MSC Cruises will offer a range of short breaks and week-long cruises around the British Isles this summer, starting from 20 May, for UK holidaymakers only.

The line said vaccinated and non-vaccinated guests will be welcome on board, “under the protection of MSC Cruises’ tried and tested health and safety protocol”.

Guests who have yet to receive a Covid-19 vaccine will be required to show proof of a negative test completed within 72 hours prior to embarkation.

Departing from the new terminal at the port of Southampton, itineraries include a series of short voyages followed by seven-night sailings. Cruises will depart with reduced capacity.

The line’s UK & Ireland MD Antonio Paradiso said that the company wanted to “offer every type of holidaymaker the chance to escape this summer”.

The news follows other announcements regarding domestic cruising this summer, from lines such as Fred Olsen, P&O Cruises, and Viking.

P&O Cruises has said that guests sailing on its series of UK cruises will need proof of Covid-19 vaccination to board, while Viking intends to restart in May with coastal sailings around England – guests will not require vaccinations.

Paradiso said: “It’s time for UK holidaymakers to get back on board and enjoy a well-deserved break from what has been a very challenging 12 months for everyone in so many ways.

“Our hope is to offer every type of holidaymaker the chance to escape this summer – from grandparents to teens and even the smallest of passengers looking to explore.

“We will welcome both vaccinated and non-vaccinated guests. All guests will be tested prior to embarkation, while non-vaccinated guests will also be required to show proof of a negative test done within 72 hours prior to embarkation.

“Crew, in addition to the protocol-mandated test and 14-day quarantine prior to embarkation, will also receive weekly testing, in addition to other health monitoring measures.

“Since our restart of cruise operations in August last year, when our flagship MSC Grandiosa was the first ship to return at sea and offer guests full cruises in the Mediterranean, we have carried more than 50,000 guests under the protection of our industry-leading health and safety protocol.

“It is built around a comprehensive strategy that includes universal testing of all guests and crew prior to embarkation and periodically throughout the cruise, deep and ongoing sanitation, protected-only shore excursions, as well as many other measures that we are used to in our daily lives, such as social distancing and the wearing of face coverings.”

Paradiso confirmed a “variety of fun and engaging areas for children” will be open, and that this “special offering will provide UK holidaymakers with a unique summer of cruising and be the ultimate destination for families and friends”.

“Our UK customers can be assured that we will continue to adapt the protocol in line with relevant requirements and guidance, to provide the same seamless experience they are used to when cruising,” he added.

“Guests can expect a variety of fun and engaging areas for children with play areas for a range of ages and world-class dining and round-the-clock entertainment offerings that provide multi-generational groups with a holiday option that suits this summer.”

Paradiso said the line was engaging with the UK government “as we evaluate the ever-changing travel landscape”, and added he remained confident “that we will soon be able to welcome UK guests back on board further afield”.