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In summer 2025, I enjoyed a seven-night cruise to the Norwegian fjords on the amazing MSC Virtuosa. This was a somewhat significant cruise for several reasons - firstly it was my partner’s mum’s first ever cruise, celebrating her 60th birthday, but it was also the first cruise I had taken following my graduation from Durham University and my official return to the world of cruise!
We booked the cruise less than two months before setting sail. Before booking this cruise, I had also booked a post-graduation cruise, both as a treat for myself and a birthday present for my Dad’s 70th. But the cruise on MSC Virtuosa would depart first. 
This would be my second cruise on MSC Virtuosa, having also cruised to Norway in May 2024. As I was still busy studying at university, back then I didn’t get time to draw the ship. At the time Captain Chirs Pugh was in command, who very kindly met with me, and we talked about my drawings. Shortly after he left MSC Cruises, so sadly wouldn't be on board this time.
Having now completed my studies I did my best to find time to draw MSC Virtuosa. It was a bit of a squeeze, working around many other commissions I was still catching up on. I managed to finish the drawing around a week before we set sail form Southampton. It was quite a challenge, given its such a big ship. We departed Southampton at the end of August, on a typically raining day. A week or two before boarding, I had contacted MSC Cruises to request to meet with the captain to present my drawing. Whilst on board I received a note in my cabin to arrange a suitable time and location on board to meet. We decided to meet on the last night of the cruise, a sea day on the way back to Southampton, and of course everyone agreed the Yacht Club would be a great location for the presentation and official unveiling of my drawing. Throughout the week we were thoroughly looked after by MSC Cruises. We received daily treats in our cabins (my favourite was the chocolate strawberries), and access to the Top 19 exclusive solarium. On the last two nights of the cruise, we were also very kindly given access to the Yacht Club and could enjoy all the facilities available. This was a really special treat!
On the last night of the cruise, around half an hour before the time I had agreed to meet the captain, we headed to the Topsail Lounge in the Yacht Club. Whilst waiting here, we were met by the Yacht Club director, Saverio and the events coordinator, Kimberly - who had been in touch during the cruise and helped set up the meeting. It was so lovely to meet Saverio again. We had met previously many years ago whilst cruising with the former Cruise & Maritime Voyages. He remembered all about me and my drawings.
Shortly after 19:30 the captain and hotel director arrived. It was now time to unveil my drawing to them. They had been told about me and had even checked out my website in advance too! I gave the captain one end of the rolled-up drawing and slowly revealed the full drawing, which measured over two meters in length. Captain Pietro Paolo Maresca seemed genuinely thrilled by my gift and promised to display the drawing. He explained he planned to display it alongside the plaques received when the ship visits a new port of call – this way the crew could admire my special gift. The captain also asked if I had plans to draw other MSC Cruises ships in the future, and I explained how one day soon I hope to cruise on and draw a World Class ship. It would certainly be another impressive project to work on!
After revealing my drawing, the captain presented me with a signed model of MSC Virtuosa, in exchange for my gifted drawing. This was a lovely touch and will be added alongside my many other ship models I had collected over the years. MSC Virtuosa was the 101st ship my drawings have been presented aboard. (I don’t have a model from every one!).
Following the exchange, together with my partner and his mum, we enjoyed dinner in the Yacht Club Restaurant – a wonderful treat on the last night on the cruise. Some guests were curious as to what I got the model for, and others who saw my drawing congratulated me, which was lovely. Some even asked if they could have a copy. Well, now you can… Below you can choose from three different sizes, and purchase your very own limited-edition print of my drawing of MSC Virtuosa.
I would like to extend a massive thank you to MSC Cruises for their hospitality. We really were very well looked after. A particularly big thank you to Captain Pietro Paolo Maresca for taking the time to meet with me. I can’t wait to draw yet another MSC Cruises ship soon!
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Harry CotterillHarry Cotterill set up his blog when he was just 16-years old, making him one of the youngest cruise bloggers in the world. In later years he became known across the world for his amazing talent of drawing cruise ships! Blog Archive
October 2025
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