So glad to see this (& other Channels) - been with MSC 4 times, though not for 7/8 years; so happy to feel that they will be worth returning to, as no longer wish to fly. Thank you.
Hi Fraser, I really enjoyed this vlog series, myself and my wife are booked on to MSC Euribia for this new years cruise, 29/12-05/01. We are first time cruisers so vlogs like your are real valuable . 🙌
Hey Michael, thanks so much for leaving this message! I’m so glad you found the videos useful, and I’m really jealous you’re heading into Euribia - she looks STUNNING! Let me know how you get on - safe sailing!
I’m another person who was skeptical about sailing with MSC after hearing from larger cruising channels that the food wasn’t good. Many thanks for providing your balanced opinions on Virtuosa as I’ve booked to sail on her next year.
Nice review! I will be sailing on MSC Virtuosa 16 - 23 Dec 2022 out of Southampton. Look forward to trying all the specialty dinning restaurants. Your reviews were really enjoyable. Soon I will be on the Virtuosa! Pleasant sailings!
Hi George, thanks so much for the positive feedback - really good to hear you’re enjoying the videos. I’ll be getting Virtuosa at the end of December, so will be on about a week after you get off - have a great cruise!
MSC are my favourite cruise line. Ships are magnificent, so so clean, the food is always hot and delicious .The staff cannot do enough for you and the entertainment is first class Anyone who doesn’t enjoy MSC just be sad people. We love MSC
Have to agree, was on in May (Possibly the same trip as yourself) and the food was amazing, the only specialty we did was Hola and that was fantastic. We were in Opera MDR every night and the food was delicious. In comparison we also sailed on The Sky Princess in August and the food wasn’t anywhere near as good as Virtuosa. We’ve rebooked for October 2023 and cannot wait to return!! Really enjoying the vLogs!
Hi Ian, thanks for watching and following along - so appreciated! I really was impressed with Virtuosa’s food this year, and have already booked my 3rd Virtuosa cruise for later this year - watch this space to see if it’s stayed where we saw it in May… Also, if you were on my May cruise, we really lucked out with the weather in Norway - so much sun!
Yeah, weather was amazing. Geiranger was the highlight! Handling snow and ice one minute then back on the ship it was so hot the shirt had to come off!!
Yes I also went on Sky Princess in September last year on recommendation that the food was amazing, I found it to be a bit hit and miss if I’m honest. Booking Virtuosa for next month hoping the food is ok.
@@johns7683 to be honest, this ship would be excellent for anywhere - I’ve done both hot and cold itineraries, and the facilities on the ship mean she’s really flexible to both!
Thank you for your input! I currently have a Mexico cruise on the Discovery Princess next month to celebrate my birthday and Halloween. Also booked on Discovery for Alaska, April 2023. I will be searching for something on MSC after I finish these cruises. I really do enjoy your channel!
Ah, thanks for watching Jennifer! Which itinerary are you doing in December - is it the ‘Northern cities’ one with Amsterdam etc? If so, I’m doing that at New Year, so just after you!
@@FraserAtSea its hamberg zeebrugge rotterdam and la havre paris and 2 sea days in between i cant wait i go on 15th dec stayovernight then get on the msc virtuosa😀
Ah, great choice - I absolutely adored the Norway route we did. Geiranger was perhaps my favourite port - the scenery going in/out of there is just to die for! When are you booking for? I’m very jealous!
Hi Fraser, we have booked a 'taster cruise' on the Virtuosa for '24 & were concerned with the dining situation especially after all the negativity I have read about. Your vlog was extremely informative & gave us a much clearer & bigger picture than the majority of other videos we have seen. Subscribed & we shall check out your '1st time cruisers' video. 👍😁 Thanks.
Hello! Ah, thanks so much for the positive feedback - it’s so appreciated! I’m just back from a week on Virtuosa, and have recorded daily vlogs, so they’ll be going live in a few weeks - hopefully that’ll help to show you life onboard!
