(23rd January 2025) We were pleasantly surprised to wake up to the sun peeking over the horizon, promising a clear day and perhaps even a touch of warmth. The ship was staying until 10 pm, so there was no rush to disembark and explore Le Havre. We left the ship at 10 am. Although it… Continue Reading

(22nd January 2025) Our morning port wake-up vibrations were delayed today; instead of the usual 7 am rattling, the ship’s berthing wasn’t felt until 8 am. By 10 am, we had left the MSC Preziosa, but not before a quick Google search for places in Rotterdam that we hadn’t visited before. From our cabin balcony,… Continue Reading

(21ST January 2025) When arriving in port, as soon as the ship’s thrusters engaged to ease the MSC Preziosa into its berth, the vibrations invariably woke us up. Today, that was at 6:30 a.m. Looking through our cabin windows, we could see very little; the fog was so thick it was a wonder we had… Continue Reading

19th January 2025 We slept soundly until around 7 am when the ship’s thrusters rattled our cabin as the MSC Preziosa manoeuvred into her berth in Hamburg. Emerging onto the balcony, the world was still shrouded in darkness. Frost coated the railings, and a thin layer of ice made the deck underfoot treacherous. The surrounding… Continue Reading

18th January 2025 The issue with cabins located at the very front and rear of ships is that they experience the most pronounced pitch in rough weather. Meanwhile, cabins along the sides are more susceptible to rolling. The prime location is midships, ideally in an internal cabin along the centreline. Cabin 9273 is perfect for… Continue Reading

(15th January 2025) I woke a few minutes before my mobile phone alarm, set for 5 am, went off. Without disturbing Jamie, I dressed and checked the taxi app to confirm our driver to the airport was en route. Jamie was up and dressed when I made my wake-up coffee, followed by a refreshing glass… Continue Reading

14th January 2025 A late start today, the hire car would be picked up sometime, thus tethering us to the Palm. Still, by 10 a.m., we were both awake, showered, and semi-functional. Jamie spent the morning commandeering the restaurant’s Wi-Fi, diligently ploughing through his emails. I, on the other hand, opted for a less ambitious… Continue Reading

(13th January 2025) It was Monday, and for some reason, we both woke early at 7 am. The day was overcast, and for the first time, I put on a fleece over my T-shirt while enjoying my coffee on the balcony. Last night, I discovered I could pick up the restaurant’s Wi-Fi from the balcony,… Continue Reading

(12th January 2025) The internet was still down when we woke, so Jamie had to head to the restaurant to catch up on his emails, while I relaxed on the balcony in the sunshine, watching the boats drift by and reflecting on the Dubai skyline from my vantage point on the sixth floor. It was… Continue Reading

11th January 2025 It was a Saturday, and I was determined to enjoy a lazy start to the day. I woke up around 7 am, stayed in bed, and wrote yesterday’s blog before publishing it. Jamie remained asleep on his fold-out bed in the lounge until just before 9 am. Meanwhile, I made myself a… Continue Reading