Since 2004, MSC Cruises has grown by 800 percent, making it the fastest growing cruise line in the industry. Leading the markets in Europe, South America and South Africa, MSC’s
fleet of 12 ships not only sails the world, it offers passengers a “multicultural vacation at sea,” says Roberto Fusaro, president of MSC Cruises North America.
Ships dock in all of the high-demand destinations throughout the Caribbean, South America, Europe and the Mediterranean, but they’re also entering new ports of call in South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Albania. The latest locales to make the list: Sir Bani Yas Island off the coast of Dubai, and UNESCO-protected Saranda in Albania. With two new mega-ships along the way for 2017— MSC Meraviglia and MSC Seaside—and a $10 billion plan in place, MSC shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.
Impact of the MSC Brand on the Travel Industry
“We are constantly raising the bar on board our ships, striving for excellence in everything we do, including partnering with best in class brands like Cirque du Soleil, LEGO, Chicco and Samsung. We have brought in culinary experts like pan-Asian pioneer Roy Yamaguchi; two-star Michelin chef Carlo Cracco; Chinese culinary expert Jereme Leung; and award-winning pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury to elevate dining onboard. With our skillful attention to detail and consistent work with top-notch experts, we will continue to challenge the industry and raise expectations,” Fusaro says.
Technology is advancing at a rapid pace, and MSC Cruises
is leading the way in developing technology and infrastructure that is capable
of meeting the needs of guests for years to come.– Roberto Fusaro, President, MSC Cruises North America
Where MSC is Headed
“MSC Cruises is planning not just new ships, but experiences that will be relevant for our cruise guests in the next decade,” Fusaro explains. “Technology is advancing at a rapid pace, and MSC Cruises is leading the way in developing technology and infrastructure that is capable of meeting the needs of guests for years to come. MSC Cruises’ new digital innovation program, MSC for Me, will be an integral part of the way MSC Cruises is building its new ships. First available on MSC Meraviglia and MSC Seaside when they debut in June and December, respectively, the state-of-the-art digital technology will allow guests to personalize their vacation and interconnect them to the crew, ship and each other.”
Travel Agent Perspective
“MSC has caught the attention of consumers and agents alike for many reasons,” says Myrna Reyes, a vacation specialist at Dream Vacations who has been selling the brand for five years. “They entered the American cruise market with a state-of-the-art ship (MSC Divina) that has proven to be the greatest value under the sun. “Their commitment to a ‘kids sail free’ policy, combined with a product that consistently exceeds expectations, has left consumers wanting more. MSC’s reasonable rates have certainly helped the cruise line capture a large bite of the market, and their introduction of a brand-new vessel, MSC Seaside, sailing year-round out of South Florida, will likely become the gold standard for all cruise lines sailing to the Caribbean.”
What’s Ahead
“MSC Cruises has come a long way in the last decade, but the next 10 years are going to be the most exciting yet for the brand,” says Fusaro. “As part of the company’s nearly $10 billion investment plan, MSC Cruises plans to introduce 11 new ships—across three different classes—by 2026, which means we’ll not only continue to grow our presence globally, but also in North America. We recently revealed that MSC Meraviglia will join our current fleet in North America in the 2019 winter season. In this initial phase of expansion in the North American market, three of the cruise line’s newest, most innovative ships will serve the North American market: MSC Divina, MSC Seaside and MSC Meraviglia.
CONTACT INFORMATION
MSC Cruises
Website: msccruisesagent.com