Hi Fraser. I absolutely loved this vlog, and got so much from it. Never ever sailed with MSC before, purely because of negative comments ive seen banded around. However, I am taking the plunge ( with ym guide dog, and my sighted partner ) in November on Virtuosa - so, this could not have come at a better time. Im nervous, but also excited to try it, but your vlog has definitely put me in the more excited camp than nervous now - thanks so much. I will also do as you suggest, and choose a dining package before we go. Love sushi and Teppanyaki :-)...Terry x
Hi Terry, thanks so much for commenting, and so glad you’ve found this video to be useful! Honestly, please don’t worry at all - you’ve got a cruise lined up on a beautiful ship! If it helps, I’ve got lots of Virtuosa videos in the channel showing some of the different rooms you can book - this may help to settle you even more. Have a great cruise, and thanks a million for the support!
Thanks Fraser, I agree MSC food is pretty good despite the bad rep it seems to have. Hopefully this video will show some people the reality. Really thorough. I will take your advice on eating at the aft deck behind the buffest next time I am onboard!
Ah, hello! Really glad you found the video useful - thanks for taking the time to leave some positive feedback! Honestly, that part at the back of the buffet is a real undiscovered gem - hopefully I’ve not totally ‘let the cat out of the bag’…! Thanks again!
I found that little gem on the deck plan before my July cruise and thought it looked great for breakfast overlooking the wake. It was very quiet at first but by the end of the cruise it had become so popular it was difficult to get a table! 🙂
Hi Fraser, couple of points, unless they have changed it since I was on board in July the Kaito Tappanyaki restaurant is not included in the pre-book deals only the Kaito Sushi side. Il Campo is used for Aurea guests exclusively but has not been open when Virtuosa has been cuisine with the smaller numbers of Pax. I am on board her again on October 1st. Really enjoy your VLOGs very informative and enjoyable!
Hey Barry, thanks for watching, and for the positive feedback! Il Campo being used for Auera guests would make sense, as I did think it felt way more ‘premium’ than the other Main Dining Rooms (it’s also just off the Galleria, so right beside the Speciality dining!). I’m back onboard in December, so will hopefully see it in action then! Enjoy your October cruise!
Thanks! I’m going on 17th March with my wife and 2 kids (5 & 2), when I go to book a speciality restaurant package, it only allows me to select me and my wife, does that mean the kids eat free or that they can’t come? Same for the shows, it will only let me select me, my wife and my daughter (5), but won’t let me select my son (2). Does that mean he goes free or that he can’t go?
Hey Chris! This one’s stumped me actually - I’m not sure how it works with kids as I’ve never actually cruised with any! I’d advise giving MSC a call direct - if it helps reassure you, I’ve seen kids in the speciality restaurants, so you shouldn’t struggle there :)
Hi Fraser, Thank you so much for the information, I'm off on MSC virtuosa Northern Pearl cruise on 24th March - I've got the Bella partial obstructive cabin and easy drinks package - duo speciality restaurants booked , Pedicure and manicure booked. I'm a massive latte drinker and thought it wise to get the easy drinks package, I like cocktails too , my dad likes wine and beer. Also the occasional coke or lemonade. is it true it's €3.50 a can? What are your views on the drinks package?
Ah, if you’re into those sorts of drinks, you’ll be absolutely fine on the easy package. Embarrassingly, I can’t comment on the price of soft drinks - is it bad that I can tell you beer prices but not soft drinks?! Ha! The spa on Virtuosa is beautiful - you’ll enjoy your treatments in there! Will this be your first time onboard?
Bit confused regards the Ola restaurant. Does this have to be booked or can you just walk in. All you can eat or go a la carte. How does that work? If Ive prebooked , which option do I get
@@FraserAtSea Thanks. Just cant figure out if pre booking this restaurant is worth it. A la carte option is throwing me, do we get that with our dining trilogy booking. Sure someone will have an answer.
Because of their reputation, in my head MSC stands for the Marmite Shipping Company, as people seem to either love them or hate them. I'rs one of the reasons why I haven't tried them yet, though I do want go on them at some point.
