MSC Virtuosa

The MSC Virtuosa is a Meraviglia-Plus class of ship that is owned and operated by MSC Cruises, part of the Mediterranean Shipping Company.

She is the sister ship of the MSC Grandiosa and after her original debut in November 2020, she was delayed entering service until May 2021 and has been mainly based out the port of Southampton in the United Kingdom.

The Virtuosa is one of the highest capacity ships to have ever sailed out the UK and with a maximum capacity of 6,334, you probably should avoid sailing on her during school holidays.

MSC is a line that we had heard plenty of good things about them, but we had heard plenty of bad things and with us already having several lines to try that we had heard mostly good things about, we didn’t have much interest in cruising with them.

At least that was the case before we got an email about a mini cruise with them that had such a low cost, it seemed rude to say no and with it only been 3 nights, it didn’t really matter if we liked them or not.

I must also say that the ship is an impressive looking one and had lots of things about it that grabs your attention, so instead of going by others experience, we decided to take them up on their offer and try the ship for ourselves, and without giving away too much, we are glad that we did.

In this post, we take you through all the aspects of sailing onboard the Virtuosa based upon our own experience of sailing on her.

MSC Virtuosa Current Location

For our journey, we set sail in early May 2024 from the port of Southampton where we would first head to the port of Zeebrugge in Belgium, before docking at the port of Cherbourg in France and then heading back across the channel to Southampton.

As one of the biggest ships in the world, that was full of kids and large groups, it was a different experience from what we have ever had onboard a cruise ship.

We usually sail during quieter periods, on longer journeys and to more out of the way places so a mini cruise was always going to be different.

Whilst expecting more of a ‘booze cruise’ atmosphere due to the nature of our trip we hadn’t planned for the number of stag and hen dos on board and the big groups celebrating birthdays.

All of that will have led to us having a very different experience to what most will have onboard the Virtuosa as from the setup of it, on a longer journey we could easily see it be a very family friendly ship but on ours, it was more of a party ship full of people looking for a good time, with lots not even getting off of the ship.

As mentioned, our journey was a mini cruise so everything was at full speed, with no down time and everybody just looking to make the most of their time onboard.

With our first experience of the Virtuosa been a cheap getaway away, we chose the sail away rate, or the ‘Bella Experience’ as it is known on MSC.

That meant we had little to nothing included in our sailing, starting with not been able to choose our own room and having nothing but the basics included.

MSC is known as a low-cost cruise line where you pay for the things you want to do and as such very little is included in the base price of your holiday.

On the MSC Virtuosa that meant only the main dining rooms, burger bar and buffet offered included food and fruit juices, tea and coffee in the buffet were also offered.

Some entertainment including shows and live acts in the theatre and a light show on the promenade deck could be enjoyed, whist there were plenty of activities offered throughout the day and night at several venues.

There is an indoor sportsplex that offers football, tennis, basketball and other sports whilst table tennis and football can be played in the solarium.

The swimming pool and sun lounges in the solarium, the main deck pool, the aft pool and many hot tubs are also free to access, as is the gym.

At the back of the top deck of the ship, there is a large aquapark that includes a kids splash pool and plenty of flumes and for the more daring, you can enjoy a rope course that wrap above the splash pool.

Pretty much everything onboard the Virtuosa is at an extra cost including alcoholic drinks, soft drinks (other than water and fruit juices) and speciality coffees and hot chocolates- so you will have to pay for all drinks in any bar or café.

There are several speciality restaurants that come at an extra cost as are all the onboard shops.

Cruisers can get a cocktail made and served by a robot bartender, but that will cost extra even if you have a drinks package.

The Carousel Lounge offers pay extra shows that are in the Cirque du Soleil style and include a free drink whilst the next-door casino is all pay extra.

The Aurora Spa costs extra to use its facilities and to receive treatments whilst those wanting a drink or ice cream on the pool deck will have to pay for them.

Many of the ship’s attractions, including a 4d Cinema, holo-gate arena, arcade, Formula 1 racer and 10 pin bowling all come with a pay to use cost.

For those travelling with children, there is an extra cost for babysitting and childcare.

Much of the front section of the top decks is given over to those who have paid for access into the yacht club or for those upgrading to the top 19 sundeck.

Despite been only a short cruise, the entertainment on offer onboard the Virtuosa was varied and of a decent standard.

In the main theatre, we enjoyed two shows from the house cast whilst there was also a comedian onboard, but we didn’t catch there show.

We also took advantage of an early booking offer to see the production show, Ajerdez, which was a chess-based Cirque de Soleil style show that whilst offering nothing revolutionary in that field, was an enjoyable experience.

Around the ship there were acts playing in bars and other venues and the atrium has a central performance area that we saw a pianist play at.

