Welcome to Ponta Delgada, where the echoes of its maritime past whisper tales of exploration and discovery. Here, amidst the gentle waves of the Atlantic Ocean, cruise lines anchor to unveil the hidden gems of Portugal's Azores archipelago. Set against a backdrop of lush greenery and volcanic landscapes, Ponta Delgada offers a climate that dances between subtropical and temperate, creating an ideal setting for leisurely exploration. Cruise-goers seeking an authentic escape from the ordinary will find themselves immersed in the vibrant local culture, where quaint cobblestone streets lead to bustling markets and charming cafes. As the gateway to S Miguel Island, Ponta Delgada boasts a unique blend of Old World charm and modern allure. A testament to its volcanic origins, visitors can bathe in the natural hot springs of Ferraria, a rejuvenating experience unlike any other.
Days 10-12
At sea
Day 13
Lisbon
In the annals of maritime lore, Lisbon stands as a testament to resilience, having weathered centuries of conquest and exploration. Its labyrinthine streets whisper tales of Moorish conquests and Age of Discovery triumphs, each cobblestone a silent witness to the city's rich past. Beneath the warm Mediterranean sun, Lisbon exudes an undeniable charm, drawing travelers seeking an authentic escape from the beaten path. From its vibrant neighborhoods to its serene waterfront, Lisbon offers a glimpse into Portugal's soul, where fado music reverberates through alfresco cafes, and the aroma of freshly baked pasts de nata fills the air, tempting even the most seasoned voyagers.
Day 14
Vigo
Day 15
At sea
Day 16
Le Havre
Day 17
Southampton
Imagine setting sail from Southampton on a grand world cruise, a journey that promises unparalleled adventure and relaxation across the globe. As your ship departs, you'll feel the excitement of exploring distant shores and experiencing diverse cultures. Each day brings new horizons, from the bustling markets of Asia to the serene beauty of the South Pacific islands. Onboard, enjoy world-class dining, entertainment, and amenities that cater to your every need, ensuring your journey is as comfortable as it is captivating. A world cruise from Southampton isn't just a holiday; it's a collection of life-changing experiences wrapped into one magnificent voyage
Welcome to Ponta Delgada, where the echoes of its maritime past whisper tales of exploration and discovery. Here, amidst the gentle waves of the Atlantic Ocean, cruise lines anchor to unveil the hidden gems of Portugal's Azores archipelago. Set against a backdrop of lush greenery and volcanic landscapes, Ponta Delgada offers a climate that dances between subtropical and temperate, creating an ideal setting for leisurely exploration. Cruise-goers seeking an authentic escape from the ordinary will find themselves immersed in the vibrant local culture, where quaint cobblestone streets lead to bustling markets and charming cafes. As the gateway to S Miguel Island, Ponta Delgada boasts a unique blend of Old World charm and modern allure. A testament to its volcanic origins, visitors can bathe in the natural hot springs of Ferraria, a rejuvenating experience unlike any other.
In the annals of maritime lore, Lisbon stands as a testament to resilience, having weathered centuries of conquest and exploration. Its labyrinthine streets whisper tales of Moorish conquests and Age of Discovery triumphs, each cobblestone a silent witness to the city's rich past. Beneath the warm Mediterranean sun, Lisbon exudes an undeniable charm, drawing travelers seeking an authentic escape from the beaten path. From its vibrant neighborhoods to its serene waterfront, Lisbon offers a glimpse into Portugal's soul, where fado music reverberates through alfresco cafes, and the aroma of freshly baked pasts de nata fills the air, tempting even the most seasoned voyagers.
Imagine setting sail from Southampton on a grand world cruise, a journey that promises unparalleled adventure and relaxation across the globe. As your ship departs, you'll feel the excitement of exploring distant shores and experiencing diverse cultures. Each day brings new horizons, from the bustling markets of Asia to the serene beauty of the South Pacific islands. Onboard, enjoy world-class dining, entertainment, and amenities that cater to your every need, ensuring your journey is as comfortable as it is captivating. A world cruise from Southampton isn't just a holiday; it's a collection of life-changing experiences wrapped into one magnificent voyage
Our cruse ship virtuosa left Southampton to Lisbon then to carnary island's on a fantastic ship something to do everyday the staff are amazing the shows are great the restaurant are good and you can make some great friends in the champagne bar . Why smc its a great company to sail with .
Our first impressions were good! The ship was well laid out , the bar areas had plenty of seating! The cabin was fairly small. The buffet was extremely busy and as the week went on we realised there was very little variety on offer. My partner and I both caught norovirus whilst on the ship, when checking on various forums, there had been reports of it being on the ship two weeks prior to our sailing but there had been no warning! The only thing that made us aware something wasn’t right was the buffet was not self service! This seemed a bit pointless when ten feet around the corner at the bar, the guys serving were handling every different persons cruise cards and handing them back, no handwashing was taking place. In seven days I did not once see any cleaning of high touch points - lift buttons or stair rails! We had a booked a day trip through MSc to Paris on our last day, we couldn’t go as we’ were too unwell and they refused to refund us.
My reason for leaving two stars is because the staff were lovely. Personally, I will never cruise MSC again, whilst I appreciate any cruise line can get viruses on board, it was the lack of communication and acknowledgment and the refusal to refund £280 for a trip I could not take. We will be going back to Princess!
All the staff were phenomenally helpful and friendly, food was good, buffet selection was incredible, generally all round joyful and fun atmosphere. Only down side was how hard it was to find a seat in any of the bar areas, I guess that's one way to encourage people to upgrade to Yacht Club.
Took my wonderful elderly parents on this 5 night cruise , knowing this would probably be our last holiday together.
Having to use wheelchairs/ walking aids and managing the effects of memory loss meant that a cruise on board a beautiful ship was the best choice to make some lovely memories.
Watching my dad's face during the theatre shows and watching him tuck into what seemed like a mountain of his favourite food in the buffets made us all smile.
The practicality of always having bathrooms at hand and having designated areas in theatres for those with mobility difficulties made it all very easy.
We all loved the opulence of the ship, and enjoyed sitting at different bars listening to music. We also watched a stunning sunset from the sky bar one evening as we left Rotterdam.
Wonderful memories which I will always treasure x
I’m sure loads of people love this ship ,
I went with 5 girlfriends for our yearly short break !
It’s glitzy
It’s big , very big! and was also very busy.
The various standard entertainment areas not very big and not enough seating anywhere.
Cabins were fine
Staff were kept constantly busy .
Food was not great - not enough menus to go around
Veggie options in main dining room were poor.
Buffet was total mayhem .
The cleaning staff tried their best.
We used the spa facilities, they were fine .
The last night we were at the very small disco .
Full glasses were taken on the dance floor.
Spills and the inevitable broken glass!
The DJ simply said if you are dancing bare foot be careful as there is broken glass on the floor.!
No please clear the floor as we need to clean .
Seemingly no health and safety.
We left !
On the plus side disembarkation the following morning was really easy and speedy. Hooray!
We had fun, we are not old stuffy grannies but all agreed not to use such a big ship for what appeared to be a short booze cruise again!
