MSC Virtuosa back to Southampton

Posted on 7 December, 2021 by Spacejunkie2

Virtuosa just passing Seaforth Docks, Liverpool photo credit Space junkie2~

The line has announced that Virtuosa, which in May became the first ship to restart UK cruises since the pandemic, will replace the older and smaller MSC Magnifica which had been scheduled to operate.

Virtuosa, one of MSC’s newest ships and capable of carrying around 4,000 more guests than Magnifica, will offer a range of 20 itineraries including two-night mini cruises calling in Saint Peter Port in Guernsey to 12 nights exploring the Baltics or 14 nights exploring the Western Mediterranean.

MSC said, “high demand” for its summer 2022 sailings had led to the decision to bring Virtuosa back to UK shores. Passengers already booked on Magnifica will be automatically rebooked to the nearest like-for-like Virtuosa sailing.

Agents with booked guests and direct customers will be contacted with all information pertaining to the change.

MSC’s the UK and Ireland managing director Antonio Paradiso said the line “couldn’t turn down the opportunity” to bring Virtuosa back to Southampton after the success of its 2021 summer season.

“The feedback from passengers has been that they loved MSC Virtuosa and are eager to get back on board and explore more of the world on this fabulous ship,” Paradiso said.

“Despite the challenges of 2021 we had a record-breaking year with passengers sailing from Southampton, and it was great to see so many new-to-cruise guests amongst them.

“We have listened to the feedback from consumers and travel agents and have delivered itineraries with more choice, new destinations and longer cruises to warmer climates – all departing from Southampton.”

MSC added that current booking trends also meant it would base a ship in Southampton year-round in 2022 with the vessel due to be announced later this year.

The ship will sail similar northern Europe itineraries in 2022-2023 to those currently being offered by Magnifica.

Paradiso added: “Five years ago we announced our intention to grow our business in the UK market and I am pleased to say that this announcement is further evidence of our commitment to this target.

“We have made a series of investments, from increasing the number of sailings from UK ports visiting new and exciting destinations, to supporting the building of the new Horizon Cruise Terminal in Southampton, that all help us achieve our goal to give UK guests the holidays they want, and travel agents the cruises they want to sell.”

The news comes as MSC confirms its full fleet of 19 ships will be sailing by summer 2022, with its requirement for all guests to be vaccinated remaining in place.

MSC said it would continue to implement “the appropriate measures” to ensure guests can “enjoy one of the safest holidays options out there”.

Queen Elizabeth to Sail to Canaries, Western Mediterranean and Canada in 2022

Posted on 28 October, 2021 by Spacejunkie2

Cunard has announced that a series of new itineraries sailing on the 2,092-passenger Queen Elizabeth between February and May 2022 will go on sale in November.

According to a press release, all sailings will depart from Southampton and will include a voyage in search of the Northern Lights, journeys to the Canary Islands and the Western Mediterranean as well as a grand voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, through the Panama Canal and on to Vancouver, Canada.

“We hope our guests will be inspired to find a little adventure with these new itineraries. In a single short program, they offer a fantastic variety from the opportunity to experience the wondrous Northern Lights, to sun-kissed Mediterranean shores, to a transit of the Panama Canal,” Cunard President Simon Palethorpe said.

The new itineraries will replace the existing published schedule, meaning that all previously announced departures between Feb. 20 and May 17, 2022, inclusive are now cancelled. The cruise line said that based on the most recent advice for cruise guests, and given the complexities of many of the international destinations involved, it will not be able to maintain those sailings. Cunard said that it continues to work very closely with authorities in all the destinations visited to ensure compliance with local health and entry requirements.

“To all guests affected by the cancelled voyages we are sorry for the disappointment this will cause and we hope to welcome many back on board when we return to Japan in 2023,” said Palethorpe.

Guests booked on the affected cancelled voyages will be offered a full refund or future cruise credit worth 125 per cent of the standard deposit terms, and 100 per cent of any additional monies paid, Cunard said.

MSC Cruise to sail Winter Itineraries from Southampton

Posted on 4 October, 2021 by Spacejunkie2

MSC Magnifica below the Queensferry Bridge Photo credit Spacejunkie2

Sailing from mid-November until April, MSC Magnifica will call at Hamburg, Ijmuiden (Amsterdam), Zeebrugge, Le Havre and Southampton during a series of seven-night cruises.

The line said the itinerary had been created following the popularity of UK-based “sea-cations” this summer as the cruise sector made its comeback and “ongoing demand” for Northern Europe.

Passengers will benefit from extended stays in the port of up to 12 hours and embarkation will be possible in each city visited – sales open on Wednesday (6 October).

MSC’s the UK and Ireland managing director Antonio Paradiso said the Northern Pearls programme would offer Brits “direct and convenient access” to some of Europe’s best cities “for a great winter cruise”

All guests aged 12 years and above must be fully vaccinated and passengers aged 2-11 must provide proof of a negative PCR test or antigen taken within 48 hours of their cruise departure.

View Magnifica photos