Cruise with MSC from the UK

2026/2027 Itineraries, Ship Highlights, and Gluten-Free Dining for Coeliacs

The Allure of Cruising from Southampton with MSC

Cruising from Southampton has long been a cherished tradition for British holidaymakers and international travellers alike. With its storied maritime history, modern cruise terminals, and easy access from London and across the UK, Southampton is the perfect embarkation point for a world of adventures.

MSC Cruises, one of Europe’s leading cruise lines, continues to expand its presence in Southampton, offering an ever-growing array of itineraries, ship choices, and onboard experiences. As we look ahead to 2026 and 2027, MSC’s sailings from Southampton promise even more variety, with new ships, fresh destinations, and enhanced onboard offerings.

But for many travellers, especially those with dietary restrictions such as coeliac disease, the excitement of a cruise is often tempered by concerns about food safety and choice. MSC Cruises has made significant strides in accommodating special diets, particularly gluten-free needs, but guest experiences and policies reveal both strengths and areas for improvement. This blog post delves into the details of MSC’s 2026 and 2027 Southampton sailings, ship features, seasonal highlights, and, crucially, how well MSC caters to coeliacs and those requiring gluten-free diets.

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the options and set sail with confidence.

MSC Cruises from Southampton: 2026 and 2027 at a Glance

The Southampton Advantage

Southampton’s Horizon Cruise Terminal is MSC’s primary UK homeport, offering seamless embarkation and disembarkation, secure parking, and excellent transport links. The city itself is a destination worth exploring, with medieval walls, vibrant cultural quarters, and proximity to iconic sites like Stonehenge, Bath, and London. For cruise guests, Southampton’s accessibility and amenities make pre- and post-cruise logistics straightforward, whether arriving by car, train, or air.

MSC’s Commitment to the UK Market

MSC Cruises has steadily increased its UK offerings, responding to strong demand for no-fly holidays and diverse itineraries. In 2026, MSC Poesia will sail us into the New Year, when MSC Virtuosa will then continue her popular Southampton-based season, while 2027 brings the exciting debut of MSC Meraviglia as the new home ship for the summer, with MSC Preziosa extending winter sailings. This commitment ensures year-round MSC options for UK cruisers, with a blend of short breaks, classic European routes, and grand voyages.

Ships Sailing from Southampton: 2026–2027

MSC Virtuosa

MSC Virtuosa is a modern, family-friendly ship renowned for its innovative features, diverse dining, and entertainment options. In 2026, Virtuosa will offer a packed schedule of sailings from April through October, including mini-cruises, Norwegian Fjords adventures, Mediterranean odysseys, and Canary Islands escapes.

Key Features:

• Galleria Virtuosa: A stunning indoor promenade with a digital sky dome, shops, and eateries

• Multiple pools, water parks, and the MSC Starship Club with a robotic bartender

• MSC Yacht Club: An exclusive “ship within a ship” luxury enclave

• Family amenities powered by LEGO® and Chicco®

• A wide range of specialty restaurants and bars

MSC Preziosa

MSC Preziosa is a glamorous ship that blends classic elegance with modern amenities, offering a warm Mediterranean atmosphere and plenty of variety for all types of travellers. In Winter 2026/27, Preziosa will take over sailings from Southampton, with itineraries across Northern Europe and beyond, including festive escapes, cultural city breaks, and scenic voyages.

Key Features:

• Crystal Staircase: Iconic Swarovski crystal staircases that embody MSC’s signature sense of luxury.

• Infinity Pool & Aqua Park: Expansive outdoor pool areas plus the Doremi Castle Aqua Park for families.

• MSC Aurea Spa: A full wellness retreat with Balinese massages, thermal areas, and beauty treatments.

• MSC Yacht Club: An exclusive enclave with private suites, butler service, and a dedicated restaurant.

• Entertainment & Dining: Broadway‑style theatre shows, a 4D cinema, and a wide choice of specialty restaurants and bars.

• Family Amenities: Kids’ clubs and play areas designed in partnership with LEGO® and Chicco®.

MSC Meraviglia

From May to October 2027, MSC Meraviglia will be based in Southampton for the first time, offering 19 varied sailings from 6 to 14 nights. Meraviglia is a sister ship to Virtuosa, sharing many of the same amenities but with her own unique flair.

