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MSC Virtuosa

Mega ship Bliss scored

The 4,842-passenger megaship MSC Virtuosa debuted in May 2021 as the largest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet along with sister MSC Grandiosa.

  • 4,842guests
  • 181,541gross tons
  • 55cruises now
  • $70fares from

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The Tropical Pool with retractable roof aboard MSC Virtuosa.

At a glance

MSC Virtuosa is a mega-size cruise ship operated by MSC Cruises, in service since 2021. It carries 4,842 guests and 1,704 crew (2.8 guests per crew member) at 181,541 gross tons. It ties with 1 other ship as the 3rd largest of 23 MSC Cruises ships by guest capacity. On Cruiseable's Bliss scale it scores highest for cultural (9/10) and lowest for adventure & nature (5/10). It has 55 cruises on sale, with lead fares from $70 to $2,224. 35 of its upcoming sailings dropped in price since the previous weekly fare check.

Builder's plate

Specs

Guests
4,842
Crew
1,704
Gross tons
181,541
Decks
18
Length
1,087 ft
Beam
141 ft
Maiden voyage
2021
Space ratio
2.8
Gross tons per guest
Guests per crew
2.8
Speed (mph)
25
IMO
9803625

Bliss scores

What MSC Virtuosa is best at

Ten dimensions scored by our editors on a 10-point scale. The Cruiseable app ranks every cruise against the mix you care about.

  1. Active 8.0
  2. Adventure and nature 5.0
  3. Cultural 9.0
  4. Dining 8.0
  5. Entertainment 8.0
  6. Family friendly 8.0
  7. Party 7.0
  8. Romantic 7.0
  9. Spa and fitness 7.0
  10. Staterooms 7.0

Our review

MSC Virtuosa: Classy megaship brims with family fun

MSC Virtuosa debuted in May 2021 as the largest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, equalizing the size of twin sister MSC Grandiosa. It's a dazzling megaship with room for 4,842 passengers at double occupancy and 6,334 at maximum capacity.

MSC promises travelers “the ultimate cruise vacation experience” on board. And, depending on your preferred travel style, it may offer just that. The ship boasts an impressive array of features and amenities to make any guest swoon.

Part of MSC's Meraviglia Plus class, MSC Virtuosa features a huge pool deck, lavish stage productions, an indoor promenade with a giant LED digital sky ceiling, an outdoor water park, some exquisite dining and one of the best Games Arcades at sea, including a VR maze, two F1 simulators, two bowling lanes and a cinema where you put on 3D glasses and shoot zombies. 

Technology is a big part of the MSC experience, so guests are encouraged to download the MSC for Me app, which lets you to make bookings on board, keep track of your booked activities (and your bill!) and see your kids' whereabouts. You'll be given a wristband that opens your room door and pays for drinks and purchases on board.

Who will enjoy sailing on MSC Virtuosa

If you're looking for a quiet getaway and aren't opting for the Yacht Club, MSC Virtuosa (or any megaship) probably isn't for you. But this is a great choice for families and those who like lots of big production shows, lots of activities to choose from and even food mavens.  

Where MSC Virtuosa sails

Initial itineraries take Virtuosa around the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, with longer Grand Voyages available as well. 

Read the full review

Dining options

On MSC Virtuosa, dining is a grand affair with a European flair. The ship offers four main complilmentary dining rooms, each serving a three- or four-course dinner with rotating menus and fresh pasta dishes.

At Marketplace Buffet you'll find international dishes, ethnic cuisine, healthy options and lots of other choices in an informal buffet setting with a stellar view of the sea. It's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Hola! Tacos features a choice of Latin America and Mexican-inspired dishes on MSC Virtuosa.
Hola! Tacos features a choice of Latin America and Mexican-inspired dishes on MSC Virtuosa. Ivan Sarfatti / Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Specialty dining

For an additional cost, dining options include:

