20^th May 2021, a momentous day for the Cruise Industry as the newest Flagship of MSC Cruises, MSC VIRTUOSA, was set to sail, not only on her Maiden Voyage, but the first proper sailing after 15 months suspension due to the covid pandemic.

MSC Cruises have made the decision to welcome vaccinated and non-vaccinated passengers onboard enabling everyone to sail, including children. The stipulation is that within 72 hours before departure you will need to take either a PCR test or a lateral flow test before you can enter the terminal building, keeping all staff and fellow passengers in the building as safe as possible.

On arrival at the port terminal, we had to queue for a short time before we could enter the lobby area. Typical Spring weather meant it was a little wet and cold, but happy faces everywhere, as we were back cruising.

Once we entered in the lobby, we were greeted by a bank of staff, sat at desks, awaiting our arrival.  They were sat, two to a desk, tasked with scrutinising everyone’s insurance documents as they had to check that you were insured for Covid Cover, failure to prove this could mean you were refused boarding. I had used a marker pen to highlight the relevant pages, which I’m so glad I did as the team checking documents were struggling as so many different policies to read through. At this point also we had to show either a record of vaccination or a negative test result. That all completed, we could hand over our suitcases and move through to security.

Security was just as normal, but with added social distancing in place. 

With security and x-ray all complete we moved into the main check in area.  We had to follow the route through to have our main covid test performed. There were approximately 10 booths with clinically dressed staff in white overalls, we each had to sit in a private booth and have a nasal swab test and it only took a matter of seconds, nothing to be anxious about. Each test takes approximately 20 minutes to process. We were handed a numbered card and told to proceed to a check-in desk, where we went through the normal process of having our picture taken, credit card registered and handed our cruise cards – almost there!! We were invited to take a seat, complimentary soft drinks available, Yacht Club members having their own section. 

With our cruise cards we also had a track and trace band that we had to pop on our wrists. These keep track of your position onboard for track and trace purposes and doubled up as your cruise card to buy drinks and access your cabin.

Within around 10 minutes our number was called, and it was time to board this amazing ship!! From arriving at the terminal to the stepping foot onboard took around 90 mins which includes the extra time for the covid test.

Once onboard we could go straight to our stateroom. We had a Fantastica Balcony Cabin on deck 11, which had great storage, drawers and wardrobe, plenty of space to put our clothes and our cases fitted perfectly under the bed.  For our safety the TV remote control had even been sanitised and was in a secure envelope on the desk alongside the daily cruise planner. Swim towels were also there for our use along with bathrobes and slippers.  In the bathroom there was shower gel and shampoo.

Plug sockets are European and American style with a hidden USB plug on the underneath section of each bedside light as well as on the main dressing table.  Hair dryer and Mini bar are also available. Our balcony had two sunchairs and a table.

So lets talk ship!

MSC Virtousa is the flagship and the second Meraviglia plus class ship.

Her 19 decks named after famous composers, such as Ennio Morricone, a touching tribute as he sadly passed away last year, famous for countless film scores including The Good The Bad and The Ugly and The Mission to name just two.

A massive 331 metres long, 16 metres longer then MSC Meraviglia and MSC Bellissima

21 bars, 4 main restaurants and 5 specialty restaurants including all you can eat taco’s, a fantastic steak house, sushi cooked in front of your eyes and outstanding French Vietnamese cuisine is all available to tempt your tastebuds.  The new specialty Starship lounge, features Rob the Robotic cocktail maker, but be aware this is not included in any drinks package, Cocktails start around £18, and you can keep the plastic beaker. He has a quirky personality, and the kids can join in with a mocktail too.

A 945-seat theatre offering different productions every night, along with a Carousel Lounge for smaller productions with a central circular stage with the audience all around it.

12 different cabin types including interconnecting Super Family cabins, accommodating up to six people or Super Family Plus accommodating up to 12 people. Duplex cabins with jacuzzi are found in the Yacht Club. There is something to suit all budgets.

Five swimming pools including a fabulous indoor pool on deck 15, perfect for cooler days, not forgetting different shape Jacuzzis out on deck for relaxing in with a cocktail after a day ashore.

A Himalayan Rope Bridge on deck 19 offers a fun rope course 80 metres above the water. The Aqua Park has water slides, but you might find the opening times vary on the outdoor activities due to the weather. There is an array of indoor activities, Bowling and Formula 1 simulators, arcade games and Virtual reality experiences and the best value would be to purchase a Fun Pass. Children’s clubs are also available, and the Teens have a cool hangout lounge.

Without doubt the most photographed area on the ship is The Galleria and Atrium Swarovski Crystal staircases. The Galleria is home to the longest LED Dome at sea.  It totally brings the ship to life with different displays throughout the day. As for the impressive staircases, photographs do not do justice, they are stunning!

The indoor promenade with 1168m2 is also home to Boutiques, selling clothing, perfume, cosmetics, jewellery and souvenirs, plus you can enjoy one of many flavoured Ice-cream at the Gelato station or delicious topped crepes. Jean Phillipe Chocolatiers are also here, and they spend the day making all sorts of chocolate yummies. Its lovely to enjoy a latte here and watch them hard at work!

And for those that fancy a flutter, on the slot machines or the tables, there is a very impressive casino, open into the small hours. 

If you’re after a touch more luxury then there is Yacht Club, a Ship within a ship featuring a private lounge and restaurant, own pool, cabanas and Butler service. Plus, there is also the Aurea Spa, offering various treatments, sauna, hot beds etc and incorporating the Top Sail 19 private sun deck and jacuzzi area which is the “suite life” for sure. NB due to UK Covid restrictions, certain areas within the spa are currently unavailable. 

The one thing that was on our mind was the Lifeboat safety drill, how was that going to happen? A whole new style was now in place. We now had to stay in our cabin and watch the drill on our stateroom televisions. Once the information had finished, they told us to dial a certain code on the telephone and this would advise the reception desk that we had watched the drill to the end. We then had to take our cruise card to the muster station for them to be scanned. In my opinion this was a much better way and easy to identify the staterooms that didn’t call/attend, those individuals were sent a letter and requested to attend a further drill on the sea day. 

Life back onboard was fabulous, the ship is easy to navigate and only having 1000 passengers instead of the 6000+ she can carry, she felt spacious with social distancing being clearly observed in bars and restaurants. Masks worn when moving around the ship and when in the theatre. Chairs and tables were marked with an X which separated parties well but you were still able to engage in conversations with another.

Due to reduced passenger capacity the restaurant offered an anytime dining option, which meant we could see all the shows in the Grand Theatre, The Comedian and Soul Sisters Motown Act without having to rush, if a last minute plan was made alternatively you can book a seat in advice. 

Our fare included gratuities, and a premium drinks package up to the value of £10 per drink but this was easily upgradable to the premium plus for £16 per person per day, should you want more named brands and champagne. One glass of Champagne was £16 so in my opinion, the upgrade was a big yes! Drinks menus are available to view by scanning the QR code you will find on the table, but don't worry if you don't carry a smart phone as paper menus are available if you ask.

With the new protocols in place, the social distancing and the twice daily temperature checks, I felt completely safe and relaxed, the mask wearing was no issue, it’s only required when moving around the ship inside, but once seated in bars/restaurants, it can be removed. In fact, I wear it longer when visiting my local supermarket. 

Behind the scenes a team of cleaners are working tirelessly to keep the ship clean and sanitised and without doubt, MSC Cruises have got this balance of safety measures right whilst allowing you to have an amazing and safe holiday.

I would have no hesitation to book another and I really hope this is the kick start the UK cruise market had been longing for.

Congratulations MSC CRUISES!