MSC Virtuosa Cruise: Expert Review 2023

Table Of Content

• Card Type
• Probably the most accurate review of MSC's food I've seen...
• First MSC Cruiseship
• MSC Cruises Reviews
• MSC Voyagers Clubs Program

Plus, you'll find multiple bars, lounges and nightlife spots. The reviews of MSC Cruises will likely mention the price of your trip, which is often cheaper than comparable trips on other popular cruise lines. Of course, the total cost will vary based on the trip duration, time of year and what kind of room you select. The least expensive options you’ll find are on short Mediterranean cruises, which can cost as little as $119 per person. MSC Cruises is a family-oriented cruise line that was founded in 1960 in Naples, Italy.

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Ultimately, your personal priorities will determine which cruise line is right for you. If price is a significant factor, MSC provides great value for money. If you’re looking to relax, sit by the pool, enjoy cruise ports, and aren’t hyper-focused on food, MSC is a great option. We have booked a 6-night Bermuda cruise in September for a total of $1200 +/- for a balcony cabin. In contrast, for the same dates and destination, Carnival’s prices ranged from $1950 to $2300 for a 5-night outside cabin, and RCL charged $2000.

Probably the most accurate review of MSC's food I've seen...

Another show was a dedication to Michael Jackson, complete with an impersonator and full dance numbers. For cruisers who are experienced travelers with other major cruise lines, it will be a mixed bag on whether or not MSC is a “good” cruise line. In all, Royal Caribbean's ships visit more than 300 ports of call on itineraries spanning three to 14 nights. On its Oasis-class ships, guests can scream their way down 10 decks of corkscrew spirals on the Ultimate Abyss slide, get soaked on The Perfect Storm waterslides or try simulated surfing with the FlowRider. Those without a fear of heights can tackle the rock climbing wall or zoom high above the Boardwalk neighborhood on a zip line.

First MSC Cruiseship

The room was furnished with a king-size bed that converts into two twins on request, a couch and a desk/vanity area. It featured a closet and cabinet space for storage and an en suite bathroom. On a separate occasion, when my travel companion and I showed up for scheduled volleyball time, the attendant cut the game off at 45 minutes because he said he had to leave. When we asked if we could keep the ball to continue playing, he refused. There seems to be no flexibility, and staff members are not empowered to deviate from protocol on the fly, even when it makes sense.

I want to share everything I've learned and hope to make your next cruise vacation as enjoyable as possible. As with most cruise lines, MSC has a customer loyalty program they call the Voyagers Club. Unfortunately, until you get to the highest levels of the program like the Diamond live, there are not a lot of perks.

We decided to go back to the buffett on deck 8 to grab a quick lunch before hopping off the ship to explore Nassau. We have been to Nassau several times but had never done a walking tour of sights downtown so we decided to do that on our own. I always find that indian food on a cruise is pretty good and they offer different dish selections every single day!

MSC Voyagers Clubs Program

However, I spoke with one of the officers on board who told me that the cruise line is actively recruiting similar large group bookings. A large group booking of about 1,000 people overtook many of the public areas on a daily basis, which drew complaints from cruisers who weren't in the group. For example, trivia was standing-room-only on several days, and the buffet was so continuously crowded that I ate there only twice on the entire voyage. On my voyage, the ship was only sailing at about half capacity (about 3,000 passengers out of a possible 5,655, or 53%).

That might include khakis with button-down or polo-style collared shirts for men and sundresses or nice pants with a flowy top for women. Dark, unripped jeans are also acceptable for both men and women. MSC Meraviglia's cabins all have a mix of 110-volt North American outlets, 220-volt European outlets and USB ports. In my Yacht Club balcony stateroom, I had three North American outlets, three European outlets and one USB port, all at the desk/vanity area — none near the bed.

MSC makes big change to win Royal Caribbean, Carnival passengers - TheStreet

MSC makes big change to win Royal Caribbean, Carnival passengers.

Posted: Mon, 11 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Price – when comparing cruise lines, MSC is usually less expensive for nearly identical itineraries. But remember to take into account the paid extras like entertainment and most dining outside of the main dining room and buffet. In response to many inquiries about the “real deal” about MSC, I would like to share some insights. As seasoned cruisers, we have traveled on many ships, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival, Virgin, Cunard, Holland America, Celebrity, and MSC.

