Just off Arvia. Yes she is new contemporary etc but the MDR food was poor the buffet was poor. We had drinks package and no problem making the most of it. Let’s see what Azura like for us. I like more traditional decor and love Britania and Queen Victoria (Cunard) I have a bargain price including flights accommodation food entertainment - you have to look to higher end cruising if you want a more luxury product. I’ve cruised many times and personally like P&O I don’t expect luxury and grateful to enjoy new experience at good price
@kimirving42358 күн бұрын
Hi Matt haven't heard or saw any videos from you since I saw you and your mum on the MSc virtuoso, hope you are well and safe , Kim xxx
@phil2505117 күн бұрын
If you had a 50 pence uk coin in your hand, i would need a spanner to remove it😂🤣😅👻👻
@MattsOceans16 күн бұрын
What's wrong with that!!!
@phil2505117 күн бұрын
NEGATIVE MATT
@MattsOceans16 күн бұрын
When the experience merits it!!!
@tiburon69519 күн бұрын
Matt: Thank you for the tips and videos. Mid October '2024 we are taking Epic from Rome and Western Mediterranean then Transatlantic cruise to Orlando Florida. 13 days total. My wife and I have been on several cruises before. This will be our longest cruise. We'll see how The Epic turns out.
@MattsOceans16 күн бұрын
Sounds like fun - I'm sure you'll have a great time.... I'm really tempted to do a positioning / transatlantic cruise but it feels like such a commitment of time.... Particularly with no ports to spice things up!
@alangauld6079Ай бұрын
We are booked for 2 weeks on Virtuosa in October - our first time with MSC and cost was the big factor. Your review was really useful, thanks. We normally use the speciality restaurants but based on your experience I don't think we'll buy a package but take a look once we are on board! One thing nobody ever mentions is the library, do MSC have one? It's usually my favourite quiet space on busy ships but a few lines seem to have stopped doing them - is kindle to blame maybe?
@MattsOceansАй бұрын
Thanks. No library on the Virtuosa sadly... I think society is moving away from old fashioned reading of a good book....
@berniekirk13972 ай бұрын
Sailing on her November of 20234. Hoping the reduced entertainment and menu choices do not adversely affect our experience.
@MattsOceansАй бұрын
I'm sure you'll have a great time!
@jackiemuir41602 ай бұрын
Well thats me well put off booking a cruise
@MattsOceansАй бұрын
It might put you off booking an off season cruise on P&O's oldest ship.... It shouldn't put you off all cruises!
@franklinrwful2 ай бұрын
We have holidayed on MSC twice. I highly recommend the Aurea Experience which has priority boarding and disembarkation, anytime dining in a dedicated restaurant or main restaurant area, excellent waiter and room service, complementary access to the spa area and special sundeck, free room service, cabins with the best views, right to chose your cabin before the trip. Aurea is also a lot cheaper than Yacht Club.
@MattsOceansАй бұрын
Thanks - the Yacht Club is very expensive so that may be a good option for many
@cobbyclan34662 ай бұрын
Enjoyed the video, cruised with RC many times, always thinking about Celebrity.
@MattsOceansАй бұрын
The price of Celebrity has been rising but there's still bargains to be had
@billsavage9162 ай бұрын
We sailed msc virtosa…last year …London to Dubai….amazing…only downfall was the Chinese tour groups….nerveragain
@MattsOceansАй бұрын
It's not for everyone....
@joshb31352 ай бұрын
I’m leaving next week and in the room beside this one, did you have any issues with noise from above?
@MattsOceansАй бұрын
There's always a little noise from neighbours but the individual cabins are actually their own units to they're very well insulated. I wouldn't worry
@JackieWilliams-mx5ct3 ай бұрын
Thank you for your great video 😊. I'm going on her on the 18th to the Norwegian Fjords. It's my first time on her and now I have an idea of what to expect.
@MattsOceans3 ай бұрын
If that's 18th of May or June it'll be out of school holidays - kids will still be aboard but it'll be a much calmer experience than going during holiday time! Have a great trip!
