Ended our cruise on MSC Preziosa today and have mixed feelings. Took the Aurea package and was on deck 12. The ship is beautifull and very clean. Staff were friendly. Embarkation in Barcelona was a dream, I think we were the first on at midday and our cabin was ready at 1pm. The spa and gym are beautifully appointed although I did find the products push somewhat wearisome (no girl wants to hear 3 times over that she has cellulite!). I had a blow dry which came in at 45 euros but was supposed to be 15. Too much in my opinion.

The drinks package is good value for money as although I'm not a big drinker, the cocktails were great, no cheapo brands or short cuts. Food very good but the buffet is a bit mad. Now two big no nos. The ship had at least 100 teenage cruisers who had no adult supervision whatsoever. Aged from 15-18 they literally dominated the ship. They filled the whirlpools from dawn till dusk. Ran riot in the corridors in the evening and many lacked manners. I do not expect this on a Spa level? Think it was school trips? Weird....never experienced the like before.

My main reason for this cruise was for some time with hubby sans child as we never get this at home. But it wasn't to be. There is nothing for young children on this ship. There is NO KIDS POOL??!' The shallowest pool is 5'3". Too deep for even me to stand and hold my wee one! There is a freezing cold outside Doremi 'display'. For decoration only. The children's club is boring. Only suitable for tiny babies or over 7s. They also take them out around the ship. My 3 year old is an escape artist, this is the last thing I need to relax!!! There is no lock on the door to the club so he was trying to get out. The only toys are for babies and the staff did not like that he was playing with them. Well don't leave them lying out! No 3 year old wants to sit peacefully doing art n crafts with older kids and watching cartoons in Italian! So, we did not get the break we really needed after all.he was in the club a total of 6 hours over 7 days:(. Good cruise if u do the Yacht Club and have no kids, otherwise I would give it a miss.