MSC Cruises, MSC Virtuosa, UK and Ireland Review

We boarded this almost new ship at Greenock. The Covid mitigations were carried out smoothly and all vaccination paperwork viewed and lateral flow test done with no problem. It is a very impressive ship and our balcony cabin was spacious. The usual crystal MSC staircase was even more dazzling than normal and the changing ceiling in the main parade was spectacular. Most passengers adhered to covid restrictions,masks on when walking about and a max of 4 in the lift. The entertainment was of a higher quality than usual on a MSC ship. Food in MDR was variable with one superb meal, one menu nobody at the table liked and the others fine. Food in buffet was excellent. They were now allowing people to select their own food. Service was OK but definitely fewer staff than usual. Also strange not to see a single officer walking about. The excursions were well organised and of a good standard. I missed having the ice cream parlour amd specialist coffees being available everywhere as part of my upgraded Premium package. Things deteriorated after Southampton with many more passengers than when we boarded at Greenock. Thye didn't seem to care. Mask wearing plummeted especially on formal night. Lifts were crowded. Disembarkation was really smooth and quick. Really enjoyed the cruise but not so happy when I tested Covid Positive a few days later. I notified MSC but have had no response.