Reviews
![2022-10-25 08:01:27]()
Beautiful ship, spotlessly clean, great facilities and fantastic staff. Food not the best but plenty of choice and variety. Shows were excellent if a bit short. Shore excursions were expensive and not very enjoyable.
Have booked to go again on Virtuosa in December of this year and can’t wait, however will not be booking excursions with MSC
Reviews
![2022-10-24 22:18:34]()
First night in dining room was chaotic but things improved as the cruise progressed. Insufficient seating in bars even though ship was only half full.
Time taken between ordering a drink and receiving it could be up to 15 minutes.
Generally, communication was poor with many supposedly important announcements not broadcast in cabins. For example, we were unable to dock in Visby but the reason was never communicated to us and even when we asked an officer what was going on the explanation was vague. We were due to dock at 9am but by that time a decision was made to spend the day at sea instead. Reasons were never explained but we ended up missing a port without adequate explanation or compensation. I may sail with MSC again but after this trip they would not be my cruise company of choice.
Reviews
![2022-10-24 20:41:13]()
Everything from food to accommodation was amazing and staff were very attentive and pleasant.
Reviews
![2022-10-24 20:35:33]()
The boat was 2 hours getting in and a consequence we sat at traffic lights in Southampton for 2 hours, only no-one came to tell us all what was going on, so thousands of us were worried we'd missed our embarkation slot. The booking in process was long and drawn out although ground crew were friendly. We paid for an upgraded room which was horrible and it took hours to get a different one. There were so many guests upset that the rooms they booked weren't provided, more than any other cruise I'd been on. Only choice if early or late dinner unless you paid extra, and the free restaurant food was not to my liking at all. The buffet was the best I've had on any boat, apart from the desserts. Breakfast had great sweet pastries and cakes, tea time had ice cream but every lunch and dinner was a variety of bread and butter pudding and it was vile. The little cakes were not much better, very disappointing. I didn't think much of the choice or variety of entertainment through the day, and not many shows, mainly comics etc, not to my taste. There was always live music in the reception which made speaking to reception incredibly difficult and not very well thought out. Not the cruises fault that the weather was so bad we missed Sweden. I and my whole family caught Covid, as did a large portion of the ship, but I guess this couldn't be helped. Probably the worst holiday I've been on in many years, but buffet was wonderful.
Reviews
![2022-10-24 20:19:47]()
This was my first cruise and I was very impressed , the ship was pristine and beautiful , the balcony cabin had plenty of space , the food in MDR and buffet varied and delicious and as for the champagne and cocktails what more need I say
A few issues ordering at times but all the staff are doing their best and are very friendly , only took one ships excursion as I prefer to find my own way around the ports
Reviews
![2022-10-24 19:13:39]()
A most enjoyable cruise with excellent food and service, helpful staff from all quarters, good variety of entertainment and amenities for all ages from children to elderly and less able bodied people, with that in mind I would recommend to all including family’s
I have cruised with many companies over the years so I feel that I can speak with some experience
Reviews
![2022-10-06 20:23:17]()
Totally disappointed with stateroom as it did not match description on website. MSC website showed cabin as clear view but actually it was obstructed view. I booked Fantastica fare which as per website should have had furniture to sit, but actually there was no furniture to sit. There were several faults with fittings in the cabin. No attempts were made to rectify them. Poor cabin for the price paid destroyed overall experience of the cruise.
Reviews
![2022-10-04 17:18:44]()
A big busy ship. Food ok but had better. Drinks package well worth the money. very clean ship, good staff. Excellent value for money. Booked again on same ship in November 2022
Reviews
![2022-10-04 17:05:44]()
Don't usually sail any particular cruise line, although we probably have about 3 cruises a year.
THIS MSC CRUISE WAS "STAND OUT". No issues and plenty of positives. Made us think that we should become regulars on this line.
Reviews
![2022-10-04 12:32:25]()
I was nervous about MSC but very pleasently surprised! Only down sides were too many children (why weren't they in school?) and difficult to get information before sailing as the ap is all but useless. The ship is stunning and the crew all very polite and helpful. I would sail with them again.
Reviews
![2022-10-04 12:02:01]()
I could find nothing to complain about at all. Everything was excellent I felt
Reviews
![2022-10-04 11:30:37]()
Looking at a 14 night cruise on MSC we decided to do a 2 night cruise to see what they are like.
Beautifule ship, spotless cabin embarking very efficient, we self disembarkedas we couldn't face breakfast, which had been a disaster the day before.
The ship seemed pretty full and it was not possible to disembark all the passengers on tenders, so we didn't bother. There was a bit of a problem with staff not understanding passengers.
The show was very good.
We decided against the 14 night cruise after our experience and will not sail with MSC again.
Reviews
![2022-10-04 10:27:35]()
Worse cruise I’ve ever been on . The quality of food & service was terrible I’ve been on 11 other cruises & 5 cruise lines & all have been what I expect from cruising great service & feeling special & pampered , not being herded around like animals, ignored, rudeness, & general don’t care we’ve had your money what do you expect!
Reviews
![2022-10-04 08:17:05]()
The Virtuosa is a magnificent ship. Kept spotlessly clean by a 24/7 crew of committed cleaners. The Cabin, Restrooms, Restaurants all public spaces are immaculate at all times. Service in the bars is quick and efficient but also friendly. The food offering onboard is adequate but there is not enough choice if you are gluten intolerant as I am.
Shore excursions tend to be a lot more expensive than going it alone but it you want the peace of mind of not being left behind, that’s the way to go.
This was my 2nd time on this ship and I would gladly book a 3rd Cruise on her!
Reviews
![2022-10-04 05:54:00]()
A great cruise, and MSC has always been good value for money. Now, sailing from Southampton, the MSC has lost a lot of its Italian feel/look and made it too british. Sadly.
Food in MDR has lost it a lot due to this and there is way too much vegan/vegetarian, little meat and no lobster (even to pay extra for). We love MSC, love the cruise, but not because of food any more.
Reviews
![2022-10-04 00:03:59]()
Four day Cruise from Southampton to Cork in Ireland September 2022 on MSC Virtuosa. Ship is beautiful with plenty to do throughout the day. Evening entertainment was professional and lively. We had a balcony cabin 13105 which was lovely, spacious with a great bathroom. Shower had glass screen with plenty of hot water. Tea and coffee making facilities along with fridge (mini bar). This was a U.K. sailing. Food in the buffet was plentiful with good choices, found it to be perhaps not the best quality but still okay. Did not try main restaurant or specialty dining. Plenty of bars to have a drink at all with top brands. Cocktails start at £8 and a beer around £5 a pint. The big negative on this cruise was the excursions, overpriced and extremely short, best to do your own thing. Paid £67.50pp to Blarney Castle in Ireland left ship at 8am and was back by 12pm gave us just 1.5hrs at Castle yet ship sailed at 5pm, very disappointed. To sum up cruise - ship, fantastic, large, new and spotlessly clean with great entertainment. Food plentiful if a bit lacking in quality. Ship excursions to be avoided. I would rate the experience 9 out of 10 and would definitely sail with MSC again
