Sister ship to the stunning MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa is the second of the cruise line's Meraviglia Plus Class ships. Gracing the high seas from 2021, she has been designed with the latest eco-friendly developments meaning she will emit less carbon dioxide than the others in the fleet. When it comes to life onboard, MSC Virtuosa are committed to offering guests fine Mediterranean hospitality, while at the same time keeping up with the latest in modern conveniences. Top highlights onboard include Kaito Teppanyaki and Hola! Tacos & Cantina, alongside the futuristic MSC Starship Club and unforgettable entertainment in the Carousel Lounge. At just over 1000 feet in length, MSC Virtuosa accommodates almost 6,000 guests, in a total of 2,240 cabins, yet despite her size, the large attentive crew makes every passenger feel special throughout their cruise.
MSC Virtuosa will be sailing from Southampton in summer 2026! Discover the variety of MSC Virtuosa summer 2026 sailings from Southampton here and book your MSC Virtuosa sailing today!
15 March 2025
18 February 2025
16 October 2024
07 September 2024
08 November 2024
01 June 2024
20 October 2024
10 August 2024
22 August 2024
This award-winning cruise line rightly prides itself on fantastic personal service, a quality that really shines through when it comes to the dining experience onboard. Guests can opt for a traditional multi-course meal in one of the five main dining rooms at breakfast, lunch and dinner, while the Marketplace Buffet serves up cuisine from around the world in a casual setting. If you're looking for something a little different, be sure to reserve a table at one of the speciality restaurants onboard.
Enjoy the fantastic flavours of French and Vietnamese cuisine at this fusion restaurant. Serving up a tempting selection of dishes, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, this is the perfect restaurant for those looking for elegant décor, flavourful dishes and cocktails and wine to complement whatever you choose.
With its authentic, freshly-made Japanese dishes and modern, intimate design, Kaito Sushi Bar is a must during your time on MSC Virtuosa.
Take your seat at this Japanese restaurant as you watch the expert chefs prepare your dishes right before your eyes. With delicious meat, fish and vegetarian options, everyone is catered for at this unique and immersive eatery.
The place to go for meat lovers, Butcher's Cut is MSC Cruise' signature steakhouse. Serving up succulent steaks and all the classic steakhouse sides you could ask for, this American-style eatery won't disappoint.
Taking its inspiration from Mexican and Latin-America cuisine, Hola! Tacos & Cantina is a street-food style restaurant which invites guests to enjoy flavour-packed dishes at lunch and dinner. From nachos and tacos to empanadas and tamales, the impressive menu is guaranteed to tempt you.
Satisfy your sweet tooth during your MSC Virtuosa cruise with a trip to Jean-Philippe Crepes & Gelato. Boasting a selection of tasty toppings for your crepes, as well as an array of gelato flavours, enjoy a holiday treat during your time onboard.
From fresh roasted coffee and macaroons to chocolates and sweet treats created in the open kitchen, the delicious smells of this speciality café and boutique are bound to entice you in.
Cool down as you're lounging by the pool with a visit to the onboard ice cream bar. Offering soft-serve ice cream cones, fresh fruit and frozen drinks, this venue is perfect for kids and adults alike.
When it comes to entertainment, MSC Virtuosa goes above and beyond to make sure that there's something to suit all tastes during a cruise onboard. For those who love live theatre, Le Grand Theatre is on hand with an impressive programme of shows during your time on the ship. From singing and dancing to rollerblading and acrobatics, sit back and watch in awe as the talented performers put on spectacular shows each evening of your cruise.
However, the live entertainment doesn't stop there. Make your way to the Carousel Lounge for comedy, music, and cooking shows. Meanwhile, the multi-purpose TV Studio & Bar plays host to live games, quizzes, talent contests and karaoke, perfect for those who want to take part in the entertainment themselves. In addition, having a whizz on the F1 Simulator puts you right into the action!
If you're just looking for somewhere to relax with a drink in hand, MSC Virtuosa has plenty to offer, with an array of bars and lounges to explore, including:
Enjoy a unique at-sea experience with a visit to the MSC Starship Club. Order your cocktail on the touch-screen and then watch in awe as Rob, the first robotic humanoid bartender at sea, whips up your drink in front of your eyes.
Conveniently located inside MSC Virtuosa's casino, take a break from the action and pull up a seat at the bar. Order your favourite beer, wine, spirit or soft drink to help you rehydrate before heading back to the games tables or slot machines.
With views over the ship and out to sea thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, the Sky Lounge is the perfect spot for an evening onboard. Relax into the comfy seating, chat with fellow cruisers or simply enjoy a quiet drink in this stunning venue.
Sat close to the sports court, bowling alley and F1 Simulators, this stylish bar invites you to sit down and take a break with a drink in hand. There are even tasty snacks to choose from if you find yourself feeling peckish.
Inspired by a traditional British pub and combined with a nautical theme, you're sure to feel at home as soon as you step into Masters of the Seas. With its pub quizzes, live music and impressive selection of beers, you'll feel like you're paying a visit to your local.
Choose from a specially selected wine menu and signature cocktails at this warm and inviting bar. As you sip on your drink, soak up the sounds of the live jazz music, or take a walk through the pop-up art gallery and admire the pieces on show.
