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New MSC flagship to make debut on UK domestic cruises

Holidaymakers who have taken a UK domestic cruise this year are planning to book another one within the next 12 months

MSC Cruises’ newest flagship MSC Virtuosa will be deployed to the UK for her inaugural season.

The ship will replace MSC Magnifica for a series of departures from Southampton, starting on 20 May.

MSC Virtuosa will initially operate four-night cruises that will include a stop in Portland.

These will be followed by a series of seven-night sailings from 12 June, with calls in Liverpool and Greenock.

The sailings are available to UK residents only, both vaccinated and unvaccinated. Sales open on 1 April.

Guests must also have Covid-specific travel insurance prior to departure. Non-vaccinated guests will be required to show proof of a negative test done within 72 hours prior to embarkation.

MSC Cruises UK & Ireland MD Antonio Paradiso said: “Following our recent announcement that we intend to offer cruises in the UK we have been overwhelmed by the response from MSC Cruises customers and avid cruisers eager to get back on board and experience a cruise with us this summer.

“I am personally very proud to be able to bring our newest ship MSC Virtuosa to the UK so that our valued British guests are the first to officially come on board and the first to experience this incredible next-generation ship.

“She is the latest, most-innovative and environmentally advanced to join the MSC Cruises fleet and we couldn’t be more delighted to offer UK holidaymakers and their families the chance to discover her world-class facilities.

“We have all been waiting for something exciting to look forward to and this ship has lots of new features for our guests to experience, including new speciality restaurants and a brand-new immersive entertainment lounge with a humanoid robotic bartender and much more.”

ABP Southampton head of cruise Rebekah Keeler added: “We are really excited to be welcoming MSC Virtuosa to the Port of Southampton for her range of summer sailings.

“We are proud to be the departure port for MSC Virtuosa’s inaugural sail and are sure that she will be a popular choice for cruise passengers as we welcome MSC Cruises back to the port this summer.”

Guests currently booked on MSC Magnifica will be able to transfer their cruise to MSC Virtuosa.

MSC Virtuosa was previously scheduled to serve itineraries in Northern Europe out of Germany and will be replaced by MSC Seaview.

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