The UK market is a priority for MSC Cruises, which is the fourth largest cruise shipping group in the world, the company’s UK managing director said, as the company unveiled lengthening and upgrading of MSC Magnifica and operating the ship out of Southampton in 2021.

“The UK market is a priority for MSC Cruises and we have shown our commitment consistently over the last few years. Firstly, with our first ever full ex-UK season in 2018, then with the naming of MSC Bellissima in Southampton in March this year and now with another full EX-UK season on a newly refurbished and enhanced ship with brand new itineraries created specifically with the British holidaymakers in mind,” said Antonio Paradiso Managing Director of MSC Cruises UK & Ireland, in a statement.

The 24 sailings from Southampton beginning in May and ending in October will see the introduction of cruises ranging from 2 to 14 nights with brand new varied itineraries encompassing Canary Islands & Madeira, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Baltic Capitals. Most of the 24 sailings will begin on a Saturday ensuring guests can make the most of their holiday experience.

Other cruises include a 12-night cruise that calls at three of the Canary Islands - Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lanzarote and a 14-night Western Mediterranean cruise in August, including popular destinations for UK guests such as Palma de Mallorca and Monte Carlo will be the perfect choice for the family summer holiday.

MSC Magnifica will offer four different stunning Norwegian Fjord itineraries and will call at two brand new destinations; Skagen in Denmark renowned for hours of sun and unique light plus Rosendal, Norway, which is the world’s fourth largest fjord.

In addition to new itineraries MSC Magnifica will be back with all the ‘Best of British’ enhancements that were initially showcased on MSC Magnifica in 2018, including pie & mash, back bacon and sausages available in the buffet and Kettles in cabins with Yorkshire Tea, which is back by popular demand, the company said.