MSC Cruises has confirmed that its entire fleet is now back in operation.

The line’s MSC Musica has set sail from Italy for the first of 23 seven-night summer 2022 voyages to Katakolon, Greece.

The departure means that all 19 MSC ships are now back at sea, following the pause in operations during the pandemic.

MSC Cruises UK & Ireland MD Antonio Paradiso said: “We are so proud to see our entire fleet back at sea.

“It has been a challenge given the pandemic ashore but our industry-leading health and safety protocol has put us in a position of strength and confidence, whereby all of our vessels are now at sea to give our travel agent partners and their customers what they want – relaxing, enjoyable and, above all else, safe cruise holidays.

“We were the first major line to return to international cruising back in summer 2020. Health and safety is absolutely paramount for all of us at MSC Cruises, which is now ably demonstrated – as we promised last year – with our entire fleet of ships back at sea for summer 2022.”

MSC Grandiosa was one of the first ships worldwide to return to sea in August 2020 under the line’s health and safety protocol.

MSC will welcome two new ships at the end of 2022 – MSC Seascape and its first liquefied natural gas-powered vessel, MSC World Europa.

MSC World Europa will use a selective catalytic reduction system and enhanced shore-to-ship power capability, as well as new wastewater treatment technology.

Sales for both ships are now open.