Ketut

Thank you so much for the immigration information it is so useful.  Regarding the Hiroshima info am I right in thinking I can leave the ship at 2 pm and not return until 8 pm and still pass through immigration?

Thanks for the replies.  Can I use the bathroom tap instead

😂

Can anyone tell me are there water stations where you can fill personal water bottles 

Would men be required to wear a jacket?

Yes, I did.  They are saying it will be Ujina foreign trade port.   To save time we have decided to take a taxi to Miyajima ferry, to give us more time on the island and return on the fast ferry which docks next to the peace dome to spend time in the memorial garden and then return to the ship on the underground which takes 33 minutes with a short walk back to the port.

Yes I did, but it wasn't specific, it just says Hiroshima  port, not which of the two docks we would be birthed at.  I tried phoning celebrity but they only gave me the itinerary not the actual berth we would be docked at.  I have put a call in to my TA and am awaiting a response.

Hi, we arrived Hiroshima on celebrity millennium on 19th July.  Can anyone confirm which dock we will land, ujina or itsukaichi

Thanks

Thanks Cruisestitch

Can anyone tell me where I can find out what time the evening shows will take place so that I can plan our dining time.  I can't find any details on the app, but we are not travelling u til next year.  Just an ide from this year's sailings would be good.  Thanks

Just back from a repositioning cruise on discovery 2 and we had 2 dress to impress nights.  Most men wore dinner jackets or suit and tie.  Ladies were dressed to the nine's!  On both nights.  People with special celebrations used their suits and dresses on ordinary nights too.

Recently back from discovery 2 which stopped at Las Palmas.  Short walk from pier into Central square called pargue de santa Catalina.  From here you can walk round town and shops, cut through town on to a lovely beach promenade with nice cafes and long golden beach called cantares or catch a local business 1.40 Euro to the old town of Vegueta 15 mins ride.

When we left our hand luggage there was a long que for tagging and storage so suggest you get there early.

Thanks for the information. Krikket will you be posting a review of your trip, I would love to hear your opinion

We are looking at a repositioning cruise either to or from Havana. Has anyone done this cruise, either or both ways. I would like to know if MSC provide the tourist visa and if it is included in the cruise cost or an additional charge. The reason I am asking fellow CC members and not MSC is that msc admin is not great, as we all know, so I would like to hear from someone that has actual experience. Thanks in advance.

Have you tried ringing msc about a full day excursion to both Christ and Sugarloaf. We all know how bad the MSC web site is, and if the desire is there msc may reinstate the excursion. It is available on one of their other ships excursion list at 125 pounds next year

Kaeloxelus I have just remembered the site we got our Salvador info from. It is a trip report full of pictures from a couple who did the cruise with MSC. I am sure you will enjoy it, it gives a very good idea of what to expect. https://entrepreneursodyssey.com/a-day-in-salvador-a-city-full-of-colour-in-brazil/

We ordered just 20 pounds of reals in the UK, but be sure to ask for the smallest notes they can get you. We intended to buy drinks in bars or cafes but because we set off so early in the morning we were back on board before we needed refreshments. You will need a few reals if you intend buying souveniers. You can get by with dollars, but you will be stung with the exchange rate.

For us Christ the Redeemer was a must. We booked the ship excursion on line early at a cost of 109 pounds each and they were selling it on board at 149 euros. People who were staying in Rio post cruise said they hadn't been able to match that price with other tour companies.

As to whether you should extend - it all depends on individual tastes - as you can see from my review for us Christ was more exciting and spectacular than Sugarloaf. Sugarloaf is the same whether looking at it or standing on it. Christ the Redeemer is very different close up to distant.

Hope that helps.

Check out my recent post entitled trip report Barcelona to Brazil onboard Preziosa. Just returned from this repositioning cruise so should give you some idea. Also includes a port report for Salvador .scroll down a couple of pages and you will see it

As we move further South the weather gets hotter and hotter and so EVERYONE wants a sunbed by a pool. I don't know what time they set their alarms to get up and put towels on sunbeds, they even save an extra one which remains empty all day just to give them extra space and stop people lying next to them. Then there are the people who come late and bring sunbeds and put them in the most inconvenient spaces like in alleyways and at the top of stairways. The pool supervisor, the guy in the white uniform and constantly miserable face, does nothing about it. MSC really need to get their act together here and enforce the 30 mins rule and clear stairways for H&S. Rant over.

