MSC to return to the UK

MSC Cruises will return to the UK in 2016 with a series of ex-UK sailings out of Southampton.

Having announced it was pulling out of the UK market last year, the company will run six cruises next year on board Fantasia-class ship MSC Splendida.

Cruises will include a round-Britain itinerary and continental coast cruise, detailed in the company’s 2016-17 programme, which was released last week.

Giles Hawke, MSC Cruises executive director UK & Ireland said: “We have made no secret as a business that we are intent on continuing our phenomenal growth. This 2016-17 brochure will be the last before the arrival of two spectacular new-builds in 2017, so it is vital we maximise the impact we make – and that means showcasing our inventory to UK guests.

“MSC Cruises is already the number-one cruise operator in the Med with eight ships in the region for 2016/17, and fly-cruise continues to be our bread and butter. We know how much Brits love to get their holidays started and there’s no better way to do this than fly straight to the sun.

“We have also responded to feedback by making cruise-only an attractive option for those who wish to make their own arrangements or for agents who want to create their own packages.”