10 reasons to set sail this summer

(Image credit: MSC cruises)

published 25 January 2022

Glittering coastlines and vibrant cities await this summer, as the award-winning MSC Virtuosa takes to the seas with exciting new itineraries exploring the Norwegian Fjords, Southern Europe and the Canary Islands.

On board you’ll find a dazzling array of first-rate entertainment, leisure facilities and fine dining. Catch a fabulous West End-style show, take a dip in a jacuzzi or try a cosmic cocktail served by a robotic bartender- all while sailing towards your next awe-inspiring destination.

Discover ten reasons why an exhilarating coastal cruise is the perfect way to travel in complete bliss…

1. MSC Virtuosa is a Masterpiece at Sea

This state-of-the-art ship is known as the ‘Masterpiece at Sea’, and it’s not hard to see why. On board you’ll enjoy incredible facilities for exciting active adventures and evening entertainment, as well as plenty of space to relax too.

2. There are sparkling highlights across Europe and the Canary Islands to explore

Admire Europe’s most scenic port towns and cities with brand new itineraries embarking from Southampton this summer. With no need to fly, you can immerse yourself in the wild, majestic fjords of Norway, soak up the culture and cuisine of Southern Europe’s most charming cities and wander among otherworldly lunar landscapes and desert dunes on the volcanic Canary Islands.

3. There are countless exquisite restaurants and distinguished bars on board

Food lovers will marvel at the culinary delights on board MSC Virtuosa. Why not savour Vietnamese delicacies with a French twist at the Indochine restaurant, or watch as expert chefs prepare authentic Japanese dishes on a sizzling open grill at Kaito Teppanyaki? Then head to one of the ship’s 21 bars for an atmospheric evening. Listen to live jazz as you sample fine wines and a pop-up art gallery at L’Atelier Bar, or sip on an intergalactic cocktail served by a talking, dancing humanoid robotic bartender at the MSC Starship Club.

4. You can make a splash at five incredible swimming pools

Fancy a refreshing dip? With five outstanding indoor and outdoor swimming pools across the ship, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Take in panoramic vistas while sunbathing by the Tropical Pool, unwind in a bubbly hot tub or zoom down twisting slides and flumes at the adventurous Savannah Aquapark.

5. A sumptuous spa with soothing treatments awaits

A woman getting a massage on board a cruise ship

No holiday is complete without a little pampering. Treat yourself to some much-needed ‘me time’ at the world-class MSC Aurea Spa, which offers traditional massages, Salt Relaxation Rooms, steamy saunas and heated loungers.

6. Kids will have a blast

There are endless adventures for young cruisers, with a packed schedule of sports, games and parties tailored to every age group. Designed in partnership with LEGO and Chicco, the tropical island-themed Kids Club on board the MSC Virtuosa is second to none. Youngsters can let loose at a silent disco, compete with new friends in the fun-sized bowling alley or even go head-to-head in virtual-reality Formula 1 racing cars.

7. You can shop under the stars and catch a West End show

Indulge in some retail therapy in the Galleria Virtuosa, a trendy indoor promenade featuring beautiful boutiques and vibrant bars. It’s lit up by the longest LED Dome at sea, so you can shop ’til you drop under a star-spangled sky. Meanwhile, the elegant theatre boasts spellbinding performances every night in true West End style.

8. MSC Yacht Club guests enjoy luxurious suites and private pools

Looking to make your holiday extra special? Experience unrivalled luxury as a guest of the MSC Yacht Club. Travelling in true VIP style, you’ll have exclusive access to round-the-clock personal butler service and private amenities including a gourmet restaurant, an elegant lounge, a luxurious pool area and a secluded sundeck.

9. MSC Cruises are flexible and safe

Travel with complete peace of mind thanks to MSC's industry-leading health and safety protocol, which has been tried and tested on cruise ships since August 2020. Only fully vaccinated guests will be able to travel on MSC Virtuosa. Stepping on board is like entering a safe bubble, with fully-trained and vaccinated staff, thorough cleaning and social distancing measures in place.

Plus, MSC’s new flexible booking conditions allow you to move your cruise to a future date, completely free of charge*.

* terms and conditions apply.

10. Save money with exceptional deals

Your money will go further with MSC’s Premium All-Inclusive Drinks package, which gives guests unlimited access to a refreshing array of delicious beverages. The Premium drinks package will be included, as well as the gratuities, in the cruise package at a reduced promotional price for all bookings taken by 31 March 2022.

What’s more, as a special thank you to heroic NHS workers, MSC Cruises are offering a 50% discount on cruise fares for all healthcare workers and their families.

Travelling solo? MSC Cruises offer significantly reduced single supplements on board the Virtuosa.

Follow MSC Cruises to stay on top of their latest news and exclusive offers. Facebook: @MSC.Cruises.UK, Instagram: @msccruisesofficial, Twitter: @MSC_Cruises_UK.

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A keen wildlife enthusiast, Annabel has written about everything from the animals of the Amazon rainforest and penguins of Antarctica, to the birds that visit our back gardens.

Reading is one of her favourite pastimes. Having studied English Literature, she now writes a weekly review of newly published books for Woman’s Own magazine and has interviewed authors including Bernardine Evaristo and Isabel Allende.

Her love of languages and travel has taken her all over the world, from a year teaching English at a Colombian university, to helping organise an international arts festival in the mountains of northern Vietnam.