MSC Virtuosa 2024 | First Time Cruiser Review | Hints and Tips | Canaries 12-Night Cruise

Welcome to our first ever cruise on the MSC Virtuosa. We did a 12-night Canaries cruise (Spain and Portugal) and had an absolute blast!
Our honest review looks at the various bars, restaurants, shows and activities from an unfiltered and unbiased view. Hope you find our review informative, leave any comments or questions and we will do our best to answer honestly.
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Continuity Errors:
1) The cruise was originally 12 nights, but one day was cut due to repositioning delays. So throughout the vlog I use 11-night and 12-night interchangeably.
2) The enormous queue shown in the intro was reembarking at the first port in Madeira. I cut all port visits from the vlog due to time, but it took over an hour to get back on the ship due to security staffing at the port. All other ports ran very smoothly with no longer than a 5 minute wait.
3) Champagne Bar - sparkling cocktails under £14 are also included (I don’t know why the graphic didn’t highlight these drinks 🤷🏼‍♂️)
4) Disembarkation - You receive a letter two days before explaining in great detail the process. Label your hold luggage bags and leave outside of your cabin the night before. You are then assigned a time and meeting point to disembark, you then find your cases in the terminal.
Music:
Extenz - Endless Summer
Filip Olejka - The Batman (Batman investigates)
Filip Olejka - IT 2 Teaser Trailer
Kingdom Power Music - Misteeq Scandalous (Khurt remix)
Zella Day - Hypnotic (Solidisco Remix)
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
05:25 Bars and Lounges
26:00 Restaurants
41:40 Shows & Activities
42:40 Fun Pass & Arcade
44:20 Casino
47:10 Shows
50:35 Pools
52:37 Galleria and Canopy
54:54 Shops
56:50 Embarking and Cabin

[@TasteTrekkerTales]

As a newbe cruise vlogger myself, you've just made me feel very inadequate indeed. What a brilliantly edited vlog....FAB!

[@Matrix2021]

Aww thank you! But don’t say that, I’m just really sad and always go a bit extra on the editing 🙈. Now I’ve got the cruising bug, noticed you’ve got some on Freddy-O so will be sure to check them out 🙌🏼🚢

[@TasteTrekkerTales]

​@Matrix2021 cruising is so addictive!! We are on Virtuosa next month. Will be interesting to see the difference between the large ships we've been on, but also FO. Well done again. Me and hubby both said it was one of the best cruise vlogs we've seen.....and we've seen lots!!!

[@Matrix2021]

@@TasteTrekkerTales Tell me about it! We’ve been driving ourselves crazy researching NCL, RC, P&O etc and trying to decide on our next one, so if you have any preferences let me know 🙌🏼. One of the main motivations of the vlog was I was tired of seeing all the negative reviews, but it’s a brilliant ship… yes, there were a few niggles, but my tolerance is quite high so didn’t bother me too much, Ste on the other hand goes proper Victor Meldrew a couple of times 🙈. Thanks again for the kind words, however the second vlog is a bit mediocre 😅

[@TasteTrekkerTales]

(Sorry thought I'd replied) We love Princess....RC is similar to MSC (says the women who has not been on MSC yet haha). My hubby Dave loved FO...I enjoyed it but think I prefer the bigger ships (I think!). I'm positive too, so will enjoy MSC....but my Dave is like Ste haha. Looking forward to the next vlog. Good luck with your channel and I promise I'll not not nick your editing ideas......because I couldn't even if I wanted too haha

[@Matrix2021]

@@TasteTrekkerTales Thanks! Look forward to see what you think of MSC 👀. At least you’ll have some decent weather! ☀️. Speak soon

[@dianaallen3707]

Wow great tour Kevin 🎉Thanks!

