We are a family with teenagers (16 and 14) and this was our 3rd cruise. Having cancelled our trip abroad, and after hours of last-minute research on a UK holiday resulting in a poor choice of accommodation, value and facilities, we decided to take the plunge and book a UK cruise onboard MSC Virtuosa.
The attraction of cruising has always been exploring the ports of call and our previous cruises were really rich itineraries, so the idea of a cruise which was mainly 'sea days' was not immediately appealing. However, having decided that this holiday was going to be all about relaxing and spending time together - rather than exploring new places - it fit the bill perfectly.
1. Upgrade to the Aurea Experience - highly recommend this.
If you are likely to book a massage in the spa anyway, this is a no brainer and even if you are not the other benefits are significant.
Your Aurea upgrade includes:
- A massage per adult booked, worth £90 + per massage.
- Access to the exclusive Top 19 Sun deck - a quieter sun deck with a large crescent shaped whirlpool/hot tub, superior loungers and waiter service.
- Choice of dining time - this was a huge benefit for us. You just turn up to the restaurant when you please, rather than being allocated set dining at 6.30 pm or 8.30 pm.
- Priority disembarkation
- Complimentary access to the Thermal Spa - bookable onboard, not everything is open due to Covid restrictions but you can enjoy the saunas, hot/cold shower experiences and lounging areas
- Free room service including breakfast in your cabin each morning, which we took advantage of as a more relaxing start to the day. (This is also available for the Fantastica experience)
2. Consider upgrading to the Yacht Club
Previously we have always booked 2 balcony cabins, and on this occasion we upgraded to the Aurea experience, however, having experienced the Yacht Club for a day, if we were to book the same holiday again we would go for a balcony and an inside cabin in the Yacht Club. The teenagers would have been fine in the inside cabin, and the overall experience is undoubtedly worth paying more for.
- The dining experience is superb, table service meals in the restaurant available at every meal time and buffet options on the sun deck.
- Excellent selection of wine included with meals and all beverages are complimentary.
- Spacious, private lounge bar with amazing views from the front of the ship with live music in the evening.
- Superior, more spacious cabins
- Private sun deck and pool with attentive staff - the main pool deck was lively and busy so this was like an oasis in comparison.
- Access to the exclusive Top 19 Sundeck with whirlpool as per the Aurea experience.
- Complimentary access to the Thermal Spa
- 24 hour concierge butler service.
- Wi-Fi is included. It cost us £221 for 4 devices pre-booked, costs more when purchased onboard.
- Access to all the other amenities on the ship.
3. Pre- Book a Fun Pass (or 3)
If you pre-book a Fun Pass for 7 days it costs £72 online, this gives you £140 credit to spend on the F1 Simulator, bowling, 4D Cinema, VR games and arcade.
A Fun Pass is allocated to one person but can be used for other people. We had 3 between the 4 of us and that was more than enough for 3 games of bowling, lots of F1, a bit of air hockey and some arcade games. 2 would probably have been enough.
If you pre-book the Fun Pass everything is just about half price. The prices are roughly £55 per hour for bowling, £35 per half hour and £12 per go for the F1 simulator, so the Fun Pass makes everything a lot more affordable. Most of the activities are run on a turn up and play basis, apart from the bowling which needs to be pre-booked.
4. Wi-fi is required
- Definitely pre-book at the point of booking or pre-travel as you save at least 20%. The cost for us was £221 for 4 devices for a week pre-booked.
- You will need it, even when sailing in UK waters.
- Included for Yacht Club bookings.
5. Take your own ping pong bats and balls if you have them
This may change, but while we were onboard, there were set times when the bats and balls were available for guests to use in the morning and afternoon. However, if you take your own you can use the table tennis tables at leisure outside those hours. We had a couple of fun ping-pong evenings together and many sessions in the day too.
6. Book your speciality dining early in the week
We were a bit slow on this and didn’t get round to it until mid-way through our cruise, so there was a limited selection for evening dining. Lunchtime bookings were still available.
7 Try Hola! Tacos and Cantina
was excellent value and a massive hit with all of us, the staff were super friendly and gave excellent recommendations. Casual, tasty and eat as much as you like for £16 per person. Ideal for hungry teenagers.
8. Try the hot chocolate at Jean Philippe Chocolate and Cafe
This is not included in your All Inclusive package but is absolutely worth paying for - hard to describe how good it is, you will just have to try for yourself!
9. Take your gym kit
The gym is excellent, very spacious and with the latest brand new and equipment. Although there were capacity restrictions due to Covid, there was only 1 occasion where this meant coming back a little later. If you are a runner, it is best to get out before 9.30 am to run around the track if you want a clear run, but people were running throughout the day without too much bother.
10. Find the outside eating area at the back of the ship for the Market Place Buffet
You could easily not find this but tucked away at the back of ship, in an area of the buffet that was not being used, is a sheltered outside deck with quite a few tables and beautiful views out to sea.
Sound like your perfect family getaway this summer?
See more info and itineraries aboard MSC Virtuosa! For more options, see all our other amazing UK Summer 2021 cruises.
