John Oram's photos with the keyword: MSC Virtuosa

Far from riding into the sunset, as at one time seemed entirely possible, the cruise industry rode out the pandemic storm and survived to see more Solent sunsets. On the evening of Saturday 14 August 2021, MSC Virtuosa was the last of three ships I watched leaving Southampton. With the light around Cowes likely to be dull, I secured a first shot as she passed Fawley. 200_4_P1020629E2

By the time MSC Virtuosa had passed Cowes on another voyage from Southampton, I was pushing my camera and myself hard to get another handheld shot. The sun, now low, was glinting on her stern. 200_4_P1020632CE

My occasional series 'When Worlds Collide' illustrates how today's cruise ships can dominate their surroundings. Previous pictures in the series taken in developing countries and smaller ports show this to great effect. Even in Southampton, with late afternoon traffic streaming away from Westquay, MSC Virtuosa, berthed at City Cruise Terminal (101), makes an imposing sight. Virtuosa was one of the first ships to restart cruising with passengers as the industry staggered back to its feet and will be a Southampton regular throughout the summer of 2021. 200_4_P1010878E