MSC Virtuosa arrived in Southampton yesterday ahead of its maiden voyage on 20 May.

The ship will initially sail three and four-night mini cruises, and from 12 June it will operate longer seven-night sailings through to mid-September, offering guests additional embarkation ports in Southampton, Liverpool and Greenock, as well as calls at Portland and Belfast.

MSC Virtuosa will depart from Southampton’s City Cruise Terminal, before moving to the new Horizon terminal once it has opened.

All sailings are available to UK residents only and guests of all ages, both vaccinated and non-vaccinated at the present time.

MSC Virtuosa will feature the MSC Starship Club, which has a humanoid robotic bartender, Rob, as well as a 112-metre promenade with an LED sky dome.

MSC UK managing director Antonio Paradiso said: “The arrival of our flagship MSC Virtuosa into Southampton is an exciting moment, as we prepare to welcome UK guests back on board from 20 May for her inaugural season around the British Isles.

“We are proud to be the first cruise line to set sail from UK waters this summer and offer holidaymakers the chance to experience all of the new and incredible features on board our latest and most innovative ship.”

MSC Virtuosa will become the third MSC Cruises ship back at sea when it departs, joining two ships already operating in the Mediterranean. MSC Seaside welcomed guests back on board last week, and MSC Grandiosa has been sailing in the Med since August 2020.