There were large scale events such as a sail away party and an all-white party and the promenade deck becomes an entertainment venue of its own on a night with parades and music.

Before we sailed on the MSC Virtuosa, we had heard many conflicting things about the food onboard the ship, with some enjoying it and some hating it.

Due to having no sea days and only been onboard the ship for 3 nights, we didn’t get the chance to visit the main dining room so our thoughts on the food and drink onboard the ship is based solely on the buffet.

Based on that, we can understand the mixed reviews as it is a very continental/Mediterranean style set up but that shouldn’t be too much of a surprise as it is an Italian based line.

There are plenty of other ships for those who want only British or American style food and there were still plenty of options onboard the Virtuosa for those wanting that type of meal.

For us the food was decent, not the best but certainly not the worst and much better buffet food than similar cruise lines.

If you like pizza, mozzarella balls and Italian breads, you will be in for a great time as that is where they really excelled on the ship.

One personal issue that we did have with the ship is that, aside from sitting in the buffet outside of dining times, there was nowhere quiet to grab a tea or coffee and just relax.

There is the chocolate café, on the promenade deck but as one of the busiest and loudest parts of the ship, its certainty not somewhere to drink and relax.

We booked an inside cabin on a sail away rate, we could have been anywhere on the ship and whilst that is only something we would risk on a mini cruise, it turned out to be a great option.

Our cabin number was 11013, so as you would expect it was on deck 11 which had cabins below and cabins above, which is the type of floor that we tend to choose but the room was right at the very front.

We try to choose cabins in the centre of the ship and on a longer cruise it would have been annoying having to constantly walk to the very front to nip back to our room but on such as short cruise, it was fine.

In terms of the stateroom itself, it wasn’t the biggest that we have had on a ship, but it wasn’t the smallest, so again for the cost of the holiday, there could be no complaints.

The number of power outlets was also a bit stingy but at least there were USB charging ports next to the bed. The bed itself was large and very comfortable and there was plenty of space down the sides of it and underneath it to place our bags.

As the ship was based out of the UK, it was fitted with a kettle and tea/coffee sachets and there was a small seat and table, but the seat wasn’t one you would want to spend much time relaxing on.

For a room with limited storage, a lot of it was taken up with the ever-expensive mini bar as whilst there was decent of storage for our mini cruise but if we were onboard for a week or two, it would have been tight with the wardrobes been especially small.

There was a relatively large television and some storage below it for all of the bits of paperwork that you pick up along the way, although the phone seemed to have issues as it didn’t work when we had to use it during the safety drill.

There were some hooks to hang things on in the entrance, always handy for coats and umbrellas and there was a large dressing mirror.

As is always the case, the art on the walls of the cabin was kind of just there and I can say was something we didn’t particularly like or dislike.

The bathroom was actually quite spacious, especially was an inside cabin, and we certainly would have no issues for space and storage even on a full-length cruise.

The sink was deep enough to be able to have a good wash and the shower was also a good size, with plenty of power behind it and the included shower gel and shampoo was of a decent quality.

It had the always welcome glass door and footrest and a decent well to help stop soaking the bathroom floor every time you use it.

There was plenty of room on the towel rails including separate rails for your bath towels and your hand towels and there was a bit more storage under the sink, which was where the bin was found.

One minor issue we did have was the fact that there was only one toilet roll but that was likely down to this been just a short cruise.

Although our trip saw mostly family and friendship groups due to it been a mini cruise, we would say that the ship itself is best suited to families looking for a getaway where there is something for everybody.

Whilst mostly coming at an extra cost, there is plenty to enjoy onboard the ship and actually a lot of it is included in your cruise fare with things such as the sports court, swimming pools, aqua park and climbing area all fun ways for kids and parents to spend time together.

With a huge range of bars, restaurants and entertainment venue, there is lots to keep all entertained throughout your cruise.

With that said, as I was travelling with my wife as a couple, the ship is also a great option for couples although the lack of places to sit and just enjoy each other’s company, there are better options for couples.

We loved a few things on the ship including the incredible LED screen of the promenade, the glitzy atrium and the spacious areas around the lift banks.

The seating area behind the buffet and below the horizon pool was a great place to take in sea views and in the main in was quiet and more relaxed that the rest of the outdoor areas on our sailing.

The solarium is a great space as there is plenty of seating and things such as table tennis and as a sailing out of the UK, it was nice and warm in there.

There were a few issues that we came across on the Virtuosa that we would have to warn people about before they sailed on her, including some that we have mentioned on this review already.

The lack of storage space in your room is something to think about as if you were on a 2-week cruise, you would definitely have to keep moving your clothes between the wardrobe and your case.

There is a lack of seating areas on the ship as aside from sun loungers, outdoor seats and some large seating areas next to the lift banks, you are kind of left to having to sit in bars.

