​Set sail on an unforgettable late-autumn getaway combining the effortless glamour of ocean cruising with the sun-drenched charm of southern Spain. Your journey begins conveniently close to home at Southampton, where you will step aboard the spectacular MSC Virtuosa—one of MSC Cruises’ most innovative and feature-packed flagships—without the hassle of airport queues or strict luggage limits on your outward journey.

​As you cruise south towards the Iberian Peninsula, you will have plenty of time to explore the ship’s world-class facilities. Stroll beneath the dazzling 93-metre LED dome along the central promenade, savour international gastronomy across multiple speciality venues, enjoy West End-style theatre productions, or meet Rob, the humanoid robotic bartender at the futuristic MSC Starship Club. Along your route, you will call at historic La Coruña—the gateway to the pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela—and the ancient coastal gem of Cádiz, renowned for its whitewashed old town and proximity to Seville.

​Your cruise concludes in vibrant Málaga, where seamless overseas transfers whisk you directly to the 4-star Occidental Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol where I have personally stayed and can recommend. Here, enjoy a three-night bed-and-breakfast retreat right on the seafront promenade, soaking up Mediterranean sunshine, exploring historic castles, and sampling fresh seafood tapas. Complete with return British Airways flights back to London Gatwick including 23kg hold luggage, this seamless cruise-and-stay escape offers outstanding value for couples, friends, and cruise lovers seeking sunshine and culture in one exceptional package.

​Holiday Highlights

• ​No-Fly Departure: Board MSC Virtuosa directly from Southampton for a stress-free start to your holiday.
• ​Fascinating Spanish Ports: Explore historic La Coruña (Santiago de Compostela) and atmospheric Cádiz (Seville).
• ​3-Night Costa del Sol Beach Stay: Relax at the 4-star Occidental Fuengirola in a prime seafront location on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
• ​Exceptional Onboard Innovation: Experience the 93-metre LED indoor promenade, 21 bars and lounges, and world-class live entertainment.
• ​Return British Airways Flight: Direct flight from Málaga to London Gatwick with full hold luggage allowance included.
• ​All Overseas Transfers Included: Enjoy effortless port-to-hotel and hotel-to-airport transfers in Spain.
• ​Optional All-Inclusive Drinks Upgrade: Add the Premium Extra Drinks Package on board MSC Virtuosa for just £28 per person, per night.

​Itinerary

Saturday 07/11/2026 – Embarkation in Southampton, UK

​Arrive at the port of Southampton and step aboard the impressive MSC Virtuosa. Settle into your cabin, familiarise yourself with the ship’s remarkable amenities, and enjoy the sailaway festivities as your ship departs at 18:00 across the English Channel.

​Sunday 08/11/2026 – At Sea

​Spend a full day unwinding at sea. Treat yourself to a treatment in the MSC Aurea Spa, relax by the open-air pool deck, sample delicious dishes at the Marketplace Buffet, or take an afternoon stroll along the indoor Galleria Virtuosa promenade.

​Monday 09/11/2026 – La Coruña (Santiago de Compostela), Spain (08:00 – 18:00)

​Dock in the historic Galician port of La Coruña. Take in the ancient Tower of Hercules—the world’s oldest functioning Roman lighthouse—or join an excursion inland to the world-famous cathedral and medieval streets of Santiago de Compostela.

​Tuesday 10/11/2026 – At Sea

​Another relaxing sea day gives you the chance to indulge in MSC Virtuosa’s entertainment offerings. Watch a live performance at Le Grand Théâtre, try your hand at the F1 racing simulators, or enjoy craft cocktails at the Sky Lounge before a fine-dining dinner.

​Wednesday 11/11/2026 – Cádiz (Seville), Spain (08:00 – 20:00)

​Arrive in Cádiz, widely considered Western Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city. Wander its picturesque plazas and golden beaches, or take an excursion into Andalusia’s romantic capital, Seville, to marvel at the Alcázar palace and the Plaza de España.

​Thursday 12/11/2026 – Málaga Disembarkation & Transfer to Fuengirola (Arrive 07:00)

​Arrive in Málaga at 07:00. After breakfast on board, disembark and meet your overseas transfer to Fuengirola. Check in to the 4-star Occidental Fuengirola and spend the rest of your day relaxing by the Mediterranean coast.

​Friday 13/11/2026 to Saturday 14/11/2026 – Costa del Sol at Leisure

​Enjoy two full days at leisure in Fuengirola. Walk along the golden sandy beach, visit medieval Castillo Sohail, browse local boutiques, or take a short trip to the picturesque whitewashed village of Mijas Pueblo in the hills above.

​Sunday 15/11/2026 – Departure for the UK

​After breakfast at the hotel, your included transfer will take you to Málaga Airport for your direct British Airways flight back to London Gatwick.

​Accommodation

​MSC Virtuosa

​As one of the flagships of the MSC Cruises fleet, MSC Virtuosa offers state-of-the-art design, comfort, and entertainment across 19 decks:

• ​Cabins & Suites: Modern, well-appointed staterooms featuring comfortable bedding, interactive TV, en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, and safe.
• ​Dining Venues: 5 main dining restaurants serving Mediterranean and global cuisine, a sprawling 1,336-seat international buffet, plus speciality venues including Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar, and Hola! Tacos & Cantina.
• ​Bars & Lounges: 21 varied venues, including the Sky Lounge, an authentic British pub (Masters of the Sea), the Champagne Bar, and the MSC Starship Club with humanoid robot bartender “Rob”.
• ​Leisure & Entertainment: Le Grand Théâtre with nightly West End-style shows, MSC Aurea Spa, Savannah Aquapark, Formula Racer simulators, casino, and multiple heated pools.

​Occidental Fuengirola (4-Star) – 3 Nights

​Positioned directly on Fuengirola’s scenic seafront promenade, this contemporary 4-star hotel delivers the perfect base for your coastal stay:

• ​Rooms: Bright, modern air-conditioned rooms with private balconies, flat-screen TV, minibar, free Wi-Fi, and en-suite bathrooms.
• ​Dining & Bars: Enjoy a daily hot and cold breakfast buffet with live cooking stations, an on-site pool restaurant, coffee shop, and stylish lounge bars.
• ​Facilities: Outdoor swimming pool, solarium terrace with sea views, fitness centre, 24-hour reception, and direct access to the beach.
• ​Location: Walking distance to Fuengirola town centre, local tapas bars, shopping areas, and Sohail Castle.

• 5-night cruise aboard MSC Virtuosa departing Southampton
• ​All meals in the main restaurants and Marketplace Buffet during your cruise
• ​World-class onboard entertainment and theatre productions
• ​Port charges and taxes
• Yacht Club benefits when booking a Yacht Club suite
• ​3 nights’ accommodation at the 4-star Occidental Fuengirola
• ​Daily breakfast during your hotel stay
• ​Overseas port-to-hotel and hotel-to-airport transfers in Spain
• ​One-way British Airways flight from Málaga to London Gatwick
• ​23kg hold luggage and cabin baggage allowance with British Airways
• ​Full financial protection