Once upon a time, you may have associated a cruise with riotous crowds, mediocre buffets, jam-packed children’s clubs with slides, or simply as just one big vessel to get you from one destination to the next. They weren’t places to linger a little longer, and couldn’t have been further from a peaceful, luxurious holiday. Enter MSC Cruises: an Italian, family-owned cruise line that has been redefining life on the water since the 1980s. Long gone are the clichéd voyages – with MSC Cruises, it’s anything but ordinary and every bit extraordinary.

One of the leading cruise operators in the world, MSC Cruises brings a whole new experience to cruising. Promising sophisticated style, elegance and luxurious comfort while you set sail across the globe, every ship offers the perfect base for those looking to explore the world and its unexpected, undiscovered and unbelievable marvels. Inviting travellers to step on board for an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime adventure, its modern fleet and curated itineraries are hard to beat. 

Boasting more than 20 liners that venture out to a range of far-flung and close-to-home destinations – from MSC Virtuosa’s long-haul trip to Asia to MSC Preziosa’s excursion to Santos via Spain and Madeira to MSC Poesia’s route to the Baltics and back – each cruise takes you on a journey to discover new places and uncover the wonders of the world. And spanning a variety of time frames, from mini, two to five-night sails, the standard seven nights and longer 12-14 night voyages, there is something for newbies and seasoned travellers alike.

And it can all start with an easy departure from Southampton, the liner’s primary port in the UK. Easy to access, with multiple, year-round itineraries to explore, the cruises from Southampton are your gateway to pristine beaches, cultural capitals, diverse populations and incredible sights. From touring Northern Europe, including Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium, to traversing to the golden Iberian coast and the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, the choices of where to go are abundant.

Favourite itineraries this summer include the week-long trip around the Norwegian Fjords departing from Southampton and including pitstops in Haugesund, Maloy, Flaam and Kristiansand. Step aboard MSC Virtuosa and enjoy spectacular days at sea with the opportunity to step ashore into picturesque scenes of ancient Viking settlements and unspoiled wilderness. Alternatively, visit the Iberian Coast, Canary Islands and Madeira all in one go, stopping off at Lisbon, Las Palmas and Vigo along the way. Across 14 days, enjoy the glistening sun and sea views on deck before taking curated excursions into the beautiful destinations, rich in culture and emotive experiences.

Another hard-to-resist grand voyage this year takes you to Bridgetown, Barbados’ vibrant capital with a buzzing port. With a mixture of days at sea, taking part in the onboard activities or lapping up the sun on your deck chair poolside, hop off at the different ports along the way, such as Le Havre in France and Roseau at the centre of Dominica. Promising an unforgettable 21-day itinerary, the combination of rest and discovery is perfectly balanced. If something much closer to home is preferred, why not treat yourself to a short but sweet four-night gallivant to Cork? There really is an option for every need, taste and desire.

Life aboard an MSC Cruise is anything but ordinary. Spacious, elegant cabins with private balconies offer sweeping sea views, while generous, beautifully designed communal areas invite you to relax, socialise, and unwind. Speciality restaurants serve world-class flavours and authentic dishes from a variety of global cuisines, delighting every palate.

The ship boasts an impressive array of amenities – from stunning swimming pools and tranquil wellness centres to boutique shopping and lively game rooms – ensuring there’s something for everyone. Every corner feels like a state-of-the-art luxury hotel, thoughtfully designed and impeccably detailed, all complemented by warm hospitality and a wealth of onboard experiences.

And with MSC Cruises, there is never any compromise on experience. Offering premium trips at brilliant value, it’s time to set sail with the whole family or on a romantic couples getaway. A trip away with MSC Cruises is more than just travel; it’s a holiday you will remember long after you’ve stepped off the ship.

Discover more and book now at mscruises.co.uk