Posted on 3rd Jun, 2026
No Fly Flagship Returns: MSC Meraviglia is scheduled to sail a dedicated series of round-trip voyages directly from Southampton, spanning from late spring to autumn.
Football Championship Special: A unique British Isles itinerary aligns perfectly with the UEFA Euro 2028 tournament, promising an incredible fan atmosphere on board.
Diverse European Horizons: The multi-destination lineup spans from week-long escapes in the Norwegian Fjords and Baltic capitals to extended sun-filled voyages to the Canary Islands and Morocco.
Summer 2028 MSC Cruises have arrived! Click here to book now.
There is nothing quite like the feeling of pulling up to the port, handing over your suitcases, and stepping straight onto a floating resort without ever having to look at an airport departure board.
MSC Cruises is serving up exactly that brand of holiday bliss with the release of its highly anticipated Summer 2028 schedule.
Running from May through to October, the magnificent MSC Meraviglia will be making Southampton her temporary home, unlocking a dedicated season of 21 round-trip voyages that prove you do not need to fly to find paradise.
With pre-registrations officially open, the race is on to bag the best cabins before the general sale crowds descend.
Whether you are a seasoned cruiser or looking to dip your toes into the no fly holiday world, this upcoming season is shaping up to be an absolute classic.
If you love the idea of a holiday that seamlessly blends a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere with serious value for money, MSC Cruises ticks every single box.
As Europe’s leading cruise line, they have perfected the art of the modern mega-ship, rolling out vessels that are essentially glitzy, high-tech cities on water.
It is an ideal fit for anyone who wants their travel experience to feel dynamic and full of life, rather than stuffy or overly formal.
Families are famously well looked after here. Thanks to MSC’s legendary partnerships with brands like LEGO and Chicco, the kids' clubs are the stuff of childhood dreams, meaning parents can actually sneak off for a quiet cocktail or a spa afternoon without feeling an ounce of guilt.
Plus, with tips already wrapped into your fare and brilliant value drinks packages always on the table, it is incredibly easy to keep your holiday budget exactly where you want it.
Affectionately dubbed a "ship for all seasons," MSC Meraviglia is an absolute powerhouse of entertainment. The undeniable showstopper onboard is the Galleria Meraviglia, a spectacular indoor promenade that serves as the ship's social heartbeat.
It is lined with lively bars, boutiques, and mouth-watering speciality dining spots, all tucked beneath a jaw-dropping 96-metre LED sky dome.
This digital ceiling completely transforms the atmosphere throughout the day, shifting from realistic blue skies to dramatic indoor sunsets and mesmerising, choreographed light animations.
When it comes to keeping boredom at bay, the ship pulls out all the stops. Thrill-seekers can test their nerve on the high-speed waterslides of the Polar Aquapark or tackle the Himalayan Bridge, an adrenaline-pumping ropes course suspended high above the sea.
Foodies are equally spoiled, with 12 distinct dining venues ranging from the casual luxury of the World Fresh Marketplace buffet to the interactive culinary theatre of the Kaito Teppanyaki grill.
And if you are craving an ultra-exclusive retreat? The MSC Yacht Club sits at the top of the ship, offering a private lounge, a dedicated pool deck, and round-the-clock butler service for the ultimate VIP experience.
The undisputed headline act of the 2028 programme is a bespoke, one-off itinerary designed to capture the absolute best of the summer's sporting spirit.
To celebrate the UEFA Euro 2028 tournament being hosted across the UK and Ireland, MSC Meraviglia is transforming into a massive, floating fan zone for a special week-long British Isles voyage.
Imagine watching the big matches on giant open-air deck screens surrounded by ocean views, or dissecting the game over a pint in the Masters of the Sea pub.
The journey itself is a brilliant celebration of home-grown culture, calling into iconic sporting hubs like Liverpool, Belfast, Greenock, and Cork, alongside a swift, sophisticated continental detour to Cherbourg in France.
It is the ultimate way to soak up the tournament atmosphere without missing out on a proper summer holiday.
If your idea of heaven involves crisp sea air, snow-capped peaks, and fairy-tale villages, the ship's northern routes are a dream come true.
A selection of week-long escapes will sail deep into the dramatic Norwegian Fjords, guiding you past cascading waterfalls and glassy waters into breathtaking corners like Vik I Sogn, Nordfjordeid, Skjolden, and Haugesund, with an additional stop to explore the wild beauty of Lerwick in the Shetland Islands.
For a completely different northern flavour, you can choose itineraries that lean into Scandinavia's effortlessly chic city culture.
These voyages showcase the beautiful waterfronts and striking architecture of Oslo, Copenhagen, and Aarhus, alongside the trendy Danish port of Skagen.
Some variations even throw in quick, delightful hops to vibrant mainland European hubs like Rotterdam and Zeebrugge, making them fantastic choices for culture vultures and photographers alike.
For the dedicated sun-seekers, MSC Meraviglia is plotting a course south to chase the warmest rays of the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.
If you are looking for a deep, sun-drenched reset, the extended 12-night Canary Islands itineraries are hard to beat.
They offer a brilliant blend of volcanic landscapes and lush greenery, stopping at Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote, alongside the flower-filled hills of Funchal in Madeira and the historic, hilly streets of Lisbon.
If you are short on time but big on sunshine, the ship's week-long breaks to coastal France and Northern Spain are a masterclass in high-value relaxation.
These trips focus on the rich culinary scenes and gorgeous old towns of the Bay of Biscay, dropping you into Bilbao, Gijon, La Rochelle, Brest, and Le Havre.
For the ultimate grand adventure, the fortnightly sailings venture even further, weaving past the majestic Rock of Gibraltar to hit the legendary beaches of Ibiza and sunny Spanish classics like Malaga, Cadiz, Alicante, and Tarragona.
The exotic final touch? A venture across the water to North Africa to explore the bustling, aromatic spice souks and ancient architecture of Tangier in Morocco.
With no flight hassles to worry about, these round-trip Southampton itineraries are incredibly popular, particularly for families tied to school holiday dates.
Booking early is the best way to ensure you snag your perfect cabin location, secure your preferred dining times, and lock in the sharpest entry-level prices before availability thins out.
Author: Naomi Allen
Role: Junior Content Editor