Talking of lifts, the ship utilises a different system from what we have come across before where you input the floor you want into a touch screen before been talk which lift will take you there.

It worked well but did confuse some to start with.

Something that did catch a few people out was that you had to book all entertainment once onboard including theatre shows. Even if you had prepaid for a Carousel Production, you weren’t given dates and times until onboard and after queuing to find out, you had to pick a date and time to go.

As someone who likes to plan ahead, this was frustrating as it would be incredibly simple to offer this on the lines app before you board.

One thing we really didn’t like was the lack of an outdoor promenade deck as we love nothing more than taking a stroll next to the water before retiring to bed.

The main thing that we absolutely hated was the fact that the casino allowed smoking but was fully open to public areas and you even had to walk through it to get the Carousel Lounge.

Despite been an almost brand-new ship, the casino and the areas behind and in front of it smelt like a dingy nightclub from the 1980’s and that lingering smell soon got on your clothes.

The ship was first announced in 2016, when MSC took up orders for 2 new ships that would become known as Meraviglia Plus class ship as they would be bigger than their older sisters.

Built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique yard in France, she was given her name in June 2018 and was scheduled to be delivered to the line in October 2020.

That was of course a time when the world was dealing with the pandemic and the cruise industry was at a standstill, so it was no surprise that her debut for MSC would be delayed until May 2021.

She was first based out of Southampton after plans for her to sail in the Western Mediterranean were put on hold and she would instead offer short cruises around the British Isles.

At the end of 2021, she would move to Dubai and offered cruises around the Persian Gulf, but she would soon head back to Southampton for a summer season taking in itineraries visiting Northern Europe, the Norwegian Fjords, the Baltics and the Canaries.

It was soon announced that she would be based out of Southampton year around.

Overall, it is a little bit tricky for us to give a full review and thoughts on her as we only had 3 nights onboard her on a different type of holiday from what most would experience.

I suppose the best way to sum things up is that if we had the opportunity, we would certainly sail on her for a longer cruise and whilst she wasn’t our favourite ship, she certainty isn’t a poor option.

With so much on offer onboard, good accommodation, better than expected food and often cheaper than rivals pricing, there is plenty to like about the MSC Virtuosa.

She is certainly a stylish ship, and she is impressive when you first step onboard and whilst not all parts of the ship can live up to the incredible LED screen on the promenade deck and glitz of the atrium, you will likely not be disappointed if you choose to sail on her.

MSC Virtuosa Review and Guide

Deck 4 (Vivaldi): The first passenger deck is known as Vivaldi but aside from getting on and off the ship, few will visit deck 4, unless you need to head to the medical centre.

Deck 5 (Mozart): Starting at the front of the Mozart deck, you have both inside and outside cabins, whilst the mid ship area is the bottom level of the atrium.

This is where the reception and guest services desks are found as well as the infinity bar, excursion desk and the future cruise desk.

As you head towards the aft of the ship, you pass through the lift bank and onto one of the ships main dining rooms, the Blue Danube.

Deck 6 (Beethoven): At the front of deck 6 is the entrance into the ship Le Grand Theatre, which is decent size but we prefer a more traditional theatre rather than the auditorium style one on the Virtuosa.

Behind that is the start of the promenade, an impressive ‘street’ full of shops, restaurants, bars, cafes which is dominated by a giant LED roof that acts as the main hub for the ship.

Starting from the far end, the first thing you come across is the MSC Foundation Centre, followed by the shopping gallery.

Then it’s the L’Atelier Bar, before more shops, including a jewellery one, a watch one and other luxury items that you will need to be in international waters to buy.

After that is the Jean Philippe crepes and gelato café where you can get a load of pay extra sweet treats.

There is another excursions deck before you arrive at the ships own chocolate shop and café.

This is a place to not only buy treats such as chocolates and macarons to take away, but you can sit in and enjoy a lot of chocolate and non-chocolate related drinks. They also make some ‘chocolate art’ which is worth popping in for a look.

Across from there is some more shops and the Hola Mexican restaurant that offers a range of tacos and other popular Mexican cuisine, but that is also a pay extra one.

It is the impressive ceiling that grabs your attention all the way along the promenade however and is used for several different things including for parades and music acts (from a central staging area).

It also has several small video shows, with Virtuosa bar and lounge a great place to watch it from.

There is a mezzanine level to it, which is classed as deck 7, which offers another great place to view the ceiling from.

There are some then some more shops before you enter into forward lift bank, behind the theatre.

In the middle section of this deck is the centre section of the atrium which is home to the MSC Starship Club and its robot bar tender.

The space themed bar offers a range of drinks, but the ones made by the robot all come at a huge cost, even if you have a drinks package.

The aft of the ship is taken up by three of the ships main dining rooms, the Opera and the Symphony and the Minuetto.

