MSC Virtuosa: Cabins and Suites Guide (2024)

Choosing a cabin or suite on a cruise ship is never easy!

When it comes to MSC Virtuosa there is a choice between seventeen different cabins and suites to choose from between 2,421 cabins (including 60 dedicated for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility).

In this guide, I have sourced all the information from my experience onboard MSC Virtuosa and MSC Cruises to bring you an easy-to-understand guide on the available cabins and suites.

Introduction

MSC Virtuosa is one of MSC Cruises’ latest ships – the Meraviglia-Plus class ship can carry a maximum capacity of 6,334 passengers – but this number is calculated based on every available berth on the ship being occupied (i.e. all bunk beds, sofa beds, etc) – this is rarely the case on any cruise ship!

All passenger cabins on MSC Virtuosa are located on Decks 5 and 8-16. Please remember that all photos and illustrations represent what they look like – some may be the opposite way around or laid out differently! Generally speaking though, they are all identical across the grades.

MSC Virtuosa‘s accommodation works based on five different cabin types – which are then broken down into further sub-categories of cabins, but in essence, there are five types to choose from:

• Interior
• Ocean View
• Balcony
• Suite
• MSC Yacht Club

I will explain all the other types – but feel free just to select one and skip to it!

How many cabins are on MSC Virtuosa?

There are 2,421 cabins on MSC Virtuosa. They are configured as follows:

• 15 Interior Studio Cabins
• 728 Interior Cabins
• 160 Ocean View Cabins
• 1,322 Balcony Cabins
• 24 Suites
• 8 Suites with whirlpool baths
• 2 Grand Suites with whirlpool baths
• 15 MSC Yacht Club Interior Suites
• 77 MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suites
• 8 MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suites
• 2 MSC Yacht Club Royal Suites
• 59 Cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility
• 1 MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility

Cabins by Description and Type

First, lets look at the cabin descriptions (as described on the MSC Cruises website and brochures) and what type of cabins they actually are.

You’ll see that they match standard cruise ship cabins, just slightly different naming. For example an ‘inside cabin’ is an ‘Interior Cabin’ with MSC Cruises.

Cabins by Size and Code

Now let us look at the sizing and coding.

Firstly, the sizing is made up of two parts (for the majority of cabins) – that is the floor space (including your bathroom) and the size of your balcony. Cabins without balconies have just one number listed.

The coding in the table relates to the grade of the cabin you have. There are multiple grades of the same cabin type (sounds confusing, I know!) but actually it is pretty straightforward.

For example, a Fantastica Deluxe Balcony comes in four grades:

• BP – Partial View
• BR1 – Cabins on decks 8-10
• BR2 – Cabins on decks 11-12
• BR3 – Cabins on decks 13-14

You’ll find the higher the number, the more expensive the grade is. Although usually it isn’t too much and is sometimes worth paying a little bit more for a better grade – as you may find more availability for your perfect location!

Cabins by Experience and Deck Numbers

Onto our last table! Here we break down the cabins by MSC Experience type (Bella, Fantastica, Aurea & MSC Yacht Club) and what decks on the ship you will find them at!

Common Cabin/Suite Features

Each cabin and suite comes with a standard set of features that aren’t linked to whether you have an interior, balcony or suite!

On MSC Virtuosa, all cabins include:

Item	Description
Bed	Comfortable double or single (can be split/made up on request)
Bathroom	With shower or bathtub, vanity area with hairdryer
Interactive TV	With map, account status, booking facility (restaurants/shows)
WiFi	(Free to use for the MSC for Me App – but an additional fee for standard internet)
Lockable safe	You can store a small number of valuables in, iPad, jewellery, etc
Minibar	Soft/alcoholic drinks and snacks (chargeable) – can be kept locked or emptied on request with your cabin steward/ess.
Plug sockets	2 x European and 2 x USA
USB sockets	1 x USB (Vanity Desk) 2 x USB (on either side of the bed)
Telephone	Used for calling reception, room service or other cabins (free)
Bedside Lights	Either side of the bed and additional reading lights
Kettle	Coffee/tea making (UK departure cruises only)
Lifejackets	4 x within wardrobe (or more depending on cabin capacity)
Glassware	2 x in cabin
Slippers	2 x Pairs in wardrobe (Aurea/MSC Yacht Club)
Robes	2 x Robes in wardrobe (Aurea/MSC Yacht Club)
Aircon	Control panel on wall
DND	Do Not Disturb button
Make Room	Make up room button
Hand towel	2 x in bathroom – replaced daily if needed
Bath towel	2 x in bathroom – replaced daily if needed
Beach towel	2 x in bedroom for use on deckchairs/pools – replaced if needed
Shower Gel	Med by MSC Shower Gel in a fixed container in shower
Shampoo	Med by MSC Shampoo in a fixed container in shower
Drying line	Retractable washing/drying line in shower area
Mirror	Full length mirror on one side of the cabin
Zoe	MSC’s Virtual Room Assistant (like Alexa) – mainly plays music via Bluetooth
Hangers	Several supplied in wardrobe – ask a steward for more!

