This review reflects the personal opinion of the author based on direct experience during a Norway cruise aboard MSC Preziosa during its July 2025 sailing.
The MSC Preziosa’s Norway itinerary, departing from Hamburg and sailing deep into Norway’s fjords, offers an attractive route filled with natural and cultural landmarks. The journey is well structured, combining sea days with key port visits across southern, central, and far northern Norway. However, despite the strength of the itinerary, several aspects of the cruise experience fell below expectations. In particular, maintenance concerns, expensive excursions, inconsistent service, and a personally problematic upgrade process significantly impacted the overall personal experience of the trip. This was not my first cruise with MSC. I had previously sailed on the MSC Meraviglia, built in 2017, for a Bahamas itinerary that was immensely enjoyable, so I chose to book again with the line. The MSC Preziosa, launched in 2013, is a Fantasia-class passenger ship operated by MSC Cruises and registered under the flag of Panama. The vessel measures 333.33 meters in length and 37.92 meters in width.
Congestion and Coordination Issues
On this sailing, the ship was fully booked, and crowding was persistent across lounges, elevators, and public areas. The interior design is visually impressive, especially the Swarovski “Diamond” staircases, unique styling in each venue, and clear attention to ambiance and materials.
One significant limitation was the scheduled timing of port arrivals. Several ports were not scheduled until midday, often around noon, which significantly restricted the feasibility of organizing independent excursions. The shortened port calls reduced flexibility and made it difficult to coordinate with local guides or plan self-paced exploration. In addition, for MSC-organized excursions meeting in the Platinum Theatre, I observed multiple instances where groups departed before the announced time. On one occasion, the Bergen hiking excursion listed an 8:30 a.m. meeting time at the Platinum Theater. Upon arrival at 8:27 am my sister found that the group had already left. This lack of timing consistency undermined confidence in the excursion organization process and contributed to a broader sense of operational disorganization throughout the sailing.
Itinerary
Day 1: Hamburg, Germany
Day 2: Day at Sea
Day 3: Alesund, Norway
Day 4: Day at Sea
Day 5: Honningsvåg (North Cape), Norway
Day 6: Tromsø, Norway
Day 7: Day at Sea
Day 8: Trondheim, Norway
Day 9: Maloy, Norway
Day 10: Bergen, Norway
Day 11 Day at Sea
Day 12 Hamburg, Germany
Cabin Experience: Upgrade Pitfalls and Lack of Transparency
The upgrade process presented serious drawbacks. Upon receiving several emails inviting me to bid for an upgrade, I took the plunge and placed a successful bid for an MSC suite with Aurea privileges, expecting a more comfortable experience. However, I did not closely review the fine print regarding the upgrade terms, the specific cabin assignment, or the inability to request changes once the upgrade was granted. As a result, I was assigned to Suite 9005, which has no balcony, no operable windows, situated at the end of a long corridor. The room felt enclosed and lacked access to fresh air or outdoor space, which for me is a core part of the cruise experience.
After a major push and advocating on behalf of myself, I was reassigned to Cabin 9116, categorized as a Premier cabin, which did not reflect my understanding of a premium Aurea suite upgrade. Cleanliness upon entering the cabin was compromised by hair and a type of flaky substance across the lamps, table, and hair in the drawers and bed, requiring follow-up with housekeeping. Subsequently, my cabin attendant did an excellent job keeping the cabin spotless.
Essential Aurea items such as bathrobes and branded toiletries were missing and had to be requested individually. Despite booking the Aurea experience, I encountered ongoing frustration in securing the amenities and services that were supposed to be included. I was repeatedly required to follow up in person, often waiting in long lines at Guest Services to resolve issues that should have been handled automatically. At no point was I able to obtain confirmation in writing for the requested services or corrections. One example was the unexpected charge for items from the minibar, even though the first minibar setup is included in the Aurea package. It took multiple conversations and wait times in queues to have this issue addressed.
What the Aurea experience promises in theory is substantial. Key features include upgraded cabin locations, priority boarding and disembarkation, flexible “My Choice” dining, complimentary access to the thermal area in the MSC Aurea Spa, and use of a private sun deck. In-cabin amenities such as bathrobes, slippers, a pillow menu, and a welcome package with Prosecco and chocolates are also listed. Some cabins may additionally include a Nespresso machine, Venchi chocolates during turndown, and two free ironing services.
However, in practice, many of these inclusions had to be requested individually. The bathrobes and slippers were missing and only provided after I asked. The welcome package did not appear without follow-up. There was no proactive communication or written overview confirming which elements were included in my specific booking. The burden was consistently on me to advocate for what had already been purchased as part of a premium-tier experience. This lack of consistency and the absence of clear documentation significantly undermined the value of the Aurea upgrade. As compensation, I was offered a complimentary dinner at the Butcher’s Cut restaurant. I also retained access to the private Deck 18 sun area, flexible Choice dining times, and early disembarkation. While these benefits were appreciated, they did not make up for the initial disappointment. For anyone considering an upgrade via bidding with MSC, I strongly recommend reviewing the room details in advance, understanding what the bid includes, and confirming whether changes are permitted. I did not do this, and the result was a frustrating experience in an MSC cabin that did not meet my expectations.
