New high-tech ship MSC Virtuosa launches UK cruise season

New ship MSC Virtuosa will kick off the UK’s cruise season when she sets sail on her maiden voyage from Southampton tomorrow.

MSC MD Antonio Paradiso said: “It’s finally time for travellers across the UK to start discovering again and we are proud and privileged to take them on this journey. With a whole host of new activities and experiences on MSC Virtuosa, we know our guests are going to create life-long memories on board this summer.”

MSC Virtuosa will offer three and four-night mini cruises from Southampton to the picturesque isle of Portland, Dorset, as well as seven-night cruises from June 12, with embarkation points in Southampton, Liverpool and Greenock, and calls at Portland and Belfast.

MSC Virtuosa is similar to her sister ship Grandiosa, is 1,000ft long, has 2,240 cabins and can accommodate just under 6,000 passengers. There are five main dining restaurants, five speciality restaurants, 21 bars and lounges and menus from across the world.

A great novelty on board is Rob the robotic bartender, bringing together next-generation technology and mixology. There’s an all-new TEENS LAB – an immersive, tech-filled space with the latest games consoles, virtual reality and music, all for teenagers. And if you love shopping, MSC Virtuosa has 11 state of-the-art boutiques housing 250 brands.

Here’s some other of the ship’s highlights in numbers
A 1,100 square metre spa with more than 20 massage treatments for the ultimate in relaxation
More than 17 hours of entertainment each day and over 210 different activities to choose from on a 7-night cruise
A 975-seater theatre with West-End style original productions and entertainment each night
164 slot machines and 12 tables in the Red Gem Casino
A 112-metre long Mediterranean-style promenade
Five swimming pools including an indoor pool
The longest LED sky-screen at sea
Two bowling alleys and two F1 Simulators
A Himalayan Bridge adventure rope course 80 metres above the sea

See msccruises.co.uk