Cruising with MSC Virtuosa: A First-Time Experience Worth Sharing
As a travel professional, I’ve booked a variety of holidays for my customers, but never a cruise. I thought I needed first hand experience before offering this type of holiday to others. So I set sail on a fact-finding mission aboard the MSC Virtuosa, and I’m thrilled to share my impressions, insights, and some unforgettable memories from this fabulous trip. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or considering your very first voyage, I hope this blog gives you a taste of what to expect and inspires your own cruise adventure.
Day 1: Setting Sail from Southampton
We boarded the stunning MSC Virtuosa in Southampton. The Virtuosa is one of 24 vessels in the MSC fleet which spends the summer months in northern Europe and winter in the southern Caribbean (note to self for next time!). From the moment I stepped on board, I was struck by the sheer scale of the ship. I’ll always be honest with my thoughts, so I need to say at this point that I initially felt completely overwhelmed at just how enormous the vessel was and the number of people who appeared to be onboard when we first embarked. My travel buddies had previously cruised and explained that the initial chaos onboard would calm as passengers orientated themselves and found their places to be (they were right!). We were greeted by an immaculately clean ship with pretty blingy interiors, a buzzing central promenade with boutiques, and an incredibly warm welcome from the crew. In fact the crew were brilliant throughout; friendly, helpful and happy. We’d opted for a balcony cabin, a premium drinks package which allowed for 15 alcoholic drinks per day and all gratuities included. As the ship set sail overnight, excitement built for what lay ahead. I wondered if I’d be bothered with motion sickness and problems sleeping…….
Day 2: Zeebrugge & a Taste of Bruges
What a brilliant night’s sleep! Our cabin had super comfy beds, I don’t think I stirred once! After an impressive buffet style breakfast, our first stop was Zeebrugge, the gateway to Bruges, a charming medieval town I instantly fell in love with. We opted for an organised food and drink tour, which turned out to be a highlight of the trip. Wandering cobbled streets, we sampled Belgian chocolates, waffles, local beers, fresh seafood, frites and mayonnaise and more; it was a delicious and immersive way to explore this historic gem. We laughed a lot and generally had good fun. Highly recommend our larger-than-life tour guide, Jay. I would definitely consider a longer visit to Bruges and more insights from Jay.
Day 3: Rotterdam to Delft – A Dutch Delight
Overnight we sailed to Rotterdam, where we took a water taxi from the port and train to the picturesque town of Delft rather than heading to Amsterdam with the rest of the ship….. If you love the canal-side charm of Amsterdam but prefer somewhere quieter, the 750 year old town of Delft is a must-visit. Bicycles, narrow alleys, beautiful bridges; it was like stepping into a painting, Vermeer no less. We enjoyed some local treats and even did a bit of preloved shopping, a great way to support sustainability and pick up unique finds. Don’t forget to check out the iconic blue Royal Delft pottery which is everywhere.
Day 4: Cherbourg & a Missed Opportunity
Our final port was Cherbourg, France. We had planned a relaxing day in town, but I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of regret at not booking a tour to the British Memorial, especially since our visit coincided with the 80th anniversary of VE Day. It’s a good reminder that sometimes those organised shore excursions offer more than convenience; they connect you to history in a powerful way. Back onboard, I met a veteran, proudly wearing his medals, together with his wife who had travelled to the memorial in remembrance. Their description of the scenes confirmed my thoughts on having missed out. I’d recommend you visit.
Day 5: Sea Day & Sun Deck Vibes
Our last full day was spent at sea en route back to Southampton. It was the perfect chance to relax and soak up the sunshine, which had been mainly absent on our trip, on the sun deck, complete with DJ beats and cocktails. After three days of exploring, it felt like a mini holiday within a holiday. Having great weather made the whole experience even more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
As a first-time cruiser, I can honestly say I really enjoyed the experience. The MSC Virtuosa offered the perfect mix of relaxation, exploration, and a bit of onboard luxury. The itinerary was just right for a short cruise; packed with variety but never too much. This cruise allowed me to dip my toe into the water, so to speak. I’m now keen to try another company, perhaps a smaller ship, maybe adult only.
If you’re thinking about trying a cruise or if your customers are asking about them, I’d recommend this itinerary as a brilliant starting point. It would work for quite a diverse demographic, think multi generational travel, as there really was something for everyone to do. Whether it’s the food, the destinations, or the sheer joy of life at sea, there’s something uniquely magical about cruising. And I can now say that from personal experience!
Have questions or want to find the perfect cruise for yourself or your clients? Get in touch; I’m more excited than ever to help you set sail.
Dawn x