Smoking Policy and Cabin Placement
One important consideration for future passengers is the ship’s approach to smoking. Smoking is permitted in designated areas on several outdoor decks and inside the casino. These areas are not always isolated, and smoke often carries into adjacent walkways and public spaces. Vaping is also allowed in the same locations, and I observed that many guests actively smoked and vaped throughout the voyage. This was more frequent and more visible than I had anticipated. For travelers with allergies or sensitivity to smoke, it is essential to investigate the location of your cabin carefully before booking. Some staterooms (like my cabin) are situated above commonly used smoking routes. Without advance research, one risks being placed above a high-traffic area for smokers, which can negatively impact comfort and air quality in the room.
Excursions: Poor Value for Cost
The overall itinerary is well designed, but several excursions failed to meet expectations, particularly in terms of value and structure. The tour to the Islands of Giske and Godøy was long, at over three hours. No water was offered during the journey, and stops lacked interpretive context, often appearing to be included solely as photo opportunities.
The King Crab experience combined a boat trip with a meal stop. While the boat ride back was enjoyable, in the author’s opinion the experience is not advisable in poor weather or with young children, as the vessel is entirely open. Upon arrival at a very simple structure, guests are served a predetermined number (about four pieces) of cold king crab pieces family style, along with mayonnaise, bread, and plain water or tea. The stop at the King Crab facility was unusually long, and, with a price tag exceeding 200 euros per person, the experience felt commercially inflated. Although enjoyable on a basic level, I am not sure I would choose to repeat it.
The Tromsø City Tour and cable car experience stood apart for its professionalism and scenic value. Our guide was knowledgeable, and the timing allowed for a meaningful hike at the Cable Car summit. The panoramic view was spectacular and worth the trip. However, the visit to the Norges arktiske universitetsmuseum was underwhelming. The museum space is small and was overwhelmed with simultaneous MSC tour groups. The exhibits were limited and did not justify the logistical effort.
Following these mixed results, I canceled all remaining ship excursions and opted to explore ports independently. This proved to be the more rewarding approach. Before arriving in Honningsvåg, I purchased a local bus ticket for approximately €60 to reach the Nordkapp independently rather than joining the ship’s excursion. The bus departed from directly in front of the tourist information office and included one worthwhile stop at a local Sámi shop, offering insight into local culture and craftsmanship. Upon arrival at the Nordkapp plateau, passengers were given 75 minutes to explore. For travelers who are budget-conscious, it is important to know that purchasing a ticket is not required to access the Nordkapp icon itself.
The Nordkapp sits on the northern coast of the island of Magerøya and is the northernmost point of Europe connected to the mainland by road. As the mountain cliff comes into view, rising 307 meters above the Arctic Ocean, the feeling of arriving at the edge of the continent is unmistakable. Standing at 71°10′21″, with only the islands of Svalbard between you and the North Pole, the panoramic view over the Barents Sea is both stark and unforgettable. The iconic globe sculpture is freely accessible and offers the perfect (and highly frequented) backdrop for photographs. Admission is only required for entry into the visitor center, museum exhibits, and the Grotto of Light. The essential experience, the view, the geography, and the symbolic sense of arrival are accessible without additional cost.
In Trondheim, I found that exploring on foot allowed for meaningful engagement with the city. The Rockheim Museum, across from the cruise terminal, dedicated to Norway’s national museum of pop and rock, was a particular highlight. Its current special exhibit on the history of heavy metal was both informative and entertaining. For dining, I strongly recommend the Brasserie at the Britannia Hotel. This Michelin-recognized and La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs-affiliated establishment delivered exceptional cuisine and service.
Food and Beverage: Uneven but Adequate
The buffet food was good, especially the pizzas, burgers, ethnic corner, and consistently excellent fruit selections. However, the layout of the Maya Buffet and Inca Buffet contributes to a sense of congestion, particularly during peak hours. The seated restaurant Lobster Dining experience was pleasant in terms of food quality, though the seating arrangement was crowded. The Aurea dining benefit, which allows guests to eat at their preferred time, remained a valuable and undeniable advantage. Coffee bars on the ship stood out. They offered quality beverages and a calmer atmosphere, and became a preferred space throughout the cruise.
Entertainment
The entertainment on board included several popular, well-presented performances in the professionally equipped Platinum Theater that stood out for their quality and audience appeal. The Elvis and Beatles tribute shows were highlights, featuring strong vocalists, engaging staging, and clear attention to period detail. These performances drew consistently full houses and created a lively, enthusiastic atmosphere in the main theater. A solo violin performance by Christopher Watkins was also a lot of fun, blending storytelling with musical precision in a way that felt polished and thoughtfully produced.
Final Reflection
The MSC Preziosa’s Norway itinerary is rich in landscape and port selection. It offers passengers an opportunity to experience a wide cross-section of Norway, from the historic quays of Bergen to the dramatic isolation of the North Cape. However, execution falls short of the potential promised by the route. Excursions are uneven in quality and, in the author’s opinion, overpriced. Ship maintenance, particularly in the wellness areas, showed clear signs of superficial fixes rather than meaningful refurbishment. When using one of the Jacuzzis, I emerged covered in multiple paint chips. The bidding upgrade process introduces unpredictability that, in the author’s opinion, can significantly compromise comfort and value.
Future Cruise Plans
Given the overall inconsistencies experienced on this sailing, I will be exploring other cruise lines for upcoming international itineraries. With trips to the Galápagos Islands, Japan, and New Zealand currently in the planning stages, I intend to prioritize operators with stronger service reliability, clearer communication, and more transparent upgrade policies.
This review reflects my observations of my current sailing from July 15-27th, 2025.
