From Old to New | MSC Preziosa & Messina

The following MSC Cruises (Australia) blog have been written courtesy of Marketing Manager, Donna Anderson, and her experiences during the MSC Preziosa maiden voyage and port of call in Messina, March 2013.


Sicily for me has always been a place of mystery, when I travelled as a back packer throughout Italy many, many eons  ago it was the island that I never saw, however the Italian’s waxed lyrically of this beauty at the tip of their world. The island offered rich history, beautiful sheer cliffs and stunning water views with beaches to die for, so the Italian’s say. However, as a true Aussie I needed to see it to believe it but as a backpacker knows, I just could not afford it the first time round.

So, as we sailed into the capital city of Messina at 7am on a brisk Monday morning on-board MSC Preziosa for her inaugural visit to this island, I was excited and a little proud to be fulfilling my dream in such a stunning way. Sure beats smelly trains and rough overnight sleeps to save money any day!

The city stood proud , stunning buildings lined the area. However, I had my sights set on a small cliff top city about 1 and half hours just outside Messina known as  - “the jewel of Sicily” - Taormina. With Greco-Roman history, stunning views of Mt Etna, and picture postcard cobbled streets and alleys, the guidebook had me hooked.  As the bus climbed toward the site and Mt Etna came into view, I was captivated.
Taormina is perched on the east coast of the island and overlooks the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. For me the guided walking tour was a great experience, allowing me to be immersed in its heritage and history to full degree. The guide talked of war and pillage, the take over and fall of the Roman Empire, and surprisingly, the takeover by the Arabs in 902 - the details of the towns colourful history shines through the columns and architecture as we walked, stopped and looked along the buildings and walls of the cobbled streets.

At the end of the stretch of the city is the captivating ancient ruins of the Teatro Greco. What a magnificent surprise. It is like walking into a very old, beautiful Colosseum and the crumbling pillars reveal glimpses of the blue sea. It’s a marvel  how this arena was built so high up, perched at the end of such a pretty and elegant town.

The fun is as much in the walk back to the coach. You have time to stop at some amazing shops, bakeries and restaurants clinging high on the cliffs with breathtaking views. There was time to relax in the main square overlooking Mt Etna, I had a strong coffee, took in the view and met some locals.

As the bus wound back down the mountain I was stunned by another sight off the Sicilian coast, the gleaming modern beauty MSC Preziosa, and what a sight to behold. It was a day of old meeting the new, I will certainly return to the island of Sicily very soon.

Written by MSC Cruises Australia Marketing Manager - Donna Anderson

Get a great deal on MSC Preziosa's maiden Grand Voyage $45pp per night over 16 nights. More at www.msccruises.com.au

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Getting the vibe of MSC Preziosa from Lynne Clarke Part II

The following is the first of two part blog written by MSC Cruises Australia and New Zealand, Lynne Clarke, and recounts her initial impression of MSC Preziosa following the christening in March this year.

After the meeting we went straight down to the reception area to meet our guests.  It was a hive of activity and extreme buzzy-ness.  People everywhere, many of whom I had not seen for a couple of years. I felt at home and at the same time excited and delighted, especially surrounded by the hub bub of everyone. However, I still needed the moment to “connect with the ship”.

Sitting in the chair talking  my eyes wondered to the magnificent lights that are shaped liked sea shells above the reception area walls.  They are so simple, yet stunningly beautiful.  It was a that moment that I suddenly realised I was in fact connected with the ship.  She had welcomed me naturally on board, she had created that feeling of natural warmth and comfort. She had embraced me, it was not me to embrace her. MSC Preziosa is just - as the name suggests - precious.  I was where I belonged and could not wait to find time alone to enjoy and discover all the areas of this precious new ship, who would from henceforth carry so many hopes, dreams, secrets and memories, of our future passengers.  I could not help but excuse myself and take a closer look at the surroundings, the magnificent waterfall, the illuminated lifts carrying people on their new venture.  It was not me who was going to decide when to explore and get to know the ship, she had controlled when it would happen and I was now under her spell.  She was carrying me on the journey.

What’s so magnificent about MSC Preziosa is that she’s like a museum full of magnificent art objects, and you’re allowed to touch them! So go and explore, your creative side will not be left disappointed!

For example when you are in the Diamond Lounge, go and look at the beautiful works of art that are discretely placed in inserts in the wall.  They actually have replica diamonds in them.  They are in stone works of art.  The table legs are cut out like diamonds.  The colour silver is represented, yet it does not create a cold feeling, rather that of elegance and glamour.

