MSC’s Virtuosa is to remain based in Southampton for the coming winter and next summer.

This will be the first time that the line has continuously operated one of its ships from the UK year-round.

The ship returned to the UK in April this year and will now continue to operate out of Southampton through to the end of the summer 2023 season, replacing MSC Preziosa for the winter and MSC Grandiosa next summer.

Antonio Paradiso, Managing Director – UK and Ireland, said: “Since MSC Virtuosa first came to the UK, the feedback from our guests has been incredible and the ships has been a huge hit.

“ The continued deployment of one of our newest and most innovative ships out of the UK is just further proof of the continued importance of the UK market, which began with our first full ex-UK season back in 2018.”

In the winter, MSC Virtuosa will offer the new ‘Northern Pearls’ itinerary from Southampton to Hamburg for Berlin in Germany; Zeebrugge for Bruges and Brussels in Belgium; Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Le Havre for Paris in France. 

In summer 2023, MSC Virtuosa offer a range of itineraries from mini cruises and seven-night sailings through to longer cruises. Further details of the full programme will be released soon, said MSC.