Msc Virtuosa Review 24 June

[trfccruiser]

Arrived at Liverpool Convention Centre at 10.50 our allocated check-in was 11.Quite large queue already probably about 100 people, had to queue outside .Started moving bang on 11.
Took an hour to reach check- in desk, there were only 4 open. They went through insurance cover with fine toothcomb as we warned did see someone being taken off to ring their insurance company as printed information they had provided was not sufficient. Also checked vaccination record or evidence of lateral flow test.
Taken to test area, about 10-minute wait. Member of staff was very pleasant apart from the fact that the swab up the nose was very uncomfortable. I’ve done plenty of tests myself and it’s pretty clear I’ve not been doing it properly, felt like she was going into my brain!
We were then steered towards a numbered holding area and waited and waited and waited. We were offered a free bottle of water and told there is an I.T. issue apologies for the delay bear with us, same message repeated, no idea what the issue was or whether it was it was a “stock excuse” but we waited 2 hours, others behind her apparently waited longer.
We then were bussed a very short journey to the cruise terminal building and embarked.
Staff very friendly on entering person by lift gave us information overload.
She wrongly assumed that we would want to go to our cabin first but we wanted to go the buffet.
Ship is beautiful has new car smell and very bright and shiny.
Encountered our first experience with lift where you touchscreen the deck you want and it allocates you a lift, we loved this system and rarely waited any time at all but obviously only a 1,000 on board.
Went to Marketplace buffet aft on deck 15, very standard large buffet area, except absolute insistence that you wash your hands with soap and water at washing stations at the entrance. Excellent range of choice, first station breads pizza, hot dogs, burgers etc cheeses, then hot carvery of the day plus veg, sandwich station, “dishes from the around the world usually stir frys, curries etc with small traditional British section too e.g. cottage pie , bangers and mash etc. Finally, dessert station with cakes, pastries and the sort of jelly- based dessert that looks like you will glow in the dark if you eat it.
Tables have some seats blocked off , you can find your own or ask to be escorted.
Quite a few drinks waiters working the buffet area and this is where we first used our wristband which we were given at the cruise terminal in a cardboard box as well as a cruise card. However, part from getting off the ship, you really didn’t need the cruise card. I loved the wristband! It is used for track and trace onboard but you can use it to open the cabin door and pay.
Ordered a glass of red to go with Vesuvius Pizza, cheese bread and also pork stir fry as seconds as I spotted it too late, that’s my excuse! More adjusted to checking the whole line before deciding later.
Had fresh strawberry tartlet and custard filled puff pastry for dessert. All were excellent quality

We were travelling with my OH’s friend who joined us for the first 2 nights travelling to Southampton. We had upgraded to Premium Plus but MSC’s app and online system would not allow her to upgrade and our agent tried and failed to sort it direct with MSC their phonelines were a nightmare last week. So, we went to Guest Services to sort it out. This took ages despite there being no queue, but we were assured all was done. However, this was not the end of this particular saga…
This wait coupled with me spotting a small bar and seating arear led to us all having a cocktail..

Mine was whisky based can’t remember the name, but I can report that the cocktails did not appear weak to me if anything the opposite.
Went back to the cabin briefly. Fairly standard inside cabin but quite a bit of dead space underneath the quite large TV. Small wardrobe with 1 small rack above, safe below and 2 tiny drawers.
Underneath the TV was what I can only describe as a magazine rack, a bit like a chocolate teapot. This wall space was crying out for more drawers or storage space.
Standard vanity area with hairdryer in drawer EU and US plug socket and USB. Also 2 USB points by each side of the bed.
Bathroom stand was standard hoover toilet and shower with screen not dreaded curtain and shampoo and shower gel dispenser. No tissue dispenser though, only loo roll.
I went up to main pool area Atmosphere pool which is 2 large pools next to one another. This was a lovely space but can’t begin to imagine how packed it would get with “normal” capacity.
Arranged to meet for pre- dinner drinks at Champagne bar, Deck seven near atrium. Had a Veuve Clicquot rose. Champagne is a bit wasted on me, but I managed to struggle it down along with a Kur Royale. Bar is open to everyone walking through so not my idea of a bar really but nice enough.

