Normal embarkment times MSC Virtuosa

[allatsea97531]

We are first time cruisers on a short 4 night trip on MSC Virtuosa, leaving Southampton on 24th Sept. The ship is due to depart at 8pm and our departure time has been quoted for 5pm, we are in Yacht Club, is that the normal sort of timings, seems a short window for 6,000 + passengers to board? Many thanks!

[Eglesbrech]

29 minutes ago, allatsea97531 said:

We are first time cruisers on a short 4 night trip on MSC Virtuosa, leaving Southampton on 24th Sept. The ship is due to depart at 8pm and our departure time has been quoted for 5pm, we are in Yacht Club, is that the normal sort of timings, seems a short window for 6,000 + passengers to board? Many thanks!

As you are in Yacht Club you can embark when you like. It’s usually starts around 10am (but check the ship arrived on time or there could be a delay).

 

Look out for the small blue gazebo outside at the from of the terminal. They will fast track you through embarkation, then a butler will escort you up to the YC area.

 

That time does however seem very late.

[Huntingdon1701]

I have that for an October cruise too, but in Yacht Club you can walk up at any time and they escort you through. 

[dalegarth]

If not on Yacht category do you have to stick rigidly to your embarkation time? 

[SolentCruises]

No, embarkation times don't matter as they don't get checked at the port (I work on behalf of MSC and many other cruise lines as a port agent). Security opens normally about 10am and the ship opens about 11am but you may be made to sit down and wait for your boarding group to be called (you get given a card on arrival with a number). For quick embarkation, I recommend arriving 3-4pm as you will be straight on, but if you don't mind a small queue then come early.