MSC Cruises has confirmed that MSC Preziosa will in 2026 spend a full winter season homeported in Southampton, a first in the ship’s operational history. She is set to replace MSC Virtuosa, which has been the line’s largest ship regularly sailing from Southampton for the past four years.
The Preziosa, with a passenger capacity of about 4,300, is significantly smaller than Virtuosa, which accommodates over 6,000 guests. Preziosa will begin her Southampton-based schedule in October 2026 and remain until April 2027, operating excursions across European destinations.
Prior to her full homeporting in 2026/27, Preziosa will make two port calls in Southampton during the current year: on September 16th and again on October 7th.