Key Features:

• Galleria Meraviglia: Mediterranean-style promenade with a digital sky, boutiques, and cafes

• 12 dining venues, including Ocean Cay seafood, Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, and Kaito Sushi

• 20 bars, including Champagne and cocktail bars

• Polar Aquapark, Himalayan Bridge ropes course, and extensive entertainment

• MSC Yacht Club luxury suites and private areas

MSC Poesia

MSC Poesia will bring in the 2026 new year and offer a series of 7- and 10-night Northern Europe cruises from Southampton in early 2026, focusing on ports like Hamburg, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge, and Paris.

Key Features:

• Zen‑inspired Design: A tranquil atmosphere with chic interiors, lush gardens, and soothing spaces.

• Laguna Pool Complex: Spacious pool decks with whirlpools and sun terraces for relaxation.

• MSC Aurea Spa: Full wellness facilities offering Balinese massages, saunas, and beauty treatments.

• Entertainment Venues: Broadway‑style theatre shows, a casino, and lively lounges.

• Dining Variety: Multiple restaurants including authentic Italian cuisine, sushi bar, and international menus.

Types of Cruises and Destinations: 2026–2027

MSC’s Southampton sailings span a remarkable range of destinations, cruise lengths, and themes. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Northern Europe: Fjords, Capitals, and Baltic Gems

Norwegian Fjords: MSC Virtuosa and Meraviglia both offer multiple 7-night itineraries to Norway, visiting ports such as Stavanger, Olden, Ålesund, Skjolden, and Kristiansand. These cruises are renowned for their breathtaking scenery, towering cliffs, waterfalls, and picturesque villages.

Baltic Capitals: New for 2027, Meraviglia introduces a Baltic Sea itinerary with calls at Oslo, Fredericia, and Copenhagen, blending Scandinavian culture with historic cityscapes.

Short Breaks: Mini-cruises of 2–5 nights visit close-to-home favourites like Cherbourg, Zeebrugge (for Bruges), and Rotterdam, ideal for first-timers or those seeking a quick getaway.

Western Europe: France, Spain, and Portugal

France & Spain: Regular 7-night sailings visit La Rochelle, Bilbao, La Coruña, Gijón, and Le Havre, offering a taste of Atlantic Europe’s culinary and cultural delights.

Portugal & Spain: 9-night itineraries add Lisbon, Brest, Gibraltar, Málaga, and Cádiz, providing a sun-soaked journey through Iberian highlights.

Mediterranean and Canary Islands

Mediterranean Grand Voyages: 14-night cruises reach as far as Barcelona, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, Tarragona, and Gibraltar, with extended time in iconic cities and sun-drenched islands.

Canary Islands: 12- and 14-night itineraries visit Madeira, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Vigo, blending volcanic landscapes with vibrant Spanish and Portuguese culture.

Grand Voyages and Repositioning Cruises

MSC’s Grand Voyages are epic, one-way journeys connecting continents. Examples include:

• Southampton to Rio de Janeiro (18–19 nights): Paris, Gijón, La Coruña, Funchal, Tenerife, Salvador, Ilheus, Buzios, Rio.

• Southampton to the Mediterranean or Middle East: Extended sailings with a mix of European and exotic ports.

These cruises are ideal for those seeking a longer, more immersive travel experience, with plenty of sea days and diverse destinations.

Seasonal Highlights

Summer (May–September)

• Peak season for Norwegian Fjords, Baltic capitals, and Mediterranean adventures

• Family-friendly itineraries with school holiday dates

• Longer daylight hours and warmer weather in Northern Europe

Autumn (September–November)

• Late-season Mediterranean and Canary Islands cruises

• Fewer crowds and milder temperatures

• Autumn foliage in Northern Europe

Winter (November–April)

