Live from Virtuosa June 2024

[Eglesbrech]

12 minutes ago, Ryan82 said:

Enjoying this thread. Am also onboard. Agree with most of what you said but boiling hot food is mainly  a British thing 😀

Hope you are having a lovely cruise.

[Ryan82]

38 minutes ago, Eglesbrech said:

Hope you are having a lovely cruise.

Absolutely loving it. 3rd time on Virtuosa.

[Ryan82]

5 hours ago, Eglesbrech said:

Hope you are having a lovely 

[Eglesbrech]

Day 7 Lanzarote 

 

I like Lanzarote, we have stayed here many times. It is a pretty, clean island with friendly locals.

 

The ship berthed in the new port which is a 20 -25 minute gentle stroll from the centre of town. There are shops and stalls selling local goods in the port area, a much shorter walk for those less able. Taxis are available but limited and someone said about 7€ each way into town.

 

We walked into town and did a bit of shopping and people watching on the harbour. Got lots of aloe vera products at a fraction of the price they cost at home. The cooling gel they sell here is amazing.

 

If you have not been here before then take a trip and see the amazing Timanfaya national park, the Ceassar Manrique institute etc.

 

Enjoyed the Michael Buble tribute act in the theatre then dinner. Dinner was not a good as usual but we never starve.

 

This itinerary is good if you like to walk as all the ports are within easy walking distance of the towns and some of the attractions. When there are thousands of people onboard the ability to just walk off and find your own way to places is advantageous.

[Ryan82]

If you havent try the canopies at the sky lounge. They were really good.

 

Have you got Butchers Cut or Indochine booked? We liked Indochine so much we've booked it again.

[Eglesbrech]

@Ryan82Yes we enjoyed Butchers Cut as well.

 

Ill look out for the canapes, thanks

[Eglesbrech]

Day 8 at sea

 

The weather today is not quite so good so many more people are indoors and so the ship feels more crowded than it has to date. 

 

We had breakfast in the restaurant which was served quickly and very pleasant. Lots of complaints about the buffet area which was apparently chaotic and crowded as many people had a longer lie in.

 

We joined in a few of the activities to pass the morning, the quiz, paper plane flying etc. Went to see the Q&A with Shirley Ballas which was interesting. Full house for it and with only 900 plus seats not everyone got in (but they streamed it as well). They did this talk over the lunch hour which was I suspect was quite deliberate to split up the queues for lunch.

 

Service at the bars is a bit on the slow side today as people are concentrated indoors. Thank goodness for the peace and quiet of a balcony, on days like this I appreciate the ability to collect a drink and repair to a quiet spot and read.

 

We decided to go along to the Diamond party this afternoon, we have never bothered to go before. Same as every cruise line: drinks, nibbles, music and speeches. What did strike me however was how few people were there. Now I know that not everyone will choose to attend but still low numbers.

 

Not bothering with the show tonight as it’s a rehash of two acts that have been on before. We enjoyed some music in the Sky Barr and very nice G&T with lovely fresh herbs instead (just the one as they are very strong). I have posted drinks menus on a separate thread to show current pricing in Pounds in case it’s of interest to anyone.

[amurray88]

5 hours ago, Eglesbrech said:

Day 8 at sea

 

The weather today is not quite so good so many more people are indoors and so the ship feels more crowded than it has to date. 

 

We had breakfast in the restaurant which was served quickly and very pleasant. Lots of complaints about the buffet area which was apparently chaotic and crowded as many people had a longer lie in.

 

We joined in a few of the activities to pass the morning, the quiz, paper plane flying etc. Went to see the Q&A with Shirley Ballas which was interesting. Full house for it and with only 900 plus seats not everyone got in (but they streamed it as well). They did this talk over the lunch hour which was I suspect was quite deliberate to split up the queues for lunch.

 

Service at the bars is a bit on the slow side today as people are concentrated indoors. Thank goodness for the peace and quiet of a balcony, on days like this I appreciate the ability to collect a drink and repair to a quiet spot and read.

 

We decided to go along to the Diamond party this afternoon, we have never bothered to go before. Same as every cruise line: drinks, nibbles, music and speeches. What did strike me however was how few people were there. Now I know that not everyone will choose to attend but still low numbers.

