A wonderful week on MSC Virtuosa

MSC Virtuosa is a large ship, and when I was onboard in June, she was sailing at capacity. However, we had no issues being served and as we have the Aurea package took full advantage of the exclusive sun deck (complete with an S shaped jacuzzi over looking the main pool) so we were always able to get a sunbed.

People do tend to reserve sunbeds around the main pool so do be aware of that if you want to be in that area. However, there are bags of sunbeds right through the outside deck space and some lovely tranquil areas down the sides.

There are four pools on board (one of which is exclusive to Yacht Club guests) and lots more Jacuzzis dotted around. The tropical pool is under cover, so it is a great retreat if the weather is not too favourable.

The main restaurants all have the same menu and we enjoyed all our meals every evening. A highlight was Hola, which is the speciality Mexican restaurant. It was totally worth the £17.99 cover charge. Breakfast in the main dining room was a lovely alternative to the main buffet.

It is a lively ship with a jam-packed schedule if you want to be kept busy!

For those who prefer quieter areas, the Sky Lounge is adults only ??

The children's clubs cater for babies through to teens. Opening times vary depending on whether it is a sea or port day and the times are displayed in the main children’s area. In fact, the teen club seems to always be the most popular!

The fun pass is worth considering if you want to go bowling, enjoy the virtual reality area or the 3D cinema. This is loaded onto one cruise card, and you tap it for each person. It is possible to put a daily spending limit on the fun pass. You pay £75 for 1 x fun pass and it is loaded with 140 euros of credit.

There always seemed to be sports games going on in the sportsplex (I do not believe sports balls are available at all times so I recommend taking some along if you know your children will want to play in this area), there are basket ball and football nets out at most times when it is not being used by the entertainment team. The waterslides are included as well as, of course, as the various pools and Jacuzzis.

There are also table tennis tables and table football upstairs in the tropical pool area.

I highly recommend going to see Rob, the robot, who makes some delicious cocktails. There is a charge for this but you get a souvenir cup to remember that experience.

On the Aurea package we had anytime dining included. For those booked on Bella and Fantastica packages you can request early (first sitting 5.30, then 7.45pm) or late (late sitting is 9.30 – 9.45pm). If the ship is full you may not be able to change but my tip is to head straight to the restaurant as soon as you get onboard (not guest services) to ask if you can amend your time. Others went to their assigned restaurant at the earlier times and did get seated as not everyone goes every day. Some people will go to the buffet and others will be enjoying speciality dining.

On most 7 night + cruises there will be a Gala night (where you are encouraged to get glammed up) a white party (take along some glow sticks) and a Tropical (beach style) themed evenings. All are good fun but again, there is so much more to enjoy if this is not for you.

These are some of my top tips;

Pre book parking as soon as possible which I can help with. There are 5 ships sailing from Southampton every week at the moment so it does get booked up very quicky. If the main car parks are full take a look at West Quay and get a taxi/uber. It takes circa 10 minutes. As mentioned, the ports are busy so allow plenty of time.

The Buffet can get very busy. Head to the back of the buffet area as it is much quieter and you can order drinks from your table.

The Buffet includes free tea and coffee and juices. The Atmosphere bar by the main pool has lemon and orange water and you can use this to refill your water bottles.

The Sky Bar (adults only) has complimentary snacks including sweet and savoury bites as well as crisps.

Additional Aurea benefits include the Top 19 sundeck and the thermal spa (worth a visit even if you do not have it included as it is fabulous). Top 19 sundeck is a lovely part of the ship and has a great jacuzzi overlooking the main pool.

Yacht club looked lovely (unfortunately I could not sneak in) and has many additional benefits such as an exclusive pool, restaurant and lounge. Your cruise card also gives priority on the lifts.

The shows do get booked up but again it is worth going along people book and then decide against going. You book shows via the information screens dotted around the ship.

Feedback on the paid for shows was excellent. We did not do these as we enjoyed the ones included in the cruise price but as mentioned, feedback on the paid ones was really good.

Butchers Cut speciality dining (cover charge applies) had rave reviews from everyone I met who had eaten there. We had a great meal at Hola the speciality Mexican restaurant.

Download moves to watch in your cabin if you do not want to pay as there is a charge for all the options on the MSC channels.

There are USB charging points next to your beds and remember your travel adapters. There are 2 x US sockets and 2 x European sockets!

Where shuttle buses are needed to get into port a charge of £13 per adult return and £11 per child applies or you can use local taxi (this was for Spain and France and may change for other destinations).

Please get in touch if you would like to find out more about MSC and the different experiences avaialble on board. There are some wonderful cruises at excellent prices available at the moment!