MSC Cruises revealed today brand-new itineraries for Summer 2021 sailing from Southampton. The newly refurbished MSC Magnifica will undergo a transformation adding 23 metres to the ship that will deliver an additional 7,000 m2 of added space. This will result in 215 extra cabins, bringing the total number of balcony cabins to 63% of the overall ship, a new water park, a redesigned kids area, plus additional features such as two new restaurants and a new shopping area.
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 the Canary Islands and Madeira, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Baltic Capitals. Most of the 24 sailings will begin on a Saturday, ensuring that guests can make the most of their holiday experience.
Antonio Paradiso MD of MSC Cruises UK and Ireland commented, “We are delighted to be further enhancing our guest experience and offering brand new itineraries sailing from the UK. We are committed to providing UK guests with the holidays they want, and travel agents with cruises they want to sell. This announcement is the result of the on-going feedback we have received from agents and guests who want to sail with MSC Cruises from Southampton to new destinations. Our goal is always to provide more opportunities for the trade and more choice for the guest.”
He added “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 holidaymaker in mind.”
In addition to the new itineraries MSC Magnifica will be back with all the ‘Best of British’ enhancements that were initially showcased on board in 2018, including pie and mash, back bacon and sausages in the buffet, kettles in cabins and Yorkshire Tea.
This is not the first time MSC Cruises have refurbished and stretched existing ships in the fleet. In 2015 the four much loved Lirica class ships underwent a significant renovation as part of the €130 million ‘Renaissance project’, to improve facilities and enhance the onboard experience.
When works are completed, MSC Magnifica will feature two new major onboard environmental advances to complement a wide range of existing leading-edge environmental technologies across the company’s entire fleet. These will be a state-of-the-art Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system and next-generation Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) system. SCR technology helps reduce nitrogen oxide into pure nitrogen and water through advanced active emissions control technology.
MSC Cruises also took the opportunity to install a state-of-the-art advanced wastewater treatment system on board that meets the highest standards and that purifies used wastewater to near tap-water quality. The system meets the so-called ‘Baltic Standard’ and treats the wastewater to a higher standard than most waste standards available in cities around the world. To help reduce and continuously minimize emissions also while in port, the ship will be able to ‘plug in’ to the local power grid wherever such systems are available at the berth.
Cruises will go on sale on 12th September with prices starting from £149pp on a mini cruise and £549 for a Norwegian fjords cruise. To celebrate the launch of sales MSC Cruises will be offering up to £100 on board credit per cabin depending on the category of cabin booked on all MSC Magnifica EX-UK 2021 sailings. All prices include service charge and taxes.
Follow me on social media