 

Not bothering with the show tonight as it’s a rehash of two acts that have been on before. We enjoyed some music in the Sky Barr and very nice G&T with lovely fresh herbs instead (just the one as they are very strong). I have posted drinks menus on a separate thread to show current pricing in Pounds in case it’s of interest to anyone.

Does the sky bar allow infants in? 

There was an equivalent on P&O Azura in January and when our wee one was sleeping in the pram at night a staff member told us to go up to it. We went in and were welcomed by staff members. 

Thanks!

[Sarajohn]

Have you encountered any disruption due to the filming onboard ?

[Eglesbrech]

2 hours ago, amurray88 said:

Does the sky bar allow infants in? 

There was an equivalent on P&O Azura in January and when our wee one was sleeping in the pram at night a staff member told us to go up to it. We went in and were welcomed by staff members. 

Thanks!

There is an “adults only” sign at the front door of the Sky lounge.

 

I haven’t noticed any children but then we haven’t been there often so we haven’t noticed them being knocked back either.

[Eglesbrech]

1 hour ago, Sarajohn said:

Have you encountered any disruption due to the filming onboard ?

No. Nothing this time.

 

We were on last year when they were filming and it was a little more prominent but I can’t say we have even noticed it (apart from me just being nosy). 
 

A non issue.

[Sarajohn]

Thanks

 

[amurray88]

18 minutes ago, Eglesbrech said:

There is an “adults only” sign at the front door of the Sky lounge.

 

I haven’t noticed any children but then we haven’t been there often so we haven’t noticed them being knocked back either.

That's ok - if there's a sign we won't bother. Completely understand the no kids, on P&O it was our 6 month old sleeping in his pram so I think they were happy to invite us in given he was asleep....completely different if he is awake and running around/making any noise.

 

Thanks!

[Ryan82]

15 hours ago, amurray88 said:

Does the sky bar allow infants in? 

There was an equivalent on P&O Azura in January and when our wee one was sleeping in the pram at night a staff member told us to go up to it. We went in and were welcomed by staff members. 

Thanks!

No. Adults only which is good. Plenty of other spaces for families.

[Eglesbrech]

Day 9 Lisbon

 

MSC are docked at the new port right in the heart of the city. It’s just a 10-15 minute walk to the main areas, squares, shops and restaurants. There were lots of TUK TUK tours available HOHO buses etc right at the dock if you want a private tour. 

 

That said you can walk to see most things. For example if you want the Santa Justa lift it’s not far but get there early as it gets busy.

 

We stopped off for a traditional Ginja at the tiny “A Ginjinha bar”. This is a local morello cherry alcohol with fruit included. The bar is tiny and the glasses small (it’s sweet and strong) and usually served by someone who looks good for being 100 and drinks it every day.

 

Another city we know well so we did the things we like, good coffee, pastel de nata, sheep cheese, port and of course shopping! Lisbon has some lovely shops.

 

Back onboard they are filming for the Good Ship Murder in the Virtuosa Lounge. Interesting to watch for a few minutes. They film in the more public areas when most folks are off exploring ports.

 

White night no night so the majority were in varying white outfits, it’s looks good when the lights are on. Pre dinner drinks arrive almost as we do, the staff on here have incredible memories and know what you prefer. They are also so friendly (and very tolerant given the mess some people make).

 

We have a package and find that we personally would need it on here. In a day a couple of fresh coffees. Fresh squeezed orange. Some bottled water, a few soft drinks then a pre dinner drink, wine and post dinner nightcap doesn’t take long to add up. The wines by the glass are fine but they do become a bit repetitive after 10 days (you can buy bottles from an extensive list but we stick to by the glass as we have the premier package and don’t want to pay any more).

 

The comedian tonight had gentle, clean humour for the early show which we enjoyed. There have not been many production shows on this particular cruise, mainly guest acts.

[morpheusofthesea]

28 minutes ago, Eglesbrech said:

Back onboard they are filming for the Good Ship Murder in the Virtuosa Lounge.

I bet the onboard staff make sure there are no chair hogged lounges that might be filmed. Probably the only time guests can find an available pergola when they get back on board from touring.

Edited June 13 by morpheusofthesea

[Eglesbrech]

Day 10 Sea Day

 

Miserable weather today so everyone has been indoors for much of the day. 

