October 23, 2026 — MSC Cruises brought MSC Preziosa and MSC Virtuosa into Southampton a day or more early to avoid Storm Austen, and is asking MSC Preziosa’s next guests to check in earlier.
What happened
Both ships arrived in Southampton on the evening of Thursday, October 22, 2026. MSC Preziosa had been due on the morning of Friday, October 23, and MSC Virtuosa on the morning of Saturday, October 24. Both ships changed course to stay ahead of the storm.
| Ship | Was due | Arrived | Next |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSC Preziosa | Fri Oct 23 (morning) | Thu Oct 22, about 9:30 p.m. | Northern Europe sailing departs Fri Oct 23 at 6 p.m. (was 8 p.m.); guests must be at City Cruise Terminal by 2 p.m. |
| MSC Virtuosa | Sat Oct 24 (morning) | Thu Oct 22, about 7 p.m. | Northern Europe sailing; no changes confirmed; departure date and time TBA |
Exact times depend on the weather, port traffic and whether local pilots are available. Any changes to the next itineraries will depend on how the storm develops. Cruise Hive advises guests to “stay in close contact with their cruise line”. The Met Office has an amber wind warning in place for Friday morning, with gusts of 60–70 mph possible in southwest England.
What it means for airline travelers
- MSC Preziosa guests: the 2 p.m. check-in deadline on Friday leaves little margin. Arrive in Southampton on Thursday rather than flying into Heathrow or Gatwick on Friday morning, during the amber warning.
- Allow extra time for the trip from Heathrow or Gatwick to Southampton, as strong winds can disrupt trains and roads.
- MSC Virtuosa guests: the report does not say whether guests on the inbound sailing disembarked early. Confirm your disembarkation day with MSC before you change any flights home.
- Both ships’ next itineraries could still change. Watch the MSC app and your email for port changes.
- The report does not mention any effect on travel-industry or interline rates.
Sources
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