MSC Virtuosa - European metropolis tour - 19/27 March

[Beamafar]

 

Thank you so much for the photo (and info!), LW.  Delighted to see they have Cicogna onboard - and that you liked it.  I’ve recommended it here before on a couple of occasions and received a similar response.

 

 

Eagerly anticipating boarding on Monday (and hoping it will still be covered by the Premium package 🤞). 

[LiquidWu]

Today the sun finally comes out. My opportunity to enjoy an Aperol Spritz outside.

 

 

For you the full bar menu to browse. Since the sign is just here also the prices and conditions of the drink packages.

 

 

 

QR_T_POOL-BAR-LIST_OTHER_DAYX_EN_1679568362.pdf

[LiquidWu]

Bad news guys , I should have been on the bridge and in the engine room right now. I would have liked to tell you about it.

But because of the strong wind, the bridge is on "alert" and closed for us. VERY sad.

The whale laughs about it, as always 😀

[showingdiva]

2 hours ago, LiquidWu said:

Bad news guys , I should have been on the bridge and in the engine room right now. I would have liked to tell you about it.

But because of the strong wind, the bridge is on "alert" and closed for us. VERY sad.

The whale laughs about it, as always 😀

 

I bet his friend, the elephant, at the Horizon Pool on Deck 16 is also having a chuckle.

 

 

[insidecabin]

4 hours ago, LiquidWu said:

Today the sun finally comes out. My opportunity to enjoy an Aperol Spritz outside.

 

 

For you the full bar menu to browse. Since the sign is just here also the prices and conditions of the drink packages.

 

 

 

QR_T_POOL-BAR-LIST_OTHER_DAYX_EN_1679568362.pdf 1.19 MB · 8 downloads

That's why it's a take the package with the booking.

UK were getting premium extra £170pp for the week when in regular cabins.

[LiquidWu]

I'm reporting so late today because I was at the casino until the wee hours yesterday.
But it was worth it, at the end I had almost 100€ extra in my pocket.

 

 

This morning I slept until the start of the shore excursion. Fortunately, I had set the alarm.

We had a nice little walking tour of Southampton with a very nice, engaging tour guide

 

 

 

The highlight was then the visit of the SeaCity Museum with a really well designed, interesting exhibition about the history of Southampton and the RMS Titanic.

 

 

Edited March 24, 2023 by LiquidWu

[LiquidWu]

Of course, I do not want to forget to mention yesterday's dinner:

Unfortunately, the cruise is already coming to an end. 
For me, this is the time for individual tips. Actually, with MSC you pay them via the on-board account, but for particularly helpful crew members I always have a few extra bills with me.
The waiters thanked me with a group photo.


Speaking of tips, of course my butler got one too and gladly accepted it. But actually he had a completely different wish. He said it would be more useful for him if I thanked him with a small letter to his superior.
That was new to me, I only did that after the cruise when that survey email came. But my butler assured me that this would be the best way to thank the crew to do it on board.

 

Edited March 24, 2023 by LiquidWu

[insidecabin]

 

Thanks for your live from.

 

Were they still doing face to face with UK border force for regular pax that boarded other than Southampton?

 

 

[LiquidWu]

14 minutes ago, insidecabin said:

 

Thanks for your live from.

 

Were they still doing face to face with UK border force for regular pax that boarded other than Southampton?

 

 

Yes, I talked about it with other German passengers during the shore excursion. The line was frighteningly long, but it went quickly, as the large gymnasium was used for several parallel stations 

[insidecabin]

1 minute ago, LiquidWu said:

Yes, I talked about it with other German passengers during the shore excursion. The line was frighteningly long, but it went quickly, as the large gymnasium was used for several parallel stations 

Thanks.

there was an absolute mess in Nov  border force were doing everyone including Brits from Southampton, no organisation carousel lounge some delayed hours.

 

I was on the week before this(10-17) and the line was back to and up the stairs by the gym(ship was also late) before the ship docked, much better in the sports hall.

