MSC Cruises Announce New Flagship

2010-07-23

MSC Cruises have announced that French ship builders STX, the company that build the recently launched Norwegian Epic, will build their newest liner the MSC Fantastica. The new Fantasia class ship will be the 12th in the Fleet.

"We are very pleased that this important contract with MSC is now confirmed," said Jacques Hardelay, General Manager of STX France, “and we look forward to continuing the long-standing relationship between the teams of MSC Cruises and STX France for the successful delivery of this magnificent vessel”.

Following this morning's press conference in St-Naizzare, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, along with Gianluigi Aponte, President of MSC, Mr Piefrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises CEO and Mr Hardeley, General Manager of STX France.

The all important factor in the success of the project was the financial backing provided by French financial institutions, and especially by Coface, the French Export Credit Agency, making it possible for the vessel to be delivered as required by MSC Cruises by the end of spring 2012.

Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Cruises, added: “We are delighted at the confirmation of this important investment, a sign of the success of our ambitious growth strategy, and we would like to thank all those who have made it possible. Together with STX France, we are now keen to focus our energies on further enhancing MSC Cruises' leading positioning within the world’s cruise industry. MSC Fantastica will build on the success of the ‘Fantasia’ prototype, appreciated by more and more guests, thanks to innovate features like the MSC Yacht Club, the ship within a ship offering unprecedented levels of privacy and personalized service.”

Written by Stephen Adam

MSC Cruises & UNICEF 'Platform for Urban Centres in Brazil'

2010-06-22

MSC Cruises has recently joined with UNICEF's 'Platform for Urban Centres in Brazil' in a bid to support their combating of poverty and inequality. This is being done by trying to ensure a better and more equal quality education opportunities for children.

The agreement signed on 7th July 2009 between MSC Cruises and UNICEF is a unique “Get on board for Children” project resulting in a three-year partnership to make an impact and assist disadvantaged children in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. To get on board with the project, over 7000 people living in Brazil were interviewed to find out and list their urgent needs in their communities. The survey highlighted their lack of basic educational services and absence of free transportation in schools. Also over 200 'Youth Ambassadors' were selected, and trained to encourage the young and old people of the local communities to take part in workshops to map out their current situations.

The objective of the Platform for Urban Centres agreement is to boost opportunities in all areas of life, from education, health and social awareness, to protection from HIV/AIDS and sport. Thanks can largely be given to the “MSC for UNICEF” partnership, which mainly support the educational needs of the Project.

“…before there was no sense in life (…) the Platform gave me the opportunities, now I know what it feels like sitting with a debating team and listing what improvements are necessary for my community…” said Michel Santos Ribeiro, Youth Ambassador in São Paulo.

MSC Cruises aim to... Gain the support of schools, organise talks on improvement of school education, support and provide training for staff to and run workshops for school teachers and young children; advising on how to improve education, involve local communities and changing methods of teaching to cater to specific needs. The aim is to get as many people involved and following them as possible.

MSC Cruises currently has the most modern fleet of cruise ships in the world. The fleet cruises in the Mediterranean,Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, North America and Canada, South America, the Indian Ocean and South and West Africa. MSC Crociere is the only company in the world to receive the "6 Golden Pearls" award in recognition of its high level of management and environmental protection. MSC Cruises cares about the welfare of children, and tries to get as many people involved in its campaigns as possible.

Written by Emma Hardy

MSC Cruises signs letter of intent for new Favolosa ship

2010-03-08

MSC Cruises is to add a 12th vessel to its fleet following the news that a new Fantasia-class ship will enter service in 2012.

Despite only recently showcasing the MSC Magnifica in Southampton, the liner has signed a letter of intent to introduce the MSC Favolosa, which will feature 1,751 cabins for those looking for a cruise holiday.

Meanwhile, the vessel will measure 333.3 metres in length and be large enough to hold 3,274 passengers.

Furthermore, the Favolosa will adhere to the MSC Yacht Club 'ship within a ship' concept, alongside a total deck redesign, lifts to improve passenger flow, a casino and disco.

MSC Cruises chief executive Pierfrancesco Vago said: "We are immensely proud to announce the signature of a letter of intent for the building of a new ship, MSC Favolosa.

"At a time when many companies are cautious about investing, with this announcement MSC Cruises once again signals the record-breaking extent of its ambition."

Among the destinations that cruise fans can head to on board ships from MSC Cruises are the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

Written by Chris Smith

MCS Cruises in Dover to Southampton move

2010-03-04

The UK cruise market is projected to grow significantly over the next decade and industry operator MSC Cruises is positioning itself to capitalise on the expansion.

According to Travel Weekly, the company plans to move its UK base from Dover to Southampton next year in a bid to expose itself to more UK passengers.

The firm's UK and Ireland managing director Giulio Libutti revealed hopes of British holidaymakers making up 50 per cent of ex-UK cruise passengers choosing its vessels next year.

He is quoted by the website as saying: "The UK accounts for almost one-third of the total European market. We believe in this market and want to invest in it.

"The move to Southampton will improve MSC's recognition in the UK. The port has easier connections from the rest of the UK and I believe our seven-night western Europe cruises will appeal to new cruisers."

An estimated 1.65 million UK cruise holidays are expected to take place this year, according to projections by the Passenger Shipping Association.

Written by Chris Smith.

Family Christmas cruise holidays recommended

2009-12-14

Families looking to have a holiday at sea this Christmas may want to consider booking one of the voyages being offered by MSC Cruises.

