Want to escape the rainy European autumn and head to the sunny Caribbean? Then this MSC Virtuosa cruise is definitely an attractive option. You can cross the Atlantic in a balcony cabin of this relatively new ship for only €899 (~£780) per person, including all meals and tips.
The price includes all meals and tips, as well as water, tea, coffee, and milk, all day long at the buffet area. While the price for solo travellers is completely unattractive, groups of four can get a Deluxe balcony cabin for only €729 (~£633) per person.
The Route
The trip begins in Southampton on November 20, 2025, with a stop in Le Havre, France, the next day for a full day to explore the city. Afterwards, several days at sea provide a chance to relax and enjoy the open ocean. On November 25, there’s a stop in Ponta Delgada in the Azores, offering a glimpse of its stunning volcanic landscapes. Following more days at sea, the journey ends in Bridgetown, Barbados, on December 1.
Here’s the exact itinerary:
- November 20: Southampton (departs at 20:00)
- November 21: Le Havre, France (12 hours)
- November 22 – 24: 3 days at sea
- November 25: Ponta Delgada, Azores (10 hours)
- November 26 – 30: 5 days at sea
- December 1: Bridgetown (arrives at 8:00)
The Ship
The MSC Virtuosa, part of the Meraviglia-Plus class, was completed in 2020 at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard. It measures 331 meters in length and 43 meters in width, accommodating nearly 6,400 passengers and 1,700 crew members. With a gross tonnage of 181,000, the ship can reach a maximum speed of 23 knots.
The ship features a buffet restaurant with its own mini-mozzarella production, an excellent main restaurant, seven speciality restaurants (e.g., Mexican and Japanese cuisine), and 21 bars. The central area, known as the Galleria, houses speciality restaurants, shops, and bars. At the bow, the Galleria leads to the theatre entrance.
For an additional charge, the ship offers a spa and fitness centre, and cultural and leisure activities, including a bowling alley, theatre, casino, nightclub, and 4D cinema.
The upper deck boasts a beautiful aft pool, a large water park, and a climbing course. However, the long distances to the two lift shafts can be a drawback. The onboard languages are English and Italian. The onboard currency is the Euro.
Flying Back from Bridgetown
Not many European airlines fly to Bridgetown in winter. The most popular non-stop option is flying to London with British Airways. Otherwise, you can usually fly back to Europe via Canada. The prices, overall, however, are not particularly cheap – at least currently. Here are some examples of what you’d currently pay for an economy class ticket, including one piece of checked luggage:
- To Barcelona: €615 with Air Canada
- To Rome: €648 with Air Canada
- To London: US$757 (~€647) with British Airways
- To Helsinki: €668 with Air Canada
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Cover Picture: MSC Virtuosa | MSC Rights