MSC Cruises from Southampton – discover the world through first-class cruise deals

white cruise ship at sea
MSC Seascape



MSC Cruises from Southampton – discover the world through first-class cruise deals

No matter where in the world you want to explore, a couple of key factors are likely to sit high on your travel priority list. Firstly, ideally, the journey itself will be a joy. Secondly, the experience will offer opportunities to escape the everyday through eating well, resting well and enjoying life-enriching excursions. With that in mind, read on to discover how these top travel goals can be realised on cruises from Southampton. Delivering year-round departures to dozens of unforgettable destinations, voyagers are spoiled for choice when it comes to securing exclusive cruise deals, ahead of being spoiled by first-class food, superb service, elegant cabins and world-class entertainment. And all this before you step ashore to explore, and make lifelong memories.


Cruises from Southampton – gateway to a world of enriching experiences

As MSC Cruises’ primary UK port, setting sail from Southampton means having your pick of exploring an array of hand-picked destinations. And, in keeping with the port’s distinguished maritime heritage, MSC Cruises’ fleet combines classic elegance with modern innovation, from the well-appointed cabins to the stylish dining spaces and spa areas.


Put simply, wherever you choose to travel, an inspirational ambience of discovery, leisure and pleasure hits the moment you step aboard, whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic break, or a family hoping to enjoy quality time on a magical trip little ones are likely to remember for the rest of their lives.


To help you hone in on where to head, here we present our top recommendations for destinations to discover on MSC Cruises from Southampton, along with tempting intel on top-notch cruise deals.


MSC World Europa © MSC Cruises


Uncover Northern Europe in immersive style

We kick off with a smattering of closer-to-home Northern European destinations to consider exploring with MSC Cruises from Southampton.


First up, a mini-cruise covering a trio of classic destinations, with a stop in Cherbourg inviting visitors to amble its charming Old Town and quaint quayside before Hamburg and Rotterdam deliver a rewarding blend of UNESCO-esteemed cultural sights, canal-side dining and exquisite art.


Alternatively, take a cruise that does a deep dive into the stirringly scenic Norwegian fjords, with opportunities to uncover ancient Viking settlements from Haugesund, magnificent mountain wildernesses from the island port of Maloy and glorious glaciers from Olden.


More spectacular scenery awaits on Iceland-bound MSC Cruises from Southampton, where bespoke excursions offer access to myth-steeped waterfalls and restorative hot springs around Akureyri, Isafjordur and Reykjavik.


Funchal, Madeira © Shutterstock


Soak up the idyllic Iberian Coast, Canary Islands and Madeira 

If sun-drenched sojourns are more your thing, consider embarking on a longer MSC Cruises itinerary that includes destinations across the Iberian Coast, Canary Islands and Madeira.


After savouring first-class cuisine, accommodation, and entertainment during your initial days at sea, step ashore to discover Lisbon’s vibrant Alfama district. Then, journey to Funchal, the capital of Portugal’s Madeira archipelago, where a rich tapestry of history and breathtaking natural beauty awaits — no wonder it’s famously called the Garden Island and the Island of Eternal Spring.


Next, explore a trio of Canary Islands with stops in Las Palmas, (capital of Gran Canaria), Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Arrecife De Lanzarote, each offering its own mix of stunning beaches, historic towns, otherworldly volcanic landscapes, and UNESCO biosphere reserves. How’s that for an enriching variety? This theme continues in Vigo, the final port of call, where indulging in fresh local oysters is an absolute must.


Cádiz, Spain © Shutterstock


Discover the charms of northern France and Spain

Next in our run-down of the best destinations that can be conveniently reached on cruises from Southampton, we wanted to highlight a handful of options in northern France and Spain.


For example, Francophiles would do well to consider an MSC Cruises itinerary that includes La Rochelle. While its handsome old town is a delight of half-timbered medieval buildings, we recommend taking a tour to Château de la Roche Courbon, which exudes seriously enchanting Sleeping Beauty vibes. Into unspoiled nature and local life? Book an immersive excursion to the island of Ré to enjoy wildlife and wine across its woodlands, beaches, salt marshes and vineyards.


We move now to a few notable mainland Spanish destinations to have on your radar – Bilbao and La Coruña, which respectively offer rich insights into Basque culture and avant-garde art, flavoursome Galician food and maritime heritage, with Cádiz serving a moreish mix of Moorish history and flamenco flair in a sparkling Andalusian seaside setting.


In addition, the Spanish hotspots of Malaga, Alicante, Barcelona and Valencia can be explored with MSC Cruises.


Telefèric de Montjuïc, Barcelona © Shutterstock


Secure first-class cruise deals to discover first-class cruise destinations 

Like we said at the start, one of the joys of voyaging with MSC Cruises from Southampton is the fact that the journey itself is an absolute joy, with days at sea offering opportunities to take pleasure from a timelessly elegant environment that feels a world away from everyday life.


What’s more, a suite of attractive cruise deals ensure travellers can enjoy MSC Cruises’ trademark attention to detail and sophisticated ambience at the very best value. For starters, every ship in the fleet combines classic style and cutting-edge technology. And, while all cabins offer plush comfort, a variety of personalisation options allow travellers to tailor their onboard experience to suit their individual tastes.


That dedication to style and personalised service extends to dining packages and speciality restaurants, which give gourmands the chance to truly live the high life on the high seas.


If that wasn’t enough, access to well-appointed wellness centres can be pre-booked as part of a personalised cruise deal, with superb onboard entertainment also available through the day and into the night, including West End-style shows, and water parks that’ll keep the youngest of voyagers very happy.


Talking of little ones, MSC Cruises for families and kids are primely placed to have you and your loved ones enjoying an unforgettable holiday. Our tip is to check out the Fun Pass deal, which provides extra credits for your ship’s Amusement Area.


While the above may well leave you longing to never leave your ship, MSC excursions have a habit of tempting travellers to explore every port of call, with Excursion Explorer cruise deal packages recommended for those who want to truly discover new destinations in the company of local experts.


All of which means, sailing from Southampton with MSC Cruises enables travellers to discover the very best cruise destinations after securing the very best cruise deals.