A new large cruise ship is set to offer voyages from the UK to Spain and North Africa in the near future. MSC, a leading global cruise operator, has revealed that its Virtuosa vessel will be repositioned from the UK to the Mediterranean in the summer of 2027.
The MSC Meraviglia will take over, embarking from Southampton from May 18 to October 30, 2027. It will present 19 sailings lasting from six to 14 nights, with stops at fresh locations like Ibiza, Gibraltar, Tangier in Morocco, as well as popular destinations such as the Canary Islands, Lisbon, Malaga, and the Norwegian Fjords. Additionally, a new Baltic Sea route will include visits to Oslo, Fredericia, and Copenhagen.
Measuring around 316 meters in length, with a beam width of 43 meters and a gross tonnage of 171,598 tons, the MSC Meraviglia boasts 19 decks and a capacity to accommodate approximately 5,714 passengers.
The MSC Virtuosa will conclude its summer season departing from the UK in 2026, then transitioning to the Mediterranean for the summer of 2027. Between April and October 2027, the Virtuosa will sail from Barcelona, making stops at La Goulette, Palermo, Naples, Livorno, and Marseille.
Antonio Paradiso, MSC Cruises’ VP of International Sales, expressed excitement for the upcoming sailings, emphasizing the desire to offer customers novel experiences. He highlighted the extended cruise durations ranging from 6 to 14 nights, featuring visits to new and beloved destinations.
In response to the strong demand for Mediterranean cruises from UK travelers, MSC Virtuosa will cater to this interest by sailing in the Western Mediterranean in the summer of 2027. The company also provides attractive Fly & Cruise packages inclusive of flights from various regional airports, ensuring a hassle-free vacation experience.
For those seeking a winter escape in 2026/27, MSC Preziosa will return to the UK for its lengthiest season yet, departing from Southampton and replacing MSC Poesia.