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