@davidmartin80483 ай бұрын
Hi matt I'm sailing azure deck12 cabin A746 single sole occupancy "balcony room " At the very bk of the ship 🚢 , is this all good for me on deck12? How close and accessible are the other decks for dining and event's? Isn't there a public area,just like the Fred olsen cruise 🤔 I was on that had free unlimited WiFi? Fred Olsen you had to pay for the cabin WiFi 😒 which wasn't as good as the public area's free Wi-Fi. Let me know any tips on especially saving monies seeing as I'm abroad from the UK? Thanks in advance. Your's David
@MattsOceans3 ай бұрын
Thanks David - all cabins win some and lose some when it comes to location - you'll be the correct end for the Main Dining Room but the wrong end for the theatre. You end up walking just about the same distance wherever your cabin is located to its not really something to worry too much about. No free wifi anywhere on P&O and the paid wifi will be really expensive. If its a port intensive cruise I'd encourage you to see if your roaming will work and whether that'll be enough connectivity for you. Otherwise, I generally spend very little on a cruise so don't really have money saving tips - except the obvious which is "don't buy anything!!!"
@davidmartin80483 ай бұрын
Thanks Matt. I'm with EE on pay as you go & I think that it's only £2 a day for the EU roaming add on, this way I get my data etc that I use in the uk 🇬🇧. I do predict that I shall have to take all of my pics 📸 from the 8day cruise 🛳 and post them up, when I get to port and my £2 a day reception picks up when we're actually in port. I'm not paying the alleged discounted Wi-Fi weekly prices onboard the Azura as it is way excessive and that's an alleged 10% discount. At a very TIGHT PUSH, should my wifi connection be absolutely horrendous in port, I shall take PLENTY of SELFIES 🤳 in Foreign countries and if I'm not able to turn my phone off flight mode and connect to social networks like WhatsApp and Facebook, then I shall be able to just pay £25 for the 4hrs and do this then. I cannot believe that Fred Olsen sailing from Rosyth around the Norwegian Fjords areas, had a public bar area and FREE WIFI it was ONLY £700EACH for me and my MUM to SHARE a ROOM. This time around I have a SINGLE sole occupancy room with a balcony on deck 12, through Barrhead travel COSTING £1'780 paid in FULL for 8days flying to Malta 🇲🇹 Thursday morning 🌄 why I'm not given even a public area to SIT onboard this COSTLY experience is "Beyond me " I'm just in the mindset now that the cruise 🛳 company p&o are going to try to squeeze as much cash 💸 out of me as possible. I shall just post up in the comments how the 8day cruising 🛳 experience is I'm a"brain injured veteran " from the "British army " Is there a person on site who is actually there to help out people's like myself who have learned to walk talk and read and write again or is this solely just a wham bam thank you mam to squeeze as much money 💰 as possible out me over the 8days as possible? Do we still need to take our passports on and off the ship 🚢 to be checked in @ the ports? I have a bum bag for this stuff being the passport? Spk soon David
@MH_1-9-9-63 ай бұрын
Booked a 2 night taster to Bruges next year, how easy is it to request the room made with twin beds? Thanks!
@MattsPlanet3 ай бұрын
Very easy - there's a "Manage My Booking" section on the website where you can specify your requirements. If that doesn't work for whatever reason, find your stateroom attendant as soon as you get to your cabin and ask them to reconfigure it! Have a great trip
@dospalmascb3 ай бұрын
Great Video Matt. Love the fact you invited your Patrons to take part in this.
@MattsOceans3 ай бұрын
Thanks - not technically my best video but the first one I've done in this style and I think it went quite well!
@ruckus2154 ай бұрын
Matt, If I may ask, how tall are you? The bathroom looks weirdly doable but the short bed may be the deal breaker.
@MattsOceans3 ай бұрын
I'm 6 foot 4 so well above average! It was a very short bed for me and I think it would be short for most people of average height!
@johnstringer25664 ай бұрын
Love your videos. Info on gluten free dining options would be very helpful. Cheers and happy cruising.
@MattsOceans3 ай бұрын
I've made a mental note to look at other dietary options on future cruises - thanks
@lorraineh42345 ай бұрын
Thank God my travel agent who knows me, cautioned me about this ship. I loved the itin that it allowed but that cabin re-routed me. What a mess!! I would have not liked 10 days in this jail cell!!
@MattsOceans3 ай бұрын
Full marks to your agent!
@DB-zp9un5 ай бұрын
We are going on the Epic Dec 2024.. And we've decided to embrace the uniqueness of it. We figure someone can be using the toilet while someone else is showering and someone else can be brushing their teeth.. All leaving the others alone.. So, no, not exactly a fan of it, gonna make the best of it and pretty much sure we'll still have a great time!!!
