Would like to try Preziosa, any tips and feedback?

[sidekick180]

Good afternoon everyone,

We have just returned from our second ever cruise, which was on P&O Azura and we are now considering trying MSC for a change. We have been looking at a cruise for next year to Bruges, Amsterdam and France Etc.

We have obviously not tried MSC before and know very little about this company or the ship, so any hints, tips and reviews would be very gratefully received Especially if you have recently returned from the Preziosa. Thank you.

[vtgumby]

Gorgeous ship is my first impression, over the top bling which is fun as in mirrors everywhere and inlaid Svarkovski crystals in the staircases, etc.

We did the 21 day TA and it was our first MSC so I can only tell you our experience. We did it in YC after reading many MSC reviews, our choice. YC prices have leapt up considerably according to folks we cruised with, we spent the new cha ching pricing and didn't regret it at all so you have to do your pricepoint comparisons. When we left the YC private enclave, quiet and peaceful, we found the rest of the ship to be chaotic and crowded...the pool areas were packed with chairs and you'd see chairs in places chairs aren't normally placed (like in a door opening, huh?) and it looked crazy. We also observed less that stellar service in a few bars BUT it didn't affect us, we only grabbed drinks at a few of them and the wine bar was stellar BUT it may have been because we also drop a few dollars on our servers (we're in the food and beverage biz) and that may have helped the speed of our drinks, we did notice others didn't get quite the same speed in delivery so take that as you will.

Food was poor, hope for that to change but it was an overriding issue amongst the YC guests, the bland and tasteless offerings but I also noticed a few of them seemed to complain just for the fun of it, never was it inedible, etc but a few did go out of their way to make it all garbage and it simply wasn't.

Three levels of shops, something for everyone if you like to shop.

Theater was lovely, great seating arrangement so kudos to that...major negative was the smoke filled casino that you likely have to walk through when exiting the theater. I'd like to believe MSC will put in smoke eaters but doubtful and the negative was the smoke went right up to the next floor and infected the jazz bar so sadly we avoided. I have to stress, the smokiest casino I've ever been in and because of it we didn't drop any euros which in retrospect is good!

🙂

LOTS of music venues, I thought that was an upside, to walk from one area right into another place with music, it was nice.

Do your research (and remember some people are just having a bad life and will find fault in everything), find a great itinerary, and then go forth informed, I think you're at an advantage not cruising other lines because the first no is to compare with other lines.

🙂

MSC does it completely different than the other five I've been on and I reminded myself often 'this isn't so and so' cuz it just isn't, its MSC and their own unique way of cruising. I know there is a lot of negative vibe on these blogs and it can be worrisome, I feel where there is this much smoke there MUST be a fire, but we went in knowing the negative issues and managed to avoid them and had a great time BUT we also were in that self contained ship within a ship environment of the Yacht Club so that does change our experience level compared to the others...btw, we booked another MSC cruise BEFORE we went on our first, expecting to have a great time and we did so clearly MSC fits into our cruise plan.

Happy cruise planning!

Edited May 26, 2019 by vtgumby

[mnocket]

3 hours ago, vtgumby said:

Gorgeous ship is my first impression, over the top bling which is fun as in mirrors everywhere and inlaid Svarkovski crystals in the staircases, etc.............

Great summary.  It's nice when someone takes the time to give a thorough, well written, response to another CC member👍

[mickey89]

If you are serious after your research and wish to book a MSC cruise, do their Loyalty Match as soon as before their promotion ends.  All Voyager status levels from Classic to Black gives you 5% discount.

https://www.msccruises.co.uk/manage-booking/msc-voyagers-club/status-match?

Edited May 26, 2019 by mickey89