One of UK's biggest cruise ships to return to Southampton

MSC Virtuosa <i>(Image: NQ)</i>
MSC Virtuosa (Image: NQ)
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One of the UK's biggest cruise ships is set to return to Southampton later this month after an absence of around five months.

The 6,300-passenger MSC Virtuosa is scheduled to dock in Southampton on April 20.

Operated by MSC Cruises, the 331-metre long ship is one of the largest vessels to regularly visit the south coast port and is a familiar sight to cruise fans.

The ship has spent recent months operating winter sailings elsewhere before returning to the UK ahead of the summer cruise season.

Launched in 2021, MSC Virtuosa features more than 2,400 cabins, multiple theatres, restaurants and entertainment venues.

The ship last arrived in the city on November 16, 2025.

Its return comes as Southampton's cruise industry prepares to kick back into life with spring seeing ships docking more regularly after a quiet winter.

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