[@suzanneandclair]

Great vlog Kev. Nice to see you both again! Good work on your first cruise review, bring on the next one! xx

[@racheyc308]

Great to see you both back! ❤ loved this vlog for all the tips and advice. Can't wait for the next one 🎉😊

[@Matrix2021]

Thanks Rach really appreciated. Not many tips in the next one 🫣🍺🎰

[@racheyc308]

@Matrix2021 no worries I'm excited to see the all fun you guys had ! 🍹🍹🛳

[@Runningafter40]

Great great video Kevin! That was well done and showed so much of MSC!

[@Matrix2021]

It’s a big ship with lots to cover! 😅. Thanks for watching 🙌🏼

[@robertponsonby7419]

Fantastic insight, been looking at cruises for a while now. Thank you 👍🏻

[@Matrix2021]

Thanks Robert - tried to be as honest as possible. MSC do get a lot of stick for slow queues and bad service, but it was absolutely fine in our case for the most part 🙌🏼

[@lctravels7041]

This looked great mate. Never done a proper cruise before but this looked seriously good. Hope you're well 👍

[@Matrix2021]

Yeah it was decent matey, a few niggles here n there but nothing that dampened the spirits 🍺🙌🏼

[@clairefurmage6581]

Brillant review of the ship, and yes, cruise culture is to mingle, and we have never been on a cruise with an iron. I find hair straightners a god send plus a wrinkle decreaser spray 😂 I am so pleased you had a great time and am looking forward to the next one 😀

[@davevicary8524]

Great vlog kev ..it's great to see sp many vegas vloggers making the step across . I always felt it would suit yr lifestyle. And yes drinks package a must . Maybe look at norwegian cruise lines theirs is even better

[@Matrix2021]

Deffo Claire, wrinkle decreaser best purchase ever for £3 🙌🏼. Tell Nicky that Twinings teabag is still untouched 😅😉

[@Matrix2021]

Cheers Dave, always been on my list to do and thought turning 40 was a good time to go for it. Are you a seasoned cruiser? We were also told by a lot of people onboard to look into NCL as well, so will deffo look into it for next time 👍🏼🚢

[@davevicary8524]

Not seasoned but 6 cruises and 5 to Vegas. Love the similarities with food drink casino entertainment.

[@nickyfurmage]

​@Matrix2021 I'm gonna thumbs down this Twinnings comment 10 times😁

[@vegastocali]

Oh what fun!! 👍Hi Kev🎉exciting video❤

[@themeadows2752]

Brilliant vlog ❤really informative can’t wait for the next one am sure this drinks package will be getting hammered 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🥳

[@Matrix2021]

The drinks package was abused ☠️👀

[@Hogand2cent]

Excellent video. It was really done well. I don't care what Ryan and Danny say, this was great! 😂

[@Matrix2021]

They know nothing!

[@cruisecrazy7066]

Excellent video. Thanks.

[@Matrix2021]

Cheers! Glad you enjoyed it 👍🏼

[@wallstreettovegas]

Brilliant way to show so much information! I feel like a cruise expert now and have never been!

[@Matrix2021]

Cheers Casey 🙌🏼

[@The_Getaway_Channel]

We have never taken a cruise before so this was really interesting and helpful. Mmm those drinks looked yum. We are looking forward to the next video! 🥂

[@Matrix2021]

Thanks guys 🙌🏼. Every cruise-liner will be different, but MSC in particular gets a bad rep from the more seasoned cruisers, so I did this vlog in an attempt to be open and honest. Maybe my standards are low? But we thought it was great! So when you ditching Vegas for a cruise? 😉

[@The_Getaway_Channel]

@@Matrix2021 when we get one comped 🤣

[@RoyPearson-p7c]

Great job. A really informative video.

[@Matrix2021]

Glad you enjoyed it, hope it was helpful 👍🏼

[@margejohnson2987]

This was great! I am glad your sense of humor was included in this too!

