MSC Virtuosa will embark on its maiden voyage around the British Isles on 20 May – the first ship to resume sailings from the UK since the pandemic began.
Virtuosa’s arrival marks a hugely significant few days for the UK cruise industry – which celebrates the naming of P&O Cruises’ Iona in Southampton on Sunday (16 May) and the christening of Viking Venus in Portsmouth and lifting of restrictions on domestic voyages on Monday (17 May).
The events will kick off a summer of round-UK sailings with 18 ships set to cruise British waters.
After greeting Virtuosa in Southampton, MSC’s UK and Ireland managing director Antonio Paradiso took to social media to pay tribute to his team, the trade and wider cruise sector after “14 months of hard work and dedication”.
“It has definitely been emotional to see Virtuosa arriving today into her homeport of Southampton for the summer season ahead,” he wrote.
“I’m delighted the cruise industry is slowly coming back, and I want to thank both our customers and our trade partners for the support you have shown to us throughout the pandemic and for the enthusiasm you have shown for our brand new flagship.”
Steve Williams, MSC’s UK and Ireland sales director, also shared his gratitude, offering “a huge thank you to every single one of our amazing travel trade partners".
Williams said the Covid-enforced suspension had been “tough” but the industry had “made it through together”.
TTG will host a cruise-focused seminar - Cruising into a new era – onboard Virtuosa next week, examining what the restart milestone means for cruise lines and consumers after an unprecedented 14-month halt.
A full agenda for the seminar (taking place 2-5pm on 20 May) can be found here.
TTG+ members can secure their place for by registering now.
Not a member of TTG+? Join today from £5 a month to attend the seminar and get access to a host of other exclusive content and benefits.
Alternatively, purchase a 24-hour TTG+ pass for £49 to watch the seminar live and on-demand.
