We was travelling as a LGBT couple aged 37 & 27 from the UK, this was our 7th cruise and 4th with MSC. We embarked in Southampton, England - the terminal is new however the process of dropping the bags off to going through security up to boarding the ship seemed a little chaotic however you couldn't be sure if they was down to MSC or the port staff. The minute we stepped onboard you are just struck by glistening, sparkles and lights - its fantastic.

The facilities onboard are brilliant and great for families and adults with a young heart. I would say 95% of the staff onboard were great with a willingness to help, they were so kind and full of smiles and joy, however the remaining 5% onboard let there team down and so rude and unhelpful, it was almost as if they didn't want to be onboard working anymore. You seem to get this a little more with the European cruise lines, whilst we was on RCL/ Celebrity - the staff were 100% all the time.

The Spa onboard was much superior than RCL ships of the same age etc to which leads me to say MSC Ships do offer alternative features such as the Himalayan rope bridge. Overall MSC Virtuosa is geared up mainly for the British cruise market including the food in the buffet and cabin features you wouldn't find on American run ships including other MSC ships such as a kettle with tea bags and coffee.