Additionally, there are plenty of shelves in the bathroom for toiletries and drawers in the cabin for clothes and accessories.

On the back of the cabin door is a map of where you are located on the ship and details on your muster station in case of an emergency.

You’ll also find a Daily Planner delivered each day to your cabin that includes details of all activities on the ship and information on the port you are visiting.

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Interior Cabins

Like on all cruise ships – interior cabins are the lowest grade of cabin – that doesn’t mean they are they are the worst though. For many, a cabin is just a place to get sleep and get ready and is perfect for any cruise – so let’s get started with more details about these cabins!

Studio Interior Cabin

The Studio Interior cabins are the smallest cabins available on the ship. This is because they are aimed at solo travellers! therefore they have a slightly reduced bed (140 x 200cm) compared to the other cabins on the ship.

• Surface Area: Approx 12 sqm
• Located: Decks 5-14
• Number available: 16
• Capacity: 1 Passenger

Deluxe Interior Cabin (IB/IR1/IR2)

The Deluxe Interior cabins are the standard inside cabins for two people and offer more space than the Studio Interior version.

• Surface Area: 17 sqm
• Located: Decks 5-14
• Number Available: 64+120
• Capacity: 2-4 Passengers

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Ocean View Cabins

MSC Cruises call the industry-standard ‘Outside’ cabins as ‘Ocean View’ which is a better name and makes more sense. In essence, it is a standard Interior cabin but with a large rectangle window – allowing in natural daylight and a view out to sea.

As standard with cabins of this category across all ships, the porthole will not open – you will need to circulate air via the air conditioning system.

Junior Ocean View with Obstructed View Cabin

The lowest category of Ocean View cabins are ones with obstructed views. This commonly means they are situated near/behind lifeboats and/or other ship equipment which is fixed to the side of the ship.

It is possible that this equipment may move during port days (i.e. window cleaning equipment) but it should be taken for granted that you will have an obstruction of some type from your view. This of course is reflected in the price too.

These cabins also offer a larger vanity desk area and a sofa bed, which can be converted into further berths if required.

• Surface Area: 12 sqm
• Located: Deck 8 only
• Capacity: 2-6 Passengers

Junior Ocean View Cabin

These are the same as the previous type of cabin – but they offer no obstructed view and instead, you can see out to sea with ease!

• Surface Area: 12 sqm
• Located: Deck 8 only
• Capacity: 2-6 Passengers

Deluxe Ocean View Cabin

The Deluxe Ocean View Cabin offers more space than the Junior versions of this cabin type, allowing you some extra space – ideal if you are travelling with kids.

• Surface Area: 16 sqm
• Located: Deck 5 Only
• Capacity: 2-6 Passengers

Premium Ocean View Cabin

The highest category of this cabin type is the Premium Ocean View Cabin – it offers much more space and they are placed higher up on the ship, giving you a greater view out to sea.

• Surface Area: 25 sqm
• Located: Decks 9-11
• Capacity: 2-6 Passengers

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Balcony Cabins

Breath in that sea air! A balcony cabin is a sure way of enjoying your cruise even more! The ability to have your own private outdoor space at all times can be wonderful on busier voyages or if you just really want a secluded hideaway with a good book!

Thankfully, MSC Virtuosa has a huge amount of cabins that have a balcony – in fact, over 70% of the ship are balcony cabins to choose from (and even more suites with balconies too!)

Studio Balcony Cabin (BS)

The ship offers a small number of solo passenger balcony cabins – rare for most ships, these are perfect for solo travellers or a single-family member travelling with a larger family.

• Surface Area: 12 sqm
• Balcony Area: 4 sqm
• Located: Decks 13-14
• Capacity: 1 Passenger

Deluxe Balcony with Partial View Cabin (BP)

The partial-view cabins are ideal if you want the outside space to get some fresh air, but are not totally bothered about having a view. Partial view cabins are usually obstructed either by some machinery fitted externally to the ship, or, lifeboats (or a mixture of both) – they usually differ, so there isn’t a standard ‘partial view’ as such.

• Surface Area: 17 sqm
• Balcony Area: 6-8 sqm
• Location: Decks 8-14
• Capacity: 2-4 Passengers

Deluxe Balcony Cabin (BB/BR1/BR2/BR3)

This cabin is your ‘standard balcony cabin’ that most people will opt for (and the most numerous on the ship) – they are available across a number of decks and differ in price based on if you choose low, mid or high deck. Whichever you choose is down to personal preference – they are all the same size.

You will see some cabins listed as Bella Balcony or Fantastica Balcony – there is no difference in these other than position on the ship (and additional perks in the experience)

• Surface Area: 17 sqm
• Balcony Area: 6-8 sqm
• Location: Decks 8-14
• Capacity: 2-4 Passengers

Balcony Aurea Cabin (BA)

Like the previous category, these cabins offer a superb balcony with great sea views and are wonderful for watching the ship arrive or leave a port – or just hanging out on during a sea day!