I do agree and, to be honest, I don’t really understand the bad rep that they seem to get. Having said that, most of the people I know who don’t like MSC are loyal Royal’ers, and I have tried Royal yet, so maybe that’s it! Let me know how you find them if you do take the plunge!
Stupid question I think you say you can book 2 speciality restaurants for £69 per person if you book say Butchers cut do you still have to pay for the meal in there or can you have what you want first time cruise and first time on MSC great video Thank you
Hey! The price covers your food - you don’t pay more for the food if you buy the dining option - great question though! I believe you’ll be given a certain menu…
We are booked on Splendida in May, doing med cruise with my mother. There will be 5 of us. Really concerned with negative reviews. Food does not look brill. We are all quite fussy. Extras are quite expensive.
Ah, that’ll be interesting on one of the older ships. I’m on World Europa in 2 weeks, so watch this space and I’ll update from there. Haven’t done Splendida before unfortunately, so can’t comment. What I can say is that, so far, I haven’t left a cruise hungry…!! :)
Hi Gary, room service isn't free on Virtuosa - I believe if you book the 'higher grades' of cabins, there will be more included, but for most it comes as an additional charge!
In my opinion and we’ve done lots of cruises the food was the worst we’ve ever had and we did 4 speciality restaurants also and they were terrible too.
Thanks for this really good review of the dining options. We are due on the ship in November 2022 exited 1st cruise. I was worried abt the food cos I’ve heard bad things are gonna purchase the duo specialty deal prior. The Mexican restaurant looks really good and I think I will just pay that all you can eat option on board rather than use the package deal. the ship looks so lovely so yeah it’s gonna be good. Really good review out f all the cruise porn vid 😂
Hey! Thanks for watching, and for taking the time to leave a comment! Is it the Northern Europe itinerary you’re doing in November? Have the best time, and let me know how it all goes. I also have a video on the channel offering tips for first time cruisers - you may also find that useful!
@@FraserAtSea yes that’s exactly the cruise we are on , I will defo let u know how we get on may even do my own vid on my channel which I haven’t used in years. Thanks again my fav cruise porn reviewer 🥰🥰🥰🥰 keep up the good work btw jealous of the Alaska trip bucket list stuff right there
Hey, apologies if you’ve struggled with my accent. You should be able to apply the captions feature which could help via subtitles. Failing that, I can’t really change too much about my accent, so can only apologise. Thanks for watching!
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So glad to see this (& other Channels) - been with MSC 4 times, though not for 7/8 years; so happy to feel that they will be worth returning to, as no longer wish to fly. Thank you.
Ah, glad you found my channel! I'll be back on Virtuosa soon, so will ave loads more content to come - stay tuned :)
Hi Fraser,
I really enjoyed this vlog series, myself and my wife are booked on to MSC Euribia for this new years cruise, 29/12-05/01. We are first time cruisers so vlogs like your are real valuable . 🙌
Hey Michael, thanks so much for leaving this message! I’m so glad you found the videos useful, and I’m really jealous you’re heading into Euribia - she looks STUNNING! Let me know how you get on - safe sailing!
Hi! this ship looks so pretty. Love all the dining venues! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching - she’s a gem, for sure!
I’m another person who was skeptical about sailing with MSC after hearing from larger cruising channels that the food wasn’t good.
Many thanks for providing your balanced opinions on Virtuosa as I’ve booked to sail on her next year.
No problem! I’m actually back onboard in 2 weeks, so watch this space!
@@FraserAtSea Awesome, where are you off to?
@@ALifeintheParks going on for New Year, so doing Hamburg, Rotterdam, Zebrugge and Le Harve I think!
@@FraserAtSea Sounds fantastic, have a great trip
Nice review! I will be sailing on MSC Virtuosa 16 - 23 Dec 2022 out of Southampton. Look forward to trying all the specialty dinning restaurants. Your reviews were really enjoyable. Soon I will be on the Virtuosa! Pleasant sailings!
Hi George, thanks so much for the positive feedback - really good to hear you’re enjoying the videos. I’ll be getting Virtuosa at the end of December, so will be on about a week after you get off - have a great cruise!
