This will be the first time the line has continuously operated one of its vessels from the UK year-round.

Virtuosa – which launched in 2021 and became the first ship to restart UK cruises in May of the same year – will now replace MSC Preziosa’s itineraries this winter offering the newly introduced Northern Pearls itinerary.

 
Antonio Paradiso, managing director UK and Ireland of MSC Cruises, said since Virtuosa first came to the UK, the feedback from the company’s guests has been "incredible" and the ship has been a "huge hit".

"The increased appetite for stress-free no-fly cruises out of the UK combined with the benefits of the new state-of-the-art Horizon Terminal has resulted in huge demand," he added.

"The continued deployment of one of our newest and most innovative ships out of the UK is just further proof of the continued importance of the UK market, which began with our first full ex-UK season back in 2018.

"Since then, we have gone from strength to strength and we are committed to offering the best possible experience for our guests from the UK and Ireland."

In summer 2023, Virtuosa will replace MSC Grandiosa offering a range of itineraries from mini cruises, seven-night sailings through to longer cruises. Further details of the full programme will be released soon.