My recent two-night cruise aboard the MSC Virtuosa, sailing from Southampton to Le Havre and back, was a delightful escape from the everyday. While the trip was short, it packed in enough activities and experiences to leave me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Highlights:
Stunning ship: The Virtuosa is a marvel of modern cruising, with stylish interiors, spacious public areas, and a plethora of dining options. The impressive “The Galleria,” a glass-covered promenade with shops and bars, was a particular highlight.
The lifts were very different but the system works well choose the floor on a screen and it allocates you a lettered identified lift to enter.
The cabins were very comfortable and we enjoyed our balcony view.
Delicious dining: The buffet was diverse and delicious, offering a wide selection of dishes from around the world. Although the temperature was not as hot as I would have liked. Table service for drinks in the buffet was great!
The specialty restaurants, while not included in the price, provide high-quality cuisine with excellent service according to some passengers I met who had dined in specialty restaurants onboard.
Entertainment galore: The ship bustled with entertainment, from live music and dazzling shows to an immersive cinema experience.
Le Havre: While short, our time in Le Havre was enjoyable. We took a leisurely stroll along the harbor, soaking in the city's unique architecture and history.and we were luck enough to enjoy the festival atmosphere and parade that was there for the welcoming of the Olympic torch to the town that day .
Room for Improvement:
More staff at busy areas .
The Muster drill was also different but I think needs some refinement to avoid everyone on your floor heading to allocated muster station at the same time with a lot of overcrowded stairs and hallways feeling a little dangerous at times .
There were a lot of extremely drunk people onboard (to the point of throwing up in public areas .) maybe the staff need more training in when to stop serving in order to avoid this .
Crowds: As expected with a popular ship, the public areas could feel very crowded at times, especially during peak meal times in the buffet. Muster drill and at the bars around the pool.
Shore excursions: While the shore excursions were plentiful, they were pricey, limiting options for budget-conscious travelers.
For me - It was annoying that the key card was needed for the power as this resulted in it being left behind numerous times .
Overall: The MSC Virtuosa's two-night sailing from Southampton was an enjoyable escape. The ship was a joy to explore, the entertainment was top-notch, and the food was good.
I personally would like to experience a longer cruise on this beautiful ship .
Kids clubs seemed very well run and but I don't think I'd bring my grandkids on a 2 day cruise were the focus is on party a booze cruise for sure!
Despite the short time in port, Le Havre offered a glimpse into its French charm.
For those seeking a quick, luxurious getaway, the MSC Virtuosa 2 nighter offers a fantastic experience at a very reasonable cost.
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