Deck 7 (Verdi): The Verdi deck starts with the Aurea Spa at the very front of the ship before you join the upper level of the promenade.

Here you will find tv studio and bar, which is another entertainment venue that features live music and was a popular place to grab a drink.

There is a balcony overlooking the promenade that is a great place to view the ceiling and to watch the light shows that take place there.

Next you come to the ship’s traditional pub, which is as the Masters of the Sea. This offers a great place for those who simply want to sit, have a drink and a chat but who still want to be close to the action onboard.

After that is the Kaito Sushi bar, a sushi restaurant where you can sit inside or on the mezzanine itself and right next door is the Kaito Teppanyaki restaurant.

This is where you can watch a chef put on a show for you whilst they cook your meal which proved popular on our cruise as it is a great experience to enjoy with friends.

After some stairs down to deck 6, you come across the Butchers Cut, the ships steak restaurant, which like the previous 2 restaurants is a pay extra one.

Next up is the Champagne bar, which welcomes you back to the ever so shiny atrium and the often much maligned Effy jewellery shops sits just off of the bar.

This is the top level of the atrium and its quietest part, so if you are simply wanting to stand and people watch, or enjoy the music of the pianist downstairs, it is a great place to stand.

There is a large gap back down to deck 5, right next to the bar area of the Champagne Bar which did seem a bit too easy for somebody to grab a drink and at best spill it on some when head well below or even worse, drop their glass.

Off of the bar is the Il Campo restaurant, which is the main restaurant for those who have booked the Aurea Experience onboard the Virtuoso.

Heading towards the aft section of the deck, you walk through another lift bank and into the ship’s casino, which is a decent size but somewhere to avoid for most due to the awful smell of stale cigarette smoke.

There is a small bar in the casino with several tv screens showing live sport and then at the very back of the deck is the Carousel Lounge.

That is a second smaller theatre that offers a couple of different Cirque de Soleil style shows that come at an extra cost, but you do get an included drink.

It is also a place to sit and enjoy the views out of the back windows during the day for those wanting a quiet space.

Deck 8 (Ocean Cay): Staterooms

Deck 9 (Strauss): Staterooms

Deck 10 (Gershwin): Staterooms

Deck 11 (Puccini): Staterooms

Deck 12 (Paganini): Staterooms

Deck 13 (Bizet): Staterooms

Deck 14 (Tchaikovsky): Staterooms

Deck 15 (Morricone): Decks 8 through 14 are home to only staterooms, which takes you up to deck 15.

Whilst this deck does start with more staterooms, this time ones that are part of the Yacht Club, it does feature lots of things for guests starting with the solarium.

This is a large two deck area that on this deck is home to an indoor swimming pool, a bar and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the warmth.

The centre of the deck is home to the main swimming pool area, lots of sun lounges and both a burger bar and ice cream shop.

The aft of this deck is made up of the Marketplace buffet, which is finished off by a outdoor seating area at the very back of the ship that offers incredible views and was our go to place for sailaways.

Deck 16 (Debussy): Deck 16 once again starts with facilities for the Yacht Club, with the Top Sail Lounge at the very front, followed by more accommodation.

Behind that, you have the upper level of the solarium which is home to more seating and some games including foosball and table tennis.

Behind that are some more sunlounges above the swimming pool area and some hot tubs.

Heading further back, you then arrive at the ship’s gym on the inside and its walking/running track on the outside.

This section of the ship is also home to an arcade, a 4d cinema, a VR experience, 2 10 pin bowling lanes, a small bar and the sportsplex.

That is a large area where you can play a few sports including football, basketball and pickleball.

At the very aft of the deck is the Horizon Amphitheatre, a large sun terrace that also featuring a small plunge pool.

Deck 18 (Schumann): With no deck 17, due to it been unlucky in Italian culture in a similar way to the number 13 in English and American culture, we jump up to deck 18.

This is the first of 2 split decks that you cannot walk from one end to the other.

The front section of this features the Yacht Club restaurant and more accommodation for those in the club.

The back section starts with the Sky Lounge, a relaxed lounge that offers great views.

Behind that are the numerous kids and teen clubs and the Attic Club for waiting parents.

At the very aft of the ship is the top level of the Horizon Amphitheatre which offers another sun deck area, some seating and the Horizon Bar.

Deck 19 (Mendelssohn): The very top deck of the ship is once again split into two with the front section only for use by those staying in the Yacht Club as it is one to their bar, sundeck and other facilities.

The rear section starts with the Top 19 which is an exclusive sun deck.

At the very aft of the ship is the Aquapark, Savanha Bar and the Himalayan Bridge rope course.

Thank you for taking the time to read our rating and review of the MSC Virtuosa.

We hope you have found it useful in deciding whether the ship is right for you or not

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