The cruise operator is offering ten different itineraries across five diverse regions for Christmas and New Year, with children up to the age of eighteen getting a free ride, according to the Daily Mail.

The newspaper recommended these voyages "for those who want to be surrounded by kids" - saying carol singing, choirs and gifts from Santa are part of the onboard entertainment.

Families can take in sights across Greece, Egypt, Crete and Italy by opting for MSC Splendida's winter Mediterranean ten-night voyage, which departs Genoa on December 19th, with a second cruise on the same ship running from December 29th.

Adult-only voyages are also available over Christmas, according to the newspaper, which said that snowy landscapes of Norway, the Caribbean and the Far East are popular destinations at this time of the year.

According to the Passenger Shipping Association, 1.65 million Brits will opt to go on a cruise in 2010.

Written by Chris Smith.

Cruises to offer 'another level' of entertainment

2009-12-10

The UK cruising market will continue to grow as an increasing number of people choose holidays at sea, according to MSC Cruises.

Onboard entertainment will reach "another level" as the industry becomes more sophisticated and looks for ways to make the holidays an unforgettable experience, the firm said.

Peter Pate, UK chairman for MSC Cruises, explained: "The change in entertainment is going to be on another level. For example, you will see waiters doing backflips through the air.

"There's a limit to how much people want girls in sequins doing the can-can and there's no doubt that every cruise line is upping the game on their entertainment."

He added that new markets are also emerging as the industry grows, with Brazil now responsible for 500,000 passengers, which was unheard of two years ago.

No fewer than 16 new ship launches are expected to kick off the next decade of cruising, the Passenger Shipping Association recently stated.

Written by Chris Smith.

Sophia Loren witnesses MSC Splendida christening

2009-07-24

Italian film legend Sophia Loren was on hand to christen a new vessel from MSC Cruises as part of a celebration in Barcelona.

MSC Cruises has always decided to inaugurate its vessels in different countries – with Dover the hosting ground for the MSC Poesia and the MSC Magnifica enjoying a ceremony in Hamburg next year.

Spain was the location for the christening of the MSC Splendida ship, which has the capability of allowing 3,959 passengers on board.

Pierfrancesco Vago, chief executive of MSC Cruises, said: "MSC Splendida truly lives up to her name, bringing more splendour to cruising than has ever been seen before.

"With her arrival, our fleet now numbers ten ships, an important milestone that could not have been achieved without the qualities always shown by the MSC Cruises team: energy, passion and professionalism."

Spanish tenor Jose Carreras was on hand to perform at a spectacular gala show, which also featured a number of other acclaimed artists.

Among the activities for holidaymakers to enjoy on board the MSC Splendida are four swimming pools, a squash court and a Formula One simulator.

Written by Chris Smith

More cruise companies 'consider joining Abta'

2009-06-22

A number of cruise companies have reportedly expressed interest in becoming a member of Abta - The Travel Association, it has been claimed.

According to the association's senior membership marketing manager Stephen Barnes, more organisations are coming to recognise the benefits of joining.

This comes after MSC Cruises recently announced that it is to become a member, which Mr Barnes has claimed is no coincidence.

He told Travel Weekly: "MSC has just become a member, and that has attracted a lot of interest from other cruise companies as they see more benefits."

Other cruise lines that are already members of Abta include Carnival Cruises.

This comes after the European Cruise Council recently revealed that more people are likely to go on a cruise holiday this year.

The organisation's chairman David Dingle said that while the recession is slowing down growth, the industry will still continue to attract more customers nonetheless.

More MSC Cruise breaks for UK holidaymakers in the future

2009-06-17

UK holidaymakers are struggling to find places on sailings with MSC Cruises because they are not the top priority customer, it has been revealed.

According to Travel Weekly, Giulio Libutti, the UK managing director of the company, has stated that higher spending German and Spanish customers are getting the first priority on the trips from Dover.

He indicated that between 25 and 40 per cent of the travellers on the 1,560-passenger MSC Lirica were from the UK, although it is hoped this will increase in the future.

The publication reports that Mr Libutti said: "We would like more British passengers on the northern Europe cruises on Lirica because next year we will have more capacity from Dover on the 2,550-passenger Opera."

He added that the vessels have been made more attractive to a UK audience by being stocked with British food such as shepherd's pie, while British beers are also on board.

Furthermore, board games including Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit can now be played by passengers and more UK films are regularly aired on the cabin's televisions.

According to MSC Cruises, the Lirica vessel gives holidaymakers the chance to relax in a "casual resort ambiance", while offering a traditional but elegant setting.

Written by Chris Smith

MSC Cruises 'looking forward' to the future in New York

2009-05-13

MSC Cruises president and chief executive Richard E Sasso said he is looking forward to the company strengthening its position in New York in the future.

Mr Sasso said it has been a long time "since vacationers have been able to cruise from New York on a European-owned cruise line with the classic style and elegance that only the Italians know how to deliver".

His comments come after Italian-owned MSC Cruises announced the introduction of 'European-style cruises' to the US.

Yesterday (May 12th), New York City welcomed the arrival of MSC Orchestra, before the vessel embarked on a transatlantic sailing to Copenhagen.

Recently, the cruise line revealed that its UK passengers onboard the MSC Lirica will be able to enjoy dining options specifically catered to their tastes.

In addition to hot tea or brewed coffee at the end of meals, there will also be a varied selection of cheeses on offer at lunch and dinner.

Written by Mike Cotgreave

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