. Based on the video posted on Cruisedeckplans, I think this will be a good choice.

Sorry to hijack the thread, but Preziosa reviews are rare!  Any info to share about the ship or ports? I booked the 2 night dinner pkg for Butcher's Cut and Sushi, based on reviews of the overall thoughts on the main dining room food.

Still researching Belfast and Stornoway, UK for private tours. Any recommendations? Besides Dun Laoghaire, Ireland, are any other ports tender ports?

Thank you!

I'll be tendering into Dun Laoghaire, then taking a coach into Dublin. This was purchased as an excursion so that I can hopefully be first off in the morning. From Dublin, is it best to take a cab to the Guiness Storehouse? If anyone has been, which tour did you do and do you recommend? My husband and I love Guiness, so it was on the must see list.

Thank you!

I'd like to explore Cork and wondered if any of you have used the HOHO for transportation to the sites? Definitely want to visit Cork City Gaol, English Market, and any pubs we spy along the way. Our ship, MSC Preziosa docks in Cobh at 2:00 PM and departs at 9:00 PM.

Thanks for any information!

Thanks! I've been to Garrison Brewery on a prior cruise and loved it. Finding breweries is always a part of our vacation.

4 hours ago, gmbhardy said:

Yes, I’m on board. It was a little rough the last couple nights but nothing extreme. We are safely in Halifax this morning and I’m enjoying a coffee and Baileys on my balcony. Looks like the weather will be nice today. Looking forward to a walk along the beautiful Halifax waterfront. 

Any lunch recommendations in Halifax?

Same for the Sky leaving Quebec on 10/2. I didn't think we could check in and then leave the ship. That's a great option!

Are taxis/Uber available and ready at the port? I have a foursome in my group going golfing at The Lakes at Ben Eoin. Hoping they can easily hop in a taxi or if easier, get an Uber.

My group is taking the Taste of Sydney tour with Cabot Discovery Tours. If anyone has taken this tour, let me know! 

Thanks!

10 hours ago, graphicguy said:

My friend alerted me to my little doggo in the picture (about 10 months old in that pic).  She was skeletal, matted, flea ridden.  Scared so badly she didn’t stop shaking for 3 days.  But, I just fell in love with her.  Got her some medical attention….shots up-to-date.  Gave her a nice bath and a fur cut.  Fed her.  She was spayed last month.  She’s fully removed.  She’s now a happy, bouncy little bundle of happiness.

 

She’s staying with a neighbor while I’m gone….someone I trust.  No more kennels for her.  

Just wanted to thank you for adopting and saving the life of a doggy!