MSC Cruises has officially revealed its highly anticipated Summer 2027 cruise program, significantly enhancing its offerings for the UK cruise market. The announcement features an exciting ship swap, bringing the stunning MSC Meraviglia to sail directly from Southampton, while the beloved MSC Virtuosa repositions to the sunny Western Mediterranean.
MSC Meraviglia Makes UK Debut with Extended Itineraries
The arrival of the spectacular MSC Meraviglia to the UK marks a major milestone. This will be the first time the ship will sail a full season from a UK homeport. From May 18 to October 30, 2027, MSC Meraviglia will offer a diverse collection of 19 sailings, appealing to various travel preferences. Itineraries will range from 6 to 14 nights, satisfying the growing customer request for longer cruise holidays.
Cruisers will immediately recognize the ship’s defining architectural feature: the breathtaking Galleria Meraviglia, a Mediterranean-style indoor promenade capped by an impressive 80-meter LED Sky Screen that displays spectacular visual shows day and night.
These innovative voyages will introduce guests to captivating new destinations, including the vibrant Spanish island of Ibiza, the historical crossroads of Gibraltar, and the exotic port of Tangier in Morocco. Classic favourite ports will also feature heavily, such as the year-round warmth of the Canary Islands, the cultural riches of Lisbon, the artistic hub of Malaga, and the breathtaking natural beauty of the Norwegian Fjords. Furthermore, a brand-new Baltic Sea itinerary will be available, visiting the Nordic capitals and gems of Oslo, Fredericia, and Copenhagen.
Onboard Highlights: Entertainment, Dining & Luxury
As a premier Meraviglia-class ship, MSC Meraviglia is a destination in herself, offering an experience perfect for families and couples alike:
- Thrilling Entertainment: The ship features world-class leisure facilities, including the exclusive Carousel Lounge for unique Carousel Productions at Sea shows, a sprawling Polar Aquapark with slides, the exhilarating Himalayan Bridge rope course, an F1 Simulator, and a full-size bowling alley.
- Gourmet Cuisine: With 12 distinct dining venues and 20 themed bars, guests will find a taste for every craving. Specialty dining includes the premium Ocean Cay seafood restaurant, the vibrant Hola! Tacos & Cantina, the classic Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, and authentic Asian fare at Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki.
- Relaxation: For total rejuvenation, the MSC Aurea Spa offers a luxurious Balinese spa experience complete with signature treatments and a soothing thermal area.
- Ultimate Luxury: Guests looking for an elevated experience can book the MSC Yacht Club, the exclusive ‘ship within a ship’ sanctuary offering 24-hour butler service, a private restaurant, a dedicated pool deck, and elegant, spacious suites.
MSC Virtuosa Heads to the Western Mediterranean
Following her highly successful ex-UK Summer season in 2026, the popular MSC Virtuosa will move to the Mediterranean for Summer 2027. This provides fans of the ship with a fresh, exciting opportunity to explore the quintessential Mediterranean destinations in style.
From April to October 2027, MSC Virtuosa will homeport from the bustling city of Barcelona, Spain. Her classic seven-night itinerary will take guests on a cultural journey, calling at ports such as the historic La Goulette (Tunisia), the beautiful Sicilian capital of Palermo, the vibrant city of Naples (for access to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast), the artistic gateway of Livorno (for Florence and Pisa), and the French Mediterranean jewel of Marseille.
Antonio Paradiso, VP of International Sales at MSC Cruises, noted the strategic reasoning: “We’ve listened to customer feedback indicating a desire for longer sailings visiting new ports, which is why we’re offering holidays from 6 to 14 nights with MSC Meraviglia from the UK, including exciting new ports like Ibiza and Tangier. Meanwhile, the Western Mediterranean continues to see strong demand from UK cruisers, making the repositioning of the highly-regarded MSC Virtuosa to Barcelona a natural and perfect fit for our brand. We also offer excellent value with our Fly & Cruise packages, which include flights from regional UK airports, providing a seamless holiday experience.”
MSC Cruises also confirmed exciting news for the preceding winter season: MSC Preziosa is returning to the UK for Winter 2026/27, replacing MSC Poesia. This is a significant development for the UK market, as MSC Preziosa will operate the longest-ever UK winter season from Southampton, offering increased capacity and an extended season of sailings through to April 16, 2027.
Contact us for more information about MSC Cruises.
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