A couple of weeks ago I returned from a cruise on the MSC Virtuosa, visiting Lisbon, Cadiz, Casablanca, three of the Canary Islands and Vigo returning to Southampton.
This is a large cruise ship which is only a few years old. A grand lady of the oceans with fantastic service, food and entertainment.
Jacqueline and I had the premium drinks package, what a selection of spirits, wine and beers.
Let’s talk about spirits and some cocktails. Jacqueline’s favourite cocktail was the delightful Pina Colada and her favourite gin was The Botanist.
Now let’s look at the Whisky selection that was available in all the bars.
Ballantine’s Finest
Chivas Regal 12 Year Old
The Glenlivet Master Distiller’s Reserve
J & B
Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old
Johnnie Walker Red Label
The Macallan 12 Year Old
You also had a selection of bourbons and Irish Whiskey
In the Master of the Seas bar, they had a large selection of ales and lagers including draft Newcastle Brown Ale.
With that selection, I was not short of some very fine Scotch. I also dipped into one or two cocktails, Old Fashioned made with Ballantine’s Finest and a Margarita.
My go-to malts were The Glenlivet and The Macallan, it has been a while since I have tasted these drams and you just forget how good they really are.
My favourite bar (out of the 21 bars on board) after dinner or a show was the Virtuosa Bar and Lounge.
This is a cruise line I can highly recommend. Our room was a deluxe balcony cabin with it’s own mini-bar.
Now thinking about holidays/cruises for 2025.
