Back at Sea with MSC Part 2

Last week I told you all about the COVID safety measures on embarkation and on-board my recent cruise on MSC Virtuosa. If you’d like to have a look at this blog you can read here:
https://www.cruise.co.uk/cruise-blogs/ondebbiescruisedial/back-at-sea-with-msc/

Today I’m going to tell you all about the good stuff! The food, the drinks, entertainment, facilities, staff and everything else that made our first cruise in 18 months such an amazing experience!

As soon as we stepped on-board we were greeted with a glass of champagne and a friendly welcome from the staff! What an entrance it is onto the Beautiful MSC Virtuosa too. This is a brand new ship and it is truly spectacular. You step onto the vast promenade and instantly notice the ever changing sky dome which is a fantastic feature on-board all Mervaglia and Meraviglia plus ships. Just a walk along the promenade and you’re hit by another beautiful feature which is the glimmering Swarovski crystal staircases that MSC are famous for. Then it’s time to head for one of the many bars on offer. Premium drinks packages are included on MSC’s UK Staycation cruises so it’d be rude not to – and there’s so many options to choose from!

The Entertainment

There is lots to choose from! We went to a show in the theatre on one evening. You are asked to book to guarantee a space and some seats are left empty to allow for distancing.  There were different shows each night but our one was the ‘Paris’ show.  The setting and costumes drew you in straight away but the dancing and music stole the show!  Shows aren’t normally my thing but I was very impressed by some of the amazing performances including a skating duo on stage performing some very impressive stunts!   At the other end of the ship is the show lounge. We enjoyed watching the Soul Sisters show!  This was a trio of ladies singing and dancing. The show was different every night and there was a great atmosphere with people dancing in their chairs!  Other entertainment included a comedian, bands, musicians, karaoke, quizzes dotted around the ship so there really is something going on for everyone.  There’s plenty of places to have a quiet drink too if you’d prefer or an amazing casino which is open until early morning (whilst at sea) if you fancy a flutter or to watch some sports.

The Activities

There is a full activity programme and each day you’ll receive your daily planner in your cabin so you can plan out the following day.  There is so much going on including quizzes, shows, spa tasters, dancing classes, exercise classes, games and much much more!  During the day, the Main pool (around the middle of the ship) is where you will find a lot of activity going on, which you can enjoy whilst having a cocktail!  I loved the waterpark (which is at the aft of the ship) and enjoyed braving the high ropes.  There is a sports court, walking/Running track, fully fitted gym and lots of games tables around which you can use if you want to do something a bit energetic (or keep the kids entertained!).  MSC boasts an arcade with features such as a Formula One simulator, 4D Cinema and VR Hologate Arena as well as Bowling, video games and traditional arcade machines.  It is well worth getting a games pass to save money on multiple experiences here! The kids club is a great place for children and teens to hang out and enjoy playing or organised activities and meeting friends whilst on-board whilst you can visit the spa or enjoy a dip in one of the many hot tubs and enjoy some relaxation!  My favourite places on the ship were the aft pool area and the upstairs Hot tubs in the covered pool area, it felt like you were in a luxury spa but with much better views of the sea! 

The Food

We dined in the buffet restaurant for breakfast and lunch.  This works a little differently to normal as you’re served by the chefs from behind screens.  This was nice and orderly and the food was delicious!  The MSC pizzas, pasta and salad are especially recommended as well as some yummy desserts!  They also offer a midnight buffet which we took advantage of on a few occasions during our cruise.  For dinner we dined in the Main restaurant.  You arrive at it through a spectacular entrance which has displays of bottles on either side.  We used open dining but we chose to have the same waiter, Mahendra, every evening.  He was so funny and always put a smile on our faces as well as offering great service!  Dinner is rolls on arrival followed by 3 courses (you can pick as many options as you want though if you can’t choose).  They tend to have a different theme for food on each evening.  Our favourite meal was the Surf and Turf on gala evening which was just beautiful!   We were very impressed by the standard of food on-board!

The Drinks

We had the premium drinks package which most would have on-board these UK sailings (unless you pay to upgrade to premium plus).  This includes drinks up to the value of £10.  There were lots of options of wines, beers, soft drinks, cocktails and spirits so plenty to choose from.  I enjoyed the cocktails for which there was a great choice available!  

The Staff

I had to mention how great the staff were. As well as our lovely dining room waiter Mahendra, we felt like we made friends all over the ship with the staff who were so helpful and friendly and always happy for a chat which made our experience all the better!  You can see how happy they all are to be back!  In the evenings the dancers and entertainment crew are brilliant at trying to get people involved which I have always found and loved about MSC.  

I could go on and on talking about this ship and my experience on-board and how much I loved being back at sea but will leave it at this for now.  If you have any questions though please contact me on 03333002638 and I’d be happy to find the perfect cruise for you.