Was now feeling distinctly peckish so we went to MInuetto dining room one of MDR, having a brief view of the Galleria Virtuosa, the LED ceiling is stunning.
We were originally told that we were on 2^nd sitting but it became open sitting 6.30-8.30.
Temperature check at dining room entrance, standard one that looks like a Star Trek phaser , also had to gel hands .Greeters very pleasant and welcoming. Allocated randomly to table.
Had lovely meal Calamari, seafood medley and cheese plate. Service pretty haphazard and quite a long wait. Drink waiter very attentive though and wine flowed. Though the packages only included wine by the glass, the tactic was repeated throughout the cruise. They would open a bottle and leave it nearby and replenish.
We then went to the TV studio for karaoke and my wife’s friend is a BIG fan of Karaoke. I am not but after a few drinks enjoyed it thoroughly! She was the star of the show and encouraged to perform again and again by the staff and crowd a lively atmosphere.


 

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[Notts1964]

Thank you for reviewing your cruise. I will be joining the ship on 17 July, and have loved reading the information and reviews from guests x

[trfccruiser]

• Day 2
  Less to say as today was a recovery day. Taking full advantage of the Premium Plus package with cocktails, champagne, wine and Jameson’s seemed such a good idea at the time, less so the next morning. All 3 of us felt delicate but I was the only one to make breakfast buffet but could only face toast.
  However, the weather was surprisingly good, so we lazed around on sunbeds in the deck above the Atmosphere pool. Plenty of space to be had but can’t see it when ship is full. Further along was the aft pool with a tier of sundecks. The also had quite luxury style double loungers. There were not many and they were always reserved really early by the placing of the dreaded towels.
  By afternoon teatime we had recovered somewhat and we had scones with jam and cream. the scones were quite biscuity in consistency and the jam was loganberry which tasted a bit weird (it changed every day). I also had Blueberry Bread and Butter Pudding with custard and this was excellent.
  The ladies went to the cabin for a nap so I went to the pool area for a read/ doze except I couldn’t as there was a man having a loud conversation with another man (who actually barely spoke). The conversation started with the immortal phrase “It’s not like this on P & O”
  I suppressed a giggle. I was about to move when his long suffering OH decided it was time to take decisive action and hoiked him off.

  

  

  
  After nipping back for a quick shwoer and change we went to the Sky Lounge for a drink, a lovely bar with fabulous views.
  All the bars had scannable QR codes to bring up the drinks menu or staff would produce a hard copy if necessary or reel off choices. This Bar specialised in Smoky cocktails ( dry ice at a guess?) and My wife’s friend had a smoke on the water whilst I had a fruit smoothie and OH had a tonic water.
  
  
  We went to MDR at 7.45 and had a disappointing meal both, quality and service. We waited an hour and 20 minutes for our main course after the starter. The service the previous night was a bit lacking in finesse but not too bad. Here it was chaotic and the plates were slammed down. I had spicy lamb parcels which were just ok and Canneloni which was not very nice at all. We had a show booked at 9.30 so told the waiter we would have to leave. He tried to encourage us to stay but I simply explained we had a show to go to and we couldn’t stay as we had had to wait quite a long time to be served with the main course. I didn’t say it aggressively, nor did I shout or pull a face but he certainly did. No apology either.
  We pre-booked the show a New York tribute show via the MSC for Me app. You could just turn up but you had to wait until those who had booked were seated. We were all told to wear our masks whilst seated and whilst people did wear masks when moving around most removed them when seated.
  The show was of good quality some good singers and dancers but similar show are available…
  We then went to the Starship bar to say hello to Robbie for a nightcap .the ladies had a hot chocolate which they said were really good, I just had bottled water.
  Practically everyone I saw took photos of Robbie but I never saw him dispense a drink once.
  When everyone has a drinks package you are unlikely to spend £18 on a cocktail you can have for free elsewhere I think if they’d offered discounts of different levels people might have tried it.
  
