Summary: MSC Cruises has released its Winter 2027-28 programme featuring seven-night sailings in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Routes include Hamburg, Zeebrugge, Rotterdam and Le Havre in the north, and Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Livorno and Civitavecchia in the Mediterranean. Fares start from around £469 (Northern Europe) and £574 (Mediterranean).

MSC Cruises Winter 2027-28 brings a refreshed slate of seven-night voyages across Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, combining cultural stops, coastal scenery and onboard leisure for travellers seeking a seasonal escape.

Programme Overview

The winter schedule is designed to suit a broad range of passengers, from families after festive experiences to solo travellers seeking cultural immersion. The season emphasises shorter sea passages and quieter ports, with promotional packages available for early bookers covering drinks and onboard activities.

Northern Europe: Classic Cities and Winter Markets

Northern sailings depart from Southampton, UK, aboard MSC Preziosa on seven-night routes that call at Hamburg, Zeebrugge, Rotterdam and Le Havre. These ports offer a mix of waterfront promenades, festive winter markets, historic centres and modern cultural scenes.

  • Departure: Southampton, United Kingdom, aboard MSC Preziosa
  • Ports of call: Hamburg (Germany), Zeebrugge (gateway to Bruges and Brussels, Belgium), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Le Havre (France)
  • Starting fares for Northern Europe sailings: from approximately £469 per person

Passengers can combine city excursions—such as visits to Hamburg’s winter markets or day trips to Paris from Le Havre—with onboard dining, entertainment and family facilities that MSC promotes as part of its winter offering.

Mediterranean: Sunshine, Heritage and Coastal Cities

For travellers chasing milder winter weather, MSC’s Mediterranean sailings run from Barcelona, Valencia, Genoa and Bari. These seven-night itineraries visit Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Livorno and Civitavecchia—the latter offering access to Rome’s attractions.

  • Departure ports: Barcelona, Valencia (Spain), Genoa, Bari (Italy)
  • Typical Mediterranean calls: Barcelona, Marseille (France), Genoa, Livorno (Italy), Civitavecchia (for Rome)
  • Ships operating include: MSC World Asia, MSC Euribia, MSC Seaview, MSC Lirica, MSC Magnifica, MSC Orchestra
  • Starting fares for Mediterranean sailings: from around £574 per person
MSC cruise ship arriving in a European port with passengers disembarking to explore the city
MSC Cruises' winter programme offers routes linking Northern European cities and Mediterranean ports, ideal for seasonal travel.

Why Choose a Winter Cruise?

Winter sailings provide quieter ports, shorter stretches at sea between calls and the chance to experience destinations with fewer tourists. Onboard amenities—entertainment, dining and leisure facilities—remain available year-round, making these voyages suitable for couples, families and solo travellers.

Practical Tips for Winter Cruisers

  • Documentation: Ensure passports have at least six months validity.
  • Packing: Bring warm clothing for Northern Europe; Mediterranean ports are milder but can be breezy.
  • Bookings: Reserve early to secure promotional packages and best cabin choices.
  • Shore excursions: Tailor visits to interests—cultural tours, culinary experiences or nature outings.

MSC’s Winter 2027-28 programme aims to deliver flexible options for travellers who want festive city atmospheres in the north or sunlit promenades in the south, with family-friendly and luxury choices across its fleet.

Why this matters: For travellers, the programme expands off-season options to visit European landmarks with fewer crowds and potentially better value. For the cruise industry, it underlines continued investment in year-round itineraries that appeal to diverse passenger segments.