Still a great option for families, but there is room for improvement
MSC Virtuosa is one of the many Meraviglia-class ships and sits between MSC Grandiosa and MSC Euribia in terms of launch date. It shares a lot of similarities with MSC Grandiosa but makes a few small changes in certain areas. For example, it includes more shopping options and an exclusive bar where you’re served by a robot.
Other than that, you can expect much of the same cool stuff from Grandiosa, like tons of entertainment and some pretty good swimming pools. Of course, some of the downsides stick around too, especially the extra charges for many activities and the occasional crowded space. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.
What we like about MSC Virtuosa
All of the Meraviglia-class ships look amazing, and that tradition continues with MSC Virtuosa. The atrium is stunning, with Swarovski staircases and a promenade called Galleria Virtuosa that serves as the heart of the ship. This promenade is similar to the ones found on recent Royal Caribbean ships, and it’s your go-to spot for specialty restaurants, shopping, and bars.
The Galleria is a staple of the Meraviglia class, but it’s even bigger on MSC Virtuosa compared to Grandiosa, featuring more stores and shopping opportunities. The LED ceiling is one of the most talked-about features here - it stretches across the entire promenade in a colorful show of lights that’s definitely worth seeing.
There’s also a lot to do onboard, especially for children. You’ll find four swimming pools, a full entertainment area with an F1 simulator, flight simulator, bowling lanes, arcade, a LEGO-themed Kids Club, and the Savannah Aquapark. The Aquapark is similar to the ones found on other Meraviglia-class ships, just with a slightly different theme. It still features most of the usual amenities, like waterslides, splash zones, rope bridges, and small playgrounds. Overall, there’s plenty to keep kids and teenagers entertained throughout the cruise.
MSC Virtuosa is also home to the MSC Starship Club, a futuristic venue where your drinks are served by a robot. It’s a fun little gimmick that will probably entertain kids more than anyone else. You use a touchscreen to choose your drink, pay for it, and then watch Rob the robot mix it for you. It’s definitely something unique and cool, but at the end of the day, it’s still just a gimmick. Trivia: Rob shares the same name as Rob the Robot from Nintendo, and even has similar arms. Hmm!
What we don’t like about MSC Virtuosa
One issue MSC Virtuosa shares with other Meraviglia-class ships is the number of extra charges if you want to experience everything onboard. The F1 simulator? Extra. Bowling alley? Extra. Arcade? Yep, that too. Even some shows at the Carousel Lounge come with an added fee. If you’re not careful, you might end up spending way more than you expected by the end of your cruise.
Service onboard could also be a bit better, which is an issue that also shows up on MSC Grandiosa. Some crew members are awesome, sure, but you’ll often see a few waiters standing around doing nothing while two others do all the work. Sometimes, the staff can even seem untrained. For example, we saw someone at the MSC Yacht Club restaurant ask if it was possible to change something in their dish, and the waiter just said, “No.” Just like that. I mean… c’mon, friend.
Conclusion
MSC Virtuosa is a fun little ship, but still a downgrade compared to MSC Euribia or the World Class ships. It needs some improvements in a few key areas, even though the entertainment onboard is pretty good. If you're looking for a Northern Europe cruise, there are definitely better options out there… but if you can snag a great deal, Virtuosa might be worth it.
MSC Virtuosa FAQ
How much does a cruise on MSC Virtuosa cost?
Prices vary depending on the date and stateroom category, but fares start at around $600 for a 4-Day European Cruise.
What are the main destinations for MSC Virtuosa?
MSC Virtuosa primarily sails to Northern Europe, but it also has a few Caribbean itineraries.
Is MSC Virtuosa good for children?
Definitely! This is a ship kids will absolutely love, thanks to its awesome water park and tons of entertainment options, from arcades and F1 simulators to bowling alleys and more.
Does MSC Virtuosa visit Ocean Cay?
No. Even if MSC Virtuosa does sail to the Caribbean, current itineraries do not include a stop at Ocean Cay.