Enjoyed this, thanks! Looks like plenty of choices. I've never sailed with them; someday.
I’d really recommend it - thanks for watching - really glad you enjoyed! :)
MSC are my favourite cruise line. Ships are magnificent, so so clean, the food is always hot and delicious .The staff cannot do enough for you and the entertainment is first class Anyone who doesn’t enjoy MSC just be sad people. We love MSC
Ii totally en joyed the food on MSC Seaside. No complaints whatsover.❤❤
Have to agree, was on in May (Possibly the same trip as yourself) and the food was amazing, the only specialty we did was Hola and that was fantastic. We were in Opera MDR every night and the food was delicious.
In comparison we also sailed on The Sky Princess in August and the food wasn’t anywhere near as good as Virtuosa.
We’ve rebooked for October 2023 and cannot wait to return!!
Really enjoying the vLogs!
Hi Ian, thanks for watching and following along - so appreciated! I really was impressed with Virtuosa’s food this year, and have already booked my 3rd Virtuosa cruise for later this year - watch this space to see if it’s stayed where we saw it in May…
Also, if you were on my May cruise, we really lucked out with the weather in Norway - so much sun!
Yeah, weather was amazing.
Geiranger was the highlight! Handling snow and ice one minute then back on the ship it was so hot the shirt had to come off!!
Yes I also went on Sky Princess in September last year on recommendation that the food was amazing, I found it to be a bit hit and miss if I’m honest. Booking Virtuosa for next month hoping the food is ok.
Great review! Which of the main inclusive dining restaurants would be best for a young family of 4 + grandparents?
Hey, thank you! To be honest, the ‘included’ restaurants are largely the same, and none are adult only - you’ll be fine in any!
Great content on the food/bar venues. I’ve been very curious about MSC. A cruise on this line is definitely in my future.
Ah, great news! Any specific routes you’re looking at?
@@FraserAtSea I am interested in Caribbean, Alaska and Mexico itineraries.
@@johns7683 to be honest, this ship would be excellent for anywhere - I’ve done both hot and cold itineraries, and the facilities on the ship mean she’s really flexible to both!
Thank you for your input! I currently have a Mexico cruise on the Discovery Princess next month to celebrate my birthday and Halloween. Also booked on Discovery for Alaska, April 2023. I will be searching for something on MSC after I finish these cruises. I really do enjoy your channel!
Thank u fraser im going on virtuosa in dec 16th and april next year at easter x
Ah, thanks for watching Jennifer! Which itinerary are you doing in December - is it the ‘Northern cities’ one with Amsterdam etc? If so, I’m doing that at New Year, so just after you!
@@FraserAtSea its hamberg zeebrugge rotterdam and la havre paris and 2 sea days in between i cant wait i go on 15th dec stayovernight then get on the msc virtuosa😀
Thank you very useful info!
Thanks for watching, Eileen - glad to be of help!
great information thanks 👍
Glad you found it useful - thanks for watching :)
Thanks for these details! Im taking a similar itinerary on Euribia next June. Thoughts on the Norway cruise itself with MSC? Did you got to Gerainger?
Ah, great choice - I absolutely adored the Norway route we did. Geiranger was perhaps my favourite port - the scenery going in/out of there is just to die for! When are you booking for? I’m very jealous!
Hi Fraser, we have booked a 'taster cruise' on the Virtuosa for '24 & were concerned with the dining situation especially after all the negativity I have read about.
Your vlog was extremely informative & gave us a much clearer & bigger picture than the majority of other videos we have seen.
Subscribed & we shall check out your '1st time cruisers' video. 👍😁
Thanks.
Hello! Ah, thanks so much for the positive feedback - it’s so appreciated! I’m just back from a week on Virtuosa, and have recorded daily vlogs, so they’ll be going live in a few weeks - hopefully that’ll help to show you life onboard!
Food is so important on cruise ships as well as entertainment
Totally agree - I’ve not had any terrible experiences with food, thankfully!
