MSC Preziosa in Lisbon
MSC Preziosa in Lisbon / MSC Cruises
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Atrium
Atrium / MSC Cruises / Ivan Sarfatti
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Doremi Castle
Doremi Castle / MSC Cruises
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The Green Sax Jazz Bar
The Green Sax Jazz Bar / MSC Cruises / Ivan Sarfatti
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Balcony Cabin
Balcony Cabin / MSC Cruises / Ivan Sarfatti
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Cruise

MSC Preziosa

Our Ship Review
by Laura Manske
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

A lively Mediterranean spirit and modern décor set the decidedly European tone of 3,502-guest MSC Preziosa (meaning "precious" in Italian). For passengers who swoon over sparkles, this ship from MSC Cruises amply satisfies with grand, Swarovski-crystal-studded staircases, Murano glass, white marble, and opulent sculptures everywhere. It’s almost surprising this level of panache can be paired with bargain fares. More well-heeled cruisers can upgrade to the Yacht Club, a ship-within-a-ship enclave, which encompasses 69 suites with butler and concierge services, plus a private dining room, lounge, and pool. It even has its own signature fig-and-almond scent wafting in the air, which is subtle yet inviting.

What We Love

Italian Eats: Mangia! Mangia! Passengers have plenty of opportunities to indulge in their cravings for pasta, pizza, and pastries at venues from quick-grab, casual spots to the open-kitchen Galaxy Lounge. There are also more sophisticated options, such as Ristorante Italia, which serves an elegant table d’hôte menu. Also, with 10 bars on the ship, you'll never have to stroll too far for a prosecco and Peroni — or to find music and late-night revelry.

Kid-Friendly: Italians adore children, and MSC orchestrates a full program of activities — and a slew of promotions — to keep kids (and their parents) happily humming. There’s a junior Tiki bar with fruit drinks, a weekly poolside flash mob, and a Formula 1 race car simulator. The Doremi Castle aqua park (named after the musical scale: do-re-mi) is a sizable zone where kids can splash, giggle, and have fun; and the supervised, pirate-themed Doremiland stays open even when the ship is docked.

The Vertigo Water Slide: This 394-foot-long single-rider slide twists and turns from a 43-foot-high launch and then shoots around a transparent loop that curves over the side of the ship.

Best Known For

Fun at an Affordable Price: The ship offers diversions galore and a joie de vivre vibe that only Italians know how to embrace — all for wallet-friendly fares.

Who It's Best For

Internationally Minded Amusement Seekers: Young couples, fun-loving Baby Boomers, and families with children are the core cruisers. Most passengers are European, so the line's a treat for North American vacationers open to building friendships with international cruise mates.

 

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

Too Many Languages Are Spoken: You’ll have to have patience when listening to announcements — they’re spoken in five languages: Italian, French, German, Spanish, and English. Don’t expect English-speaking singers, comedians, and lecturers either. Entertainment tends to spotlight acts that don't rely on language (think acrobats, magicians, and dancers).

The Casino Allows Smoking: This could be a problem for Americans accustomed to sailing on other lines that ban smoking indoors.

There Are No Laundry Facilities: Pack enough changes of clothes for the little ones. There are no self-serve washer and dryer facilities on board.