  • Hola! Tacos & Cantina: This new casual food dining concept offers a selection of Latin America and Mexican-inspired dishes and drinks to enjoy in a relaxed atmosphere. Open for lunch & dinner.
  • Butcher's Cut: An American-style steakhouse that Cruise Critic calls "one of the best at sea," with a wide range selection of meat dishes and tasty desserts.
  • L'Atelier Bistrot: This charming bistro off the main promenade serves French classics accompanied by live music on a small stage most evenings.
  • Indochine: Guests can choose from a savory selection of French-Vietnamese dishes as well as vegetarian and vegan options at Indochine aboard MSC Virtuosa.
  • Kaito Sushi Bar: This stylish sushi eatery blends tradition and modernity, offering authentic Asian cuisine prepared on the spot with fresh ingredients.
  • Kaito Teppanyaki: Choose your spot at one of four cooking stations and watch the Japanese dishes prepared on an open grill.

Activites on board

Pools, pools, glorious pools!

MSC Virtuosa features five distinctive pools that can acommodate more than 1,000 guests with comfort. The Atmosphere Pool boasts 18,000+ square feet of space (or about 107 square feet of public space per guest. Plus, look for a long waterslide and what MSC describes as one of the biggest and most intricate waterparks at sea.

For musical and theatrical productions, head to Le Grand Theater on MSC Virtuosa.
For musical and theatrical productions, head to Le Grand Theater. Ivan Sarfatti / Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Le Grande Theater

MSC is known for its entertainment, and the 975-person, Broadway-style theater at the front of the ship hosts several different stage shows twice a night every day of the cruise. Most are dance and musical revues with acrobatics that will appeal to international audiences. 

Kids clubs

MSC Cruises is known for its family-friendly ships and has partnered with the LEGO Group to design the kids club areas and to program onboard activities for children and families. 

Galleria Virtuosa

If you're a shopaholic, MSC Virtuosa is where your shopping dreams come true. Galleria Virtuosa sports the longest LED dome at sea and more than 12,500 square feet of retail space — the largest shopping area at sea. The indoor promenade features both main and specialty restaurants, 11 state-of-the-art boutiques and over 250 brands. You may want to grab a cocktail and catch live entertainment showcased in the promenade.

MSC Starship Club

You'll find at least 10 bars and lounges on board. One newcomer is the MSC Starship Club, which borrows a page from Royal Caribbean's bionic bartenders. The Starship Club is home to Rob, the first humanoid robotic bartender at sea, who will prep your favorite cocktail, no matter what planet you're from.

Spa & wellness

MSC Aurea Spa is one of the best at sea, featuring a thermal area, massage & body treatments, facials and beauty services (for an extra cost). The fitness area comes equipped with the latest Technogym machines, five outstanding pools and a solarium.

Other options

You'll also find nine whirlpools, a casino, show lounge, video arcade, ropes course, sports court, bowling and jogging track.

What you won't find: A rock climbing wall, zipline, mini-golf, FlowRider, library, bridge viewing area.

MSC Yacht Club

Offering sweeping views and suites in the most premier location on the ship, the MSC Yacht Club offers an all-inclusive, premium luxury experience. Guests staying in the MSC Yacht Club can enjoy private dining, a large private pool with solarium and whirlpool, a private lounge and bar and more. Those who opt for this all-inclusive experience also get complimentary drinks, unlimited Wi-Fi, free access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea Spa and a number of luxurious amenities. Here's a short glimpse of those amenities on MSC Virtuosa:

Staterooms

MSC Virtuosa has 2,405 staterooms on board with the following cabin classes:

  • Balcony: The ship features 1,322 Balcony staterooms measuring 182 square feet, with balconies from 32 to 53 square feet. All feature double or single beds, a sitting area with sofa, bathroom with shower and hair dryer.
  • Family: If you have a large brood, 190 Family staterooms sleep up to 12 and are made up of two connecting staterooms, each with its own bathroom and balcony, adding up to 269 square feet with 86-square-foot balconies.
  • Ocean View: You can choose from 160 Ocean View staterooms ranging from 161 to 269 square feet, which come with a window with sea view along with double or single beds, and a sitting area with sofa and bathroom.
  • Interior: For a more economical fare, you can opt for one of the 728 Interior or 15 Interior Studio rooms. 
  • Suites: There are a number of suite classes to choose from, ranging in size from a 247-square-foot Suite (with balconies up to 150 square feet) to the Royal Suites, which come in at a generous 613 square feet of living space and huge 624-square foot balconies.