[@Matrix2021]

Thanks Marj! Tried to be a bit more sensible 🙈. Second vlog is a little bit more chaotic 🫣

[@margejohnson2987]

@@Matrix2021 I am looking forward to it. I am taking my first cruise in a couple of weeks. And the excitement, anticipation, anxiety, and the feeling of the unknown is just now beginning.

[@Matrix2021]

Oh wow that’s awesome! Where you off to? You just described all of our feelings, but try not to worry and just have a cocktail or 10 🙌🏼🍹🍹

[@denisezuckerman1114]

😱what a surprise!

[@amysunley2064]

Great video! Love the format of this review. Just need you to go on more cruises now so I can compare them 😂

[@Matrix2021]

Haha I’m still drying out from this one, Amy 😅☠️. But will definitely try another after a cheeky Vegas trip 😉

[@amysunley2064]

@@Matrix2021 best of luck with your rehydration efforts 😂

[@GlenSchofield-xk8pw]

Such an incredible review. We are soon to be first time cruisers on the virtuosa and have watched many reviews which can be condescending. Yours is really informative and helpful. Made us even more excited for the cruise. Thank you

[@Matrix2021]

Thanks Glen. We were really apprehensive after reading/seeing lots of bad reviews, but one of the main motivators for this vlog was to kinda set the record straight. Yes, there were a few minor niggles, but nothing to be massively upset about. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! 🚢

[@GlenSchofield-xk8pw]

@@Matrix2021 really looking forward to the next vlog! Are you going to be doing videos from the ports you visited? I think Lisbon is one of the stops on our cruise

[@Matrix2021]

Yeah I have some bits from the ports (Madeira, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Lisbon). We also stopped at Tenerife but we didn’t get off due to feeling a bit ropey 🤢

[@JoshRachael]

Great video Kevin! While we have cruised a lot we have never been on MSC so this was very interesting for us. Great job showing all the ins and outs of it. It seems to be a tad more nickle and dimey than Royal Caribbean but it seems like the upcharges are pretty worth it. The smoking in the casino would really drive me nuts, looked really bad. Can’t wait to see the rest of the cruise but this was super well done, informative and of course great editing.

[@Matrix2021]

You know, we were soooo close 🤏🏼 to going with RC, but couldn’t make their itineraries fit with work commitments. But having watched yours and so many other vlogs, it’s definitely on our list so we can compare and contrast the differences - maybe start with Anthem and then work our way up to Icon 😅. Oh, I can’t even at the smokers ☠️.

[@JoshRachael]

@@Matrix2021 we are pretty hooked in now with the loyalty rewards since we both get 4 free drinks a day from our status and free drinks at the casino with our casino status. Cruise companies have a great way of keeping you loyal to a brand. Something Vegas could work on. Anyway can’t wait to see the rest of the series

[@nickyfurmage]

Nicely put together video for a first look and heads up to people who haven't used MSC. That casino smoking carry on! 😬

[@Matrix2021]

Get outside Beryl ➡️🚭

[@andrewglenn7283]

Your transition editing is extraordinary! 😊

[@Matrix2021]

Cheers buddy 👍🏼

[@tri-ls7744]

This is really well put together, thanks for putting this out there. I know a few people that have been on cruises and the social side always comes up as a positive. Cabin looks like a decent size, stayed in hotel rooms in Japan smaller a couple of weeks ago. 🤣 Hasn't sold me on trying one, but looking forward to the day 2 day stuff as it sounds llike a mostly positive experience for you.

[@Matrix2021]

Cheers matey 👍🏼. Oh I have heard Japan like their little box rooms 🙈. Yeah was pleasantly surprised at the cruise culture, much better than those Turkey hotels mixing with the French and Russians 🤣. Hope you’re doing well buddy, anymore Vegas on the cards?

