MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship Review | Would We Go Back?

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  • Опубликовано: 15 дек 2024

Комментарии • 73

  • @cruisestayJJ
    @cruisestayJJ Год назад +3

    So pleased you have made it onto the ship that got me hooked on cruising after the restart. I've been on Virtuosa 3 times now, the first 2 were in 2021 when there were only around 800 passengers on board, so as you can imagine the whole ship was like being in Yacht Club and we were often the only 2 in the pools or hot tubs and you could take your pick of places to sit in all the bars and lounges. On both those cruises we were in a Fantastica balcony cabin, eating in the Minuetto restaurant, often getting a table right at the aft, the service and food were amazing, but again with so few passengers on board I guess you'd expect it. The 3rd time was the Summer of 2022, with around 2800 passengers on a Norwegian Fjords cruise. Knowing we had been spoiled the previous trips and knowing that MSC is normally much busier with less room per passenger, we paid slightly more for an Aurea balcony, which gave us the exclusive sundeck with plenty of padded sunbeds, bar service and private hot-tub overlooking the busy main pool area and daily access to the Spa, which as you said was amazing, we booked our slot from 6-7pm every day on the first day, but it was never full and there was no pressure to leave so some days we were there until 8. As the ship was not full Aurea guests had a section of the Minuetto restaurant rather than opening Il Campo, which I was pleased about as I love the location and it was great to see the same staff from the year before. We had dinner in there 6 nights out of 7 and honestly the food was great, always hot, served quickly and found plenty of choice on the menu, the only time the main dining room was a little chaotic was at breakfast, but no more so than any busy hotel when everyone comes down all at once. The only paid for meal we had was in Hola Tacos and as I had not been in on my first 2 cruises and as I'd seen lots of rave reviews I was really looking forward to it, sadly though, this was the only meal of the whole trip that was not up to par. The food itself was great, but we had really bad service (must have had a bad day) it wasn't particularly busy, but we waited about 20 minutes before we were even served a drink, the only other extra I paid was for the stunning hot chocolates, think I had the Chocolate Orange and wow! I do love Virtuosa and MSC in general, but I would definitely not book during the school holidays and would not do one of the shorter booze cruises from Southampton and will always now go at least Aurea, can't quite afford Yacht Club, but hopefully one day. We are doing Fantasia in the Baltic in May and have booked a Med cruise on Seashore in October, looking forward to seeing 2 completely different vibes on those ships and itineraries!

  • @stevebetts1275
    @stevebetts1275 Год назад +7

    Hi guys, yes I was on this ship for a week a few months ago. I agree with you that some areas were crowded, particularly the pools and hot tub, but it didn't really bother me as I never intended to use them. I thought the Sky Lounge was amazing and my favourite bar on the ship and such an amazing view. I never really used the buffet much but it always had available seating and food looked ok. I did have the pizza from the buffet and it was the best pizza I have ever had. I only used the main dining room and the food was always fine for me. I am vegetarian and never had a problem finding an option. I would say this is more of a party ship than a relaxing cruise.

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад

      Hello Steve, thanks for watching! Glad your experience was predominately good aboard MSC Virtuosa :)

    • @rickzor2700
      @rickzor2700 Месяц назад

      I'll be going on to party so hurray for me!

  • @sailawaymag
    @sailawaymag  Год назад +3

    We’ve been shortlisted for the WAVE AWARDS 2023 for “Favourite Travel Influencer”. If you love our videos, please show your appreciation by giving us your vote using the link below! There’s also a FREE CRUISE available - Best of luck 🤞🏻❤️
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  • @DavidWilliams-nk6bf
    @DavidWilliams-nk6bf Год назад +3

    We went on a six day cruise in November.This was our first cruise so we do not
    have a comparison to make.We were really thrilled with everything on the Virtuosa
    what with the balcony cabin and all inclusive drink deal.The ship was spotless,the
    shows were great andv the food was excellent especcialy the buffet.The Blue Danube
    restaurant was also very good byt the menu was a bit limited so if you go then stay with
    the buffet for your meals.We shall definatly be going on this ship in the future.
    Dave Williams.