• Northern Europe sailings with festive Christmas and New Year cruises

• Grand Voyages to the Caribbean, South America, or the Middle East

• MSC Preziosa’s extended winter season from Southampton

Sample Itineraries: 2026–2027

Ship	Year	Duration	Destinations/Ports of Call	Seasonal Highlight
MSC Virtuosa	2026	7 nights	Southampton - Queensferry - Stavanger - Haugesund - Kristiansand - Southampton	Spring/Summer Fjords
MSC Virtuosa	2026	14 nights	Southampton - La Coruña - Cádiz - Málaga - Alicante - Palma de Mallorca - Tarragona - Gibraltar - Lisbon - Southampton	Summer Mediterranean
MSC Virtuosa	2026	12 nights	Southampton - Lisbon - Funchal - Las Palmas - Tenerife - Lanzarote - Vigo - Southampton	Summer/Autumn Canary Islands
MSC Meraviglia	2027	7 nights	Southampton – Gijón – La Rochelle – Bilbao – Cherbourg – Southampton	Summer France & Spain
MSC Meraviglia	2027	14 nights	Southampton – Gijón – Cádiz – Málaga – Alicante – Ibiza – Tarragona – Tangier – La Coruña – Southampton	Summer Mediterranean & Morocco
MSC Meraviglia	2027	12 nights	Southampton – Vigo – Funchal – Las Palmas – Tenerife – Lanzarote – Lisbon – Southampton	Autumn Canary Islands
MSC Preziosa	2026	18 nights	Southampton – Paris – Gijón – La Coruña – Funchal – Tenerife – Salvador – Ilheus – Buzios – Rio de Janeiro	Autumn Grand Voyage
MSC Poesia	2026	7 nights	Southampton – Hamburg – Rotterdam – Zeebrugge – Paris – Southampton	Winter Northern Europe

These itineraries are subject to change and may be updated as new sailings are released, but they illustrate the breadth of options available from Southampton.

Excursions and Shore Experiences

MSC’s Southampton itineraries offer a wealth of shore excursions, from city tours to natural wonders:

• London Discovery: Guided tours of Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Tate Modern, and Thames cruises.

• Stonehenge and Salisbury: Visits to the ancient stone circle and Salisbury Cathedral, with expert guides.

• Winchester Adventure: Explore medieval streets, the Great Hall, and Wolvesey Castle.

• Bike Tours: Guided cycling tours of Southampton’s best bits, including the Titanic Engineers’ Memorial and city parks.

Excursions can be booked in advance (with up to 20% savings) and are available in multiple languages. Guests with dietary needs should notify MSC when booking any excursion that includes a meal.

Canary Islands Excursions

MSC itineraries across Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, La Palma, and Fuerteventura include:

• Volcanic Landscapes: Explore Lanzarote’s Timanfaya National Park with its dramatic lava fields and geothermal wonders.

• Mount Teide Adventure: Take a cable car ride up Spain’s highest peak in Tenerife for panoramic views.

• Beach & Nature Escapes: Relax on Gran Canaria’s Maspalomas dunes or Fuerteventura’s Corralejo Natural Park.

• Cultural Strolls: Wander La Palma’s picturesque streets and colonial architecture.

• Madeira: Many Canary itineraries include Madeira, with botanical gardens, wine tastings, and coastal hikes.

Norway Excursions

Norwegian fjord cruises are all about nature and culture:

• Fjord Cruises: Scenic boat rides through iconic fjords like Geirangerfjord and Hardangerfjord.

• Glacier & Mountain Tours: Trips to Folgefonna Glacier or hiking in the Sunnmøre Alps.

• City Highlights: Guided tours of Bergen’s Bryggen Wharf, Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum, or Trondheim’s Nidaros Cathedral.

• Wildlife Encounters: Spot puffins, sea eagles, or whales along Norway’s rugged coastline.

• Northern Lights Experiences: Seasonal excursions to witness the aurora borealis in winter.

• Active Adventures: Kayaking, cycling, or hiking excursions designed for adventurous travellers.

Embarkation, Disembarkation, and Pre-Cruise Tips

• Parking: Secure, on-site parking is available and should be booked in advance.

• Accessibility: Blue Badge parking and accessible embarkation routes are provided.

• Pre-Cruise Accommodation: Consider arriving in Southampton a day early to explore the city and ensure a stress-free start.

• Embarkation: Arrive at your assigned check-in time at the Horizon Cruise Terminal. Bring your cruise ticket, passport, and any required medical documentation. Luggage is dropped off at the terminal and delivered to your cabin.

• Disembarkation: Luggage is collected the night before departure and available for pickup in the terminal. You can take your luggage off yourself if you wish to. Be sure to settle your onboard account before leaving the ship.