  
   
•  

   

[kernow]

Great review, really enjoying it but the pics don't work for me.

[ohnonotmeagain]

Pictures are not working for me either 😕. Good review though. 

[tesni]

Thanks for posting such in-depth reviews - really interesting to read.

[CaroleC]

54 minutes ago, ohnonotmeagain said:

Pictures are not working for me either

Nor me

[trfccruiser]

That's weird it automatically embedded them and I can see them fine.

[trfccruiser]

• I don't seem to be able to edit my posts either ,I was going to try to upload the pictures differently but I can't ,can anyone help?

[kernow]

23 minutes ago, philhar said:

• I don't seem to be able to edit my posts either ,I was going to try to upload the pictures differently but I can't ,can anyone help?
•  

You can only edit posts within a certain time limit, think its only about 10 minutes.

[black forest]

Thank you - very enjoyable to read! 🤩

[trfccruiser]

Missing photos day ! only was I can sort it sorry

[trfccruiser]

Missing photos Day 2

 

[Nunagoras]

Very nice review!... Thanks!... And nice photos too this time!... :)

[trfccruiser]

Day 3 Southampton.
Another beautiful day weather wise where we had to say goodbye to my wife’s friend, this was only her second cruise and she really enjoyed it (till the very end of it anyway). Had full buffet breakfast .The “English oven baked bacon” is pretty tasteless in my view but the fattier American bacon much nicer. Sausage was not a traditional Uk sausage and wasn’t nice. I did have a pancake as well though, different flavours every day, today had banana pieces cooked in to it, very good.
We then went to see our friend off or so we thought we waved her to the exit and waited for her to go down the gangplank. Suddenly, she was being frogmarched back the way she had come, cruise card showed unpaid bill. Escorted into MSC Foundation area and we accompanied her.
They had a couple of guest services staff stationed there to deal with such issues. No one adequately explained was what going on up to that point. The person allocated to deal with our friend said that she owed a bill for minibar items. Our friend explained that she was on the premium plus package and that she understood minibar items were included. You are not on the premium plus package was the terse reply. Our friend explained that we had gone to Guest Services the day before to upgrade, as she had been unable to do it online in advance and the customer care line were not answering. I know this to be true as I tried myself.
The person replied that it was not possible to upgrade at Guest Services ,only in bars and made it clear she did not believe what she had said .Both my OH and I repeated the tale as we were there and added that the person on Guest Services involved a member of staff from the nearby bar to perform the upgrade. The person we saw said you will have no problems, but if you do here is my name. We quoted his name but the person was very reluctant to contact him but did when another guest services representative got involved. This person looked us in the eye, apologised for the inconvenience. During the whole of this encounter the other person never once looked up from their laptop to make eye contact.
Our friend then said I have a train to catch I have a linked booking with my friends they will resolve this. We agreed, but the original person said you are not leaving until this is resolved, for 3 items from the minibar!
Eventually it was resolved, but the treatment we received was appalling. The second guest services representative apologized profusely and I requested a full investigation and an explanation at a later time and he agreed. We never received it.
We all decided not to let it ruin our holiday but it was quite upsetting and honestly in numerous cruises I have never experienced customer service like this.
Still, onwards and upwards. The weather in Southampton was lovely so we went on deck in the same space as previous day nice and sheltered. We have both become addicted to the freshly squeezed orange juice which is fantastic and available in quite a few of the bars.
Many of the drinks are included in the premium package as it’s up to the value of £10 and includes well known brands and some cocktails but premium plus for £13 a day means anything by the glass is available.
We were berthed at the City Cruise terminal and could see the Horizon terminal next door which though it has been opened is clearly not finished yet, believe MSC are using it from sometime in July. We were berthed near Aurora and Britannia.
After an exhausting morning reading and snoozing , we went for buffet lunch. I had Lamb Madras and rice with mini-Naan and poppadoms. Mini Naan was disappointing, but the rest was lovely .Also had cheese and mint bread and a selection of cheeses (can you tell I like cheese?!).The breads onboard are wonderful.