[LiquidWu]

Dinner today was once again fantastic. I had a risotto, that's what the Italians do best.
Then a delicious fillet steak under a paper-thin slice of hard cheese. 

Below as always for you the complete menu:

 

[ConnieTact]

Looks like you had a fabulous time! We hope to meet you again one day @LiquidWu.

You must be arriving in Hamburg soon. Have safe onward travels. Thanks for the great live report.

[LiquidWu]

2 hours ago, ConnieTact said:

Looks like you had a fabulous time! We hope to meet you again one day @LiquidWu.

You must be arriving in Hamburg soon. Have safe onward travels. Thanks for the great live report.

Thanks for the kind words, but luckily I have one more sea day before we dock back in Hamburg. I'm just strolling through the gallery, the "sky" looks dreamlike again.

With you @ConnieTact I will be happy to be on a cruise again at any time. 

[LiquidWu]

Since there is not so much to report from a lazy sea day, I'll start with the first summary. The following is a series of nibbles that I got delivered to the cabin without being asked:

 

 

Since not ordered, of course, completely free. The most delicious plate with pastries is unfortunately missing, I have plastered before I thought of a photo

Edited March 25, 2023 by LiquidWu

[LiquidWu]

PENNY LEE Cocktail

Captain Morgan spiced rum, Malibu coconut liqueur,

Montenegro Italian bitter, fresh lime juice, passion fruit cordial

[LiquidWu]

A visit to the crew show is always entertaining and for me also a recognition of their really great commitment

 

For all those considering booking YC a typical picture. The whole theater was full, everything was jostling.  But in the corner reserved for YC guests there were many free seats 

 

 

Edited March 25, 2023 by LiquidWu

[LiquidWu]

My aperitif before dinner. I stick to rum-based drinks as a precaution.

Santa Teresa Manhattan
Santa Teresa 1796 rum, orange bitters, red vermouth

[LiquidWu]

Today I found it the only time pity that this cruise has no clear beginning or end. Many guests have just come on board in Belgium or England. Thus, no farewell mood arose on my last evening.

 

But the dinner was still great again.

 

 

[LiquidWu]

In the theater, after the show, they really said goodbye. Thank you MSC Virtuosa

 

 

[ConnieTact]

1 hour ago, LiquidWu said:

Today I found it the only time pity that this cruise has no clear beginning or end. Many guests have just come on board in Belgium or England. Thus, no farewell mood arose on my last evening.

 

But the dinner was still great again.

 

 

That’s my fave pasta dish! I loved it! 
glad you enjoyed it! 

[Ulsteinvik]

Is there any information whether tomorrow's pilot strike will affect the departure of the Virtuosa in Hamburg? Tomorrow from 6 p.m. the pilots will be on strike until Tuesday. There are rumors that Virtuosa could get stuck in port.

 

https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/Warnstreik-im-Hafen-beendet-doch-der-naechste-kommt,warnstreik2298.html

[sidari]

2 hours ago, Ulsteinvik said:

Is there any information whether tomorrow's pilot strike will affect the departure of the Virtuosa in Hamburg? Tomorrow from 6 p.m. the pilots will be on strike until Tuesday. There are rumors that Virtuosa could get stuck in port.

 

https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/Warnstreik-im-Hafen-beendet-doch-der-naechste-kommt,warnstreik2298.html

Maybe a change of itinerary or an earlier departure.

[LiquidWu]

4 hours ago, sidari said:

Maybe a change of itinerary or an earlier departure.

I can rule out a change to another port instead of Hamburg, we are already there.

What has not yet been mentioned here is the total closure of the Elbe Tunnel. Steinwerder will be difficult to reach as a result. Plan extra time.

Edited March 26, 2023 by LiquidWu

[ConnieTact]

Have a safe homeward journey! I hope the strike action doesn’t delay your travels. 

[insidecabin]

Safe travels home, enjoyed another Virtual Virtuosa trip.