kernow

We've been going in YC where the food is really good, probably better than CK on RCL. The whole ship has a more Mediterranean style of food, less red meat and lots of fish and seafood. We've eaten in the main buffet which I think is similar or even slightly better than RCL and also done the MDR for lunch just to try it and enjoyed it. There are no restrictions on how many dishes you can order. We think the desserts are fabulous all over the ship. The one thing they don't have is the included snack type outlets like Park Cafe and Sorrentos, there is one snack place by the main pool which is open in nice weather but apart from that it is only the buffet outside of YC. We've found the service all over the ship very good, drink package is excellent(some amazing cocktails) and still twice a day cabin service for all rooms. Still lots of moaning onboard though, mostly about crowded ships which seems to be a thing on all lines on cruises from Southampton.

Although we're from the UK, pre pandemic we only sailed from the UK occasionally usually preferring to fly somewhere with warmer weather and less moaning fellow Brits onboard😀. In 2021 we sailed both Virtuosa and Anthem as we couldn't fly anywhere. Anthem was OK, although not really a fan of Quantum class ships, even with a half empty ship it felt crowded at times so I can understand some of the OPs complaints. We loved Virtuosa and have been back onboard 3 times, if you want a cheap but enjoyable cruise book Bella, if you're happy to pay more book YC which is still cheaper than a suite on Anthem and a far superior experience. We haven't been back on Anthem because the prices seem very expensive for more (or less) of the same itineraries etc. Also love that MSC have really committed to the UK market and have ships here all year round now. We were on Ovation last Nov in Australia and the ship did seem to work better over there, more sunbeds, less crowded bars etc. I do think which ever ship it is, lots of Brits seem to like to all crowd together in the same place for some reason. Even then though we noticed a lot of cutbacks and from everything I read on these boards there are even more now, I guess we'll find out if it's one too many cutbacks for us on Serenade later this year.

There are 2 main elevator banks, one forward and one midship. There are also the panoramic lifts on each side and a lift within YC. The ones at the rear are crew only.

Absolutely! We've been in the buffet on Virtuosa surrounded by empty seats while reading on the FB group that there is no room. The same with queueing for food, go to the stations at the back, they are usually almost empty. Don't understand why people won't do this, I really believe some people just want to moan😀.

I've also replied in the other thread too but for anyone else, if you just want the train ride up to Myrdal and back (the 2 1/2 hour trip) don't book it with MSC. The station is right at the dock (2 min walk) and it's a regular Norwegian train which connects with the mainline to Bergen, use' Norways Best' website to book yourself. Not sure how much MSC charge but it will be cheaper to book directly. The scenery is stunning and we thought it was well worth doing (not brave enough for the Zip line or even the bikes!).

We didnt book an MSC excursion, we booked the return train journey on the Norways Best website (just google it), it's half the price of the MSC excursion. The station is right at the dockside so just a 2 minute walk. I think the longer MSC excursion is a longer scenic coach ride up to Myrdal station and then a one way train trip down. We talked to people who did it onboard and it also included a nice lunch before they got to the station. If you just want the return train journey book it yourself. Either way the scenery is breathtaking.

If you are talking about the Easy package they are listed on the menus, this one is from Virtuosa in Europe but probably similar on ships sailing from the US. QR_K_BAR-LIST-GENERIC_OTHER_DAYX_EN_1684422141.pdf

We had a package but I'm pretty sure people were saying when the price is in pounds service charge is already included. Even RCL only charge the price stated on UK sailings.

We were on the 12th May sailing a couple of weeks before you. Just watched your video, nice to be 'back onboard'. We also had a butler who was not very good compared with previous ones, we didn't see him at all some days. We were on deck 16 but I wonder if they move around and could be the same one. On your video I noticed that the newspapers are back, they were not available on our trip so good to see they have returned. We had a great time overall though, look forward to hearing about the rest of your trip.

It's next door to City terminal, built in 2021 for MSC. Use dock gate 8 or 10.

Only just found this and caught up, very enjoyable review thank you. We were on a Fjord cruise a couple of weeks before you on Virtuosa so interesting to compare your experience on Anthem (which we've also sailed on previously). We thought about doing the hike to the glacier but thought it might be difficult so opted for the open top bus instead. After reading your report wish we had done it as it doesn't look too bad, was there an actual path all the way?

Two registered devices. You can't log in and out and switch devices on MSC.

It's also half term in Cornwall and probably most other places in England. Plan on the ship being busy.

Sadly not a suite, just a balcony. The trip will be pretty expensive as we want to stay over at both ends of the cruise and sightsee so the budget doesn't stretch that far. The other option we are looking at is Azamara, surprisingly not too much more expensive but not such a nice itinerary and we are a bit worried about such a small ship. We assume that will be much better food and service so it's just deciding what we want😀. Do you think NCL has a lot more cutbacks than the other lines?

I actually saw your Star report last week as I ventured onto the NCL board for the first time in years. We're thinking of a South Africa cruise in 2025(Mark has a big birthday 😀) and NCL Dawn is one we are considering. Only been on NCL once years ago so don't know much about them.

Not Seascape but this is now on the menus (on Virtuosa 2 weeks ago).Sorry, don't know why it's upside down.

OMG, just looked at that Grandiosa one and some prices are much cheaper even though they are in Euros(just compare the Cointreau that I was drinking). Thought all the ships would be similar prices, glad we had a package😀

Just in case this was from the Sky Lounge on Virtuosa a couple of weeks ago. QR_K_BAR-LIST-GENERIC_OTHER_DAYX_EN_1684422141.pdf

I think it will only happen when/if they have a large enough market of US based cruisers to fill all the ships. Currently the majority of their customers worldwide are from outside the US so I would imagine they concentrate on itineraries that appeal most to them. I haven't sailed MSC from the US but from what I read on here even the ships that sail from Florida have a bigger mix of nationalities than RCL/CCL etc. It seems like MSC are a 'Marmite' type product in the US, you either love them or hate them. If you want more ports you're going to have to leave the US, they offer plenty of good itineraries worldwide.

On the same sailing we had everything on the same day(think day 4). 😁

I think the future cruise rep was there but can't remember her speaking. She did however do a presentation at the diamond party.

It was busier this year and they seemed a bit short staffed at times but it improved throughout the week and we still really enjoyed it. Outside of YC the ship was packed and more than ever we were glad of YC to escape to when we wanted a bit of calm. I did another live this time which you will probably find if you search.

We were in YC on Virtuosa a couple of weeks ago, just regular balcony though so I'll answer what I can. Parties and movies, not something we would use so I have no idea sorry. Nibbles and drinks, we've never asked but I know other people did this and had things delivered each day. Everyone automatically gets a daily 'treat' delivered in the afternoon, and a couple of years ago we had a fantastic butler who left us a tray with drinks and snacks every evening without us asking. I believe they will deliver drinks, again we've never asked as we just pick up our own on the way back to the cabin. As the duplex suites are situated outside YC I know this is more difficult so I'm sure the butler will oblige. Everything onboard can be sorted by the butler or the YC concierge desk, you don't need to ever go to guest services. The staff at the YC desk are fantastic. With YC you can board whenever you like, you are correct in Southampton it usually starts at 10am so go then.

We had a cocktail reception with all the officers in YC on Virtuosa a couple of weeks ago.

On Virtuosa you need to make an appointment for a 1 hour time slot to use the spa, concierge books it.