@MattsOceans3 ай бұрын
I hope it worked for you!
@DB-zp9un3 ай бұрын
@@MattsOceans I’ll let you know in December!
@Pkindee20116 ай бұрын
Hi great video. My daughter found you as we’ve booked her onto a deluxe balcony on deck 10 for the fjords. As a frequent Virtuosa sailor, just a couple of points of clarification. The nesting set is a coffee table and a stool. There is no plug next to the bed other than the USB, but you can ask Guest services for an extension lead to plug in your C-Pap machine and finally….the retractable clothes line is a God-send for many who don’t want to pay for the laundry service and wash their smalls in the sink 😀
@MattsOceans6 ай бұрын
Cheers!!! I get annoyed about not being able to charge my phone overnight beside the bed but you're right, a c-pap is a non-negotiable so its good to hear the cruise ship has anticipated this need!!! And I agree the washing line is handy, provided it reaches the slot!
@richardpym53466 ай бұрын
Hi Matt. I’m a cruise virgin but am put off by the tipping and gratuity issues. Can you put together a video that explains this and illustrates any differences between cruise lines.
@waynebarlow83613 ай бұрын
Marella, Virgin and MSC also include gratuities
@ccdoe24416 ай бұрын
Small portions are a positive for me, not a negative.
@MattsOceans6 ай бұрын
Its a good point - if you have a small portion and its not enough, you can always order another!
@well-blazeredman61876 ай бұрын
Very informative, Matt. Not a cruiser, but I would consider giving this line a try. Need a challenge? Get through a cruise relying on finding free WiFi when ashore.
@MattsOceans6 ай бұрын
You may stand out a bit on Norwegian sitting by the pool in a tailored blazer.... Before the channel I would always rely on shore wifi - I'm quite stingy!!! But these days I do sort of need it so usually buy it, unless the itinerary has a port every day
@well-blazeredman61876 ай бұрын
Good video. The no-tipping policy and dress-code are pluses for overly-formal me. The Royal Navy used to have a standing invitation to place one of its officers on a P&O cruise-ship for a week or two. One of my post-career regrets was not having volunteered for it. Seemed like an opportunity for a lot of fun.
@alicemallen89976 ай бұрын
Was on the Gem for 9 days, Caribbean, 2 weeks ago. Usually cruise Holland America, but friends highly recommended Norwegian. I was disappointed. Norwegians inside cabin was smaller, no hair conditioner, body lotion or robes. Food was okay in main but buffet not so good & outside deck burger was horrid. Entertainment okay, on par with HAL. Too much upselling & not enough free activities on Norwegian. Only $50 off for one person for an expensive excursion of $125 each was not a great deal. Overall HAL has better, food & service & cabins. 16:26 Probably won’t be cruising Norwegian again.
@alicemallen89976 ай бұрын
This particular cruise was a little cheaper because of a discount offered on the “have it all” package. Also, I suspect because it was an older, less desirable ship.
@bluemoonsy6 ай бұрын
In three weeks I will take my second cruise on the Epic. I agree with everything you said about the bathroom(s) design. The added inconvenience for the fellow traveler is that you are trapped in the cabin whenever your fellow cruiser uses the facilities unless you want to walk in one them. Having the sink outside of the area also means that cabinmates cannot get out of the way. The Epic does have a fun set up for the bars and public areas. The Encore is my favorite ship with the large observation lounge and the large spa.
@MattsOceans6 ай бұрын
It's telling that they never repeated this design... Booked another Norwegian cruise for later this year - on the Joy... Bigger but not the biggest...
@johnod19797 ай бұрын
Hi Matt, great review (as always), any plans to try Virgin Voyages?
@MattsOceans7 ай бұрын
I have spoken to them actually.... They are certainly on the to-do list - I fear I'm not cool enough for them but that's exactly the sort of customer they should have aboard to review them!
@maracavicchia67857 ай бұрын
Grazie.
@MattsOceans7 ай бұрын
Looks like I did! Thanks so much
@maracavicchia67857 ай бұрын
Hello Matt, Thank you for your informative Virtuosa cruise videos. Your honest, unbiased approach really stands out, and I find your channel uniquely helpful. I have sent you an email through your blog if you don't mind with some questions I have about my upcoming trip on the Virtuosa. I would really appreciate it if you would find the time to read it and reply. Thank you!
