MSC Virtuosa is the second of the cruise line’s Meraviglia Plus Class ships. A flagship in MSC’s fleet for the UK, she is one of the newest and most innovative cruise yet. Prior to the launch of MSC World Europa in 2023, at 331 metres and with a capacity of more than 6,300 passengers, MSC Virtuosa was considered the largest.
On top of that, she is one of MSC Cruises most environmentally advanced ships to date and features state-of-the-art environmental technologies that help reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 80%.
The cruise liner has staggering fourteen passenger decks, twenty bars and lounges, fourteen hot tubs and four swimming pools, including a rather spacious indoor one.
The ship offers a wide range of entertainment to keep the whole family happy, including a children’s playroom, full-size bowling alley, aquapark, F1 simulators, 4D cinema, arcade, multi-purpose karaoke bar, casino, comedy club and TV studio.
Here’s a list of what we think are the 5 best features on this ship:
Longest digital display at sea
Undoubtedly, the most striking feature of MSC Virtuosa is her 111-metre long promenade lit overhead by a 92-metre ‘digital ceiling’ – called the digital dome. Basically it’s a huge screen depicting a stunning myriad of colours and patterns. MSC have worked together with Samsung to develop this core element of the multi-use space on MSC Virtuosa and its other Meraviglia generation ships.
This fantastic innovation helps to create different ambiances and atmospheres throughout the day and night, while also playing a key role in the ship’s entertainment schedule with its range of mesmerizing shows. The digital dome at MSC Virtuosa has been awarded for Best Overall Customer Experience from Daily DOOH, a leading industry publication, in recognition of their outstanding innovation in digital signage.
Sparkling Swarovski crystal staircases
Swarovski crystal staircases have become a hallmark of life aboard MSC Ships thanks to the company’s extraordinary partnership with the world leader in cut-crystal creations that began more than 10 years ago. MSC Virtuosa offers not just one but two dazzling staircases. This sparkling display is the perfect spot for a photo or two in your favourite outfit and a professional photographer will be on hand to help you get that perfect shot.
First humanoid robotic bartender at sea
Check out Starship Club, a space themed bar where you can say ‘Hi’ to Rob, which is believed to be the world’s first humanoid robot bartender at sea. Some Royal Caribbean ships have the Bionic Bar, which has two mechanical arms that make drinks to order – similar design to robots that build cars, whereas Rob is a human-like barman with facial expressions using a screen for a face.
Moreover, this guy speaks eight languages and has a clear personality that adjusts to match the atmosphere of the room! At an ordering station, guests can request a personalised or a ‘Galactic’ cocktail, which is not available anywhere else on the ship, and takes Rob just two minutes to conjure.
Circus at sea
MSC Cruises’ new production brand, Carousel Productions at Sea, offers seven new exclusive shows combining light, sound and dazzling acrobatic performances. The stage is in the centre of the theatre with audience surrounding it which gives a more intimate experience. As you get to interact with various extravagant and fun characters, you can enjoy acrobatics literally on the edge-of-your-seat and be closer to the artists than ever before.
Available exclusively on MSC Meraviglia Class ships, shows are performed in the Carousel Lounge, a glamorous venue. This custom-built lounge can accommodate up to 400 guests, shows are 40 mins long and available for an additional fee.
Bowling at sea
Bowling onboard is a novelty, and it’s obviously not quite the same as what you will find on land-based bowling locations and that’s what makes it fun. Alleys consist of two 10-pin bowling lanes. The lanes are shorter than normal but the pins are full-sized. The only disadvantage of bowling at sea might be the price but as a one-off experience it’s worth it.
More information about MSC Virtuosa and her latest itinerary can be found here.
Image credits: © Dmitri Eliseev
