Cruise in October? A weekend with MSC Virtuosa from Southampton

What is it really like to go on a cruise from the UK in mid-October? We recently had the opportunity to find out when we spent an extended weekend sailing from Southampton to northern France and back. Here, you can read more about our experiences with MSC Cruises, and in particular, MSC Virtuosa.

You probably know it well – no matter how many times you’ve been on a cruise, it never really stops being exciting to step on board a new ship for the first time. And this trip was certainly no exception. After a day in London enjoying fish & chips, the ABBA Voyage show, and a bit of shopping, we headed south by bus to the ship in Southampton.

“MSC Virtuosa is an impressive ship – modern, elegant, and packed with facilities,” says Otto. “Once on board, you are quickly struck by the distinctive features of the Meraviglia class: the sparkling Swarovski staircases, the stunning promenade with its digital LED sky, and the cohesive design throughout.”

After boarding and taking in our first impressions of the ship, we made our way up to our balcony cabin on Deck 13. A spacious cabin with a lovely bathroom and plenty of closet space – exactly what you need when “moving in” for a few days. Shortly after our arrival, we were introduced to Densil from St. Kitts, our friendly cabin steward, who went above and beyond to ensure we were well taken care of throughout the trip.

Even though we were sailing in mid-October, having the balcony was wonderful. “It was perfect for enjoying the autumn sun, the beautiful sea views, and a cold beer – it allowed us little breaks and was a lovely spot to round off the day’s experiences,” notes Cecilia.

If you’ve been on an MSC ship, you know there are an incredible number of activities to enjoy – whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family, or with friends. We experienced the same on this trip. “The ship’s facilities offer experiences for every taste. For example, we loved that each bar had its own theme, allowing us to choose between beautiful piano music, lively jazz, or sports in the sports bar, depending on our mood,” says Cecilia, highlighting the robot that mixes drinks to order at the Starship Club as one of the fun experiences.

“I was particularly impressed by how cohesive everything felt,” adds Otto. “The atmosphere on MSC Virtuosa is lively, and there really is something for everyone. The gym is state-of-the-art, the kids’ club is popular with younger guests, and the Sky Lounge Bar offers a relaxed, child-free zone.”

As always, you’ll also find inviting pool areas, a relaxing spa, and plenty of activities for guests of all ages.

Every evening offered entertainment, and with different shows in the theatre, such as Hall of Fame and Dirty Dancing, there was always something new to experience each night. We managed to see three different shows, all beautifully produced with talented performers and a suitable length of around 35 minutes.

In addition, we had pre-booked seats for Ajerdez – Carousel Productions by Sea, an acrobatic and theatrical performance in the Carousel Lounge, best compared to Cirque du Soleil. “The Carousel Lounge was absolutely fantastic – real acrobatics, stunning costumes, and a truly professional experience, which I highly recommend if you’re looking for extraordinary entertainment,” says Linnea.

Another highlight of our trip was the specialty restaurant Teppanyaki, which quickly became a favourite for us. If you haven’t tried this unique dining experience before, we can highly recommend it. Here, you get a combination of delicious food prepared by skilled chefs and entertainment as your meal is cooked right before your eyes.

“The dinner became an experience in itself, with extra attention paid to every detail,” says Cecilia, while Linnea highlights the food at Teppanyaki: “It was really good! The salmon was perfect, and the meat was cooked exactly as ordered.”

Altogether, there are 11 different restaurants on board the ship – a mix of included dining options and specialty restaurants where you pay extra for a meal – offering a wide and varied selection.

An autumn cruise from the UK turned out to be both refreshing and cosy. Even without strong sun and warm temperatures, MSC Virtuosa delivered an experience full of energy, comfort, and memorable moments – exactly how a cruise should be, if you ask us.

• Download your boarding pass digitally: This makes check-in seamless – no paper, no stress.
• Book shows on the first evening: They sell out quickly, so make sure to secure your spot early.
• Add the Easy Drinks Package: It’s well worth it – even if you don’t drink alcohol. It gives you the freedom to enjoy a cappuccino, take a soft drink ashore, and generally order beverages without worrying about the bill once on board.

           Sound like your kind of trip? Check out the range of voyages with MSC Virtuosa and the rest of the
           Meraviglia-class ships here.