MSC Cruises has added departures for MSC Virtuosa’s ex-UK season following strong demand for its sailings from Southampton.

The line has four new itineraries, including a Mediterranean sailing and a repositioning to Genoa to finish the season.

MSC Virtuosa will now operate 23 sailings from the UK between April and November 2022. Its first cruise will depart on 29 April, with itineraries ranging from two-night mini cruises to 14-night western Mediterranean voyages.

MSC Cruises UK & Ireland MD Antonio Paradiso said: “Sailings from Southampton have been our best sold cruises in 2022 and we are delighted to be able to extend the season to cater to the demand.

Feedback from agents and customers surrounding the wide-ranging itineraries has been great with people praising the variety of sailings offered as well as the timings.

“The two Mediterranean sailings that take place in July and August have been particularly popular with families, as the 14-night cruises allow holidaymakers the opportunity to escape for some guaranteed sunshine without the hassle of flying.”

New MSC campaign and incentive

MSC Cruises will also launch a new TV ad campaign, beginning in March. The advert will focus on “the unique experiences that a holiday with MSC Cruises can provide”.

The campaign will run for one month and will be featured across major TV networks.

The cruise line has also extended its MSC Big Cruise Giveaway incentive that sees the line give away two cruises per day to travel agents. Agents now have until the 15 February to win.

All 19 ships in the MSC fleet will be sailing by summer 2022.

This will increase to 21 ships by the end of the year as the line adds MSC Seascape, sailing the Caribbean, and MSC World Europa, which will initially be deployed in the Middle East.