MSC Cruises revealed a long-term agreement with ABP-Associated British Ports Southampton that will commence in summer 2021 with one of its liners based at the new 5th terminal at the port.
The cruise company pledged it will have at least one ship dedicated to the United Kingdom’s main cruise port in the future. MSC Magnifica will homeport in Southampton UK in 2021 with cruises to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
MSC Magnifica will offer 21 sailings in summer 2021 out of Southampton UK including a pair of 14-night cruises to the Mediterranean in July-August with calls at Lisbon, Malaga, and Monte Carlo, weekend mini cruises to Northern Europe, and 7-night trips to the Norwegian fjords.
The new cruise Southampton terminal received support from Solent LEP and the government’s ‘Getting Building Programme.’ It will have shore-to-ship power and roof-mounted solar power.
MSC became the world's first major cruise line to resume operations in August 2020 following the global industry’s lockdown in March due to the pandemic.
MSC Grandiosa set sail in the Med due to the line’s industry-leading health and safety protocol built around a 9-pillar strategy that includes universal testing of all passengers and crew, protected shore trips, and specially designed ventilation for the liners, as well as all measures implemented ashore like social distancing and wearing of masks.