MSC Virtuosa to be based in the UK until 2023

The popular vessel will operate the line’s ex-UK sailings from Southampton until next summer instead of MSC Preziosa and MSC Grandiosa

By Cruise Adviser Last updated Aug 25, 2022

MSC Cruises has announced that MSC Virtuosa will be based in Southampton until summer 2023.

The 4,475-passenger Meraviglia-class ship returned to the UK in April this year ahead of its current summer season and had been scheduled to operate in the Mediterranean this winter, but it will now replace the itineraries of MSC Preziosa and MSC Grandiosa.

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 ship has been a huge hit.

“The increased appetite for stress-free no-fly cruises out of the UK combined with the benefits of the new state-of-the-art Horizon Terminal has resulted in huge demand.”

“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.”