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад

      Hello David, thanks for your comment! Glad to see that you had such a great experience onboard. We would certainly agree with you about the ship being spotlessly clean, having a good buffet snd the drinks packages being decent. Yes we had some niggles, but as we said - we paid a lot less to be on there than we would if we had sailed on Royal Caribbean or NCL etc! All the best :)

    • @GD2X
      @GD2X Год назад

      How crowded does the boat feel?

  • @GJALBARR1
    @GJALBARR1 Год назад +2

    Great review! I was just on the MSC Virtuosa cruise 16-23 December 2022. I did the Yacht Club Deluxe Suit. Yacht Club was the only way to go. Dinning was nothing to brag about but the Speciality Dinning was very good. I did not care much for Hola but still enjoyed dinning there. Butchers Club was good and the French Indonesia restaurant was good. My Butler's name was Khin. She was great and service over all in Yacht Club was great. Service around the ship was slow and the ship was so crowded. I spent most of my time in Yacht Club but did get around the ship. The ship had 5,000 people when I was there. I did party hard and made many friends. Yacht Club though very exclusive and I loved it. I would do MSC Yacht club again in the future. One last complaint the tours were not organized good and it was not very organized. All in all MSC Virtuosa Yacht Club is a great experience!

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад

      Thanks for watching George! Glad you have a predominately good experience onboard, particularly in Yacht Club. YC offers a day/night experience to everywhere else onboard!

  • @Archive826
    @Archive826 Год назад +2

    This ship was amazing, one of the best weeks I have ever had, was on it in early april this year, I was in the Fantastica group and it was still amazing. Of course, the buffet was busy but it was manageable. Would love to go back on it again in future. Great Video about it, seems very accurate

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад

      Thanks you so much Ben, glad you had an amazing time onboard! Have you got any more cruises planned for this year? ☺️

  • @carmelshepherd6739
    @carmelshepherd6739 Год назад +4

    I've sailed MSC Virtuosa I really like MSC I've been given 3 drinks package on all 3 cruises and upgraded and discount as I'm NHS so I can't fault them 😁

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад

      Thanks for watching Carmel! Overall, we too had a great time despite some of the issues! We’re very excited to sail on MSC Euribia later this year :)

  • @70PaulK
    @70PaulK Год назад +1

    Thanks guys! I've just returned from a trip on the MSC Virtuosa, having sailed on the P&O Ventura 2 months earlier. I've done 12 Marella trips, but wanted to avoid airports this time. I found the dining and entertainment on the MSC Virtuosa to be much better than on the P&O Ventura, with far more choice and space in the buffet area, and no dress codes- they treated guests as adults who could choose what they want to wear. The bar service on the Virtuosa was slow, so they need to improve this, and there was a lack of a promenade deck to sit out on in the day. The lounges on the Ventura felt more comfortable, but the overall experience on the Virtuosa was far better, especially as they included the drinks package in the fare! I would definitely go back on the Virtuosa if I couldn't get a Marella fly-cruise.

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад

      Hey sorry for the delayed response! Also glad your enjoyed your time on Virtuosa!! Have you booked any more crusies for this year or next year?! ☺️

  • @beverley6312
    @beverley6312 Год назад +1

    Excellent video as always. Happy new year to both of you xx

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад

      Thanks for watching Beverley!! Happy New Year to you too!! ☺️

  • @julieedavie.w8261
    @julieedavie.w8261 Год назад +2

    Lovely video, always fair and balanced! Happy new year hope there’s lots of trips coming up for you both!

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад

      Thanks for watching Julie! Happy New Year to you too - hope you have lots of cruises to look forward to in 2023!

  • @sailawaymag
    @sailawaymag  Год назад +1

    We have made it through to the FINAL 8 of the WAVE AWARDS 2023! If you love our videos, and fancy your chance of WINNING a Riviera river cruise, please give us your vote here : www.worldofcruising.co.uk/wave-awards-2023-vote-now

  • @SuiteNatured
    @SuiteNatured Год назад +2

    Great review guys. Couldn't get over price of the robot bar. Wow.
    Seems that then extra cost stuff on MSC is fantastic (including the show) and inclusive stuff less so. Be interesting to see how World Europa compares on inclusive vs extra.
    Linzi and Mark

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад +1

      Thanks for watching and your lovely comment! Yeah, that bar was well overpriced - at least drinks are included in the drinks package on Royal Caribbean ship's. Look forward to seeing what you think of MSC World Europa - she looks like a stunner! All the best to you :)

  • @matthew.a4694
    @matthew.a4694 Год назад +3

    Such a shame MSC doesn’t home port from Australia during our peak summer season, you always hear such varying experiences with them that I’d love to try them to see for my self!

