The excitement for our MSC Preziosa Northern Europe birthday cruise began well in advance of embarkation day. We had eagerly awaited this celebration for Danny’s birthday aboard the beautiful MSC Preziosa. Our travel agents, Haroun & Floor of H&F Travel, ensured everything was planned down to the finest detail. They handled the itinerary—Rotterdam, Zeebrugge, Le Havre, and Southampton—with great care. Their seamless coordination allowed us to simply focus on enjoying this unforgettable MSC Cruises experience.
When embarkation day finally arrived, we made our way to Cruise Terminal Rotterdam at Wilhelminakade. This was no ordinary cruise for us—it was a special mini-cruise through Northern Europe for Danny’s birthday. The sight of the magnificent MSC Preziosa standing before us only added to our excitement. As soon as we saw it, we knew we were in for an unforgettable journey. For more details about the MSC Preziosa and upcoming Northern Europe itineraries, visit the official MSC Cruises website.
Rotterdam Cruise Embarkation: The Start of an Adventure
The embarkation process at Cruise Terminal Rotterdam went incredibly smoothly. The staff worked efficiently, guiding passengers through the steps quickly. As a result, we found ourselves aboard the ship in no time. The sleek and modern design of MSC Preziosa immediately caught our attention. We knew from the moment we stepped on board that this was going to be an extraordinary MSC Preziosa cruise.
As the MSC Preziosa loomed large at Rotterdam’s port, we knew our birthday celebration at sea was about to begin in spectacular fashion.
After receiving our cabin keys, we headed straight to our room. Here, we were greeted by some thoughtful surprises beceause of our Diamond status arranged by MSC Voyagers Club. Awaiting us was a chilled bottle of Spumante with macarons, along with a sweet chocolate gift. These personal touches were the perfect start to Danny’s birthday celebration. Indeed, we were already enjoying the luxury and attention to detail that defines an MSC Cruises experience.
A Delicious Start: Welcome Lunch at Inca and Maya
With our luggage unpacked, it was time to experience our first meal aboard the ship. We headed to Inca and Maya, two of the ship’s popular restaurants, for a delightful welcome lunch. The food was a delicious introduction to the MSC Preziosa dining experience. Every dish was fresh, flavorful, and Mediterranean-inspired. It was the perfect way to relax and recharge before exploring the rest of the ship.
Sitting back, savoring the excellent food, we reflected on how well the day had started. Between the warm welcome in our cabin and the fantastic meal, we felt confident that this cruise would exceed our expectations. The lively atmosphere around us only added to the excitement of the Northern Europe cruise itinerary ahead.
Excitement Onboard: Formula Race Simulator and Shopping
After lunch, we couldn’t resist exploring some of the ship’s fun activities. First, Peter decided to try out the Formula Race simulator. The high-speed virtual racing experience was thrilling and filled with adrenaline. It was a great way to kick off the afternoon.
From racing thrills to on-board shopping, the MSC Preziosa offered excitement at every turn, making our mini-cruise an adventure from the start.
Meanwhile, I took the opportunity to do some shopping. The onboard boutiques on MSC Cruises offered a variety of items. I treated myself to a few things, including a new perfume, a deostick, an MSC cap, and an MSC backpack. These souvenirs were perfect for remembering our time on the MSC Preziosa Northern Europe birthday cruise. It was clear that between the exciting activities and the great shopping options, the ship had plenty to keep us entertained.
Departure from Rotterdam: Sailing Into the Evening
As the day drew to a close, it was time for the MSC Preziosa to depart from Rotterdam. We made our way to the top deck to watch as the ship slowly left the harbor. The sight of the city skyline disappearing in the distance was breathtaking. The combination of the sunset and the fresh ocean air made it a perfect start to our journey. At that moment, we felt the true excitement of embarking on a luxury cruise vacation with MSC.
This departure marked the official start of our MSC Preziosa cruise, and we were eager to see what the following days in Zeebrugge, Le Havre, and Southampton would bring. The feeling of anticipation was almost overwhelming, as the ship moved smoothly through the water. The thought of the Northern Europe cruise itinerary ahead filled us with excitement.
Birthday Dinner at Butcher’s Cut Chef’s Table
For Danny’s birthday dinner, we dined at the Butcher’s Cut Chef’s Table, a truly elegant experience. The meal began with appetizers: a hot cheese tart and a fresh house chopped salad. Both were delicious, and the presentation was stunning. Then, we moved on to the entrée, a cold fresh seafood tower that offered a taste of the ocean with its lobster, shrimp, and oysters. Finally, for the main course, we enjoyed a perfectly cooked steak, served medium rare, with sides of mashed potatoes and corn spiced with jalapeños. Each course was paired with fine wines that perfectly complemented the flavors.
A birthday feast like no other—steak, seafood, and a surprise cake, all enjoyed in the elegance of Butcher’s Cut, paired perfectly with fine wine.
