Our Northern Europe Cruise on the MSC Preziosa – A Family Adventure
(By The Little Rockers Family)
Hello, everyone! It’s the Little Rockers here, back to share our latest adventure—a fantastic cruise around Northern Europe on the MSC Preziosa! This was a special trip for us because we’re ticking off Europe as part of our epic year-long challenge to visit all seven continents for Dad’s 50th birthday. Here’s a peek into what we got up to!
Cruise from Southampton on the MSC Preziosa
We set sail from Southampton on the impressive MSC Preziosa, and the excitement was off the charts! Watching the huge ship glide away from the docks was a proper “wow” moment. None of us had been on a cruise holiday before, so exploring the ship was an adventure in itself. The MSC Preziosa was like a giant floating city with so much to see and do—water slides, table tennis, pools, and a buffet with food galore!
Our first day was a sea day, which meant we had the whole ship to explore. The pools and slides were an instant hit, and we spent most of the day splashing around. The grown-ups settled into their routine, enjoying the quieter restaurant meals while Bethany and Adam loved the buzz and endless choices of the Deck 14 buffet—they would sleep in, head up to the buffet, and be back before the rest of us even left the cabin! In the evening, we were treated to a circus show that left us wide-eyed with wonder at the performers’ skills.
Exploring Hamburg—First Stop on Our European Cruise
Our cruise began with a stop in Hamburg, Germany. Since it was a Sunday, many shops were closed, which gave us a chance to explore the quieter side of the city. We strolled the streets, soaking in the sights, and laughing at the highlight of the day—a self-cleaning toilet seat that we all thought was hilarious! This was a fun way to kick off our Northern Europe adventure.
Discovering Rotterdam—Miniworld Rotterdam and More
Our next stop was Rotterdam, where we had a fantastic day exploring the city. We visited Miniworld Rotterdam, a place we’d seen years ago during our trips to Holland to visit JP and Linda and their kids. This time, we could all appreciate it properly, especially with Alexander seeing it for the first time. Watching the miniature world transition from day to night in just 24 minutes was like stepping into a tiny, magical universe. We also explored local shops and enjoyed a break in a cosy café.
That evening, the ship hosted a rock-themed show with everyone dressed in white, and the atmosphere was electric. It felt like a concert, with fantastic music adding to the excitement of our cruise.
A Day in Zeebrugge, Belgium—Family Fun by the Sea
Our next destination was Zeebrugge, Belgium. We spent the day enjoying a family-friendly stroll along the pier, popping into local shops, and breathing in the cool sea air. After our exploration, we returned to the MSC Preziosa for a swim—there’s nothing like a splash in the pool after a day of sightseeing! The water slides were a big hit, and we loved having the pool mostly to ourselves.
Day Trip to Paris—An Unforgettable Experience
The highlight of our cruise was a day trip to Paris. After a three-hour coach journey, we finally arrived in the City of Light, and it was everything we’d hoped for. We indulged in the most chocolatey hot chocolate of our lives—rich, creamy, and perfect! Seeing the Eiffel Tower was a major bucket list moment for our family, and it was thrilling to experience it together. We soaked up the Parisian atmosphere before heading back to the ship.
Life Onboard the MSC Preziosa—Our Family’s Experience
Throughout the cruise, the MSC Preziosa felt like home. We stayed in two cabins—Mum, Adam, and Bethany in an inside cabin with a hidden bunk bed that Adam and Bethany took turns using, and Dad, Matthew, and Alexander next door to Grandpa and Josie in a balcony cabin. It was the perfect setup for our family.
We split our breakfasts—Bethany and Adam were usually the first up, heading to the buffet for a quick meal, while the rest of us enjoyed a more relaxed start in the restaurant. Lunch was always lively in the buffet, and in the evenings, we all gathered in the restaurant for family dinners. Grandpa and Josie, who joined us from Southampton, made the trip even more special, and we loved sharing our daily adventures over dinner. We all enjoyed the cocktail menu, especially Dad, Alexander, and Josie—it became a bit of a daily treat!
One of our onboard highlights was trying the 4D cinema experience. You could choose a 10-minute video, and it was quite the ride! Most of us enjoyed it, but Alexander wasn’t a fan—it was a bit too much for him.
Why Our Northern Europe Cruise Was a Family Favourite
This cruise was full of excitement, exploration, and fun. It was a perfect way to experience Europe together, blending familiar places like Rotterdam with new adventures in Hamburg, Zeebrugge, and Paris. We’re already looking forward to the next leg of our journey as we continue to explore all seven continents. Stay tuned, because there are more stories to come!
The Little Rockers