Eco-conscious sailings

We all need to do more to protect the environment and MSC Cruises took extra steps to make MSC Virtuosa one of the most environmentally sound and energy-efficient ships at sea. MSC reports a 98% reduction of sulfur oxide and a 90% reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions, the use of a wide range of energy-saving equipment and an advanced wastewater treatment system with higher purification standards than most wastewater treatment facilities ashore.

Fun facts

  • MSC Virtuosa's name comes from the word virtuoso, meaning someone highly skilled in any field of activity. MSC Virtuosa was named to pay homage to the skill and expertise of the MSC Cruises architects and shipyard partners at Les Chantiers de l'Atlantique who designed and built this innovative class of ships. 
  • The ship's decks are named after the world's most famous composers: Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Verdi, Vivaldi and others. 

Your take

How about you? Will you be sailing on MSC Virtuosa? What's the appeal?

Interested in a cruise on this ship?

For pricing, itinerary information and to reserve your spot on MSC Virtuosa, contact a Cruiseable travel consultant by email or call 1-877-322-3773.

SEE ALL MSC VIRTUOSA SAILINGS

On board highlights

Dining

Where to eat on MSC Virtuosa

Photos

Inside and out

Dining 10

  • Blue Danube, one of the complimentary restaurants on MSC Virtuosa, seats 598 guests.
    Blue Danube, one of the complimentary restaurants on MSC Virtuosa, seats 598 guests.
  • Hola! Tacos features a choice of Latin America and Mexican-inspired dishes on MSC Virtuosa.
    Hola! Tacos features a choice of Latin America and Mexican-inspired dishes on MSC Virtuosa.
  • The intimate Il Campo is one of the complimentary restaurants on MSC Virtuosa.
    The intimate Il Campo is one of the complimentary restaurants on MSC Virtuosa.
  • Head to Indochine Restaurant if you’re in the mood for French-Asian fusion.
    Head to Indochine Restaurant if you’re in the mood for French-Asian fusion.
  • A look at the artsy setting of Indochine Restaurant on MSC Virtuosa.
    A look at the artsy setting of Indochine Restaurant on MSC Virtuosa.
  • In the mood for sushi? Try Kaito Sushi Bar during your MSC Virtuosa sailing.
    In the mood for sushi? Try Kaito Sushi Bar during your MSC Virtuosa sailing.
  • A look at the cozy 16-seat Teppanyaki specialty restaurant on MSC Virtuosa.
    A look at the cozy 16-seat Teppanyaki specialty restaurant on MSC Virtuosa.
  • Minuetto is one of four main complimentary restaurants on MSC Virtuosa.
    Minuetto is one of four main complimentary restaurants on MSC Virtuosa.
  • The Opera and The Simphony is the 908-seat complimentary restaurant on MSC Virtuosa.
    The Opera and The Simphony is the 908-seat complimentary restaurant on MSC Virtuosa.
  • The cozy Virtuosa Bar & Lounge on deck 6 of MSC Virtuosa.
    The cozy Virtuosa Bar & Lounge on deck 6 of MSC Virtuosa.

On board 8

  • Doremi Land, the kids club on MSC Virtuosa, offers separate rooms for different age groups starting at 6 months and up.
    Doremi Land, the kids club on MSC Virtuosa, offers separate rooms for different age groups starting at 6 months and up.
  • Shop till you drop at the 12,500-square-foot Galleria Virtuosa on MSC Virtuosa.
    Shop till you drop at the 12,500-square-foot Galleria Virtuosa on MSC Virtuosa.
  • Meet Rob, the first humanoid robotic bartender at sea, on MSC Virtuosa.
    Meet Rob, the first humanoid robotic bartender at sea, on MSC Virtuosa.
  • The eye-popping Infinity Atrium aboard MSC Virtuosa.
    The eye-popping Infinity Atrium aboard MSC Virtuosa.
  • Have a pre-dinner cocktail at the relaxed Infinity Bar aboard MSC Virtuosa.
    Have a pre-dinner cocktail at the relaxed Infinity Bar aboard MSC Virtuosa.
  • L'Atelier Bar is the cocktail lounge that adjoins an art experience on MSC Virtuosa.
    L'Atelier Bar is the cocktail lounge that adjoins an art experience on MSC Virtuosa.
  • For musical and theatrical productions, head to Le Grand Theater on MSC Virtuosa.
    For musical and theatrical productions, head to Le Grand Theater on MSC Virtuosa.
  • Cool off or grab some sun at the Atmosphere Pool on deck 15 of MSC Virtuosa.
    Cool off or grab some sun at the Atmosphere Pool on deck 15 of MSC Virtuosa.

