MSC Virtuosa

MSC Virtuosa is a cruise ship operated by MSC Cruises, delivered in February 2021 as the second Meraviglia-Plus ship. Built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique at Saint-Nazaire, France, she measures about 181,500 gross tons and 331 metres, with 2,421 staterooms across 19 decks.

The Meraviglia-Plus design is built around the Galleria, an indoor promenade running much of the length of the ship beneath a long LED sky screen that shifts through skyscapes and animations while bars, shops and restaurants line either side. Forward of it sits a two-deck theatre; aft, an atrium and pool decks open onto the sea.

Among the ship's more publicised features is Rob, a humanoid robotic bartender in the Starship Club, alongside the MSC Yacht Club suite complex, a full spa and thermal area, an aqua park, and family facilities developed with dedicated partners. Specialty dining spans Mediterranean, Asian and steakhouse venues.

Virtuosa entered service in the middle of the pandemic shutdown and became the first cruise ship to restart passenger operations in the United Kingdom, sailing domestic British Isles itineraries from Southampton beginning in May 2021 under strict health protocols. That season made her a familiar sight in British ports at a moment when little else was sailing.

Since the return to normal operations she has divided her time between Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, with winter seasons in the Arabian Gulf, and remains one of MSC's principal ships in the UK market.