I’ll admit it – I’d never really considered going on a cruise before. Growing up, I’d always associated cruising with retirees leisurely making their way around the Mediterranean.

While there was nothing wrong with that, as someone in my twenties, I’d assumed I’d be one of the youngest people on board.

So when I boarded MSC Virtuosa in Southampton for a seven-night sailing to the Norwegian Fjords, I expected to spend the week surrounded by older people.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

My first impressions

Within hours of stepping on board, it became obvious that my view of cruises was way off. Families with babies and toddlers filled the pools, teenagers queued for the arcade, groups of friends enjoyed cocktails before dinner, couples celebrated anniversaries and honeymooners watched the sunset from their balconies.

Of course, there were plenty of older guests too, but they were just one part of a very mixed crowd.

MSC Virtuosa, built in 2021, is enormous. Carrying up to 6,334 guests and 1,704 crew members, the floating city packs in almost everything you could think of, meaning there was never a dull moment during the week.

The heart of the ship is the Galleria Virtuosa, a bustling indoor promenade lined with bars, restaurants, boutiques and entertainment venues. Whether people were shopping, heading to the casino, grabbing a coffee or simply wandering beneath the spectacular LED ceiling, it always felt alive.

The food

Food quickly became one of the highlights of the trip. With 11 restaurants to choose from, there was no shortage of options, but my standout was Butcher’s Cut. The American-style steakhouse served one of the best three-course meals of the week, and somehow the bread basket became one of the most memorable parts of the entire holiday.

For more casual dining, the buffet delivered every day. After hearing seasoned cruisers rave about MSC’s pizzas, I had high expectations, but they somehow still managed to exceed them. They genuinely lived up to the hype, perhaps thanks to MSC’s Italian roots.

The ship is also home to 16 bars, each with its own personality. The futuristic Starship Club, where robotic bartenders prepare cocktails, was unlike anything I’d experienced before. But if I had to pick a favourite, it would be the Sky Lounge, where you could enjoy a drink overlooking the main deck, or L’Atelier Bar & Art, which paired live piano performances with surprisingly delicious Asian-inspired snacks. The spring rolls are well worth ordering.

The entertainment

As someone who loves theatre, the quality of the productions at Le Grand Theatre easily rivalled shows you’d expect to pay for on land, with Dirty Dancing proving to be the standout performance thanks to its impressive choreography and talented cast.

Meanwhile, the Carousel Lounge hosted breathtaking acrobatic and aerial performances that had the audience holding their breath throughout. More than once, I found myself perched on the edge of my seat, wondering how the performers were pulling off some of the stunts.

For those looking to unwind, the MSC Aurea Spa offers treatments, thermal experiences, a salon and barber, while the panoramic gym overlooking the sea makes working out feel slightly less painful.

I stayed in a Deluxe Balcony cabin on Deck 13, which quickly became my favourite place to start and end each day. Waking up to uninterrupted ocean views before pulling back into the balcony after a day ashore was one of the simple pleasures I hadn’t expected to enjoy so much.

The itinerary

Our first stop was Edinburgh before sailing on to Stavanger, Haugesund and Kristiansand in Norway, with plenty of time in each destination to explore.

Haugesund ended up stealing my heart. Its charming high street, crystal-clear water and picturesque coastal walks made it feel postcard-perfect and offered a welcome contrast to life on board.

Back on the ship, evenings became events in themselves. Gala Night, Tropical Night and White Night gave passengers an excuse to swap shorts for smarter outfits, adding an extra sense of occasion that made every evening feel different.

By the time we returned to Southampton seven days later, I realised my opinion of cruising had completely changed.

Yes, you get to visit several destinations without constantly unpacking and repacking your suitcase. Yes, the food, entertainment and facilities are impressive. But the biggest surprise wasn’t the robot bartenders or the Broadway-style shows, it was discovering that there is plenty to do regardless of age.

They’re filled with families, couples, groups of friends and solo travellers of all ages. My first cruise completely disproved the stereotype I’d believed for years, and it’s the reason I’d happily book another one (alongside that delicious pizza).

Book the holiday

MSC Cruises has a Norwegian Fjords cruise sailing from Southampton on 29 August for seven nights, calling at Haugesund, Olden, Alesund and Kristiansand. Prices start from £799 per person. Find out more at msccruises.co.uk.