 

We watched the usual suspects on the aft camera laying out pool towels at 7am as the weather looked a bit better then. A few hours later they were out rescuing them. MSC have been lifting left towels and books etc on sunny days if they have been left unattended, which is good imo.

 

We amused ourself indoors with some of the activities, lunch, a pint at the pub then the guest speaker. Today it was Eddie the Eagle and he was really engaging and amusing, one of the better celebrity guests we have seen on cruises. We have been lucky this week to have two interesting guests.

 

Tonight was the second “elegant” night, some dressed for that, many did not. The show was ABBA music and very energetic and fun.

 

The number of moaning, whinging people on here never ceases to amaze me. Is everything onboard perfect, absolutely not but much of it is fine. As I said earlier in the week a lot of the moans are about things which could be a avoided with a bit of research in advance, objective issues like dining times, noisy or obstructed cabins etc.

 

More subjective issues are more difficult. Some people have not enjoyed the more European style food, for example one couple said on they could find nothing to eat and were having fish and chips at the pub regularly - well take the chance whilst onboard to expand your palate beyond chips! There is more than adequate choice but not if you idea of food is restricted to burger and chips / fish and chips/ pie and chips etc for every meal.

 

Personally I do feel the ship is too full so at times there are no seats in bars and people are crowded in. The bad weather has not helped with this.

 

As I said at the start of this thread I have never sailed on MSC other than in Yacht Club. After 10 days I probably would not book Aurea again. That’s not because there is anything at all wrong with it, we have had a good enough cruise with some pleasant food, some good entertainment and great service in the evenings in our dining room from lovely staff. The cabin is clean and has everything we need.

 

Personally however I very much prefer the peace and quiet, more extensive food choices and the little extra touches of YC. Others might find it stuffy and prefer the buzz of the Galleria area, that’s why we are all different.

[amurray88]

23 minutes ago, Eglesbrech said:

Day 10 Sea Day

 

Miserable weather today so everyone has been indoors for much of the day. 

 

We watched the usual suspects on the aft camera laying out pool towels at 7am as the weather looked a bit better then. A few hours later they were out rescuing them. MSC have been lifting left towels and books etc on sunny days if they have been left unattended, which is good imo.

 

We amused ourself indoors with some of the activities, lunch, a pint at the pub then the guest speaker. Today it was Eddie the Eagle and he was really engaging and amusing, one of the better celebrity guests we have seen on cruises. We have been lucky this week to have two interesting guests.

 

Tonight was the second “elegant” night, some dressed for that, many did not. The show was ABBA music and very energetic and fun.

 

The number of moaning, whinging people on here never ceases to amaze me. Is everything onboard perfect, absolutely not but much of it is fine. As I said earlier in the week a lot of the moans are about things which could be a avoided with a bit of research in advance, objective issues like dining times, noisy or obstructed cabins etc.

 

More subjective issues are more difficult. Some people have not enjoyed the more European style food, for example one couple said on they could find nothing to eat and were having fish and chips at the pub regularly - well take the chance whilst onboard to expand your palate beyond chips! There is more than adequate choice but not if you idea of food is restricted to burger and chips / fish and chips/ pie and chips etc for every meal.

 

Personally I do feel the ship is too full so at times there are no seats in bars and people are crowded in. The bad weather has not helped with this.

 

As I said at the start of this thread I have never sailed on MSC other than in Yacht Club. After 10 days I probably would not book Aurea again. That’s not because there is anything at all wrong with it, we have had a good enough cruise with some pleasant food, some good entertainment and great service in the evenings in our dining room from lovely staff. The cabin is clean and has everything we need.

 

Personally however I very much prefer the peace and quiet, more extensive food choices and the little extra touches of YC. Others might find it stuffy and prefer the buzz of the Galleria area, that’s why we are all different.

I'm a bit concerned by the busyness of it. It's strange...we've been on NCL Epic, Symphony of the Seas and MSC Seaview in terms of "big" ships and we didn't feel these were crowded at all.... let's see what happens.

 

In fairness - we've got 7 days during summer school holidays for £1,100 for the 3 of us. I cannot complain on price...I wouldn't have got the cheapest hotel in turkey, full board for £1,100! (no offence to those who enjoy going to Turkey on holiday!)