Hi Fraser. I absolutely loved this vlog, and got so much from it. Never ever sailed with MSC before, purely because of negative comments ive seen banded around. However, I am taking the plunge ( with ym guide dog, and my sighted partner ) in November on Virtuosa - so, this could not have come at a better time. Im nervous, but also excited to try it, but your vlog has definitely put me in the more excited camp than nervous now - thanks so much. I will also do as you suggest, and choose a dining package before we go. Love sushi and Teppanyaki :-)...Terry x
Hi Terry, thanks so much for commenting, and so glad you’ve found this video to be useful! Honestly, please don’t worry at all - you’ve got a cruise lined up on a beautiful ship! If it helps, I’ve got lots of Virtuosa videos in the channel showing some of the different rooms you can book - this may help to settle you even more.
Have a great cruise, and thanks a million for the support!
@@FraserAtSea ah..perfect, thanks so much, ill pop back over and take a look right now :-)
Thanks Fraser, I agree MSC food is pretty good despite the bad rep it seems to have. Hopefully this video will show some people the reality. Really thorough. I will take your advice on eating at the aft deck behind the buffest next time I am onboard!
Ah, hello! Really glad you found the video useful - thanks for taking the time to leave some positive feedback! Honestly, that part at the back of the buffet is a real undiscovered gem - hopefully I’ve not totally ‘let the cat out of the bag’…!
Thanks again!
I found that little gem on the deck plan before my July cruise and thought it looked great for breakfast overlooking the wake. It was very quiet at first but by the end of the cruise it had become so popular it was difficult to get a table! 🙂
@@btbevan oh, really? It remained quiet for our Norway cruise - thankfully!
Like 35🙋👍🥰 nice tq sharing 👍🥰 full view for you 👍🥰🙏
Thanks!
Very informative
Thanks, Jeremy!
Hi Fraser, couple of points, unless they have changed it since I was on board in July the Kaito Tappanyaki restaurant is not included in the pre-book deals only the Kaito Sushi side. Il Campo is used for Aurea guests exclusively but has not been open when Virtuosa has been cuisine with the smaller numbers of Pax. I am on board her again on October 1st. Really enjoy your VLOGs very informative and enjoyable!
Hey Barry, thanks for watching, and for the positive feedback!
Il Campo being used for Auera guests would make sense, as I did think it felt way more ‘premium’ than the other Main Dining Rooms (it’s also just off the Galleria, so right beside the Speciality dining!).
I’m back onboard in December, so will hopefully see it in action then! Enjoy your October cruise!
@@FraserAtSea Cheers Fraser, all the best going forward!
It's certainly a beautiful ship.
I agree!
We’ve done 9 MSC cruises, this last time on Virtuosa . I am gluten intolerant and I can say they were fantastic in the dining room with me
Oh, amazing to hear! I do really enjoy MSC, and have considered taking my vegan parents on one as I’ve heard they’re good with food requirements!
Thanks! I’m going on 17th March with my wife and 2 kids (5 & 2), when I go to book a speciality restaurant package, it only allows me to select me and my wife, does that mean the kids eat free or that they can’t come? Same for the shows, it will only let me select me, my wife and my daughter (5), but won’t let me select my son (2). Does that mean he goes free or that he can’t go?
Hey Chris! This one’s stumped me actually - I’m not sure how it works with kids as I’ve never actually cruised with any! I’d advise giving MSC a call direct - if it helps reassure you, I’ve seen kids in the speciality restaurants, so you shouldn’t struggle there :)
I headed MSC next March
Hi Fraser,
Thank you so much for the information, I'm off on MSC virtuosa Northern Pearl cruise on 24th March - I've got the Bella partial obstructive cabin and easy drinks package - duo speciality restaurants booked , Pedicure and manicure booked.
I'm a massive latte drinker and thought it wise to get the easy drinks package, I like cocktails too , my dad likes wine and beer. Also the occasional coke or lemonade. is it true it's €3.50 a can?
What are your views on the drinks package?
Ah, if you’re into those sorts of drinks, you’ll be absolutely fine on the easy package. Embarrassingly, I can’t comment on the price of soft drinks - is it bad that I can tell you beer prices but not soft drinks?! Ha!