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад

      Hopefully they will in the future. They have a massive fleet of ship's, there is clearly a market down under!

  • @yskwong
    @yskwong Год назад +2

    We're getting on in exactly 7 days from now, from Le Havre, for 21 nights. We've got 3 Fantastica standard balconies. Not sure what to expect. My first MSC cruise, but I've done many nights on HAL RCI & Celebrity. Very sad to hear that the main dining food is bad. :(

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад

      Hello Wilson - how was you time on MSC Virtuosa? We're huge fans of HAL, RCL and Celebrity. How did it compare in your opinion?

    • @yskwong
      @yskwong Год назад

      @@sailawaymag Cabin attendant was awesome. Entertainment was hit and miss, I didn't quite enjoy the singings, not that they're not good, just that I didn't know how to appreciate them well. But Carousel Production were top notch, definitely a must watch.
      But we were very disappointed by the food quality. Main Dining Room food was really bad, and most of the time, we had to leave and go to the buffet. Buffet wasn't exactly good, but it's better than MDR, however, most of the menu remains the same daily, except for the main grilled meats (beef, turkey, duck, etc.). We also tried the specialty restaurants, the steakhouse (Butcher's Cut) was alright, but one of our steaks was undercooked (raw), and they were more than happy to replace it.
      This is the only cruise where the 9 of us went in, 21 nights later, 7 of us lost weight, and 2 of us maintained the same weight, as compared to before we got on. That's how bad the food quality were.
      I'm a 3 Star Mariner on HAL, approx 20+ nights away from 4 stars, and we'll definitely go back on HAL. We feel that HAL feels a lot more premium, the quality of services are better. Food quality too, and we really love the tea time on HAL, where they do table services, unlike MSC, you go to the buffet line to pick up your scones. MSC's scones are pretty good, and the strawberry jams are to die for.
      Oh, before I forget, pastries and pizzas are very good on the Virtuosa, but we can only take so much before we got really sick of it, if you get what I mean.
      RCI overall way better entertainment, HAL more laid back, with better service. If you ask me, on a cruise with lots of sea days, I'd prefer RCI, because there's a lot more to do, and especially if you're with kids. As for me, I prefer the extra quality in services given, and that's why I love HAL more. I really love the BB King Lounge on HAL, that's where I spend most of my late evenings at listening to Motowns, etc.
      And HAL's mattresses are to die for, they're so comfortable. I have minor backaches on Virtuosa, it doesn't provide me with enough back support, but then, it's just me, coz my wife and other family members slept really well. It's probably just me, coz I'm a huge guy, 250 lbs.

  • @sailawaymag
    @sailawaymag  8 месяцев назад +1

    Have you heard about Sail Away? It's the cruise magazine written by cruise lovers, for cruise lovers! Subscribe today, and you'll be donating £1 for every issue to the marine conservation charity, ORCA! You can also buy in WHSmiths :)
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  • @dansrules
    @dansrules Год назад +2

    We still can’t get over how many extras you’ve have to pay for with MSC, we’re not fans of them pushing sales either on cruises!
    Good video though boys, happy new year!

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад +1

      Thanks for watching! There are so many extras, but I guess once you have paid for them it equates to a Royal Caribbean cruise fare for example! MSC have a lot of good points, and hopefully we have got that across in this video! Happy New Year to you too :)

  • @christinacannon94
    @christinacannon94 Год назад +1

    Another great review guys!😊

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад

      Thanks for watching Christina! Happy New Year :)

  • @eliaqum1234
    @eliaqum1234 25 дней назад

    Is the package of the all included drinks,does it include good/high quality wine or cooking wine?

  • @caroleceres
    @caroleceres Год назад +1

    Thank you for this. I’m considering a last minute cruise and MSC Virtuosa came up. (As you said it would 😄), I’m used to 2 extremes - P&O or Royal Caribbean/Celebrity - and they really are extremes!
    I can definitely lose weight with a P&O cruise, because they have limited venues and after a while I end up eating in the buffet at a time that’s convenient to me. However on the RC/Celebrity Cruises, I can eat any and everywhere and snack and drink with impunity (even though it may only be mocktails)!
    Having viewed your video (thank you for giving the English perspective, including hotel/parking info), it’s obvious to me that I’d have to upgrade to Yacht Club, because I’m not a fan of crowds (especially party crowds) and your video looked like a party festival/Nottinghill Carnival vibe. I can’t do that for 14 nights! 😄
    I really appreciate this. Thank you.

