Yesterday, ITTN’s Carrie Day, along with 100 travel agents from around Ireland, joined the MSC Cruises’ trade team in Cobh, Co. Cork for a glimpse of what MSC Virtuosa has to offer the Irish holidaymaker.
Once the passengers had disembarked this beautiful ship, it was our turn to board, and we were quickly taken to the TV Studio & Bar for a short briefing and refreshments. Head of Sales, Suzanne Rowe, welcomed everyone and introduced the team – Alana Byrne and Erica Oglesby – who are no strangers to the trade, as well as their UK colleagues, Wendy Cameron (Regional Sales Manager – Scotland) and Bethany Cassidy (Trade Support Executive).
The team spoke passionately about MSC’s commitment to sustainability and their efforts to ensure the oceans remain a place for marine life to thrive and for people to be able to cruise on them for many years. MSC’s newer ships are powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) which is the cleanest marine fuel available currently. Alana proudly mentioned that over 85% of the freshwater used across the fleet is produced onboard through a desalination process and the single-use plastic consumption is kept to a bare minimum on all ships.
About MSC Virtuosa
MSC’s Virtuosa was launched in 2019 and is part of the “Meraviglia Class” along with sister-ships; MSC Meraviglia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa and MSC Euribia. She has 19 decks in total and can accommodate over 6,300 passengers and approximately 1,700 crew.
Virtuosa boasts 11 restaurants including favourites such as Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Kaito Sushi Bar, Butchers Cut and Indochine Restaurant, 21 bars including Sky Lounge, Masters of the Sea and MSC Starship Club which plays home to the first immersive futuristic bar with humanoid robotic bartender at sea!
There is no shortage of entertainment onboard MSC Virtuosa as she boasts numerous beautiful theatres and venues including Le Grand Theatre (945 capacity), the beautiful Carousel Lounge with its panoramic sea views (427 capacity) and Red Gem Casino (600 capacity) to name a few. MSC Virtuosa is a haven for families with children of all ages with The LEGO Group being their exclusive entertainment partner! Onboard, guests will find the Baby Club Chicco for children under 3 years, Mini Club Lego (3-6 years), Junior Club Lego (7-11 years), MSC Tech Lab for teenagers, a Teens Club, a virtual games arcade and bowling alley as well as the F1 Simulator and Hologate Arena (virtual reality area)
MSC Virtuosa also features the Aurea Spa on Deck 7, which includes a hair salon, barber, Medi spa, OPI nail salon, solarium, thermal area and massages and treatments. Moving up to Deck 16, guests can avail of the MSC Gym Powered by TechnoGym (min age 16) as well as Fitness Classes, a power walking track and Sportplex which includes a basketball court, tennis court, football and volleyball areas. Virtuosa also has 4 pools – both indoor and outdoor – and includes Savannah Aquapark on Deck 19.
The standout feature on this stunning ship is Virtuosa Galleria – a long indoor promenade, lined with bars, shops and restaurants, with an 80-metre LED screen overhead which changes throughout the day. The Galleria leads to the beautifully decorated Infinity Atrium lounge (Deck 5) where guests can sit back, relax and enjoy a drink while taking in the stunning surrounds. Here, guests can experience not one, but two decadent Sparkling Swarovski crystal staircases that MSC have become renowned for since their partnership with Swarovski began over 10 years ago connecting.
Cabins
MSC Virtuosa offers a plethora of cabin types catering to all budgets and requirements including Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, Family (interconnecting cabins), Suites and Suites with a whirlpool bath.
MSC Yacht Club is an exclusive all-inclusive onboard sanctuary designed with the highest standard of elegance, which includes unlimited drinks in all bars and restaurants of the ship, 24-hour butler and concierge service and a private restaurant with all-inclusive dining. MSC Yacht Club offers 15 Interior Suites, 77 Deluxe Suites, 8 Duplex Suites and 2 Royal Suites
MSC offers three booking options for guests, catering to all budgets and requirements:
- Bella – Offers dining in the main restaurants, buffet and on-board entertainment activities for kids and adults.
- Fantastica – Includes Bella Benefits and also a choice of cabin size and location, free breakfast in cabin, 24-hour room service and priority choice for dinner sitting.
- Aurea – Includes all Fantastica Benefits, plus a welcome package with prosecco and chocolates, free time dining in a dedicated restaurant or dining area, free access to the Top Exclusive Solarium, Relaxation amenities, Pillow menu, Access to the MSC Aurea Spa Thermal Area, Exclusive pre-cruise offer on Balinese massage, 10% off all Spa Treatments purchased on board and priority boarding and luggage drop off. The team reiterated that this is a great add-on for honeymooners, or special occasions!