This configuration of cabin doesn’t come with any other different physical features, but is often placed in better locations on the ship.

• Surface Area: 17 sqm
• Balcony Area: 6-8 sqm
• Location: Decks 11-13
• Capacity: 2-4 Passengers

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Suites

For those who want extra room, perhaps travelling with a larger party or just want to splash out on something special, the suites on MSC Virtuosa should not be missed!

The suites range from extra space (in the suite and balcony) to duplex suites with terraces and some even come with their own private whirlpools!

Premium Suite Aurea

These suites are ideal for a family with kids or teenagers. The suite is larger than your standard balcony cabin and has a private area (curtained off) with a set of bunk beds – just opposite the bathroom. You’ll also find a larger balcony with some of these suites.

• Surface Area: 25 sqm
• Balcony Area: 3-14 sqm
• Location: Decks 9-14
• Number Available: 24
• Capacity: 2-6 Passengers

Premium Suite Aurea with terrace and whirlpool

This version of the Premium Suite Aurea comes with its own larger balcony (or terrace as it is called) and are generally at the front of the ship, offering a curved frontage.

These suites come with their own lounge area with a sofa, table and chairs. Additionally, they have their own private whirlpool which is located outside offering views out to sea – could that sound any more amazing?!

• Surface Area: 27 sqm
• Balcony Area: 26-30 sqm
• Location: Decks 9-13
• Capacity: 2-4 Passengers

Grand Suite Aurea with terrace and whirlpool

This is a bigger version of the previous suite!

Offering a much larger suite and a much larger balcony/terrace (with private whirlpool) you’ll find these suites only on one deck (12) but they are massive – ideal for longer cruises!

• Surface Area: 39 sqm
• Balcony Area: 36 sqm
• Location: Deck 12
• Capacity: 2-4 Passengers

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Also read:

• Cruises from Southampton (2023)
• Cruises from Southampton (2024)

MSC Yacht Club Suites

At the very top end of MSC Virtuosa, there is the MSC Yacht Club. MSC Cruises describe this as a ‘ship within a ship’ and they are not wrong! Many passengers choose to sail in MSC Yacht Club and some rarely leave the area throughout most of the cruise.

MSC Yacht Club comes with a different set of benefits that other MSC Experiences offer (such as Bella, Fantastica or Aurea) and you’ll find you have access to your own private butler, 24/7 private concierge, Yacht Club bar, restaurant, buffet and outdoor grill area.

MSC Yacht Club is accessed by keycard only and limited to a number of passengers. Each of the exclusive 103 suites (there are no cabins!) is larger in size than others on the rest of the ship and ranges from an Interior Suite to the Royal Suites.

MSC Yacht Club Interior Suite (YCI)

The entry-level suite in MSC Yacht Club is the Interior Suite – this well-appointed suite offers you the luxury of an upgraded bathroom, vanity area and suite-only fixtures.

• Surface Area: 17 sqm
• Location: Decks 14-16 (front of the ship only, within MSC Yacht Club)
• Number Available: 15
• Capacity: 2 Passengers

MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite (YC1)

The Deluxe Suite offers the same as the Interior Suite but has a balcony and a spacious sitting area with a sofa.

• Surface Area: 29 sqm
• Balcony Area: Approx 5 sqm
• Location: Decks 14-18 (front of the ship only, within MSC Yacht Club)
• Number Available: 78
• Capacity: 2-4 Passengers

MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suite with whirlpool (YCP)

Taking it up another level, there are suites within MSC Yacht Club that offer their own private whirlpool. These are similar to the suites that have a whirlpool in Aurea, however, they are duplex (split-level) – giving you much more room than most suites.

Downstairs they offer a private dining area and a separate bathroom (and wardrobe), with outside access to the private whirlpool.

• Surface Area: 59 sqm
• Balcony Area: approx 23 sqm
• Location: Decks 9-12
• Number Available: 8
• Capacity: 2-4 Passengers

MSC Yacht Club Royal Suite (YC3)

The very best accommodation on the ship is a pair of Royal Suites within the MSC Yacht Club.

These exclusive suites allow you to live like a King (or Queen!) for the duration of your cruise and you won’t want to leave when you have stayed here. They offer the features of the whirlpool suite, however, everything is on one deck (rather than a duplex) and there is a larger balcony area.

• Surface Area: 58 sqm
• Balcony Area: 70 sqm
• Location: Deck 15 only (within MSC Yacht Club)
• Number Available: 2
• Capacity: 2-4 Passengers

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Final Thoughts

Choosing a cabin or suite on a cruise ship is probably the second hardest thing to do after picking your itinerary.

However, with the right information, you can be sure to pick the exact type of accommodation that suits you!

There is no right or wrong choice in picking a cabin; some people prefer inside cabins because they only sleep/get changed in them – and use the savings for other things on their cruise (or a longer cruise!).

Others prefer a balcony so they always have a view of where they are and have their own private outdoor space – but it is totally a personal preference on what you pick.

Thankfully, MSC Virtuosa has many choices available for all passengers!