MSC Cruises has confirmed the ship will take the role of its flagship cruise for the UK throughout winter 2022/23 and summer 2023.
Marking the first time that MSC Cruises has continuously operated one of its fleet from the UK year-round, MSC Virtuosa will continue to operate out of Southampton through to the end of the summer 2023 season.
Antonio Paradiso, managing director for the UK and Ireland, MSC Cruises, said, “Since MSC Virtuosa first came to the UK, the feedback from our guests has been incredible and the ships has been a huge hit. The increased appetite for stress-free no-fly cruises out of the UK combined with the benefits of the new state-of-the-art Horizon Terminal has resulted in huge demand.
"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. Since then, we have gone from strength to strength and we are committed to offering the best possible experience for our guests from the UK and Ireland.”
MSC Virtuosa will replace MSC Preziosa's voyage schedule this winter, offering the 'Northern Pearls' itinerary from Southampton to Hamburg, calling at Berlin, Zeebrugge, Brussels, Rottedam and Le Havre en route. Itineraries will vary from three-night breaks to longer three-week voyages.
In summer 2023, MSC Virtuosa will replace MSC Grandiosa, offering a choice of mini cruises, seven-night sailings and longer cruises.