No land to see now - but we do see flying fish, Dolphins and Frigate birds join us soaring effortlessly above the ship.

We have had another cocktail party - this time for returning guests - and there was a lot of us! We also had our first event on deck - The White Party.

Mediterranean night was fun and a really good menu based on Greek specialities - Spinakopita, Deep Fried Calamari, Moussaka, Fish Soup,, Fish Mixed Grill, Veal Shank. Dessert was Tiramisu paraded round the restaurant to much napkin waving and clapping and then a congo through the restaurant. Party hats and dancing followed in the Safari Lounge.

As we cross the equater on this trip I was looking forward to the crossing the equater party which takes place on the pool deck. For those of you who have crossed the equater you will know what to expect - for those who haven't yet I won't spoil the experience by telling you about it. But I do always get emotional when the ships hooters sound.

We are now seeing pods of Whales pass us very close to the ship. Everyone is very excited and pointing them out to other guests. As they leap out of the water and fall back with a flap of their tails it is a truly magical experience.

Our first siting of Brazilian land is an outcrop of islands off Recife. The ship tannoy annouced this and everyon runs to the left of the ship - it's like something out of Pirates of the Caribbean when Jack is trying to rock the ship to turn it upside down!

Day 14

We dock in Salvador before we wake up. The Dock is very central to the town and is easily walkable. Walk out of the port gates and turn right along the seafront as far as you can go, follow the road round to the left still by the sea and you will see a yellow building which is the Market Hall (only has stalls selling tourist souveniers). You are now in a square with a monument in the centre - just over the road from this you will see the Lacerda Elevator which takes you to upper Salvador and the Unesco site Pelhourino. It costs 15 cents to ride the elevator so make sure you have a small real note as getting change can be difficult. At the top of the elevator is the tourist info office. Walking left from the elevator through an open square will lead you to Pelhourino proper. The sites are amazing, small cobbled streets and colourful buildings tumble up and down the undulating town. Apparently this is where Michael Jackson recorded one of his videos and his image is on the balcony where he stood.

The day we arrived it was a bank holiday and there were police and military everywhere because there was a bike race like our Tour running through the town - it all added to the excitement, cheering on the bikers as they struggled up the cobbled hills.

A word of warning - we were obviously told not to wear jewellery or carry valuables so take heed of that. We never felt threatened at all but one couple we spoke to the husband had forgotten to remove his gold neck chain - they had only been in Pelhourino 5 minutes before he was spotted and the chain yanked from his neck. Luckily he was not injured - but very shocked.

Because of our early start we were back on the ship early and could take advantage of the empty pool and sundeck.

Day 15 we should have called at Buzios where the ship is at anchor and you are tendered in - I was really looking forward to this port. As we were dressing for dinner a tannoy announcement told us that the forecast was for strong winds and high waves so we would not be able to call at Buzios. Instead the ship would carry on sailing directly to Rio.

Actual Day 15

Morning spent sailing and it was a beautiful sunny day but very very windy. Deck chairs on certain parts of the deck were being lifted by the wind an blown against the rails. You could not walk along parts of the upper decks due to the strength of the wind. Now I really know why we didn't stop at Buzios. The one good thing about missing Buzios is that we sailed into Rio at around midday - and what a harbour to sail into - what a breathtaking experience. Everyone was crowded on deck to catch their first glimpse of Christ the Redeemer off in the distance and then you see the beaches as Sugarloaf comes in to view. The ship sails very close to Sugarloaf as it nears its dock. Time for a celebratory Ciaprianha (brazils national cocktail) as we take time to view the landscape.

As this was a surprise stop - we hadn't planned what to do - the tramway runs through the port but as I had planned a ships excursion in Rio I wasn't sure of the track layout - but for future reference I would think it would be easy to use. Taxis were available but it is a 30 minute drive to any of the sites. We decided to have a leisurely lunch and then walk along the promenade by the ship. This is a military zone so very clean and safe. It houses the Museum of the future which is a fantastic glass futuristic building. When you dock here look out for the wall paitings - they are stunning.

Another gala dinner tonight - the baked alaska parade. I think this was the best night for food on the whole cruise - Smoked Merlin, Chicken Vol au vent, Gorgonzola Mousse - King Prawns, Filet of Beef. I chose the Smoked Merlin Appetizer, had the King Prawns as my Starter and the filet of beef as mains. The 3 prawns were huge and had been freshly barbecued - delicious.