The spa on Virtuosa is beautiful - you’ll enjoy your treatments in there! Will this be your first time onboard?
Bit confused regards the Ola restaurant. Does this have to be booked or can you just walk in. All you can eat or go a la carte. How does that work? If Ive prebooked , which option do I get
Hi John, I’m not sure how pre booking Hola works sadly, as I’ve only ever done the ‘pay onboard for the all you can eat’ version - apologies!
@@FraserAtSea Thanks. Just cant figure out if pre booking this restaurant is worth it. A la carte option is throwing me, do we get that with our dining trilogy booking. Sure someone will have an answer.
@@johngirvan4437 let’s leave the question open here and see if anyone else can jump in!
Because of their reputation, in my head MSC stands for the Marmite Shipping Company, as people seem to either love them or hate them. I'rs one of the reasons why I haven't tried them yet, though I do want go on them at some point.
I do agree and, to be honest, I don’t really understand the bad rep that they seem to get. Having said that, most of the people I know who don’t like MSC are loyal Royal’ers, and I have tried Royal yet, so maybe that’s it! Let me know how you find them if you do take the plunge!
It stands for Mediterranean Shipping Company, they are big in freight, their origins and what funded the cruise business. 🙂
Stupid question I think you say you can book 2 speciality restaurants for £69 per person if you book say Butchers cut do you still have to pay for the meal in there or can you have what you want first time cruise and first time on MSC great video
Thank you
Hey! The price covers your food - you don’t pay more for the food if you buy the dining option - great question though! I believe you’ll be given a certain menu…
We are booked on Splendida in May, doing med cruise with my mother. There will be 5 of us. Really concerned with negative reviews. Food does not look brill. We are all quite fussy. Extras are quite expensive.
Ah, that’ll be interesting on one of the older ships. I’m on World Europa in 2 weeks, so watch this space and I’ll update from there. Haven’t done Splendida before unfortunately, so can’t comment.
What I can say is that, so far, I haven’t left a cruise hungry…!! :)
Is room service food free ?
Hi Gary, room service isn't free on Virtuosa - I believe if you book the 'higher grades' of cabins, there will be more included, but for most it comes as an additional charge!
Hey; do they still do cheeseless pizza?
I think so, but I didn’t order it so can’t say for sure - sorry!!
@@FraserAtSea No bother Fraser! Thanks so much for your reply. Love your videos!
@@heybb4345 no problem at all - anytime, and thank you!
In my opinion and we’ve done lots of cruises the food was the worst we’ve ever had and we did 4 speciality restaurants also and they were terrible too.
Ah, that’s such a shame - sorry to hear you didn’t have a great experience on Virtuosa.
Thanks for this really good review of the dining options. We are due on the ship in November 2022 exited 1st cruise. I was worried abt the food cos I’ve heard bad things are gonna purchase the duo specialty deal prior. The Mexican restaurant looks really good and I think I will just pay that all you can eat option on board rather than use the package deal. the ship looks so lovely so yeah it’s gonna be good. Really good review out f all the cruise porn vid 😂
Hey! Thanks for watching, and for taking the time to leave a comment! Is it the Northern Europe itinerary you’re doing in November?
Have the best time, and let me know how it all goes. I also have a video on the channel offering tips for first time cruisers - you may also find that useful!
@@FraserAtSea yes that’s exactly the cruise we are on , I will defo let u know how we get on may even do my own vid on my channel which I haven’t used in years. Thanks again my fav cruise porn reviewer 🥰🥰🥰🥰 keep up the good work btw jealous of the Alaska trip bucket list stuff right there
The information is very practical. However, the viewers are really struggling to understand what he is saying due to an extremely heavy local accent.
Hey, apologies if you’ve struggled with my accent. You should be able to apply the captions feature which could help via subtitles. Failing that, I can’t really change too much about my accent, so can only apologise. Thanks for watching!
Is there an English translation for this video
Hopefully you’re not struggling with the accent? If you are, the subtitles can be turned on, ha!
@@FraserAtSea 🤣🤣🤣👍