Staterooms 2

  • A balcony stateroom on MSC Virtuosa.
    A balcony stateroom on MSC Virtuosa.
  • You’ll have your own private whirlpool with a great sea view if you pony up for a Grand Suite aboard MSC Virtuosa.
    You’ll have your own private whirlpool with a great sea view if you pony up for a Grand Suite aboard MSC Virtuosa.

More photos 2

  • The Tropical Pool with retractable roof aboard MSC Virtuosa.
    The Tropical Pool with retractable roof aboard MSC Virtuosa.
  • MSC Virtuosa, tied in size as the largest ship in the MSC fleet, sails itineraries in the Mediterranean and farther afield.
    MSC Virtuosa, tied in size as the largest ship in the MSC fleet, sails itineraries in the Mediterranean and farther afield.

Sailing now

Cruises on MSC Virtuosa

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  1. 3 Night Southampton to Southampton 3 nights · from Southampton Next Sep 26, 2026 from $603
  2. 4 Night Southampton to Southampton 4 nights · from Southampton Next Sep 29, 2026 2 dates from $542
  3. 12 Night Southampton to Southampton 12 nights · from Southampton Next Oct 3, 2026 from $1,459
  4. 5 Night Southampton to Southampton 5 nights · from Southampton Next Oct 19, 2026 from $616
  5. 7 Night Southampton to Southampton 7 nights · from Southampton Next Oct 24, 2026 from $899
  6. 7 Night Southampton to Southampton 7 nights · from Southampton Next Oct 31, 2026 from $830
  7. 25 Night Southampton to Santos 25 nights · from Southampton Next Nov 7, 2026 from $2,224
  8. 5 Night Southampton to Malaga 5 nights · from Southampton Next Nov 7, 2026 from $376
  9. 8 Night Southampton to Marseille 8 nights · from Southampton Next Nov 7, 2026 from $619
  10. 9 Night Southampton to Barcelona 9 nights · from Southampton Next Nov 7, 2026 from $689
  11. 4 Night Malaga to Barcelona 4 nights · from Malaga, Costa Del Sol Next Nov 12, 2026 from $1,072
  12. 16 Night Marseille to Rio de Janeiro 16 nights · from Marseille Next Nov 15, 2026 from $1,299
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  1. 17 Night Marseille to Santos 17 nights · from Marseille Next Nov 15, 2026 from $1,504
  2. 12 Night Barcelona to Salvador 12 nights · from Barcelona Next Nov 16, 2026 from $1,238
  3. 15 Night Barcelona to Rio de Janeiro 15 nights · from Barcelona Next Nov 16, 2026 from $1,195
  4. 16 Night Barcelona to Santos 16 nights · from Barcelona Next Nov 16, 2026 from $1,121
  5. 12 Night Funchal to Rio de Janeiro 12 nights · from Madeira Next Nov 19, 2026 from $1,638
  6. 4 Night Salvador to Santos 4 nights · from Salvador de Bahia Next Nov 28, 2026 from $729
  7. 1 Night Rio de Janeiro to Santos 1 night · from Rio De Janeiro Next Dec 1, 2026 from $70
  8. 3 Night Santos to Santos 3 nights · from Santos Next Dec 2, 2026 from $428
  9. 3 Night Santos to Salvador 3 nights · from Santos Next Dec 5, 2026 from $593
  10. 4 Night Santos to Maceio 4 nights · from Santos Next Dec 5, 2026 2 dates from $629
  11. 7 Night Santos to Santos 7 nights · from Santos Next Dec 5, 2026 29 dates from $829