[@tri-ls7744]

@@Matrix2021 Yes, very well thanks, hope you're good too. I am going to LV in January, just after CES all ends. I said this year I'd have a break from going and go elsewhere, but the BA spring sale and just having to pay resort fees was difficult to turn down. 🤣

[@Matrix2021]

@tri-ls7744 Don’t fault ya matey! I’m tempted to defect from BA to Virgin 👀👀

[@huntingvegas]

Kev this was an absolutely brilliant vlog/cruise review! The cruise looks amazing … well apart from some of that food that you showed first up. That leaves a little to be desired. But some very helpful tips for sure, and it makes me want to go on a cruise now. Do they stop in Vegas though? Asking for a friend 😊

[@Matrix2021]

The food does need improving, but eating is cheating when there’s drinks to be had 🍺😍. I did wonder if cruises existed to LA and then get a flight over to Vegas 😏👀

[@huntingvegas]

@@Matrix2021 haha yes eating is cheating 🤣

[@katiegale9949]

I loved this vlog. It was brilliant, so much content and fun. I also love the sneaky song in the cabin from the Vegas vlogs. Can't wait to see part 2. We are currently trawling the BA sale for flights next year to LV and to decide... wheres next??? Keep it up Kev and Ste ❤

[@Matrix2021]

Eeeee you two in Vegas? Surely not! 😜. Chill out holiday in Rhodes is next for us in Sept. Are you guys still going to Amsterdam this summer? 👀🎰

[@katiegale9949]

@@Matrix2021 why, when you free? :) 😀

[@TravelChefBari]

Awesome Kevin - love the intro special effects ; never been on a cruise so I don’t know if this is something I would enjoy; seems crowded for me . Nevertheless , looks like you had fun 🤩 and always be sure you “get your wine on with your steak” - thank you for sharing- cheers Chef Bari

[@Matrix2021]

Thanks Chef! Yes, certainly a bit crowded in places, by day 7 I was scoffing at people for simply just existing 😅. Hope you’re keeping well 🙌🏼

[@audreyyoung347]

Excellent video

[@Matrix2021]

Thank you very much! 🚢

[@Matrix2021]

Thank you very much! 🚢

[@nigelsknowledge]

Thanks very much, high production values and good photography. Look forward to you doing a royal Caribbean comparison, think you will prefer it

[@Matrix2021]

Thanks Buddy, was really close to booking RC instead of MSC so it’s deffo on my radar for next time 👍🏼

[@amandaflower6306]

Fab! Really enjoyed your very ‘professional’ cruise review! Watch out Jane McDonald! 😂 Looking forward to part 2 😁

[@Matrix2021]

Nobody can overthrow our Jane! I love that woman 🙈😅. Maybe I should’ve done music interludes like Jane does, bit of Britney dancing in the casino 💁🏼‍♀️💁🏼‍♀️

[@amandaflower6306]

@@Matrix2021 now there’s an idea! You could relive your Britney……..I thought there was a video on KZbin of you actually doing a Britney take off - with 1000’s of views! 😜

[@retiredfirefighteruk]

BRILLIANT KEV 🙏🥳🥃🤣😎👍

[@richardnewbold4005]

Great review we was on the same cruise as yourselves,agree with every word you said as it was our first time cruising,would of loved this video before we travelled as watching other videos of the virtousa,wasn’t great but we enjoyed it apart from the market buffet that definitely needs improvements , any chance you can jump on a p&o ship to compare as we are looking to book for next year on one of there ships …good job

[@Matrix2021]

Haha cheers, yeah I really need to try P&O (or any of the others) to see how it compares. But like you, I seen so many scathing reviews which made us really apprehensive before our cruise, but I hope my review can give some reassurances to people that it isn’t all bad (just need a few confidence bevvies before tackling that buffet 😅).

[@starkiller18]

wow a Matrix vlog not in Vegas. looks fun

[@wellifthemediasaysit]

12.46, food in this pub is extra? Also. 24.16, yes i noticed that too! Drinks package much dearer through MSC! I would struggle to get good value from a ££59pppd package, never mind £87pppd

[@Matrix2021]

Yep, from my understanding only food from the dining room, buffet and the Atmosphere snack bar were included - all menus in bars and lounges would be extra 👀. Definitely get that drinks package with the booking 😉🍹

[@Lucifear616]

Is the atmosphere bar south food included or an additional charge?