The highlight of the evening was when the staff brought out a surprise birthday cake for Danny. It was a thoughtful touch that made the evening even more special. The entire dining experience at Butcher’s Cut Chef’s Table was one we’ll never forget, showcasing the finest in MSC Preziosa dining. The attention to detail, the high-quality food, and the wine pairings all contributed to a perfect birthday celebration at sea.
Evening Entertainment: Rock Nation in the Platinum Theater
After dinner, we headed to the Platinum Theater for an incredible show—Rock Nation. The performers put on an unforgettable production, featuring a talented group of two male and two female singers, supported by a group of five male and five female dancers. With six additional performers on stage, it was a full house of entertainment. The music, choreography, and energy of the show were absolutely fantastic.
Rock Nation lit up the Platinum Theater with energy and flair, a dazzling performance that left us wishing for more shows like this on every cruise.
We couldn’t help but compare it to the entertainment we’d experienced on Holland America Line cruises. Although we’ve always enjoyed Holland America, the youthful energy and variety of shows on MSC Cruises were a refreshing change. The MSC cruise entertainment had an excitement that we had been missing on our previous cruises. After seeing Rock Nation, we knew that MSC might just be the cruise line for us moving forward.
Silent Disco in the Safari Lounge: A Unique Experience
Following the performance, we decided to check out one last activity for the evening: the Silent Disco on MSC Cruises, held in the Safari Lounge. It was a surreal experience, watching people dance in silence to music only they could hear through their wireless headphones. With different music channels to choose from, everyone was dancing to their own beat. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, as everyone embraced the uniqueness of the moment.
This was one of the most memorable parts of our MSC Preziosa Northern Europe birthday cruise. The Silent Disco was a completely different type of entertainment, and we loved every minute of it. It was the perfect way to end a day filled with fun, food, and unforgettable experiences.
Conclusion: A Perfect Start to Our MSC Preziosa Northern Europe Birthday Cruise
Looking back on embarkation day, it’s hard to believe how much we experienced in such a short time. From the smooth Rotterdam cruise embarkation to the thoughtful birthday surprises and thrilling activities, it was the perfect start to our MSC Preziosa cruise. The luxurious touches, such as the Spumante and macarons, combined with the fun of shopping and racing simulators, set the tone for what would be an incredible few days ahead.
Thanks to Haroun & Floor of H&F Travel, the planning was flawless, allowing us to focus on enjoying ourselves. The MSC Preziosa dining experience was unforgettable, especially at Butcher’s Cut Chef’s Table. And between the thrilling Rock Nation show and the fun Silent Disco, the ship’s entertainment options impressed us beyond expectation.
While we’ve loved our past experiences with Holland America Line, the youthful energy and vibrant atmosphere on MSC Cruises felt like the perfect fit for us at this stage of life. We are confident that this will not be our last luxury cruise vacation with MSC.
As we sailed into the night, we couldn’t wait for the next few days of our Northern Europe cruise itinerary. Zeebrugge, Le Havre, and Southampton awaited, and we knew this journey would be one to remember forever.
Beneath Rotterdam’s sky so vast and blue,
We stepped aboard, with dreams anew.
The MSC Preziosa, grand and bright,
Promised adventure, laughter, and light.
A Northern Europe birthday cruise we sought,
Where cherished moments would be caught.
In our cabin, a welcome sweet,
Spumante with macarons, the perfect treat.
The city’s skyline faded away,
As we sailed into the evening’s sway.
A chocolate gift, a sign so sweet,
The start of a journey, oh so complete.
At Butcher’s Cut, the chef’s delights,
Hot cheese tarts under golden lights.
A seafood tower, fresh and cold,
Then steak, with sides of flavors bold.
For Danny’s birthday, a surprise so grand,
A cake appeared, wine glass in hand.
In every bite, in every cheer,
We felt the joy of the special year.
The Platinum Theater, alive with sound,
Rock Nation’s rhythms did astound.
Singers, dancers filled the stage,
A performance that left us all amazed.
Silent Disco in the Safari Lounge,
A secret world where we’d all plunge.
Headphones on, the music played,
In silent joy, we swayed and stayed.
Shopping moments in between,
Perfume, a cap, a backpack gleamed.
Haroun & Floor, of H&F, so kind,
Made sure our journey was perfectly aligned.
And though we’ve sailed with others before,
This MSC mini-cruise gave us more.
We found a new favorite upon the sea,
A luxury cruise vacation, wild and free.
The Holland America days were grand,
But for now, MSC holds our hand.
Younger spirits, we’ve come to see,
MSC Cruises is where we’re meant to be.
So here we sail, under the sky,
With memories bright and spirits high.
A birthday celebrated on the waves,
In Northern Europe’s embrace, where joy engraves.
