Family Highlights: Classic London Landmarks to Southampton Cruise Embarkation

When arriving in London, grab a free pocket-sized Tube map from the station kiosk or staff member. Learning the Underground network early makes cross-city travel smooth and stress-free for the whole family.

Position yourself at Westminster Bridge or Parliament Square around 12:00 PM noon to hear the famous chimes of the Great Bell reverberate across the Thames.

Take a stroll across Westminster Bridge toward the South Bank for sweeping panoramic views of the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.

Spend the morning exploring this historic UNESCO fortress. Discover the Crown Jewels in the Jewel House, meet the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters), and inspect the historic armor displays inside the White Tower.

Head inside London's iconic suspension bridge for a self-guided interior tour. Walk across the high-level glass floor walkways 42 meters above the River Thames and descend into the Victorian Engine Rooms.

After touring Tower Bridge, stroll along the pedestrianized South Bank promenade for riverside dining, open-air buskers, and spectacular photo angles of the bridge towers.

Arrive at Southampton's Horizon Cruise Terminal for baggage drop and check-in. The terminal offers an organized baggage drop and efficient boarding lanes for MSC guests.

Board MSC Virtuosa, locate your stateroom (such as Deck 14 balcony cabins), complete the mandatory muster drill safety briefing, and book your specialty dining and Chef's Table early at guest services.

Head to the MSC Starship Club to watch Rob, the humanoid robotic bartender, mix signature cocktails and mocktails with personalized digital animations.

Let the kids burn off energy on the upper deck sports court and pool deck before joining the poolside Welcome Aboard party and sail-away celebration as the ship leaves Southampton Water.

Wrap up embarkation day with your first seated dinner in the main dining room, followed by the evening Welcome Aboard theater show and live music with Gregory & Banda Oceanic in the pub lounge.

Step out onto the open promenade deck at sunset to watch the Southampton tugboats escort the massive liner out past the Solent into the English Channel.