Today marks the one-month countdown to the first cruise ship to welcome guests on board in the UK, when MSC Virtuosa will first set sail from Southampton on May 20. As the one of the newest and most innovative ships to sail in the UK this summer, British guests will be the very first to discover MSC Cruises’ newest and most innovative ship with showstopping activities, next-generation technology, award-winning family offering, and unbeatable entertainment, all in one place.
Antonio Paradiso, MD MSC Cruises UK & Ireland commented, “It’s finally time for travellers across the UK to start discovering again and we are proud and privileged to take them on this journey. With MSC Virtuosa, our newest ship, and with a whole host of new activities and experiences, we know our guests are going to create life-long memories on board this summer. This landmark moment of restarting cruising from the UK has been long-awaited and we are delighted to be counting down to when we can set sail again, just one month from now.”
MSC Virtuosa will initially offer three- and four-night mini cruises from Southampton to the picturesque isle of Portland, Dorset, as well as seven-night cruises from 12 June with embarkation points in Southampton, Liverpool and Greenock, and calls at Portland and Belfast, giving UK travellers an unrivalled opportunity for a safe and stress-free holiday.
Here are five of the many highlights guests can expect on board:
- EXCLUSIVITY AND PRIVACY AT THE MSC YACHT CLUB
The MSC Yacht Club, MSC Cruises’ premium “ship within a ship”, is a place where guests can indulge in the exclusive luxury of a private club. Stunning suites, including two MSC Yacht Club Royal Suites with a private balcony whirlpool bath, are spread over three upper decks, linked by glittering MSC Cruises signature Swarowski crystal staircases. Located in the foredecks of the ship, MSC Yacht Club guests benefit from the best view on board across the bow of the ship and out to sea. At the exclusive, 120-seat Top Sail restaurant, guests can dine in style with a curated à la carte gourmet menu paired with a wide selection of wines as well as enjoy the Top Sail Lounge and private pool and spacious sun deck.
- A PLATE FOR EVERY PALATE
An unparalleled dining experience awaits guests on board MSC Virtuosa. There are five main dining restaurants, five specialty restaurants, 21 bars and lounges both indoor and outdoor, and globally inspired menus from all corners of the Earth. Whether guests are looking for a steakhouse, fresh seafood, Mediterranean cuisine or sushi and Asian dishes, every taste bud will be satisfied.
Making their debuts on MSC Virtuosa are two new speciality restaurants: Indochine and HOLA Tacos & Cantina. Indochine combines two culinary heritages as it brings together savoury Vietnamese classics and gives them a contemporary French twist. At HOLA Tacos & Cantina, MSC Cruises introduces its first street food dining concept, offering Latin American and Mexican inspired dishes with a selection of Tequilas and Mezquals to be savoured alongside.
For those with a sweet tooth, two-time World Champion in Pastry, Jean-Philippe Maury returns on MSC Virtuosa with Chocolat & Café and Crêpes & Gelato, two mouth-watering concepts for pure indulgence.
- ROB, THE ROBOTIC BARTENDER
Bringing together next-generation technology and mixology, MSC Virtuosa will have on board the first futuristic, immersive experience at sea. Introducing: Rob, the robotic bartender – the star of the MSC Starship Club.
A feat of engineering, Rob is a humanoid robot with different facial expressions, a voice, and the ability to move his arms, body and head in a natural way to give the impression that a real person is preparing the cocktail.
Making sure nothing gets lost in translation, Rob can speak eight languages according to the language chosen when the guest makes the order. Rob prepares signature cocktails with each served in custom-designed futuristic glass that guests can collect as a lasting souvenir of the MSC Starship Club experience.
- ALL NEW TEENS LAB
As a family-owned company, MSC Cruises knows how to cater to the needs of every member of the family. Adding to the award-winning family offering, MSC Virtuosa will introduce the all-new TEENS LAB: an immersive, tech-filled space with the latest games consoles, virtual reality and music, all just for teenagers.
Taking music into another dimension, Driven By The Music combines a silent disco with a juke box for kids and teens to dance their hearts out. For young Sherlocks, Junior Detective is a game of wits, observation, and puzzle-solving, as they collect clues in search of the truth.
This, along with the other activities and facilities for kids from tiny toddlers to teens, makes MSC Virtuosa the perfect option for the family holiday this year, and why not invite the grandparents too as the ship has everything for a multi-generational group including family cabins – the ideal way for the whole family to reconnect together.
- A SHOPPING LOVER’S HEAVEN
MSC Cruises’ retail offering has risen to fame claiming accolades such as Cruise Retailer of the Year 2020 and Cruise Retail Environment of the Year 2020 at the Travel Retail Awards. Guests will be spoilt for choice on board MSC Virtuosa, with 11 state of-the-art boutiques housing 250 brands spread over 1,168m2 of dedicated space – the largest retail area at sea.
MSC Virtuosa will feature a branded MSC Foundation shop – the winner of the Judges’ Gold Seal for “CSR or Sustainability Initiative of the Year” at the Frontier Awards 2020 – offering a selection of specially crafted, high quality, sustainable pieces made from recycled plastic. With all this, and the fleet’s first single brand OMEGA shop, MSC Virtuosa’s shopping experience will be the best yet in MSC Cruises’ fleet.
Cruise With Confidence – Industry Leading Health and Safety Protocol
MSC Virtuosa has comprehensive health and safety measures in place that are designed to protect the guests and crew but also to preserve the unique holiday experience at every step, so guests are able to relax and enjoy their holiday with the confidence that their health is MSC Cruises’ number one priority. To find out more visit: www.msccruises.co.uk/health-and-safety-measures
To find out more about MSC Virtuosa this summer in the UK visit here.