Day 16 Rio - the reason we had taken the cruise!

This was the only time we booked a shore excursion. The sites are spread from one end of Rio to the other and I didn't want to miss anything due to lack of time or queues. The tour bus and guide were very good. The weather was clear so he immediately set off for Christ the Redeemer, we were one of the first groups to arrive so the crowds were not too bad. We were quickly on the train and shunted up to the first level, then into an elevator (oh the suspense) and then finally onto escalators and then WOW. There he is! It's an awe inspiring moment as you get your first close up encounter. The tour allowed an hour here.

Everyone together and back on the bus and the tour proceeds to the "rich" part of Rio and we pass Ipanema beach and then Copacabana beach. It is not always possible to stop on the trips because of parking but if they can pull up they will. We reached the end of Copcabana before we could park. We were only allowed 15 minutes so it was a quick run to the beach, photos taken, feel the sand on your feet and a dip in the ocean before getting back on the coach.

Next on to Sugarloaf. The queues for the cable car were small and we were soon being whisked up. The first cable car takes you up I don't know what hill and then from there a second cable car sets out for Sugarloaf. The views over Rio are impressive but I think the beauty of Sugarloaf is looking at it and not being on it. There is however a woodland walk which is really lovely as you get to see the wildlife and birdlife. We spotted small lizards, a large 4 foot lizard which our guide told us the name of but I can't remember (apparently the tail was a delicacy - but not anymore), Marmoset monkeys and Black Vultures. We were given 75 mins here before meeting to go back down.

A planned drive past of the Americana? stadium couldn't take place as the cable car had technical difficulties and we were delayed getting off sugarloaf - so straight back to the ship. The trip lasted 7 hours so taking out the visiting times you can see how long it takes to travel from one place to another. The trip included a packed lunch so we didn't waste any time stopping to eat.

Back to the ship for more celebratory drinks after what had been a fabulous day in Rio which totally met our expectations.

Disembarkation at Santos

This was the smoothest disembarkation we had experienced. We were due to disembark at 8.30 and we did. Our luggage was easy to locate. The Port of Santos has a really good set up of staff to assist with any queries or problems, they walk around and are available at all times. We had a private transfer arranged which was late - they telephoned the company on our behalf to be told they were delayed due to the weather. Our executive car pick up arrived and we set off for the airport 90 minutes drive away. As we climbed to higher ground we could see why the delay, the clouds obscured vision like a fog.

SHIPS STAFF

I can't understand the bad reviews about MSC staff, especially recently on this ship. ALL members of staff (except the pool guy) were helpful, friendly and happy to have a chat and a laugh. Anything we asked for was provided with good grace - even the Master spoke should you pass him in any of the public areas.

The whole cruise was a fantastic experience and I would highly recommend.

Thanks for the photo posting info Priscila - I am using PC and not computer savvy, so no photos - pity as I always think reviews with photos are so much more interesting and informative.:(

I didn't take any photographs of the food at dinner but wrote down each night what we ate to give an idea of the variety. First night I opted for a Tapas Plate, Tomato and Basil Pasta, Roast Pork, dessert and the cheese board. All OK but portions are small. Went for a coffee and was disappointed that my favourite Cocktail, the B52, is no longer included in all inclusive. It's been a busy day today with the early flight, so off to bed and thank goodness we have a day at sea tomorrow to explore the ship and take photos.

Day 2

Nice surprise when we got back to the cabin - Champagne and Chocholate covered strawberries - we didn't know why but we did enjoy them - especially when our room steward said it was a mistake as they thought we were Black Card holders - but they were happy we enjoyed them!

Captains Gala Night tonight with Cocktail reception - dinner included Smoked Salmon and Prawn Mousse, Asparagus wrapped in veal, lobster bisque, Fish, Guinea Fowl or filet of beef.

Day 3 - Cadiz

Our first port of call - excited - we have never been to Cadiz and can't wait to set off and explore. The ship docked at the central harbour about 15 mins walk from the main square. The weather was overcast and breezy so we set off with T shirt, fleece and light rain jacket - both of which we were carrying an hour later. Cadiz is a very easy city to explore on foot and if you don't have a map they were handed out in the port and at Tourist Info. The town is surrounded by water ad beaches on 3 sides and has two defensive forts and a beautiful beach inbetween them, beautiful gardens and elegant squares.

Back on board to relax by the pool with a cocktail - still too cold for swimsuit and pool yet but warm enough for shorts and t-shirt.

