kernow

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.

Agree, I do the same. On last weeks cruise I actually forgot my pack of disposable cloths and had to buy some in Haugesund😄. For the first 2 nights I just used my hands with my wash off cleanser and my skin felt horrible and dry. We had wash rags everyday without asking, I actually use them to dry my hands never for my face😁. We also had a box of tissues in the dressing table drawer again without asking. As a British woman if there were no tissues I'd just use toilet roll which I tend to do at home.

We were on Virtuosa last week, no pizza delivery anywhere until after 6pm. It was the same last year. Mentioned it then and was told it might change but no, we still had to go to the main buffet at lunch time if we wanted pizza.

The restaurants do book quickly so do it as soon as you board, we did it at 2pm on the first day and could not get our first choice of time and day. I think they have a stand on the promenade somewhere to make bookings (we used YC concierge). We didn't use the spa this time but have previously, if they are not too busy they do not time you. There is a photo desk in the main atrium, they display all the photos there, they will tell you all the details.