[@Matrix2021]

No it’s all included 👍🏼

[@juliamartin6004]

I'm with you I be so mad if someone smoke in my face it so rude

[@Matrix2021]

Yeah it was frustrating, but even if they’d ask before lighting up we would’ve been less bothered, it was just the entitlement that was most annoying 👀

[@A152631]

I'm on the virtuosa next weekend and plan to do a similar vlog where I drink all the bars. Sorry if it seems too similar - I always planned to. Not looking forward to the Gem casino smoke zone again....boils my p**s

[@Matrix2021]

No worries! Will be good to see how you review all the different bars. But yeah, be prepared for the Red Gem bar 🫣👀

[@A152631]

@@Matrix2021 I’ve been before but had limited time gambling. I hope I have the patience (doubtful)

[@Matrix2021]

@@A152631 Apparently they tried to make it completely non-smoking but reverted back, they now have non-smoking areas in the casino but everyone ignore the signs

[@A152631]

@@Matrix2021 Don't worry I will remind them of their boundaries!

[@theo847sqn]

What happened to the other shorter FUN vid ?😮

[@Matrix2021]

Still editing it 🙈

[@GlenSchofield-xk8pw]

When’s the next video on the virtuosa out?

[@Matrix2021]

I’ve had a few technical issues getting clips back from my One Drive. I may have to split it into two lots 😕

[@GlenSchofield-xk8pw]

@@Matrix2021 we can’t wait for them mate. Your first video was probably the best we had seen for first timers.

[@GillianBowtell]

Will never again cruise with MSC, this is the worst ship we’ve been on. Customer relations Director was not interested in our concerns. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Cunard brilliant for quality, care and value for money

[@Matrix2021]

Were you on this exact cruise, Gillian? Lots of people complained and shared similar stories about the director not even caring. Will definitely be looking at RC or Celebrity for our next cruise 🚢

[@luvjets]

Hi Bri'ish Kevin - OMG, it is soooooo good to see you back on YT! Still in absolute awe of your effects in the opening and throughout the vlog. Looking forward to seeing the next vlog to find out the ports of call for the itinerary of the ship.🛳 Dining Boo Boo's - Buffet queue looked crazy, glad it wasn't as bad as it looked. We've seen vlogs that MSC can be a bit dodgy and have some "niggles" at times but so happy that you had a fun time. Sucky about the a-holes coming to the casino just to light up and pollute everyone with their cigarette smoke 🚬🤮 Loved the vlog and recap for first time cruisers. Many hugs from the both of us. Cheers mate!!!!!😎❤🍻

[@Matrix2021]

Thanks American-Kevin 🙌🏼. Yeah the buffet queue was awful at times, but it was all about timing. Oh the smoking situation was bad, but to take the seats away and sit in a circle we were just like wtfff 😅. Hope you’re both keeping well, need an update on the coin jar 😜

[@luvjets]

@@Matrix2021 Haven't found the elusive $5,000 chip yet, but the coin jar is close to 1/2 - 2/3 full already. I count it up at the end of the year. 😎🪙

[@thehellion9992]

Glad you put this this up. Great to hear your experiences of first time cruising. I think you covered it all with your Tips, however I am not sure how you managed to remember them all... Certainly looks like you got your moneys worth. 🍾🍷🍸🍹🍺🥃🥤🧋🍵🍵🍵🍵🍵. Looking forward to the next vlog and the next ship your board🛳🛳🛳

[@Matrix2021]

Cheers 👍🏼. Yes we certainly got the most out of the drinks package, which did make remembering our tips a little difficult - but it’s amazing what jibberish you write down in your phone 😅🙌🏼