MSC Magnifica will offer 24 new sailings from Southampton in summer 2021 in a move designed to demonstrate commitment to the UK market, MSC Cruises has revealed.

The ship is due to undergo an extensive refurbishment, adding 23 meters to deliver an additional 7,000m2 of space. This will result in 215 extra cabins, bringing the total number of balcony cabins to 63 per cent of the overall ship.

It will also feature a new water park and a redesigned kids’ area, as well as two new restaurants and a shopping area.

The cruises will run from May to October, ranging from two to 14 nights with itineraries encompassing the Canary Islands and Madeira, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Baltic capitals. A majority of the sailings will begin on a Saturday.

MSC Cruises MD UK & Ireland Antonio Paradiso said: “We are delighted to be further enhancing our guest experience and offering brand new itineraries sailing from the UK. We are committed to providing UK guests with the holidays they want, and travel agents with cruises they want to sell.

“This announcement is the result of the on-going feedback we have received from agents and guests who want to sail with MSC Cruises from Southampton to new destinations. Our goal is always to provide more opportunities for the trade and more choice for the guest.

“The UK market is a priority for MSC Cruises and we have shown our commitment consistently over the last few years. Firstly, with our first ever full ex-UK season in 2018, then with the naming of MSC Bellissima in Southampton in March this year and now with another full ex-UK season on a newly refurbished and enhanced ship with brand new itineraries created specifically with the British holidaymakers in mind.”

Highlights include a 12-night cruise to the Canary Islands; a 14-night Western Mediterranean cruise in August; and four Norwegian Fjord itineraries.

Aside from interior changes, MSC Magnifica will also feature environmental advances to improve sustainability, including a state-of-the-art selective catalytic reduction system to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions and an advanced wastewater treatment system.

Cruises go on sale on 12 September 2019 with prices starting from £149pp for a mini cruise and from £549pp for a Norwegian fjords cruise.