As you walk through the different areas of the ship, you will notice the attention to detail everywhere.  Outside the candy shop, there is a magnificent art work shaped like a jar of liquorice all sorts, my all-time favourite.  Thank goodness they were not real, as I would have spent a lot of more time sitting in the corner eating them.  The statues at the entrances and in the wide and expansive passage ways are quirky and fun.  However, let me not give away all her delights, discover her for yourself and ensure you give yourself time to find her individual works of arts that make up her precious feeling.

Author: Lynne Clarke is the Managing Director of MSC Cruises (Australia).

MSC Preziosa will be our newest Fantasia Class vessel to leave the Mediterranean. Join her with flights from Australia or New Zealand as she cruises from the Mediterranean and across the Atlantic Ocean to South America. 26 Night Fly/Cruise Mediterranean Samba Package with flights from AU$4,522pp/NZ$6,210pp*

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Getting the vibe of MSC Preziosa from Lynne Clarke Part I

The following is the first of two part blog written by MSC Cruises Australia and New Zealand, Lynne Clarke, and recounts her initial impression of MSC Preziosa following the christening in March this year.

Like any great star who makes her presence known, MSCPreziosa was no exception.  She dominated the “la superba” city of Genoa and no-one could ignore her magnificent body, instead we all stared in wonder and awe.  In fact she dominated the city and changed the skyline.  No-one would forget the day she made her entrance on the 22 March 2012.

I first viewed her from my hotel window, situated a kilometre from the port, early in the morning.  After a week of rain, and cold weather, the sun came out to  welcome her to her new home in the Mediterranean.  She would have certainly made her mark as she glided past the legendary landmark of Genoa, the ancient  lighthouse Lanterna.  After bearing witness to so many ships since the 12 century, I wonder what Lanterna  would have thought of this modern new diva of the seas? 

Watching MSC Preziosa, I wondered if she would live up to her name? Would she be precious? And how would she compare to the divine MSCDivina, who most certainly is divine in every way.  What enhancements could we have possibly made to ensure she still created that wow factor.  A feeling of doubt arose and I hoped I would not feel disappointed or even worse, feel detached and unemotional about her. Perhaps she would merely be another member of the cruise family.

Whatever the case, I would find out soon enough, but  discovering her would have to wait, as we had to attend a meeting immediately upon our arrival on-board.

My first experience  was therefore the meeting room. I purposely did not survey my surroundings in any manner as I did not want to spoil my initial impressions when I could truly look at her.  As her layout is the same as the Fantasia class ships, I merely embarked and took the lift straight up to the meeting room ignoring my surroundings.  I must have looked quite strange as the people around me were talking excitedly, their heads  turning like the spring head toy dogs that sit on the dashboard of some peoples cars, from side to side and up and down. I kept my head and eyes down until I entered the room.   

Now, that is certainly a conference room with a view. Natural light illuminated the area, and gone were the days of sitting in four stark walls, not knowing whether it was night or day, sunny or rainy.  Our vista was the beautiful city and surrounding port area.  To actually be on the water again was wonderful.  I have always said that I can breathe again when I am on the ships and although we were not under sail, I still experience that “yoga-like” deep breath feeling.  We continued the meetings whilst at sea, and it created a feeling of calm and serenity. A good place to be if any conflict needs to be resolved!  I must admit eyes do occasionally  wonder from the speaker to the magnificent surrounding views.

Author: Lynne Clarke is the Managing Director of MSC Cruises (Australia).

MSC Preziosa will be our newest Fantasia Class vessel to leave the Mediterranean. Join her with flights from Australia or New Zealand as she cruises from the Mediterranean and across the Atlantic Ocean to South America. 26 Night Fly/Cruise Mediterranean Samba Package with flights from AU$4,522pp/NZ$6,210pp*

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MSC Cruises 2GB Luncheon with Glenn Wheeler

Today we hosted 35 guests at our Sydney offices on King Street Wharf. They had been invited by 2GB and Channel 7's Morning Show guest presenter, Glenn Wheeler, for an information session on his August 2013 MSC Poesia North Europe fly/cruise package.

MSC Cruises Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Lynne Clarke, presented to the group over a sit down, Italian themed luncheon. She described what guests could expect on-board MSC Poesia, as well as on their cruise itinerary through the majestic Norwegian Fjords and elegant Baltic Sea when they set sail from Copenhagen.

Lynne said that of the guests, there were regular MSC Cruisers that join us every year, a couple who had friends just come back from MSC Preziosa. There was also guests who were inspired by what they'd heard about our Red Sea itinerary, that they booked the Red Sea Renaissance package for the spring. Lynne said; "it's always a delight and very insightful to meet and greet with past and prospective MSC passengers."