Dinner tonight was based on Spanish influenced dishes and was not so good - Seafood Salad, Palma Ham and Melon, usual salad, risotto or soup, Perch, Beef Strips.

Day 4 Lisbon

Awoke with a start - turned on the webcam and realised we were sailing up the Tagus and wanted to be on deck to sail under 25 April Bridge (looks like golden gate). Washed face, pulled on cloths and quickly got on deck. The sun was just rising as we sailed past Lisbon's Christ the Redeemer, under the bridge which must have been a few feet between the top of the ship and the bridge, on past Belem Tower bathed orange in the sun,s glow, past St Jerome Monestry, past Commerce Square and glided into our dock at Apolonia.

Quickly back to the cabin to prepare for a day off ship and up for breakfast. We were off the ship as soon as it docked because we had a lot to see in Lisbon as we had never been before.

Lisbon is a very easy town to do your own. Apolonia station is just outside the port gates, the metro is downstairs - buy a day ticket from the machines which are easy to use at a cost of 6.50 euro and you can use them on trams and buses as well. One stop on the metro and we were in Commerce Square so majestic and empty of people at that time in the morning. From their we caught the No 28 Tram to Graca. We walked to Castelo Sau Jorge passing Miradours on the way with fantastic views over Lisbon, from their we walking through Alfama district down to the Cathedral. From there it was a short walk back to Commerce Square. Our next destination was Santa Justa Elevator up to Convent do Carmo, the cost of the elevator is included in your day ticket. A brief walk up to Rossio, another lovely square, and we were ready to head back to the ship. It was docked so close that we walked back which took 15 mins.

Day 5 - at Sea

The weather was cold today so explored the ship some more had a quiet day reading, resting up for our next port of call. Dinner included Salt Cod Deep Fried Roast Beef, Salmon or Saltimboca. I didn't fancy any of the appetisers so took the Salmon main course as a starter and the beef as my main. The waiters are happy to serve you what you want when you want it - nothing was a problem. I had read some reviews complaining that the waiters didn't like serving drinks other than wine because they had to get them from the bar - my husband drank beer with his meals and a woman sparkling wine - both of which they were happy to get for them and refills during the meal.

There was a cocktail party for English speaking guests between first and second seatings tonight. It was nice to meet other english speakers as we were definitely in the minority on this cruise.

Day 6 - Funchal

We spent a month in Funchal last year so planned for an easy day today re-visiting favourite spots. The ship docks directly in front of the town and it is an easy walk. Funchal itself is walking friendly and getting to the cable car for Monte is very easy. There are also hop on hop off buses if you want them, personally I would use the local buses for short trips (Monte and Camara dos Lobos). If you are on a budget, you can get to Monte for 1.60 euro on the local buses and about 2 euro for Lobos. The Tourist information centre is one street back from the sea promenade, behind the big white fort. They offer excellent maps and advice.

If you want to see Madeira rather than Funchal you will need to take an excursion as using local buses would not give you enough time.

Dinner Arabian Theme - Couscous Salad, Arabian Meatballs, Humous, Chicken Tajine, Lamb Stew, Fish

Day 7 - Santa Cruz

An early start this morning to make the most of the day. It was easy to walk into the centre of Santa Cruz along the seaside promenade and into a big open square with a huge pool in its centre. Members of Santa Cruz Tourist office were on the dock side to greet us, give out maps and information. I was very impressed with the service. After exploring the new part of Santa Cruz (look out for the new Audotorium as the ship comes into port) we walked to the tram station - about 5 mins from the main square - and took the tram to La Laguna (the old capital). Tickets are sold on the platform 1.20 euro each way and takes about 40 mins - the tram only goes to this destination and you get off at the last stop so no worries.

La Laguna is a gorgeous old Spanish town with traffic free streets and beautiful buildings. We spent hours just wandering the streets, looking in the buildings and taking in the quiet atmosphere before the tour excursion groups arrived. Back on the tram and stroll back to the ship. Many people were disappointed with Santa Cruz - so if you don't like what you see get the tram. Highly recommend

Another Gala Night tonight - Carpaccio, Fan of Prawns, Beef Steak, Roast Lamb, Medallions of Monkfish.

We spend our next 6 days at sea - so see you in Brazil for our first port of call Salvador.

Still don't know what I am doing wrong with the pictures!