After another rest, we went in a jacuzzi (capacity controlled only 1 party at a time. There are several around the ship. The outside ones are not round shaped but like a moon crescent looking out over the side of the ship. We also went for a swim in the large pool and you could swim properly which is quite rare. We had a further sunbathe until after 7 we love that quiet time on deck, it seems like you are getting a more private special experience at that time of day.
After last nights’ less than impressive meal, we tried to book Butcher’s Cut the speciality steak restaurant but it was booked until 9.30 which is too late for us, so we booked for Monday.
Instead we tried Hola! Tacos and had a fantastic experience. There is currently an offer of £16.99 all you can eat and you can literally go through the whole menu if you wish. Our server was from Ukraine and was very helpful and friendly. He guided us through the menu and made suggestions but didn’t force choices.
We started with Nachos and salsa , then progressed to tacos tapas which were basically mini tacos with various meats, steak , chicken, pork and some cheese based and some cheesy Quesadillas all of which were great.
Finally on the savoury front we had Enchiladas Chicken and Beef which we shared, there were other choices like Burritos on offer.

We then shared Churros with salted caramel dip and I had a Lemon Meringue tacos, it was like lemon sorbet .Both desserts were top notch.




Before we went back to the cabin, we had a walk round the deck .I love walking round the deck at night hearing the sea and trying to spot things which we did- The Isle of Wight!
A very mixed day a terrible start but the rest of the day was good.


 

[Notts1964]

What a horrible experience for your friend (and you). Mistakes are made but how they are dealt with is extremely important, and the customer service provided sounds horrible. Put it behind you and enjoy the rest of your cruise

[JessM66]

Hi, do you mind me asking how much they charge to upgrade the drinks package onboard, I am on board on 10th July for a week and wondering if it is worth upgrading or not. thanks

[trfccruiser]

8 minutes ago, JessM66 said:

Hi, do you mind me asking how much they charge to upgrade the drinks package onboard, I am on board on 10th July for a week and wondering if it is worth upgrading or not. thanks

Hi its 13 pounds a day before you board 16 pounds once on board

[trfccruiser]

1 hour ago, Notts1964 said:

What a horrible experience for your friend (and you). Mistakes are made but how they are dealt with is extremely important, and the customer service provided sounds horrible. Put it behind you and enjoy the rest of your cruise

Hi thanks we all were determined to.put it behind us and there was no way we were going to let it spoil our cruise and it didn't 

[JessM66]

36 minutes ago, philhar said:

Hi its 13 pounds a day before you board 16 pounds once on board

Thanks, do you know if they have a better selection of wines by the glass on the premium plus package, all the wine lists I have seen seem to quote wines by the glass that are below the £10 price, or by the bottle which I assume isn’t included or has an extra charge. Would be nice to have a bigger choice of wines with dinner but not sure how I could get an idea of what was on there

[trfccruiser]

Hi 

4 minutes ago, JessM66 said:

Thanks, do you know if they have a better selection of wines by the glass on the premium plus package, all the wine lists I have seen seem to quote wines by the glass that are below the £10 price, or by the bottle which I assume isn’t included or has an extra charge. Would be nice to have a bigger choice of wines with dinner but not sure how I could get an idea of what was on there

Hi there were definitely better wines by the glass  above 10 pounds on most bar drinks menus and the restaurants too.

The wine waiters were great too .Even though they knew you were buying by the glass they would bring a bottle nearby to keep topping you up.

[trfccruiser]

Day 4 Portland

Set Alarm on cabin phone as we were on shore excursion today. Good job I did as we would have overslept and might have faced the walk of shame on the coach. Usually sleep very well in inside cabins as they are not quite as dark as the old days ,light through peephole, TV standby light and also Zoe has a glowing light. Much has been said about Zoe. However, she doesn’t talk much or rather not at all. I tried talking to her a few times, but she gave me the cold shoulder.

I did manage to use her as a Bluetooth speaker but other than that she just took space up on an already quite small vanity area.