@MattsOceans7 ай бұрын
I hope I helped!
@basemmohamed73237 ай бұрын
Thanks dear from Bahrain 🇧🇭
@VisualApproach7 ай бұрын
It is quite staggering a ship of some 13/14 years old can look so dated.
@MattsOceans7 ай бұрын
It's got a retro feel for sure!
@kristiefitzpatrick85287 ай бұрын
Do MSC have cruise participation with bingo and games on board? Also is there any free games like billiards, shuffleboard?
@garychabot40698 ай бұрын
Hi I would never go on epic to dark in dingy overpriced in the shops as well, I’m bored
@MattsOceans7 ай бұрын
Fair enough!
@DB-zp9un5 ай бұрын
lol any shop on a cruise ship is gonna be WAY overpriced..
@edwinmartin53658 ай бұрын
This will really be fun for us 4 musketeer friends. We sail Jan 21, 2023. We also plan to use the showers and toilet at the gym which is at rear of our deck. We have 14023 on starboard side. Can I sleep diagonally on the balcony if I bring my air mattress? 😅
@MattsOceans7 ай бұрын
Check the weather first...
@GrandmaFoxes18 ай бұрын
there is storage behind the couch. Thanks for the review.
@marischannel13359 ай бұрын
Interesting and very informative video. Thank you! Is the entertainments, the evening concert/performance are included in the basic package?
@NatSatFat9 ай бұрын
Review! Nah, sounds more like a deliberate winge to me. My experience of Azura, was very good, staff were always attentive, food as you say was very good, yes, I met P & O veterans who said "P & O have lost it, things have gone downhill?" but I must say, I as a new P & O customer did not have any problems. Yes things were dated? but at 10 yrs old, not outrageous. Ok, I agree, portion sizes were small, but every meal was 3 courses, so I am glad I did not end up looking like a pudding, and we were seated as a couple about 90% of the time,. your comments about the buffet are accurate, but all in all, this is a complaint video, not meant to be a review, unless you are deliberetly putting people off,and that will not do, as it is the best value for money cruise out there.
@658601u9 ай бұрын
Good work as usual Matt, LOL at the medical centre comment, will be on the Silhouette in a weeks time so that was helpful. Keep up your quality content, really enjoy your style
@MattsOceans9 ай бұрын
Have a great cruise!
@shelleyburnette50719 ай бұрын
Thanks
@MattsOceans9 ай бұрын
Thank you!
@shelleyburnette50719 ай бұрын
Thanks
@hazellees42309 ай бұрын
First ever cruise september 2023. Aged 67 and 68. Found everyting great. Immacutately clean. Staff friendly, food and entertainment really good. Have already booked next two cruises. Totally love 💘
@MattsOceans9 ай бұрын
Fantastic! Two more of us, two less of them....
@hazellees42309 ай бұрын
Had our first cruise September this year. 6000 passengers. Our disembarkation time was 8.45, we were in our car at 9.00. Had the best time ever d
@crsnvll9 ай бұрын
Came across your channel by accident just tonight, I just came back from my first ever cruise 2 weeks ago (7 nights). Whilst I was generally pleased with it a few bits did annoy me (perhaps thats because I was a cruise novice) such as no padding inside the wardrobes to stop hangars banging against the back/doors on choppy days. I did the alcohol free drinks package, which in hindsight was probably an error as I would have spent less had I just paid each time. But overall, it was good. Agree that the buffet wasnt the best laid out and did lead to queues but the food I was pelased with, but I did find the buzzers to call for bar service were very intimmitent and about half of them seemed to not work. And indeed, you're right that the solarium gets very full on days where the weather isnt so great. Whether this is the same for all crusies, I thought my steward was very good as well. I think though that my biggest gripe is, and this isnt aimed at MSC, but Im not sure crusies are good for solo travellers such as I was as that one certainly, was full of families, so it felt quite isolating even if you were around 4000 other people 24/7.
@MattsOceans9 ай бұрын
Thanks - glad you enjoyed it! I have to say that MSC has done a better job of filling their ships since I had my 2 trips with them so there are now some grumbles about how crammed certain areas can be at certain times... I've not been solo on a cruise for many years but have one coming up so will look to make a video about the experience - I guess your personal comfort with talking to strangers is key to success... I'll always have an excuse of retreating to my cabin to edit videos if I get a bit lonely!!!