United Kingdom Teams Up with Norway, France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands as MSC Meraviglia Returns to Southampton for Expanded European Cruise Holidays Through 2028

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Pritam Nath

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June 27, 2026 2:07 PM |

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The United Kingdom is preparing for another major boost to its cruise tourism sector as MSC Cruises confirms that the MSC Meraviglia will return to Southampton for a second consecutive summer season in 2028. The expanded deployment reinforces Southampton’s position as one of Europe’s leading cruise gateways while giving British travelers the opportunity to begin their holidays directly from home without the need for international flights. The schedule includes 21 sailings to some of Europe’s most sought-after destinations, ranging from the Norwegian Fjords and Northern Europe to France, Spain, Portugal, the Canary Islands and Morocco, offering greater flexibility and wider holiday choices for travelers seeking premium cruise experiences.

The announcement also reflects MSC Cruises’ continued investment in the British market after the successful introduction of the vessel in Southampton in 2027. Alongside the extensive itinerary program, guests can look forward to themed entertainment cruises, including a special football-themed voyage during the summer of 2028. Meanwhile, the deployment of MSC Preziosa during consecutive winter seasons ensures year-round cruising from Southampton, further strengthening the United Kingdom’s cruise connectivity with several key European destinations and supporting regional tourism growth.

United Kingdom Strengthens European Cruise Tourism with MSC Meraviglia

MSC Cruises has confirmed that MSC Meraviglia will operate from Southampton throughout the 2028 summer season after making its British debut in 2027. The deployment demonstrates growing demand for cruises departing directly from the United Kingdom while providing convenient holiday options for British residents.

Built in 2017, MSC Meraviglia will sail 21 voyages covering multiple European regions. The itineraries have been designed to appeal to families, couples and leisure travelers seeking a variety of cruise experiences without requiring air travel before boarding.

Extensive Itineraries Across Europe

The cruise program includes voyages to some of Europe’s most popular tourism destinations. Travelers will have opportunities to experience dramatic fjord landscapes, historic cities, Atlantic coastlines and Mediterranean influences during a single cruise vacation.

The itineraries cover Norway, France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco and the Canary Islands while also exploring Northern Europe, making the deployment one of MSC Cruises’ most diverse seasonal offerings from Southampton.

Football-Themed Cruise Adds Unique Travel Experience

One of the standout sailings will depart on June 10, 2028. This seven-night cruise has been specially designed around the Football Championship, allowing sports enthusiasts to enjoy live match broadcasts while exploring popular destinations.

The itinerary combines sightseeing with onboard entertainment, creating an immersive travel experience for football fans.

MSC Meraviglia Replaces MSC Virtuosa in Southampton

MSC Meraviglia will officially replace MSC Virtuosa as the company’s primary summer vessel sailing from Southampton. The transition forms part of MSC Cruises’ broader fleet deployment strategy aimed at matching ship capacity with increasing passenger demand in the United Kingdom.

The ship will continue offering six to fourteen-night itineraries while maintaining the convenience of departures from one of Britain’s busiest cruise ports.

Year-Round Cruise Options Continue with MSC Preziosa

MSC Cruises is also maintaining a strong year-round presence in Southampton through MSC Preziosa. The vessel will operate winter cruises between late October and April during consecutive seasons.

Passengers can continue enjoying Northern European itineraries connecting France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands while benefiting from convenient departures from the United Kingdom.

Southampton Continues Growing as a European Cruise Hub

The expanded deployment reinforces Southampton’s importance within the European cruise industry. Direct departures reduce travel complexity while encouraging more domestic travelers to choose cruise holidays over fly-cruise alternatives.

The combination of MSC Meraviglia during summer and MSC Preziosa during winter provides continuous cruise availability throughout the year, benefiting both travelers and the regional tourism economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When will MSC Meraviglia return to Southampton?
MSC Meraviglia will return for its second Southampton season during summer 2028.

2. How many cruises will the ship operate?
The vessel will offer 21 cruises throughout the season.

3. Which destinations are included in the itineraries?
The cruises visit the Norwegian Fjords, Northern Europe, France, Spain, Portugal, the Canary Islands and Morocco.

4. How long are the cruises?
Voyages range between six and fourteen nights.

5. What is special about the June 10, 2028 sailing?
It is a football-themed seven-night cruise featuring live match broadcasts and onboard entertainment.

6. Which ports are included on the football-themed voyage?
The cruise visits Cherbourg, Cork, Liverpool, Belfast and Greenock.

7. Which ship is being replaced by MSC Meraviglia?
MSC Meraviglia will replace MSC Virtuosa for Southampton summer sailings.

8. Will MSC Cruises continue winter sailings from Southampton?
Yes. MSC Preziosa will continue operating winter cruises from Southampton.

9. Which countries are visited during MSC Preziosa’s winter itineraries?
The ship sails to France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.

10. Why is Southampton important for British cruise travelers?
Southampton allows passengers to begin European cruise holidays directly from the United Kingdom without needing international flights, making travel more convenient and accessible.