Had buffet breakfast had full English plus a made to order Mushroom Omelette which was ok , nothing special.

We then went to the Theatre as the excursion meeting point .It is probably 35 years since I went on a ship shore excursion. We had a tour of Portland , then of Weymouth including a walk along the prom. The guide was just like I remembered complete factual overload, including the fact that Portland has a large sex offenders’ prison, I don’t think we needed to know that. I was more interested in the cruise ships sheltering in the bay. Visibility was poor as there was a sea fret, but I could make out better when it lifted later .In the bay were Iona, Aurora (following us!),Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Escape. Quite sad seeing them all huddled there.

We drove high up to see the lighthouse and had a good view of the Chesil beach.

We had a final photo stop to view the concrete Olympic rings built for when the sailing was hosted for 2012.

It was nice to hit dry land, but I would never do such a tour in normal times. We were warned at the beginning of the consequences of leaving the party.

Back onboard we went for lunch in the buffet and I had Pea & mint soup which was really good and Sea Bream with lemon and herb which was also delicious.

We had a walk around deck and the deck above the main pool has a track for walkers and joggers.

I made a guest appearance at the gym and rode on the bike in a very poor attempt to address the level of excess. The gym was well equipped and felt very covid safe.

We then went back up on deck to watch us sail away and wave at passengers on Marella Discovery berthed next to us.

We then decided to give the MDR another try and deliberately asked to be sat in a different part of the restaurant. What a completely different experience from 2 nights ago! The food and service was so much better it was like we were on another ship!

The key for me was the section assistant head waiter. On the first 2 nights, this guy just wandered around with his nose in the air. Here, it was a young woman who engaged with all passengers and waiting staff as well as getting hands on. Excuse the pun, but she ran a tight ship. The service was attentive, responsive and quick.

I had Lentil and Potato soup (bit too many lentils but then the clue is in the title!)full of flavour though, Lasagna which was excellent and cheese plate for a change…

If the MDR was like that every night MSC would be fine ,in fact a lot better than fine.

Went to main theatre to see impressionist Andrew Fleming who apparently was on Britain’s Got Talent a few years back .His impressions were pretty good but quite dated  :Cilla, Michael Caine, Tony Hancock, Michael Crawford etc.

Progressed straight to Carousel Lounge which was designed for the ill-fated Cirque show .It’s a nice space with a circular stage in the middle of the audience. There was a rock tribute band Legends who were ok ,they did some good versions and  also murdered some, notably Layla. Very attentive table drinks service.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[JessM66]

Ha ha, yes we did the Portland tour a couple of weeks ago, on a different cruise line, we told about the prison, and that Garry Glitter is in there!!  What section of the MDR were you in, or more importantly what was the name of the assistant head waiter, we will try and ask to be seated in her section, as she sounds like she knows her stuff.

[trfccruiser]

1 hour ago, JessM66 said:

Ha ha, yes we did the Portland tour a couple of weeks ago, on a different cruise line, we told about the prison, and that Garry Glitter is in there!!  What section of the MDR were you in, or more importantly what was the name of the assistant head waiter, we will try and ask to be seated in her section, as she sounds like she knows her stuff.

It was a section right at the aft near the windows her name was Anna-Maria I think

[rkacruiser]

1 hour ago, philhar said:

The key for me was the section assistant head waiter. On the first 2 nights, this guy just wandered around with his nose in the air. 

 

I understand what you experienced.  My tablemates and I suffered such an employee in the Britannia Restaurant on QM2 until I had "had enough" of his haughtiness.  We had quite a conversation after dinner one evening and, my goodness, how he "came to breathe the same level of air" as I did!  

 

6 hours ago, philhar said:

We quoted his name but the person was very reluctant to contact him but did when another guest services representative got involved. This person looked us in the eye, apologised for the inconvenience. During the whole of this encounter the other person never once looked up from their laptop to make eye contact.

 

Front Office staff vary in their abilities and HR skills.  I had issues on the Prinsendam and it took a Front Office Officer to rectify the issue.  But, to get such a person involved required a few trips to the Front Office.