Public Rooms

Bars- there are loads of indoor bars on the Preziosa to suit all tastes of music, some more relaxing than others. They all look spectacular. Particularly liked the La Locanda wine bar where tapas snacks are served with your drinks and the Safari Bar where most of the activities by the entertainment crew take place. (Tip if you are on all inclusive cider is not included, but draft cider IS included on the Sports Bar menu - which is just next to the La Locanda, so they will serve it there too). The atrium area with bars on two levels is a spectacular area to sit, admire the swarovski staircase and people watch.

Restaurants

We have been allocated to the Golden Lobster downstairs, I'll let you know about the food as we go along. On our trip the menu was the old type 6 courses - Appetiser, Salad, Pasta or Risotto, Main, Dessert, Cheese. Always available were french fries and steamed vegetables, and from the "always available" menu you could have steamed fish, grilled chicken AND Beef Palliard.

Buffet Restaurant

This is a spectacular space. It has floor to ceiling glass on all sides. Busy at the entry point, but go further back and there are always seats and you get uninterrupted views out to sea. We ate here for Breakfast and Lunch and the variety and quality on offer was brilliant. I particularly like the call bells on the tables which link to wristbands on the bar staff, so no longer have to try to catch someones eye.

We did not try any of the speciality restaurants.

Pool Areas

There are 3 pools on board, main outdoor, indoor and an adult only infinity pool and 8 jacuzzi hot pools. There are 2 bars near the main pool and one bar inside by the indoor pool. There is also the Garden Bar which is located next to the infinity pool at the rear of the ship. Waiter service is provided round all these areas. Although these main areas do get very crowded, there were always areas on the upper decks with plenty of sunbeds and a little more peaceful.

We much prefered the garden bar and adult pool and the staircases here lead directly into the rear of the Buffet Restaurant.

Would love to attach pictures - but tried without success

Just returned from a 17 day cruise on board preziosa and had a fabulous time. We chose this trip because of the itinerary. We have cruised with several companies and once previously with MSC. We are an active couple in our 60's. The trip was booked as a fly/cruise with transfers included.

We had a good flight from Heathrow to Barcelona and were picked up by taxi transfer to the port arriving at 9.30 a.m. We knew the ship would not arrive from Genoa until 1 p.m. Unfortunately, what we didn't think of was that no MSC staff would be at the port, so no embarkation numbers could be given. The waiting room soon filled up. When the ship did dock all the passengers who wished to disembark had to do so first and walk through this already crowded area. When MSC staff did set up the embarkation desks they only opened 5 desks 1 Yacht Club, 2 Priority Boarding and 2 other. No announcements were made and unruley queues soon began to form which 2 of the entertainment staff tried to control. Mayhem to say the least. We eventually boarded at 3.30 p.m.

Once onboard and security picture taken we were quickly in our cabin, luggage already outside and cruise cards on the bed. Great, quick unpack and up to the buffet for drinks and snacks, but NO. Cruise card was incorrect and did not show our all inclusive package. So to reception to join yet another queue to have our card changed - which was done quickly when we eventually got to the front. So drinks ..........NO PA announcement for the safety drill. Oh well. Just time to change for 1st sitting dinner.

The Cabin

We had an inside cabin on deck 10 which was very spacious, nicely decorated with a comfortable bed, chair and coffee table. There was plenty of storage space - 2 bedside tables with 2 small drawers each, dressing table with large mirror and 2 drawers, one contained the hair dryer (2 electric sockets) and a double wardrobe - one with full handing space the other with shelves and drawers. The safe is in the wardrobe (tip - take extra hangers for a longer cruise). The bathroom had ample room with a large shower with glass doors which folded in to give more space in the bathroom.

Our room was at the front of the ship - given the layout of the ship and the areas we used most I would prefer a room just rear of midship.

A couple on our cruise had brought floppy chefs hats with pizzas on top! That got laughs and plenty of attention all round. Not many people bothered to dress up on theme nights. This was a grand voyage with an older clientele.

Hi Janet&Carl, good to hear from you as the roll call is v quiet. We have a walking tour of Cadiz which we plan to do ourselves, first time in Lisbon so will tour round the main sites using tram and foot, been to Madiera so will have a quiet day mooching around Funchal, Santa Cruz we plan on taking the tram to old Town of La Laguna and Salvador taking the Lacerda Elevator to the old Town of Pelourinho. As you and beamafar say, don't carry valuables and be aware of what is going on around you. We need to hope for good weather now.:cool: