I couldn’t believe my luck when I found out I was one of the thousand guests allowed aboard the MSC Virtuosa Maiden Voyage. After a year of lockdowns and restrictions, the thought of being on a cruise ship again was exhilarating. As a travel blogger and cruise enthusiast, this was the moment I had been waiting for – the return of cruising!
From the moment I arrived at the port in Southampton, I could feel the excitement building. The embarkation process was smooth and efficient, with health and safety measures in place that made me feel comfortable and protected.
As I stepped onto the ship, I was greeted by the stunning atrium and the sound of live music. I knew this was going to be a special journey, and I couldn’t wait to experience all that the MSC Virtuosa had to offer.
- MSC Virtuosa made its maiden voyage after a 14-month global pause and had new embarkation requirements due to COVID-19, including travel insurance, COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination, and British passport.
- The ship had a fantastic selection of food, with five specialty restaurants available for an extra fee, and all passengers received an all-inclusive drinks package with unlimited drinks up to £10 each in value.
- MSC Virtuosa had many activities for families to enjoy, some included in cruise fare and some cost extra, and the ship had heated pools and hot tubs.
- The author recommends MSC Cruises for families, groups, couples, and solo travelers, and suggests booking through a travel agent with a best-price guarantee.
Embarkation Process
I had to provide proof of travel insurance, a COVID-19 test or vaccination, and my British passport during the embarkation process for the MSC Virtuosa Maiden Voyage. It was a new requirement due to COVID-19 protocols and UK government regulations.
Although it may seem like a lot of documents to provide, the process was actually quite smooth and efficient. Staff members were readily available to answer any questions and guide guests through the process.
Once my documents were verified, I was able to board the ship and start my cruise adventure. It was reassuring to know that MSC Cruises took the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of its guests and crew.
The embarkation process set the tone for the rest of my cruise, and I felt confident that I was in good hands with MSC Virtuosa.
Accommodation and Dining
I was impressed by the dining options on board the MSC Virtuosa. The main dining room and buffet had a wide selection of food, with something to suit everyone’s taste. The buffet was open for 20 hours a day, with snacks available in between meals.
Health precautions were taken in the restaurants, including temperature checks and perspex screens for food. There were also five specialty restaurants available for an additional cost, offering a variety of cuisines such as Japanese, steakhouse, and seafood.
In addition to dining in the restaurants, guests could also order room service from a limited menu. The menu included a selection of sandwiches, salads, and desserts, with a surcharge for certain items.
Overall, the dining experience on board the MSC Virtuosa was enjoyable, with plenty of options to choose from. However, it’s important to note that specialty restaurants and room service come at an additional cost, so it’s worth considering this when budgeting for the cruise.
Onboard Activities
The onboard activities on my recent MSC Virtuosa maiden voyage were diverse and catered to a range of interests and ages. Here are four of the many activities that stood out and made my cruise experience even more enjoyable:
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The ship had a waterpark with slides and splash areas, but it was disappointing to find out that children in nappies were not allowed in the pools. Parents had to purchase swim diapers in advance, and even then, their children could only use the splash areas. This restriction made it difficult for families with young children to fully enjoy the waterpark.
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MSC Cruises offers a Fun Pass for paid activities on board. This pass lets passengers participate in activities like F1 simulators, bowling, and laser tag. The Fun Pass can be purchased in advance for better value, or on board for a higher price. It’s an excellent option for those who want to try new things and have a bit of fun during their cruise.
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The ship also had several pools and hot tubs, but it was disappointing to find out that swim nappies were not allowed in any of the pools. Parents had to purchase swim diapers in advance, and even then, their children could only use the splash areas. This restriction made it difficult for families with young children to fully enjoy the pools.
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The ship had a wide range of onboard activities, including live music, dance classes, and sports tournaments. There was always something going on, and it was easy to find something to do at any time of day. However, some activities had age and height restrictions, so it’s important to check before booking.
Overall, the onboard activities on the MSC Virtuosa were enjoyable and catered to a range of interests and ages.
Health and Safety Measures
Passengers were required to wear masks in indoor public areas, and the ship had hand sanitizer stations throughout to promote health and safety measures. Sanitation protocols were strictly enforced, with regular cleaning of public spaces and cabins.
Social distancing measures were also in place, including reduced capacity in dining areas and entertainment venues, as well as limited capacity in pools and hot tubs. The crew was diligent in ensuring that passengers followed these guidelines, and there were numerous announcements reminding passengers of the importance of following these protocols.
Overall, I felt safe and comfortable during my cruise on the MSC Virtuosa. The crew did an excellent job of implementing health and safety measures, which allowed me to enjoy all the activities and amenities the ship had to offer without worrying about my health. It was clear that MSC Cruises took their responsibility to protect the health and safety of their passengers seriously, and I wouldn’t hesitate to sail with them again in the future.
Cabin Amenities
Excited to explore my cabin on the MSC Virtuosa, I immediately noticed the various amenities available to make my stay more comfortable.
The twin inside Bella cabin on Deck 12 had a total area of 175 square feet, with a double wardrobe, two drawers, a desk drawer, and small bedside tables for storage.
There were two European sockets, two US sockets, and four USB sockets, with adaptors available for UK plugs.
The cabin was equipped with a digital safe, a flat-screen TV, and a mini-fridge, which wasn’t stocked but available for personal use.
The bathroom facilities included a shower, toilet, sink, and a hairdryer.
The bathroom was compact but had enough space to move around.
The shower had good water pressure and temperature control, and the towels were changed daily.
Room service was available 24/7 for an extra fee, and the menu included a variety of options such as hot sandwiches, salads, and desserts.
Overall, the cabin amenities on the MSC Virtuosa were comfortable and practical, providing a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
Drinks and Dining Packages
I was impressed with the dining options and beverage selection on board the MSC Virtuosa. The main dining room and buffet had a fantastic selection of food, and there were also five specialty restaurants available for an extra fee. I particularly enjoyed the Italian restaurant, which had delicious pasta dishes and pizzas.
The all-inclusive drinks package was also a great value, with unlimited drinks up to £10 each in value. It was nice to be able to try different cocktails and wines without worrying about the cost. One thing to note is that passengers could upgrade their drinks package if they wanted drinks not included in the package.
There were also other beverage options available for purchase, such as premium wines and spirits. Overall, I found the dining and beverage options on board the MSC Virtuosa to be excellent and varied. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a casual meal, there’s something for everyone.
Entertainment Options
Wow, the entertainment options on board the MSC Virtuosa were truly impressive. There were plenty of venues to choose from, each offering different types of entertainment. The Broadway Theatre was the main entertainment venue, featuring a different musical performance every night. The Carousel Lounge, on the other hand, was where comedians and musical acts took the stage. Meanwhile, live music was available in various locations around the ship, making it easy to find a spot to relax and enjoy some tunes.
But that’s not all. The MSC Virtuosa also had a karaoke night, which was a fun way to get involved and show off your singing skills. It was held in the Attic Club, one of the ship’s nightclubs, and was a popular event with guests. Overall, the entertainment options on board the MSC Virtuosa were top-notch, providing plenty of variety and fun for everyone on board.
| Venue | Type of Entertainment | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadway Theatre | Musical performances | |||
| Carousel Lounge | Comedians and musical acts | |||
| Various locations around the ship | Live music | |||
| Attic Club | Karaoke night | Sports Complex | Sports tournaments and games |
Ports of Call
One of the highlights of any cruise is the ports of call, and the MSC Virtuosa did not disappoint in this regard. Although we were only able to visit one port of call on this particular cruise, the shore excursion itinerary was well-planned and diverse.
The port of call was Portland, and guests were only allowed off the ship if they had booked an official cruise line excursion. I opted for the Jurassic Coast and Durdle Door tour, which was a fantastic way to explore the beautiful coastline of southern England.
The excursions availability was limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, but MSC Cruises did an excellent job of providing a range of options to suit different interests and abilities. The shore excursion staff were knowledgeable and friendly, and the tour was well-organized and executed.
Overall, I was very impressed with the quality of the excursion and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Portland. I look forward to exploring more ports of call on future MSC cruises.
Family and Solo Travelers
As a solo traveler, I found the MSC Virtuosa to be a great option for those looking for a variety of activities and entertainment options, as well as accommodating for families with children of all ages. The ship had a wide range of activities for families, including a waterpark, mini-golf, and a 4D cinema. There were also designated kids’ clubs for different age ranges, ensuring that children were entertained and well-supervised, giving parents a chance to relax and enjoy some adult time.
As someone traveling alone, I appreciated that the ship had plenty of options for solo travelers, including a dedicated solo lounge and meetups organized by the cruise staff. The ship had a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making it easy to meet new people and make friends. Overall, I would highly recommend the MSC Virtuosa for both families and solo travelers, as there was something for everyone to enjoy.
| Traveling with Children | Solo Traveler Experiences | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Wide range of family activities | Dedicated solo lounge | ||
| Designated kids’ clubs for different age ranges | Organized meetups for solo travelers | ||
| Waterpark, mini-golf, and 4D cinema | Friendly and welcoming atmosphere | ||
| Parents can relax while children are entertained | Plenty of opportunities to make friends | A wide range of dining options to cater to all tastes and dietary requirements. |
Comments and Questions
As I was reading through the comments and questions on my MSC Virtuosa maiden voyage review, I noticed a few recurring themes.
Many travelers were wondering about WiFi packages, and I can confirm that the ship does offer them for an additional fee. However, I would recommend checking with MSC Cruises directly for the most up-to-date pricing and options.
Another popular topic was baby food options. I’m happy to report that the ship does offer a baby menu in the main dining room, which includes pureed fruits and vegetables, as well as other soft foods for babies. However, it’s always a good idea to check with the cruise line ahead of time if you have any specific dietary needs or concerns.
Recommendations and Conclusion
Personally, I highly recommend MSC Cruises for families, couples, solo travelers, and groups looking for an affordable yet enjoyable vacation experience with a wide range of activities and amenities. The MSC Virtuosa Maiden Voyage was a great example of what MSC Cruises has to offer. The ship had something for everyone, from the robot bartender in the Starship Club to the heated pools and hot tubs on deck.
I suggest checking out MSC Cruises for their competitive pricing and special offers if you’re looking for the best cruise deals. As for future cruise planning, MSC Cruises has a variety of itineraries to choose from, including their upcoming sailings to the Pacific Islands.
Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or new to the game, I highly recommend giving MSC Cruises a try and experiencing all that they have to offer.
What are the age restrictions for using the gym and hot tubs on the MSC Virtuosa?
The gym on the MSC Virtuosa has a minimum age requirement of 16, with no upper age limit. Hot tubs are accessible for children over 6 years old, but must be accompanied by an adult.
What is the process for demarcation on the ship?
The demarcation process on the ship involved following safety protocols, such as wearing a mask and maintaining social distance. Passengers were directed to specific areas and instructed on when and where to disembark.
What currency is used in the casino on the MSC Virtuosa?
The casino on MSC Virtuosa accepts various currencies, including GBP, USD, and EUR. Payment options include cash, credit card, and cruise card. As a solo traveler, I appreciate the flexibility and freedom to choose how to pay.
Are there any options for WiFi packages on the ship?
Yes, there are wifi packages available on the ship with varying options and costs. Internet speed can be slow at times, and there may be connectivity issues. Onboard communication options include messaging via the MSC for Me app. Baby food options include organic and homemade choices, with facilities available for breastfeeding and baby sitting services. Tech support is also available.
Is baby food available on board and what options are there?
There are baby food options available on board, including purees and jars, with dietary restrictions taken into account. Feeding schedule and meal planning can be arranged with the dining staff.