Your what’s-on guide to a voyage of discovery
THE Summer Sailcation itinerary is packed with excitement at sea and on land. Here’s a rundown of fun activities on board and amazing places to discover and explore when the MSC Virtuosa cruises gracefully into port… Day 1: Start your adventure on the MSC Virtuosa
Your holiday begins in Southampton where you’ll be welcomed aboard MSC Virtuosa. The vessel boasts an impressive array of entertainment, activities and leisure facilities. This beautiful ship offers fantastic service, exciting entertainment and many innovative features – these include a humanoid robot bartender and an interactive multistorey aqua park.
Day 2: Fun at sea
Whether you want to take it easy or actively enjoy the buzz of being on board, the cruise brings you plenty of choice. During the day, relax in the lavish Aurea Spa, have fun in the pool, or play a set or two of tennis. At night you have shows to watch, great dining and cool cocktails to savour – and the first of two exclusive gigs by UB40.
Day 3: Cork
When you stop at the vibrant port of Cork, you are greeted by glorious St Colman’s Cathedral at Cobh, overlooking Cork’s harbour with its colourful townhouses. Explore the Titanic Experience Cobh at the former
White Star Line ticket office, where the final passengers joined the doomed liner. Fancy some adventure? Try a whale-watching tour or kayaking in the Atlantic. For fresh sea air, explore the Blue Flag beach at Barleycove. Or take a class at the famous Ballymaloe Cookery School. Back on board, it’s time for entertainment. If you didn’t see UB40’s performance last night, you can catch their show this evening.
Day 4: Portland
The Isle of Portland is a pretty peninsula on the Jurassic Coast, whose soaring cliffs and diverse wildlife make for idyllic walks. Head off to 15 mile-long Chesil Beach and hunt for fossils, then see the historic lighthouse at Portland Bill. For a fun seaside experience, visit Weymouth, with its miles of golden sands, sheltered waters and a buzzing waterfront.
Day 5: Disembark at Southampton
Today you’ll arrive back in Southampton, to wave a fond farewell to MSC Virtuosa. And to take a moment to reflect on your cruise holiday, UB40’s brilliant performance, the new friends you made on the way, and the memorable experiences you enjoyed on this extraordinary ship.