Storm Austen Forces Early Arrivals of Three Cruise Ships in Southampton
Three cruise ships are arriving in Southampton earlier than planned due to Storm Austen. P&O Cruises’ Arvia and MSC Cruises’ MSC Preziosa and MSC Virtuosa will dock late on October 22, 2026, ahead of severe winds forecast for the following day.
Three cruise ships are arriving in Southampton earlier than planned due to Storm Austen. P&O Cruises’ Arvia and MSC Cruises’ MSC Preziosa and MSC Virtuosa will arrive in the UK port late on Thursday, October 22, 2026, instead of on Friday or Saturday as originally scheduled. The revised timings are a proactive measure ahead of severe weather warnings for southern England.
Arrival timing and locations
The ships will arrive at different terminals on Thursday evening with revised times. All times are provisional and subject to weather, traffic, and pilot availability.
| Ship | Expected Arrival Time | Terminal / Berth |
|---|---|---|
| MSC Virtuosa | 7 p.m. | Horizon Cruise Terminal, Berth 102 |
| P&O Cruises’ Arvia | 7 p.m. | Ocean Cruise Terminal, Berth 46 |
| MSC Preziosa | 9:30 p.m. | City Cruise Terminal, Berth 101 |
Originally, Arvia and MSC Preziosa were scheduled to arrive on Friday morning, October 23. MSC Virtuosa was due on Saturday morning, October 24. The Associated British Ports schedule for Southampton confirms the early arrivals for the three vessels.
Weather warnings and safety measures
Amber and yellow wind warnings cover southern UK as the ships navigate storm conditions. The Met Office issued multiple warnings for Friday, October 23, related to Storm Austen. Forecasters warn that exposed coastal locations could experience gusts approaching 80mph.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer stated that Storm Austen is expected to bring impactful weather from Thursday night through Friday, with potential for disruptive winds across southwest England. Wind gusts could reach 60-70 mph, combined with heavy rain.
An amber wind warning is in effect for Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, and parts of Devon between 3 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Friday. A broader yellow wind warning from midnight to 2 p.m. on Friday extends across southern UK, including Southampton and Hampshire. Coastal areas could see gusts of 70 mph or higher.
Industry response and passenger guidance
Cruise lines advise guests to follow official communications while port operations continue. The Port of Southampton coordinates with marine pilots and harbour teams for safe vessel movements. Cruise operators have not formally confirmed that Storm Austen is the reason for the revised arrival times.
Passengers are advised to follow official communications from MSC Cruises and P&O Cruises for updates. Changes to arrival times do not necessarily affect embarkation or disembarkation arrangements. Further changes remain possible as Storm Austen approaches.
The 5,282-guest Arvia is concluding a 13-night Mediterranean sailing that departed Southampton on October 10, 2026. The 3,959-guest MSC Preziosa is finishing a Northern Europe route. MSC Virtuosa is due to conclude a 5-night Northern Europe sailing that left Southampton on October 19, 2026.
MSC Cruises has alerted guests on MSC Preziosa that the ship will now depart early at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 23, instead of 8 p.m. As a result, guests must arrive at the City Cruise Terminal no later than 2 p.m. on Friday for the early departure.
