MSC Cruises to open 2026 ex-UK sales early

2026 ex UK itineraries available to book from Southampton on board MSC Virtuosa from 14th March.

First contemporary cruise line to go on sale for 2026 ex UK season (April – October 2026).

Both well-loved and brand-new ex UK itineraries available to book.

MSC Cruises UK and Ireland has today announced that from 14th March, ex UK 2026 itineraries will be available to book earlier than ever before. Customers can book ex UK 2026 itineraries from Southampton on board the UK’s favourite ship, MSC Virtuosa, and have the option to book well-loved existing itineraries as well as brand-new ones. Those looking to book an MSC cruise departing from the UK in 2026 can now plan their ideal holiday while securing the best booking rates and cabin options.

Summer 2026 itineraries range from 2 to 14 nights in length and visit a range of destinations that offer everything from sun, culture, shopping and nature. With a huge variety of itineraries on offer, guests can choose to visit the stunning Fjords, soak up some sun in the Canary Islands or get their culture on in the Mediterranean, plus much more.

2026 itineraries include an unforgettable 7 or 14-night cruise to Iceland and Norway, including an overnight stay in the beautiful Reykjavík and a visit to brand-new destinations Akureyri and Isafjordur, some of the most spectacular areas that Iceland and Norway have to offer.

Guests can also choose a 9-night Mediterranean cruise calling at Lisbon, Gibraltar, Malaga and Cadiz on 20th August for anyone seeking destinations perfect for sun, culture, shopping and great food. Holidaymakers looking to book a short getaway can join a two-three night mini cruise from Southampton stopping at Cherbourg (France), Bruges (Belgium) or Cobh, (Cork, Ireland).

Families can take advantage of itineraries that take place during the school Summer holidays for example one of the 14-night sailings around the Mediterranean calling at La Coruna, Cadiz, Malaga, Alicante, Palma, Barcelona, Valencia and Lisbon departing in July.

MSC Cruises’ ships offer an unforgettable onboard experience with an incredible choice of international dining options, world-class entertainment, award-winning facilities and activities for families and children of all ages, luxurious spas and fitness centres as well as comfortable, stylish accommodation to meet every need.

Antonio Paradiso, Vice President of International Sales for MSC Group’s Cruise Division and Managing Director for the UK & Ireland said: “I’m really excited about our Summer 2026 itineraries as we really do have something for everyone. The itineraries are extremely varied and we are visiting destinations all over Europe, some for the very first time.

“I am pleased that we are offering our lovely customers the opportunity to start booking their holidays two (plus) years in advance, especially as we will be the first contemporary cruise line to open 2026 sales. For the first time ever, we will have three summer seasons open at the same time. As we are on track to have a record-breaking year in 2024, our travel agents will play a crucial role to sell our 2026 itineraries to our UK and Irish customers.

“Booking a cruise early is one of the best ways to take advantage of new itineraries when they are released. There are two compelling reasons why you should book in advance. First, some cabin categories are usually in high demand when new cruises are released, so it is important that customers book early to avoid disappointment. And secondly, fares are determined by supply and demand, therefore new itineraries tend to have the best and most affordable prices.”

For more information on the MSC Cruises fleet and the wide variety of itineraries and shore excursions, head to the MSC Cruises website: www.msccruises.co.uk.