[amurray88]

Just now, amurray88 said:

I'm a bit concerned by the busyness of it. It's strange...we've been on NCL Epic, Symphony of the Seas and MSC Seaview in terms of "big" ships and we didn't feel these were crowded at all.... let's see what happens.

 

In fairness - we've got 7 days during summer school holidays for £1,100 for the 3 of us. I cannot complain on price...I wouldn't have got the cheapest hotel in turkey, full board for £1,100! (no offence to those who enjoy going to Turkey on holiday!)

Sorry I should also say...perhaps that's why people complain. I was on Azura in January, we got change out of £1k for flights, transfers and cruise for the 3 of us (outside cabin). I spoke with others on board who had shockingly paid more than £3k for the same pleasure with an inside cabin. They perhaps would have higher expectations than what I would have?

[showingdiva]

42 minutes ago, Eglesbrech said:

Day 10 Sea Day

 

Miserable weather today so everyone has been indoors for much of the day. 

 

The number of moaning, whinging people on here never ceases to amaze me. Is everything onboard perfect, absolutely not but much of it is fine. As I said earlier in the week a lot of the moans are about things which could be a avoided with a bit of research in advance, objective issues like dining times, noisy or obstructed cabins etc.

 

More subjective issues are more difficult. Some people have not enjoyed the more European style food, for example one couple said on they could find nothing to eat and were having fish and chips at the pub regularly - well take the chance whilst onboard to expand your palate beyond chips! There is more than adequate choice but not if you idea of food is restricted to burger and chips / fish and chips/ pie and chips etc for every meal.

 

I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings about the weather ..... wait 'til you get back to Scotland!    It's been dropping to around 5 celsius at night in the central belt the last few nights.

 

I absolutely concur about this.   Surely even minimal research pre-cruise, albeit with a few British-isms that have appeared the last few years on Virtuosa, reveal that this is a company of Italian heritage, HQ'd in Switzerland, registered in Malta, which of course is going to have a Mediterranean style.  The ending of the pandemic restrictions in the UK was the reason this beautiful ship ended up at our shores.

 

Eglesbrech .... safe journey home.

[Ryan82]

I would have to agree with @Eglesbrech the moaning onboard has been at another level. Like nothing I've known, and after a while it becomes a downer.

 

Whilst enjoying a cigar up on deck 18, sat quietly hoping for an hour or so of solitude all i heard was moaning about the food and the upcoming dinner menus.

 

Completely agree with the OP, if other passengers have a preference for wetherspoons type food then I can well understand their disappointment.

 

That said, the passengers onboard (overwhelmingly British) have been impeccably behaved and friendly.

 

Only thing I don't quite agree with is bar service. Maybe I've got lucky but ive never had to wait more than 5 mins this entire cruise 👌

[Eglesbrech]

2 hours ago, amurray88 said:

Sorry I should also say...perhaps that's why people complain. I was on Azura in January, we got change out of £1k for flights, transfers and cruise for the 3 of us (outside cabin). I spoke with others on board who had shockingly paid more than £3k for the same pleasure with an inside cabin. They perhaps would have higher expectations than what I would have?

I think you are correct re expectations. Some on here are happy to tell anyone listening that they only paid £699 for a Bella inside and got upgraded to a balcony. Those who paid the much higher standard price could well have higher expectations.

[mnpurple]

I've enjoyed your review. 2 out of my 3 MSC cruises were in Europe and I really enjoyed them. I don't understand how people can travel and be so set in their ways that they aren't willing to try some new things. My husband and I will be in Spain and Portugal early spring next year, so ready to try new things there. No cruises planned yet as part of that adventure.

Edited June 14 by mnpurple

[Eglesbrech]

2 hours ago, amurray88 said:

I'm a bit concerned by the busyness of it. 

Your cruise could be completely different. I think the bad weather has affected how many people are indoors, rather than spread across the whole ship or sitting out on balcony’s.

[Eglesbrech]

10 hours ago, Ryan82 said:

 

Only thing I don't quite agree with is bar service. Maybe I've got lucky but ive never had to wait more than 5 mins this entire cruise 👌

For us it has depended on the bar we are in. Service has really been great in the Champagne and Art bar. Always had to queue at the Masters of the Sea and Sky Lounge. Virtuosa lounge and infinity fairly quick.

 

The time of day also has an impact.

 

On balance better than on some other cruise lines.