Glenn Wheeler, a well seasoned master of ceremonies, also presented to the group. Looking at guests as they departed, it appeared like the party will have a fabulous time on this voyage and no doubt makes some close new friends along the way.

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Below are images from the luncheon

MSC Poesia arrives to New York

A large contingent of Australian and New Zealand guests were greeted in New York by MSC Cruises (Australia) Marketing Manager, Donna Anderson, prior to boarding MSC Poesia on her trans-Atlantic Grand Voyage to Northern Europe. Here is her account:

MSC Poesia enters white and serene under a grey forbidding early New York morning sky. Edging slowly into view she is a shinning beacon of charm on an otherwise bleak, windy, cold and misty New York morning.

As New Yorkers head to work, MSC Poesia takes centre stage on the Hudson River this morning as she comes into berth right on the corner of West 42^nd Street, only 10 mins walk from the bustling Times Square.

Beautiful, elegant and stylish she, has brought an excited crowd of Brazilians, English and Italians to this exciting city and they are all on the deck ready to greet the Big Apple for an incredible day on shore.

Another vessel glides in to berth next to her. Here are some photos as she docks.

Written by MSC Cruises Australia Marketing Manager - Donna Anderson

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Stockholm, Sweden | Majestic and Tranquil

MSC Musica, MSC Poesia and MSC Magnifica will all be calling in at the Swedish capital, Stockhlm on the Baltic Sea throughout the 2013 European Summer as part of Baltic Sea cruise itineraries that also feature ports like St Petersburg, Tallinn and Copenhagen.

This beautiful city is built, as if from the pages of a fairytale, on a series of islands between Lake Malaren and the Baltic Sea. Founded in the 13th century as a sea facing fortress, it was installed to protect towns further along the Lake Malaren shore from Baltic Sea pirates.

Stockholm came to prominence in the 17th century and became the capital of Sweden, a time of great imperial strength for the Scandinavian country. It is notably a city built out of commerce and trade, and established a service based economy much earlier than other local destinations due to its strategically important location. This also means that as a metropolitan area, it is incredibly clean due to an absence of notable heavy industry, unlike most neighbouring national capitals.

The city has a vast array of architectural icons that include the City Hall, famous for housing the Nobel Prize banquet and the area of Gamla stan is home to the Royal Palace as well as as collection of Medieval buildings.

The current home of the Swedish Royal Family is at the incredible Drottingham Palace whose incredible grounds can be visited during your cruise to Stockholm.

When visiting, take in one of the many museums. It is a very easy city for visitors to get around and enjoy long hours of sun during the summer due to the cities far Northern location.

Try some of the Swedes more curious dishes such as pickled herring with egg, reindeer, or their famous meat balls served with lingonberry jam. Or have a sweet cinnamon roll (kanelbulle), from almost any local cafe.

For a full list of shore excursions available on your cruise to  Stockholm Sweden, please visit www.msccruises.com.au

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Valley of the Temples Sicily

For those who have yet to visit Sicily, Italy, you are certainly in for a treat. From the incredible Mt Etna, Europe's most active volcano, to the ancient site of Taormina, the island is full of wonders. Not to mention the best cannelloni on the planet!

If you find yourself in Palermo, one of the islands major cities, be sure to visit the Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi).

Consisting of at least 7 temples, the area is considered to be one of the best collections of Greater Greek architecture. It is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site.

The ruins are believed to be dated from 500BC and were unearthed, and in some instances, restored in the 1800s.

Many of the temples were built in honour of the victories of the city state that housed these temples; Akragas (now Agrigento), in particular victories over arch rival, Carthage in modern day Tunis.

Over time the temples were destroyed by war, earthquakes and in some cases, the use of the structures changed including being used by Romans as Christian Churches.


Temple of Juno Lacinia

Temple of Concordia

Temple of Hercules

Temple of the Olympian Zeus

Temple of Castor and Pollux

Temple of the Vulcan

Temple of Asclepius

The Temple of Asclepius is found in the middle of the San Gregorio plain and nearby to a spring that is thought to have healing qualities. The people of ancient Akragas were known to pilgrim to this site outside of the city walls in the hope to be cured from their ailments.

The Valley of the Temples is approximately two hours drive from Palermo. 

If you happen to be considering MSC Orchestra's 7 night Western Mediterranean cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome) for travel  from June until 12 October 2013, a full day excursion to this ancient wonder is included complimentary for new bookings make before 30 June 2013. 

All the details can be found www.msccruises.com.au

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