MSC Virtuosa MSC CRUISES MSC Cruises launches the second of its Meraviglia-Plus class ships, where sustainable innovation and immersive technotainment take centrestage. Words: Alicia Sheber • Photography: © Ivan Sarfatti
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he maiden voyage of MSC Virtuosa marked
T
At 330 metres long, 65 metres high and
not only a milestone in MSC Cruises’
181,500GT, MSC Virtuosa is the fourth ship in
strides towards sustainable innovation
the group’s Meraviglia generation and, with
and immersive ‘technotainment’ experiences,
its sister ship MSC Grandiosa, is the second
it was also the first cruise ship to sail from
in the Meraviglia-Plus class, featuring more
the UK as Covid-19 lockdown regulations
cabins and public spaces along with splashier
eased. In addition, the new flagship was the
restaurants, bars and entertainment hotspots.
first in the world to be awarded with Bureau
Commissioned in 2016, Virtuosa – derived from
Veritas’ Biorisk certification for its ability to
the word virtuoso – was named to honour the
mitigate and manage infectious disease risk for
skill and expertise of the MSC Cruises architects
passengers. Originally slated to take its maiden
and shipyard partners at Les Chantiers de
voyage in November 2020 from Genoa, the delay
l’Atlantique, who together developed the tech-
instigated a series of trial runs of three- and
forward design.
four-night British Isles cruises to determine
“The most architecturally advanced feature is
how sailing could coexist with Covid, taking
the impressive Mediterranean-style promenade
precautions such as a 1,000-guest cap on a ship
at the heart of the ship,” says Young. The design
designed to hold 6,300.
features a 100m-long open promenade with an
With construction already well under way
LED sky dome that, according to MSC, is the
by the time Covid forced a complete shutdown
largest at sea. Orchestrated sound and light
of the sector, there was little impact on the
shows enliven or calm energy levels along with
design and fit-out. “We didn’t have to adapt
messages to welcome guests and announce
our design for Covid-19 restrictions, although
events. The two-deck arcade comprises 1,168m2
we did enhance MSC Virtuosa’s air conditioning
of retail space, which, with 11 boutiques and over
system to incorporate special filters,” confirms
250 brands is reportedly the largest shopping
Trevor Young, Vice President New Building,
area on any cruise ship. Food and drink venues
MSC Cruises, adding that social distancing and
line the walkway – a smattering of the ship’s 10
limited numbers in venues were possible thanks
restaurants and 21 bars – with live music and
to the ship’s generous size.
dancing spilling into the passageway.
