Wowed by MSC Preziosa and the best value for money drinks package

I’ve just returned from a 4 night cruise with MSC.

As an agent we were invited to a showcase event to experience the Fantasia class ship, Preziosa.

I wasn’t sure what to expect as I’ve heard a lot of mixed reviews about MSC (more good than bad to be honest) after Opera home-ported in Southampton for the summer this year.

MSC know the mistakes they made with this and they’ve learnt from it.  There have been huge shake ups at the company and they’re now heading in completely the right direction with plans to put a Fantasia class ship in Southampton in 2017.  By the time 2017 comes around, a lot will have changed at MSC and I think they’ll be a huge contender for UK passenger numbers by then.

Basically, the ships are beautiful.  The attention to detail, with Swarovski Crystal staircases being just one of the ‘Wows’, is outstanding.  Fine Italian artwork dons the walls and the lounges and bars are spotless and elegant.

Very glitzy

MSC have a Mediterranean style of cruising (NOT Italian, they’re Italian owned).  The food and atmosphere reflects this.  The same as it would if you went on holiday to the Med.  The same as a Royal Caribbean ship is American – this is reflected.  If you like Mediterranean holidays, you’ll like MSC.

The food was fantastic.  I’m vegetarian and had a huge choice of options all of which were delicious.  The meat-eaters with me were more than happy with their meals too.  The buffet restaurant has not only one of the biggest choices of food I’ve seen on a ship but also one of the highest standards.

Children are well catered for with clubs and plenty of facilities to keep them entertained.  MSC will also supply strollers, high chairs, travel cots and more for the little ones (thanks to Chicco).

Childrens pool area

And the pools for the adults are fantastic too – they even have an infinity pool!

The cabins are clean and spacious and some of them have extra large balconies (let me know when you’re booking and I’ll tell you which ones!)

All in all, a fantastic cruise line and I had a great time with not a single complaint.

The main thing I wanted to talk about though is the All Inclusive ‘Allegrissimo’ drinks package that MSC offer.  I’ve always said and I now can confirm that this is definitely one of the best value for money drinks packages in the cruise industry.

From just £154 per week you can have wine, beer, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks and speciality coffee and tea included.  I live on bottled water and coffee mainly and even just that for me was well worth it.  Branded drinks are included like Heineken lager, Baileys, branded spirits and it’s really easy to tell which are included by looking at the bar menu.  Most of the cocktails are included too – Pina Colada has to have been my favourite.

I really can’t fault the package as it had everything you could possibly want included and compared to the below, you can’t fail to see why.

Royal Caribbean – £35 per person per day = £245 per week

Celebrity – £30 per person per day (but more restrictions) = £210 per week

Princess – £38 per person per day = £266 per week

MSC – £22 per person per day = £154 per week

I’m off on Divina on Friday and although she’s not as new as Preziosa, I’m confident that MSC will again live up to and exceed my expectations (and I’ve booked the drinks package!).

Read my blog on MSC Divina here: I’m an MSC convert!