With daily news stories of delayed and canceled flights, lost baggage, and travelers stranded overseas in the middle of a natural disaster, it's ... In collaboration with the Port of Dover, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines enhances its 2024 cruise packages with free parking and onboard credit. Norwegian Cruise Line has announced new culinary experiences that include their first Thai restaurant that will debut on their next new ship, Norwegian Aqua.

On MSC's newest ship, Euribia, French-bistro-inspired steakhouse Le Grill has replaced Butcher's Cut. It has six vessels ranked among the Top 20 largest cruise ships in the world, including MSC World Europa, which comes in just behind Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class vessels. It accommodates 5,252 guests at double occupancy and 6,762 at capacity. World Europa features a Y-shaped design with a dramatic open-air atrium. MSC Cruises are a good choice for travelers seeking an affordable, Mediterranean-style cruise experience.

On Caribbean sailings out of Florida, you'll find that a large percentage of passengers are English-speaking North Americans. Whether or not you’ll need a COVID vaccine or COVID test while sailing on MSC cruise lines will depend on where you’re going. For cruises leaving from the United States, you don’t need either. However, you will need to provide other personal information, such as your name, address and date of birth.

MSC Cruise Food: My Honest Review Of Everything I Ate On My 7 Night Cruise

Table Of Content

• Hotels With Cruise Shuttles For Every Major Port in America
• MSC Meraviglia restaurants and bars
• Day 5: Costa Maya, Mexico
• Food Quality
• Specialty dining

As recently as early 2017, the line had just 12 ships in operation. But it's added new ships at a rapid pace over the past six years and now operates 22 vessels, more than any other major line besides Royal Caribbean and Carnival. It also has three more giant new ships on the way in the next few years. Weight loss meal delivery services are revolutionizing the way people approach dieting. We don’t want to give the impression that MSC is an absolutely unfamiliar experience or completely different than sailing any other line. If you’ve sailed a cruise before, there’s a lot that you’ll know and love.

Hotels With Cruise Shuttles For Every Major Port in America

Rates and product offers from third-party sites may change; therefore, our content might not always reflect the current figures. We maintain financial relationships with some of the companies we mention, which might lead to compensation, free products, or services. To further enhance the family cruising experience, MSC has dedicated areas and services specifically aimed at catering to the unique needs of traveling families.

MSC Meraviglia restaurants and bars

The adaptability of MSC Cruises’ itineraries ensures that there is always something new to discover, with each season bringing its own set of destinations, activities, and events. This approach not only caters to the varied preferences of passengers but also enhances the travel experience by aligning trip timing with optimal seasonal offerings at each destination. Overcrowded, overpriced excursions, travel to and from cities on the shuttle bus extortionately priced when p&o was free.

Day 5: Costa Maya, Mexico

During my journey, I noticed how the cruise line adapts to the primary language of passengers. Key announcements are made in select languages, ensuring that everyone feels included and notified. The senior crew and guest entertainers often hail from the region of sailing. Stepping aboard, one is greeted by a unique European-inspired décor, notably different from the American style seen on most cruise lines. The Swarovski Crystal staircases are an exquisite touch, infusing the ship with a sense of elegance and wonder. The duration of these journeys varies widely, ranging from a quick 2-night getaway to an epic 120-night adventure on their annual World Cruises.

Is the food on MSC Cruises as bad as they say? I gave it a try - Cruise Blog

Is the food on MSC Cruises as bad as they say? I gave it a try.

Posted: Thu, 21 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Food Quality

As mentioned above, I was booked in the Yacht Club and dined in either the Yacht Club Restaurant or one of the specialty restaurants for dinner each night. The largest — L'Olive Dorée and L'Olivo D'Oro, which are mirrors of one another — are found on Deck 6, across from one another and flanking the hallway that eventually leads to Panorama. All four dining rooms offer set seating, except Panorama, which also accommodates passengers with Aurea bookings who have anytime dining. Finally, MSC Meraviglia's sports equipment is kept under actual lock and key.

