MSC Cruises has announced that the MSC Meraviglia will call Southampton, UK, home for a six-month season starting May 18, 2027, replacing the MSC Virtuosa. The 2017-built ship will offer a range of six- to 14-night cruises to Northern Europe, the Norwegian Fjords, and extended Mediterranean itineraries, including stops in Ibiza, Spain; Tangier, Morocco; and Gibraltar, UK.

Antonio Paradiso, vice president of international sales at MSC Cruises, said: “We want to give our customers new experiences, so it’s wonderful that the MSC Meraviglia is sailing from the United Kingdom in Summer 2027.”

While the Meraviglia takes over in Southampton, the MSC Virtuosa will shift to a full season in the Western Mediterranean, responding to strong demand from UK guests. “We’re seeing strong demand from UK customers for Mediterranean cruises, so having the MSC Virtuosa there for Summer 2027 is a natural fit for us,” Paradiso noted. “We also offer great value Fly & Cruise prices with flights from many regional airports, so customers can relax knowing that flights, transfers and the cruise fare are all included in the price.”

Paradiso also shared excitement about the 2026-27 winter season, with the MSC Preziosa replacing the MSC Poesia in Southampton. “I’m delighted to have the MSC Preziosa back in the UK doing the longest season ever from Southampton,” he said. The 2013-built ship will sail seven-night cruises to England, France, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands from October 2026 to April 2027.

Bookings for the MSC Meraviglia’s 2027 Southampton itineraries and the MSC Virtuosa’s Mediterranean program open on October 14, 2025.