Onboard Dining: Variety, Quality, and Special Diets

Main Dining and Buffet

MSC ships feature a combination of main dining rooms (MDRs) and extensive buffets. The MDRs offer rotating menus with Mediterranean and international cuisine, while the buffet is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks. Specialty restaurants such as Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Ocean Cay seafood, Kaito Sushi, and Hola! Tacos & Cantina, provide additional variety for a supplement.

Dining Experiences:

• Early or late seating in MDRs, with reserved tables

• My Choice dining for Aurea guests (flexible dining times)

• Children’s menus designed with nutritionists

• Themed nights and daily specials

  
  

Specialty Dining Packages

MSC offers flexible specialty dining packages, allowing guests to pre-purchase meals at a discount. Packages range from single-meal to four-meal options, with access to nearly the entire menu at each venue. This system is rolling out across the fleet and is expected to be standard by 2026.

Dietary Accommodations: MSC’s Policy and Practice

Official Policy and Procedures

MSC Cruises states a strong commitment to accommodating dietary needs, including food allergies, coeliac disease, and other medical diets. The key elements of their policy include:

• Advance Notification: Guests must notify MSC of dietary needs at booking or at least 30 days before sailing, using the Special Needs or Accessibility & Medical Request Form.

• Onboard Confirmation: Upon boarding, guests should inform Reception/Guest Services and the Maître d’hôtel in the main dining room of their requirements.

• Main Dining Room Focus: The MDR is best equipped to handle special diets and minimise cross-contamination. Guests with allergies are strongly advised to eat in the MDR rather than the buffet.

• Gluten-Free Menus: Most ships offer dedicated gluten-free menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the MDR. On some older ships (Armonia, Sinfonia, Opera, Lirica), only pre-packaged gluten-free snacks are available.

• Allergen Awareness: MSC follows EU Regulation 1169/2011, covering 14 major allergens, and provides information on request.

• Cross-Contamination: While robust preventive measures are in place, MSC cannot guarantee zero cross-contamination due to the shipboard environment.

• Emergency Preparedness: Guests are advised to carry prescribed emergency medications (e.g., EpiPen) and to communicate needs for shore excursions and private island visits.

Protocols for Food Allergies:

• Meals for guests with allergies are prepared in a dedicated kitchen or area, with separate utensils and strict protocols

• Guests are generally asked to pre-order meals for the next day to ensure safe preparation, from personal experience this works well and small changes are happily accommodated.

• Allergen information is available from staff, but buffet items are not always clearly labelled

• On private islands (e.g., Ocean Cay), allergen control is limited; guests are advised to eat on board or request packed lunches.

  
  

Gluten-Free and Coeliac-Specific Accommodations

Gluten-Free Offerings:

• Dedicated gluten-free menus in the MDR, including pasta, risotto, grilled meats, and desserts (often pre-packaged cakes or fruit). On some older ships (Armonia, Sinfonia, Opera, Lirica), only pre-packaged gluten-free snacks are available.

• Pre-packaged gluten-free bread, rolls, muffins, and croissants at breakfast and dinner

• Gluten-free pasta available on request

• No gluten-free pizza currently offered on any MSC ship, due to past cross-contamination incidents and legal concerns (though this may change and it is best to ask at the time of travel)

• There are limited gluten-free options in the buffet; we would advise speaking to one of the supervisors if you are going to eat in the buffet and eat in the MDR whenever possible

  
  

How to Notify MSC:

• Complete the Special Needs or Accessibility & Medical Request Form at booking or at least 30 days before sailing

• Email documentation to specialservicesuk@msccruises.co.uk (for UK bookings)

• Reconfirm dietary needs at embarkation with Guest Services and the Maître d’hôtel

  
  

MSC stands out for its safety protocols and partnership with the Italian Celiac Association, and has a wide enough variety for guests who prioritise safety, meaning MSC is a solid option.

Is an MSC Cruise from Southampton Right for You?

MSC Cruises’ 2026 and 2027 Southampton sailings offer an impressive range of destinations, ship experiences, and seasonal highlights. Whether you dream of the Norwegian Fjords, Mediterranean sunshine, or a grand transatlantic adventure, MSC provides a no-fly, family-friendly, and often great-value option for UK travellers.

Ready to book your 2026 or 2027 MSC cruise from Southampton? 

Explore the latest itineraries, compare ships, and secure your dream voyage early for the best choice of cabins and fares.

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