More Cruise Line Reviews

Limited adult-only areas mean that pools and lounges are often crowded with families. However, none of these issues were so bad that I wanted to cancel my trip. Budget Constraints are prominent in the entertainment quality. The shows, although enjoyable like the ABBA show or opera performances, are generally no-frills in production and less technologically developed compared to other lavish cruise ships. In terms of service and culture, the approach is mostly efficiency over personalization. The service often feels transactional, focusing more on task completion rather than creating guest connections.

This affordability extends to their special cabins as well. Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your purchase when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases. This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, which earns 2 points per dollar spent on travel (and dining). Then there's the MSC Yacht Club experience, mentioned above, which is the ultimate in onboard living. Even with its higher price tag, the MSC Yacht Club still provides great value for its wide range of perks, such as unlimited drinks in all MSC Yacht Club areas, including premium spirits and minibar items.

MSC Cruises vs. Royal Caribbean: Which big-ship line is right for you? - The Points Guy

MSC Cruises vs. Royal Caribbean: Which big-ship line is right for you?.

Posted: Mon, 31 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

All vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets in rooms, as well as European-style, 220-volt outlets. Kids and teens clubs on newer MSC Cruises ships can also access cutting-edge equipment like 3D printing machines, virtual reality devices and 3D product scanning, all of which are used in activities. MSC Cruises ships also have Young Club, a tween program (ages 12 to 14) that includes sports tournaments, high-tech games and other activities. MSC Cruises ships also have a dedicated Mini Club (ages 3 to 6) and Junior Club (ages 7 to 11) with age-appropriate activities. Designed in partnership with the Lego Group, the Mini Clubs offer games, events and activities such as arts and crafts.

They are elegantly furnished and offer a cozy retreat after a day of activities. The cabins range from interior staterooms to luxurious suites with private balconies, catering to different budgets and preferences. Most MSC restaurants feature globally inspired cuisines, providing passengers with a wide range of dining options. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, Asian, or American cuisine, you’ll find a restaurant on board that can satisfy your cravings. It is a mass market cruise and I would rank it at the bottom of the cruise lines you mentioned.

There are four levels in the program, and each has its own benefits. We'll keep you informed, and we'll never sell your information to anyone. Personal loans are a type of borrowing where you can get money from a bank, credit union, or online lender and pay it back over time with interest.

Comparable trips during that time run more than $900 aboard Carnival Celebration sailing from Miami. Sailings on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas for a week in July from Miami start at $2,207. In general, they are just as good as any other cruise line, depending on what your priorities are.

Stepping up to the luxurious offerings of MSC Cruises, the Yacht Club and suite experiences cater to guests seeking an exclusive and pampered voyage. These premium options provide an array of enhanced services and amenities designed to elevate the cruising experience. From the moment of booking, suite and Yacht Club guests are introduced to a world of privilege and distinction that sets apart their journey on the high seas. Located near Bimini in the Bahamas, this tranquil beach destination is specifically tailored for MSC Cruises’ passengers seeking a unique and convenient beach experience during their Caribbean sailings. The Bella experience, while being the most economical, covers all the essentials – meals in the main restaurants, dining room, buffets, and a selection of onboard activities. The food across the ship’s specialty restaurants is a culinary journey in itself, with globally inspired cuisines that tantalize the taste buds and offer a glimpse into the world’s flavors.

One of MSC’s slogan is “the Mediterranean way of life,” and this is definitely European-style cruising. In 2012, the line carried passengers from 180 different nationalities, making it a truly international experience onboard. I agree that MSC is more similar than different to the other mainstream cruise lines. The price on MSC seems too good to be true so is there something we are missing or is it just a good deal? Let me know what you think of the food, cabins, entertainment, casino, and anything else. Discover the best cruise Destinations, with a wide variety of itineraries mapped to reveal the sights, sounds and flavours of the world's most intriguing cultures.

They seemed to do baked goods, pizza and most desserts VERY well. My first dessert was in my top five of everything I ate on my MSC cruise. I do think there are a lot of standouts you can find on a cruise that are delicious. However, most of the food is just average and nothing to write home about in my opinion but it is still good and gets the job done. On my sailing, the ship also had "tropical" and "white" listed on the daily schedule as suggested attire. On "gala" evenings (usually one per weeklong sailing), the dress code is more refined.