MSC Cruises has announced a one-off three-night cruise from Southampton on MSC Meraviglia, departing on 26 May 2027. According to the cruise line’s UK press release of 16 October 2026, the ship will call at Zeebrugge, in Belgium, and Cherbourg, in France. Fares start at £440 per person, and bookings open at 10:00 (UK time) on Tuesday 20 October 2026.
The two ports
The cruise leaves Southampton on 26 May and is back on 29 May 2027. MSC Cruises describes the two calls as follows:
- Zeebrugge is Belgium’s main fishing port, with long, wide sandy beaches and the Seafront maritime theme park. Bruges, with its canals and medieval centre, is a short drive or train ride away.
- Cherbourg, in Normandy, has weekly food markets, the maritime museum La Cité de la Mer, the Emmanuel Liais public park and the Manufacture le Parapluie, an umbrella factory and museum.
The only short cruise from Southampton in 2027
Antonio Paradiso, Vice President of International Sales at MSC Cruises, said that this will be the line’s only short cruise from Southampton next year and the first departure of MSC Meraviglia from Southampton in 2027. He described it as an introduction for people who have never been on a cruise, and an option for those who prefer a holiday without flying or a short break.
After the mini cruise, MSC Meraviglia will sail from Southampton from May to October 2027, with itineraries to the Norwegian fjords, Northern Europe, Spain, Portugal, Madeira, Ibiza, Morocco and the Canary Islands.
On board MSC Meraviglia
MSC Meraviglia entered service in 2017 and is the first ship of the Meraviglia class. The press release lists:
- 12 dining venues, among them Hola! Tacos & Cantina, the Butcher’s Cut steakhouse and Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki.
- 20 bars, 15 indoors and 5 outdoors, such as the Edge Cocktail Bar, the Champagne Bar and Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Café.
- Pools and activities: an outdoor water park, racing and flight simulators, a bowling alley and theatre shows.
- MSC Aurea Spa, a Balinese-style spa with a thermal area.
- MSC Yacht Club, the area with suites, 24-hour butler and concierge service, premium drinks and its own restaurant, lounge and pool.
