JP82

Okay it's confusing because they are still offering you the option to add Fantastica/Aurea etc. But the initial price DOES include drinks package for the Virtuosa sailings from Southampton..... They just explain it really badly on the website, and naughtily leave the option on the website to still add these kind of packages on.

Not sure now, as I want a short cruise rather than a full 7 dayer tbh, and the more affordable shorter dates are all clashing with a family event.... I may just be biting the bullet and going with Disney at this rate....

They are now on the website.

Given this last year, we've seen MSC (and others) aren't afraid to make changes.... There's still a glimmer of hope if these itineraries do well...

For me, it would be MSC, as I think their modern ships are breathtaking, and I am keen to try one. I like big ships, so Virtuosa ticks the box. Also Disney, as I have done one cruise with them, and this current offering does seem like a one off (unless it proves to be a valid business model and it sticks for a few years) and I don't want to miss out. Also I want to complete my collection of Disney model ships as I have the Disney Wonder from my first cruise with them. Also the on board experience is pretty much one of a kind.

Do we know if they have allowed B2B's on the Grandiosa sailings of recent?

The articles I have read specifically mention "replacing Magnifica" so I think we're at one ship.... But compared to Magnifica.... What a ship!!! (I Imagine!! Nobody's been on her to confirm! 🤣)

Exciting times ahead!!!!

MSC now confirming Magnifica will be replaced by the all new (and much sparklier) Virtuosa for their planned UK Sailings. A much bigger ship and she offers The Yacht Club!! What an exciting time for the UK Cruise industry this last few weeks!

For a ship that is floating around in relatively local waters and is already on sale I would expect more info and pictures than we have.

I still can't quite fathom how it seems P&O have given us more info and hype already about the Arvia than they have on Iona. Which is built and sailing and tantalisingly close to having passengers on!!

Not to read too much into it...But Antwerp is a lot closer to the UK.... And I'm sure the Magnifica could use the back up on the announced UK Port sailings?? 🤣

Well if you vowed......

Yeah have been watching a few YouTube videos on here this afternoon. She seems really nice, and still like new in some ways as she was new before the lockdown.... Exciting!

After a bit of back and forthing. Have just booked a 4 day on Sky Princess in September. Princess had never been on my radar prior to all this, so quite excited to try something (a little) different. Will see what happens over the next month or two as am buying a house, but may still book something on Iona.