For the very first time MSC Cruises will be offering a year-long programme of no-fly sailings out of Southampton for winter 2022/23 and summer 2023.
MSC Virtuosa became the first ship to restart UK cruises in May 2021 following her launch. The ship returned to the UK in April this year and will now continue to operate out of Southampton through to the end of the summer 2023 season.
Antonio Paradiso, MSC’s managing director for UK and Ireland, said: “Since MSC Virtuosa first came to the UK, the feedback from our guests has been incredible and the ship has been a huge hit.
“The continued deployment of one of our newest and most innovative ships out of the UK is just further proof of the continued importance of the UK market, which began with our first full ex-UK season back in 2018.”
MSC Virtuosa replaces MSC Preziosa’s itineraries this winter offering the newly introduced Northern Pearls itinerary to Hamburg, Zeebrugge, Brussels, Rotterdam and Le Havre.
Itineraries will offer a variety of choice to customers with cruises ranging from three-night breaks to three-week trips for those looking for a longer holiday at sea.
In summer 2023, MSC Virtuosa will replace MSC Grandiosa offering a range of itineraries from mini cruises, seven-night sailings through to longer cruises. Further details of the full programme will be released shortly.