Found at the stern of MSC Virtuosa, Horizon Bar is a relaxed venue serving wines, cocktails, beers and frozen drinks. Soak up the fresh sea air as you take in the spectacular views over the wake of the ship.
Get ready for a night of music that will get you dancing into the early hours at the onboard night club. With a state-of-the-art sound system and talented DJs showing off their skills, there's no better way to enjoy a night on MSC Virtuosa.
Chic and sophisticated, make your way to the centrally-located Champagne Bar for a glass of the finest champagnes. Plus, with a selection of caviar, oysters and fish, you can truly indulge during your time here.
Whether you're meeting friends for a pre-dinner drink or winding down for the evening, Infinity Bar is the perfect spot throughout the day. Found at the heart of the ship, you can sit back and enjoy the hustle and bustle, or tune into the relaxing live piano music.
The welcoming ship has plenty of nooks and crannies which are full of surprises to keep guests amused.
The main indoor promenade has a fantastic digital sky ceiling, which creates an airy and comfortable ambience. Here you'll find a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and places where you can stop and relax for a while. In the evenings this area comes alive with live music and other entertainment and becomes a social hub akin to a street party. For a calmer few hours, guests can browse through thought-provoking pieces at the first contemporary art gallery at sea, or get lost in a book with a coffee or cocktail in one of the cosy lounges.
Of course, many cruisers seek to spend much of their time relaxing by the pool, and taking the odd dip as and when they want to cool down. With five pools onboard, including the main pool which is surrounded by sun loungers, as well as a big screen showing classic movies and the latest blockbusters, there are plenty of spots to take a dip, cool off and relaxing during your cruise. This impressive ship even boasts the fantastic Savannah Aquapark. Complete with exciting slides, this waterpark attraction is great for guests both old and young! What's more, if you like the adrenaline rush of the waterslides, be sure to test your nerves on the high ropes course where you'll be rewarded with fantastic ocean views.
However, the fun onboard doesn't end there, with even more activities inside for everyone to enjoy, including:
With cruises designed for the whole family to enjoy, MSC Cruises offers five kids clubs onboard MSC Virtuosa:
Thanks to MSC Cruises' partnership with LEGO, not only will kids aged 3-11 be able to play with stimulating toys throughout their time onboard, once each cruise they can enjoy a LEGO Experience Onboard event, a day dedicated to all things LEGO.
You can also read our recent blog - Best Family Cruises Summer 2024 to learn more about its family-friendly attractions!
MSC Virtuosa has a well-positioned gym, which boasts a range of state-of-the-art fitness equipment as well as an outstanding sea view. Other ways to stay active include use of the spacious pool and the Sportsplex where you can get the blood pumping with a game or two.
Those looking to relax and unwind onboard will also love the MSC Aurea Spa. The tranquil space offers a chance to escape the bustling ship, and simply sit back or even indulge in a treatment.
MSC Virtuosa is one of the ships with cruises that depart from the UK. To find out more, along with the other cruises that are also departing from the UK, read our blog - Cruise Ships Departing From Southampton. It also boasts a MSC Yacht Club onboard. Find out more about the MSC Yacht Club by reading our blog - Is MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club Worth it? Alternatively, check out our blog - Top 10 Things Highlights Onboard MSC Virtuosa.
As seen on Channel 5's 'The Good Ship Murder,' MSC Virtuosa sails the Mediterranean from Southampton in Summer 2024, offering opportunities to explore featured destinations. See our blog - New Channel 5 Drama Series 'The Good Ship Murder' Filmed on MSC Virtuosa to find out more.
We upgraded our MSC experience to Yacht Club due to the size of the ship and number of passengers onboard. What a great decision that was - a fantastic experience from start to finish from the large Suite to the 24 hour Butler and mini-bar. Priority seating for shows and embarkation and disembarkations also. If we ever decide to do MSC again it will 100% be in Yacht Club.
We had dinner in the Opera Restaurant and our two waiters were amazing. They were kind, friendly and professional. They were genuine in how we were, what we had been doing and ensuring that we received the best service. We were on table 934 and all in the restaurant were polite and friendly and the food was amazing. Not one meal was below standard all exceeded so well done to the chef. Our housekeeping responsible for our room did an excellent job our ensuring our room was clean and tidy. The staff that work on the information desk need some recognition for the job they do. The time I went to visit them they were helpful ensured I walked away full satisfied that my queries had been answered. I also witnessed the constant barrage of rudeness and aggression that they receive often and on a daily basis. It was so unfair for them to have to endure this but they all remained professional which they do need to be rewarded for.
Excellent service from the Yacht Club team a real can do approach to everything asked if them. High standards of cleanliness and MSC offer so much more for suite passengers compared to other cruise companies. Dubai was awesome as was the whole trip and I would recommend the Sheraton Grand Hotel as it was an incredible venue and great location from which to explore. A big well done to IGLU as your organisation from flights to transfers and hotel plus of course the cruise itself was fantastic without blemish at any stage. Whilst on-board we have already booked again for next year.
Our only quibble is with the dining times in the evening. We were 7.30 pm, which is too late for us. It could have been worse at 9.30 pm! Otherwise, the staff were so polite and welcoming, and the range of food awesome. The shows were brilliant - and cleverly timed at not too long. Getting on and off the ship was slick! We loved it and will be back.