MSC Virtuosa
MSC Virtuosa: Classy megaship brims with family fun
Snapshot
MSC Virtuosa debuted in May 2021 as the largest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, equalizing the size of twin sister MSC Grandiosa. It's a dazzling megaship with room for 4,842 passengers at double occupancy and 6,334 at maximum capacity.
MSC promises travelers “the ultimate cruise vacation experience” on board. And, depending on your preferred travel style, it may offer just that. The ship boasts an impressive array of features and amenities to make any guest swoon.
Part of MSC's Meraviglia Plus class, MSC Virtuosa features a huge pool deck, lavish stage productions, an indoor promenade with a giant LED digital sky ceiling, an outdoor water park, some exquisite dining and one of the best Games Arcades at sea, including a VR maze, two F1 simulators, two bowling lanes and a cinema where you put on 3D glasses and shoot zombies.
Technology is a big part of the MSC experience, so guests are encouraged to download the MSC for Me app, which lets you to make bookings on board, keep track of your booked activities (and your bill!) and see your kids' whereabouts. You'll be given a wristband that opens your room door and pays for drinks and purchases on board.
Who will enjoy sailing on MSC Virtuosa
If you're looking for a quiet getaway and aren't opting for the Yacht Club, MSC Virtuosa (or any megaship) probably isn't for you. But this is a great choice for families and those who like lots of big production shows, lots of activities to choose from and even food mavens.
Where MSC Virtuosa sails
Initial itineraries take Virtuosa around the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, with longer Grand Voyages available as well.
Dining options
On MSC Virtuosa, dining is a grand affair with a European flair. The ship offers four main complilmentary dining rooms, each serving a three- or four-course dinner with rotating menus and fresh pasta dishes.
At Marketplace Buffet you'll find international dishes, ethnic cuisine, healthy options and lots of other choices in an informal buffet setting with a stellar view of the sea. It's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Specialty dining
For an additional cost, dining options include:
- Hola! Tacos & Cantina: This new casual food dining concept offers a selection of Latin America and Mexican-inspired dishes and drinks to enjoy in a relaxed atmosphere. Open for lunch & dinner.
- Butcher's Cut: An American-style steakhouse that Cruise Critic calls "one of the best at sea," with a wide range selection of meat dishes and tasty desserts.
- L'Atelier Bistrot: This charming bistro off the main promenade serves French classics accompanied by live music on a small stage most evenings.
- Indochine: Guests can choose from a savory selection of French-Vietnamese dishes as well as vegetarian and vegan options at Indochine aboard MSC Virtuosa.
- Kaito Sushi Bar: This stylish sushi eatery blends tradition and modernity, offering authentic Asian cuisine prepared on the spot with fresh ingredients.
- Kaito Teppanyaki: Choose your spot at one of four cooking stations and watch the Japanese dishes prepared on an open grill.
Activites on board
Pools, pools, glorious pools!
MSC Virtuosa features five distinctive pools that can acommodate more than 1,000 guests with comfort. The Atmosphere Pool boasts 18,000+ square feet of space (or about 107 square feet of public space per guest. Plus, look for a long waterslide and what MSC describes as one of the biggest and most intricate waterparks at sea.
Le Grande Theater
MSC is known for its entertainment, and the 975-person, Broadway-style theater at the front of the ship hosts several different stage shows twice a night every day of the cruise. Most are dance and musical revues with acrobatics that will appeal to international audiences.
Kids clubs
MSC Cruises is known for its family-friendly ships and has partnered with the LEGO Group to design the kids club areas and to program onboard activities for children and families.
Galleria Virtuosa
If you're a shopaholic, MSC Virtuosa is where your shopping dreams come true. Galleria Virtuosa sports the longest LED dome at sea and more than 12,500 square feet of retail space — the largest shopping area at sea. The indoor promenade features both main and specialty restaurants, 11 state-of-the-art boutiques and over 250 brands. You may want to grab a cocktail and catch live entertainment showcased in the promenade.
MSC Starship Club
You'll find at least 10 bars and lounges on board. One newcomer is the MSC Starship Club, which borrows a page from Royal Caribbean's bionic bartenders. The Starship Club is home to Rob, the first humanoid robotic bartender at sea, who will prep your favorite cocktail, no matter what planet you're from.
Spa & wellness
MSC Aurea Spa is one of the best at sea, featuring a thermal area, massage & body treatments, facials and beauty services (for an extra cost). The fitness area comes equipped with the latest Technogym machines, five outstanding pools and a solarium.
Other options
You'll also find nine whirlpools, a casino, show lounge, video arcade, ropes course, sports court, bowling and jogging track.
What you won't find: A rock climbing wall, zipline, mini-golf, FlowRider, library, bridge viewing area.
MSC Yacht Club
Offering sweeping views and suites in the most premier location on the ship, the MSC Yacht Club offers an all-inclusive, premium luxury experience. Guests staying in the MSC Yacht Club can enjoy private dining, a large private pool with solarium and whirlpool, a private lounge and bar and more. Those who opt for this all-inclusive experience also get complimentary drinks, unlimited Wi-Fi, free access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea Spa and a number of luxurious amenities. Here's a short glimpse of those amenities on MSC Virtuosa:
Staterooms
MSC Virtuosa has 2,405 staterooms on board with the following cabin classes:
- Balcony: The ship features 1,322 Balcony staterooms measuring 182 square feet, with balconies from 32 to 53 square feet. All feature double or single beds, a sitting area with sofa, bathroom with shower and hair dryer.
- Family: If you have a large brood, 190 Family staterooms sleep up to 12 and are made up of two connecting staterooms, each with its own bathroom and balcony, adding up to 269 square feet with 86-square-foot balconies.
- Ocean View: You can choose from 160 Ocean View staterooms ranging from 161 to 269 square feet, which come with a window with sea view along with double or single beds, and a sitting area with sofa and bathroom.
- Interior: For a more economical fare, you can opt for one of the 728 Interior or 15 Interior Studio rooms.
- Suites: There are a number of suite classes to choose from, ranging in size from a 247-square-foot Suite (with balconies up to 150 square feet) to the Royal Suites, which come in at a generous 613 square feet of living space and huge 624-square foot balconies.
Eco-conscious sailings
We all need to do more to protect the environment and MSC Cruises took extra steps to make MSC Virtuosa one of the most environmentally sound and energy-efficient ships at sea. MSC reports a 98% reduction of sulfur oxide and a 90% reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions, the use of a wide range of energy-saving equipment and an advanced wastewater treatment system with higher purification standards than most wastewater treatment facilities ashore.
Fun facts
- MSC Virtuosa's name comes from the word virtuoso, meaning someone highly skilled in any field of activity. MSC Virtuosa was named to pay homage to the skill and expertise of the MSC Cruises architects and shipyard partners at Les Chantiers de l'Atlantique who designed and built this innovative class of ships.
- The ship's decks are named after the world's most famous composers: Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Verdi, Vivaldi and others.
Your take
How about you? Will you be sailing on MSC Virtuosa? What's the appeal?
Interested in a cruise on this ship?
For pricing, itinerary information and to reserve your spot on MSC Virtuosa, contact a Cruiseable travel consultant by email or call 1-877-322-3773.
Top highlights on this ship
Top dining options on board
