Apr
2019
MSC Preziosa Bruges and Oslo Mini Cruise – 22nd April 2019
This mini cruise on an Italian-style cruise ship starts in Britain, ends in Germany, and takes in Belgium and Norway in the short space of just five nights.
MSC Cruises is known for its competitive fares and this mini cruise is no exception.
Oh no, the ship has sailed on this cruise
Sorry, the ship has sailed on this mini cruise and I'm sure it was a blast! Never mind though, there are plenty more mini cruises to choose from.
About this cruise
It's part of a much longer 'Grand Voyage' from the Caribbean to Germany, but you'll hop on near the end of its transatlantic trek in Southampton on Monday.
You'll have a chance to experience the Italian way of life on this ship which was once the company's flagship vessel before the new generation ships arrived. There's such a multicultural mix of passengers onboard family-friendly MSC Preziosa. The Northern European climate in April may - or may not - do it justice, but there's lots to see and do, whatever the weather.
The first stop on this itinerary is Zeebrugge. Bruges, a short distance away, is one of my favourite cities. It's small and easy to navigate, and if you've got kids in tow, the abundant chocolate shops are definitely a hit. There's a range of churches and museums to visit, and plenty of quaint and cosy cafes and bars, perfect for sampling the famous Belgian beer.
A day at sea follows and the ship steams up the North Sea to Norway. You're free to do as you please onboard, and there's something for everyone. If the weather's good, the outdoor pools, water splash park, and water slide is where to be. Inside, there's a plethora of bars, lounges, shops, and a fabulous spa should you fancy a little TLC.
Norway's capital, Oslo, is your port of call on Thursday. Take a stroll around the parks or brave the heights upon the Opera House for some fantastic views. If you're after some action then check out the TusenFryd amusement park, a short distance from the city. And if it's history you crave, check out the Fram Museum, which houses the original exploration vessel Fram, used by Roald Amundsen in the South Pole in 1911.
Another day at sea follows so kick back and relax. Enjoy this taste of cruise life and unwind. Do as much or as little as you please. If you upgrade to a Balcony cabin, you might choose to relax in your own private space watching the sea go by.
Before you know it, Saturday morning arrives and it's time to leave at Hamburg in Germany.
This is a repositional cruise that starts in Southampton and ends in Hamburg. You'll need to arrange onward travel to get back to the UK (flights back to the UK are NOT included in the price of this cruise, so you'll need to book these separately). Budget airlines fly between Hamburg and London, which you may wish to consider.
If it were me, I'd book a night's hotel stay in Hamburg so you can explore Germany in addition to Belgium and Norway.
(Photo credit to AlexvonGutthenbach-Lindau)
The Route
The itinerary for this mini cruise is:
| Day | Date | Port | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monday 22nd April 2019 | Southampton | 8pm |
| 2 | Tuesday 23rd April 2019 | Zeebrugge (for Bruges) | 10am to 8pm |
| 3 | Wednesday 24th April 2019 | Day at sea | All day |
| 4 | Thursday 25th April 2019 | Oslo | 8am to 8pm |
| 5 | Friday 26th April 2019 | Day at sea | All day |
| 6 | Saturday 27th April 2019 | Hamburg | 7am |
Why choose this taster cruise?
- 5 nights on MSC Cruises' family-friendly cruise ship, MSC Preziosa
- Departs on Monday 22nd April 2019
- Sail from Southampton and arrive in Hamburg (you'll need to fly back home)
- Enjoy stops in Oslo and Zeebrugge (for Bruges)
So you know, the map above shows point-to-point lines which may cross land. Don't worry, your cruise ship will not sprout legs and run across dry land. Instead it's water all the way! Mapping is approximate, and the scheduled times are estimates. Your trip is subject to change as, occasionally, operators have to alter itineraries due to bad weather or unforeseen events.
The Price
Oh no, the ship has sailed on this cruise
Sorry, the ship has sailed on this mini cruise and I'm sure it was a blast! Never mind though, there are plenty more mini cruises to choose from.
More choices
Not quite right? Here are some other suggestions that may suit better.