MSC Euribia’s first visit to the UK has been described as a “historic moment” as MSC Cruises’ most environmentally friendly ship embarks on a winter season from Southampton.
MSC Cruises claimed a world-first in June after MSC Euribia completed a net-zero sailing from Saint-Nazaire to Copenhagen.
The ship arrived in Southampton on Friday, October 13, in preparation for seven-night itineraries in northern Europe until April.
MSC Cruises UK and Ireland managing director Antonio Paradiso said: “We’re celebrating a historic moment for this ship – it’s officially the maiden call to Southampton.”
The occasion was marked by a traditional exchange of crests between Captain Christopher Pugh and Port of Southampton harbour master Steve Masters.
MSC Euribia follows in the footsteps of sister ship MSC Virtuosa in using Southampton as a homeport.
Seven-night sailings to Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and France will be offered until January, at which point passengers will have the chance to take a 21-night trip to the Canary Islands.
MSC Euribia will then continue operating seven-night sailings until April.
Paradiso said: “This ship was only launched in Copenhagen in June in Copenhagen and I was waiting for this day – I’m so pleased and proud to finally see it in British waters.”
MSC Euribia is the second ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas. The cruise line has said the vessel will produce 19% less greenhouse gas emissions per passenger per day compared with sister ships running on conventional marine fuels.
Photo: Antonio Paradiso, Steve Masters and Christopher Pugh