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад +1

      Hey! Thank you so much for commenting and watching, we’re glad your found this helpful! If possible for people, Yacht Club will always be our recordation for MSC because of the points you mentioned!
      Have you booked anything yet or still planning?! 😊

    • @caroleceres
      @caroleceres Год назад +1

      @@sailawaymag still planning! But today’s the day to do something definite!
      We’ve had a few family functions cancelled this month, which were keeping on terra firma, but now we’re free to take to the seas!

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад

      How exciting!! Let us know what you end up booking! 🥳

  • @KSGGamed
    @KSGGamed Год назад +1

    I'll sail on her on February 14th until February 22nd, my first cruise and im really excited!

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад

      Hope you have a great time! Let us know how you got on :)

  • @cruisingwiththe4bs
    @cruisingwiththe4bs Год назад

    Fab review guys, very balanced and a fair view on virtuosa. Great footage as always. Thanks for the little cameo at the end 😂

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад +1

      Thanks for watching guys! Haha no problem, when we go on MSC Euribia we can borrow Rach to show us what we need to do on those slot machines hehe!

  • @garyatkinson5699
    @garyatkinson5699 Год назад +1

    Is room service free?

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад +1

      Hey, Room service with MSC comes with a $4.99 charge per delivery for those in the Bella grade. With the Fantastica grade breakfast is delivered for free, and with the Aurea grade there is free delivery 24-hours a day ☺️

  • @DarrenMansell
    @DarrenMansell Год назад +1

    Thanks for this. We're on board in 6 weeks after having being on Iona last July. I'm quite happy with the issues highlighted as I'm not a big main dining room user anyway and prefer a buffet. I expected to pay a bit extra for a few speciality dining nights and premium shows. For the price paid I think I know what we'll get, I just hope it won't be too busy though in school term time hopefully there's more chance of that. Cheers.

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад

      Hey Darren, thanks so much for watching! We’re sure you’ll have an amazing time onboard, what ports will you be visiting?!

    • @DarrenMansell
      @DarrenMansell Год назад +1

      @@sailawaymag Hamburg, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge and Le Havre. Already booked the minutuar wunderland in Hamburg and will go into Bruges. Not sure about Rotterdam and Le Havre we'll probably just stay on board.

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад

      Ah amazing! Rotterdam we did an excursion (coach trip) to Amsterdam, and another time we did the Holland America Rotterdam ship tour (now a hotel / museum), highly recommend it was really fun and interesting. Hope you have a great time, let us know how it goes when your back! ☺️

  • @LynnemarieWalton
    @LynnemarieWalton Год назад +1

    I am going on msc virtuoso in may and this is so help full

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад

      Glad it was helpful!! Thanks for watching :)

  • @sailawaymag
    @sailawaymag  Год назад +2

    Have you sailed aboard MSC Virtuosa? Let us know your experience by dropping us a comment below :)

    • @axndrian
      @axndrian Год назад +2

      About to in March and worried after this review :(

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад +2

      Hello Adrian, hope you are well! Don’t be worried! MSC Virtuosa is a great ship - and you’ll certainly never been stuck for things to do! Food wasn’t great in the MDR, but the food in buffet is not too bad and speciality restaurants varied from good to exceptional!
      Cabins across all grades are well appointed, nicely decorated and practical!
      MSV Virtuosa is a very lively ship, which at times did verge on rowdy - however that may be more appealing to some! Our biggest criticism is the fact you have to pay for so many extras, but as we observed - MSC tend to be quite a bit cheaper when compared to their rivals! If we could give you a tip, try and save a bit of money to take with you so you can fully experience this ship. There is so much on offer, but only a handful of it is free! We look forward to hearing how you get on!! All the best :)

    • @axndrian
      @axndrian Год назад

      @@sailawaymag Thanks for the heads up, hook up some friends for their first experience on a cruise and I'm afraid the experience could not be the same as we had with Princess or Royal Caribbean... took the full drink package and will do some specialty restaurants for sure... will be back here to give you my impression... but thanks for the video and keep growing the channel!

