Magnifica will sail 24 itineraries from May to October after the vessel undergoes a “total transformation” – being lengthened by 23 metres with 215 cabins added for a new capacity of 3,000 passengers at double occupancy (4,000 full capacity).
The revamp will also see a new waterpark, a redesigned kids area, two new restaurants and a new shopping area installed onboard.
Speaking to TTG, Antonio Paradiso, MSC Cruises managing director UK and Ireland, said the season – on sale Thursday (12 September) – proved the line had “never been stronger in from the UK”.
“We’ve previously shared embarkations with Hamburg so to have a full summer programme from Southampton just shows our commitment to this market, the trade and their customers,” he said.
“Magnifica was built in 2010 so is younger than most of the ships sailing out of Southampton anyway and with its refit it will have all the latest technology and features.”
Paradiso explained how Magnifica’s seven- and 14-night cruises will embark on a Saturday – with the season also featuring a three-night mini cruise over bank holiday in late May.
He said both elements had been introduced after requests from MSC’s trade partners.
Setting sail late on Friday evening and spend the day in Zeebrugge before returning to Southampton. Prices starting from £219pp.
Elsewhere, there are two opportunities to discover the Baltic Capitals, on a 12-night cruise departing 31 May or on a 14-night cruise departing 11 September.
Both sailings include an overnight onboard stay in St Petersburg and a visit to Oslo, with prices starting from £1,569pp.
MSC is also sailing four different Norwegian Fjord itineraries across its summer season and a 14-night Mediterranean cruise “designed for families” on 7 August leading in from £3,296 for a family of four.
The no-fly cruise begins with two sea days allowing guests a chance to settle onboard before exploring seven different ports in nine days – including Palma de Majorca and Monte Carlo.
On top of its new itineraries, Magnifica will also feature “best of British enhancements” first debuted in 2018 such as kettles with Yorkshire Tea in staterooms.