  12. 7 Night Salvador to Salvador 7 nights · from Salvador de Bahia Next Dec 8, 2026 27 dates from $864
  13. 7 Night Maceio to Maceio 7 nights · from Maceio Next Dec 9, 2026 25 dates from $864
  14. 3 Night Maceio to Santos 3 nights · from Maceio Next Dec 23, 2026 2 dates from $374
  15. 7 Night Santos to Santos 7 nights · from Santos Next Dec 26, 2026 2 dates from $1,549
  16. 7 Night Salvador to Salvador 7 nights · from Salvador de Bahia Next Dec 29, 2026 2 dates from $1,584
  17. 4 Night Salvador to Santos 4 nights · from Salvador de Bahia Next Mar 30, 2027 from $489
  18. 1 Night Santos to Rio de Janeiro 1 night · from Santos Next Apr 3, 2027 from $89
  19. 17 Night Santos to Barcelona 17 nights · from Santos Next Apr 3, 2027 2 dates from $1,305
  20. 20 Night Santos to Palermo 20 nights · from Santos Next Apr 3, 2027 from $2,119
  21. 23 Night Santos to Marseille 23 nights · from Santos Next Apr 3, 2027 from $2,039
  22. 4 Night Santos to Salvador 4 nights · from Santos Next Apr 3, 2027 from $1,909
  23. 6 Night Santos to Maceio 6 nights · from Santos Next Apr 3, 2027 from $971
  24. 16 Night Rio de Janeiro to Barcelona 16 nights · from Rio De Janeiro Next Apr 4, 2027 2 dates from $1,183
  25. 22 Night Rio de Janeiro to Marseille 22 nights · from Rio De Janeiro Next Apr 4, 2027 from $1,964
  26. 13 Night Salvador to Barcelona 13 nights · from Salvador de Bahia Next Apr 7, 2027 2 dates from $930
  27. 7 Night Barcelona to Barcelona 7 nights · from Barcelona Next Apr 20, 2027 61 dates from $726
  28. 7 Night Palermo to Palermo 7 nights · from Palermo Next Apr 23, 2027 59 dates from $882
  29. 7 Night Naples to Naples 7 nights · from Naples Next Apr 24, 2027 59 dates from $787
  30. 7 Night Livorno to Livorno 7 nights · from Livorno Next Apr 25, 2027 59 dates from $735
  31. 7 Night Marseille to Marseille 7 nights · from Marseille Next Apr 26, 2027 59 dates from $907
  32. 19 Night Naples to Rio de Janeiro 19 nights · from Naples Next Nov 13, 2027 from $1,589
  33. 21 Night Naples to Santos 21 nights · from Naples Next Nov 13, 2027 from $1,851
  34. 18 Night Livorno to Rio de Janeiro 18 nights · from Livorno Next Nov 14, 2027 from $1,517
  35. 17 Night Marseille to Rio de Janeiro 17 nights · from Marseille Next Nov 15, 2027 from $1,424
  36. 19 Night Marseille to Santos 19 nights · from Marseille Next Nov 15, 2027 from $1,589
  37. 13 Night Barcelona to Salvador 13 nights · from Barcelona Next Nov 16, 2027 from $1,374
  38. 16 Night Barcelona to Rio de Janeiro 16 nights · from Barcelona Next Nov 16, 2027 from $1,379
  39. 18 Night Barcelona to Santos 18 nights · from Barcelona Next Nov 16, 2027 from $1,547
  40. 8 Night Santos to Santos 8 nights · from Santos Next Dec 18, 2027 from $1,219
  41. 8 Night Salvador to Salvador 8 nights · from Salvador de Bahia Next Dec 21, 2027 from $1,264
  42. 6 Night Santos to Santos 6 nights · from Santos Next Jan 2, 2028 from $889
  43. 6 Night Salvador to Salvador 6 nights · from Salvador de Bahia Next Jan 5, 2028 from $939

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