  • @daniareyes9841
    @daniareyes9841 26 дней назад

    As long as I can get a lounge chair for sunbathing, I will be fine. Some people hold those chairs for the whole day, which is very rude. They indicate that the gym is "free".🤣Well, most cruise ships have free fitness centers. Thank you for the informative video.

  • @christianharvey1010
    @christianharvey1010 Год назад +1

    just come back from a 7 day cruise, and don't know what these guys are on about. We looked at various cruise options and with an unobstructed seaview room and a drinks package and it was still within same costs as competitor offerings - We ate at the Blue Danube every evening and the food was great, different menu every night with meat, fish and vegan options - The ship was not at full capacity so wasn't overly crowded - never struggled to get a seat in any of the bars and the staff were always friendly and helpful. Plenty of things to do and never paid for any shows - yes I paid for the F1 simulator and 4-D cinema but it came to just over £20 for both of us and we had a blast. I also don't agree with the notion that the staff were constantly pushing things onto us - they weren't and a friendly smile and shake of your head goes a long way. The cruise was exceptional value for money and if you do want to splash out on a dining experience I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад

      Glad to hear you had a good time onboard. Thanks for watching!

  • @kico666
    @kico666 Год назад +1

    We enjoyed the ship. The stuff was awesome. We took the easy beverage package and it was enough for us. I would go again with a ship like the Virtuosa.

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад +1

      Thanks for watching! Glad you had an enjoyable time, you can certainly have a fantastic time aboard this ship! All the best :)

  • @petinat17
    @petinat17 5 месяцев назад +1

    Never been on a cruise and omg this is why u never would. Looks like my worst nightmare. I'd rather go in a hotel in Benidorm than this

  • @cliffgniliaw9642
    @cliffgniliaw9642 Год назад +1

    Those pots and pans in the Mexican should be put away, unless they run out of storage haha! 😂

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад

      Hahah that did make us laugh! Think there's a good chance that they are only there for decoration!

    • @michaelc8651
      @michaelc8651 Год назад

      Thanks for your review. I was sitting on the fence with booking Euribia in September on a Scandinavian sailing and you just convinced me not to. $200euro for a speciality dining meal🤮😂

  • @mezza001
    @mezza001 2 месяца назад

    Recently a woman in her 20s had gone overboard and died.

  • @afrimafrim3824
    @afrimafrim3824 Год назад +2

    Sehr sehr enttäuscht vom Servis im Schiff Preisen an das deutsch gesprochen wird was sogut wie keiner auf dem Schiff kann haben Koffer beschädigt und nicht wieder gut gemacht haben ein Zimmer gebucht und ein anderes bekommen und fast alles auf dem Schiff kostet extra kann ich keinen weiter empfehlen

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад

      Thanks for posting! Yes, there are a lot of extra charges - which is why we have tried to highlight this in the video to prepare people! Hope your next cruise is more enjoyable!!

  • @robertjones-eb4xo
    @robertjones-eb4xo 3 месяца назад +1

    Well thanks, we wont be going on this.

  • @jeffgeard4991
    @jeffgeard4991 Год назад

    There are charges on every boat but msc is by far the cheapest don’t be so negative

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад

      They aren’t the cheapest if you end up spending a huge sum of money onboard! We’re pointing out what to expect. The up-charging exists on other cruise lines, but not to that level! It’s not negative, it’s called being honest.

    • @jeffgeard4991
      @jeffgeard4991 Год назад +1

      It’s only I am going on anthem in may and 55 drink package and 16 dollers a day per person on gratuities the crowded thing is an issue thou

    • @sailawaymag
      @sailawaymag  Год назад +1

      Anthem is a great ship btw! Royal Caribbean are very expensive, and we highlight that when we cover RC ships! But, a majority of the heavily advertised activities onboard their ships are included in the cruise fare - such as bumper cars, surf simulator, rock climbing etc! But, very few activities are included with MSC and are pretty pricey - and would certainly add up for a family. It’s swings and roundabouts - but overall we did like MSC Virtuosa, but we just try and highlight that it won’t be for everyone! Hope you like Anthem as much as we did! Take care :)

  • @bozenajencek
    @bozenajencek Год назад +1

    greetings