The MSC Preziosa will be cruising in Western Europe in the winter of 2024/2025, and there is currently an attractive offer for some of the departure dates, especially in January. You can book an interior cabin starting at €399 per person. Also available are ocean view cabins for €489 and balcony cabins for €569 (each per person based on double occupancy). For solo travellers, these cruises can be booked in an interior cabin starting from €677. All meals in the main and buffet restaurants as well as gratuities are included.
On this trip, you can currently add the “All-inclusive” beverage package at a discounted price as part of a limited-time offer. This additional service costs only €104 per person for the entire duration of the trip and includes a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Normally, such a beverage package would cost €39 per person per night. For a week-long cruise, this totals €273 per person. With the current promotion, you save nearly 62% compared to the regular price.
The beverage package includes the following services:
- Selection of classic or international cocktails
- Non-alcoholic cocktails or mixed drinks
- Spirits (Whiskey, Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila, Brandy – one brand per type)
- House wines (red, white, sparkling, rosé)
- Heineken draft and bottled beer
- Soft drinks and fruit juices (by the glass, bottle, or can)
- Bottled mineral water
- Classic hot beverages (Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, Tea, Hot Chocolate)
The Route
The cruise starts in the Hanseatic city of Hamburg. After leaving the port, the MSC Preziosa heads first to Rotterdam, home to the largest seaport in Europe. The city has a futuristic-modern skyline since its reconstruction after World War II. Then, the journey continues to Zeebrugge, Belgium, which is connected to the mother city Bruges by a twelve-kilometre canal.
The ship also stops in Le Havre and Southampton. From these ports, organized shore excursions to Paris or London by the cruise line are possible, thanks to a long stay of 12 hours each. After a week on board, the MSC Preziosa returns to its starting port, Hamburg.
| Day | Port | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 12 | Hamburg, Germany | 21:00 | |
| January 13 | At sea 🌊 | ||
| January 14 | Rotterdam, Netherlands | 08:00 | 20:00 |
| January 15 | Zeebrugge, Belgium | 07:00 | 18:00 |
| January 16 | Le Havre, France | 09:00 | 21:00 |
| January 17 | Southampton, England | 07:00 | 20:00 |
| January 18 | At sea 🌊 | ||
| January 19 | Hamburg, Germany | 07:00 |
The Ship
The MSC Preziosa (Fantasia class) was built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, entered service in 2013, and was renovated in 2016. It is 38 meters wide, and 333 meters long, has 18 decks, and accommodates nearly 3,500 passengers and 1,400 crew members.
It has 2 main restaurants and a buffet restaurant. The “Galaxy” restaurant, which has interesting Asian fusion cuisine, is highly recommended as a speciality restaurant for an additional charge. Here you can not only enjoy fantastic views of the ship and surroundings but also good food. There are also 12 bars or lounges where you can enjoy beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks.
In addition to the spa and fitness area as well as various cultural and leisure activities, there is also a 120-meter-long waterslide.
A casino, cinema, basketball court, tennis court, outdoor jogging track, bowling alley, and four pools (one covered) offer a variety of recreational activities.
The onboard language is English, and the currency on the ship is the euro. Originally, the ship was ordered by the Libyan government but was later sold to MSC.
The cabins are at least 16 square meters in size and are equipped with a safe, air conditioning, telephone, television, and minibar.
Getting to Hamburg
Hamburg has an airport, but most airlines don’t really offer great prices to Hamburg. Low-cost carrier Wizz Air has a couple of routes to Hamburg. Here are some example prices, including luggage:
- Gdansk – Hamburg: PLN 461 (~€108) with Wizz Air
- Rome – Hamburg: €177 with Wizz Air
Otherwise, if you’re not super far from Hamburg, you can try getting to Hamburg by train. Here are some examples of what’s possible (prices per direction):
- Prague – Hamburg: €19 o/w on Deutsche Bahn
- Copenhagen – Hamburg: €46 o/w on Deutsche Bahn
- Stockholm – Hamburg: Non-Stop SJ EuroNight for SEK 575 (~€52) o/w
On go2.travel-dealz.com, you can search for flights and trains for your trip, as well as for hotels in Hamburg.
Cover Picture: MSC Preziosa | MSC Rights