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Pierfrancesco Vago – Executive Chairman

As Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago leads MSC Cruises’ strategy and long-term vision, focusing on the Company’s sustained growth and the development of its fleet and terminal portfolio. In this role, which he assumed in 2013, he has spearheaded the launch of MSC Cruises’ second fleet expansion plan. It will see up to six ship classes join the Company’s fleet in ten years.

Mr. Vago also oversees the MSC Group’s subsidiaries with strategic relevance to the tourism sector, including ferry operator GNV and MSC’s future luxury cruise brand that is set to start operating in 2023.

As Chair of the MSC Foundation’s Executive Committee, he oversees the MSC Group’s philanthropic efforts, focusing on conservation, humanitarian and cultural projects.

In January 2021, Mr. Vago was appointed CLIA Global Chairman. In this position, he is leading the cruise industry’s efforts to resume service following the global halt of cruise operations brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Vago has been closely involved in the cruise industry’s global association for many years and from 2014 to 2016 he held the Chairmanship of CLIA Europe.

From 2003 to 2013, Mr. Vago was MSC Cruises’ CEO. In this position, he oversaw MSC Cruises’ first phase of expansion, which saw the first 12 purpose-built cruise ships join the Company’s fleet in just ten years.

Mr. Vago began his career in the family business, Franco Vago SpA, one of Italy’s leading transport companies. He joined MSC Group’s cargo business Mediterranean Shipping Company in 2000, becoming Line Manager for the USA, Mexico, and Canada in 2001.

Mr. Vago studied Economics in the UK, at St Catharine’s College, University of Cambridge.

Gianni Onorato – Chief executive Officer

As Chief Executive Officer of MSC Cruises, Gianni Onorato oversees the Company’s growth from its Geneva-based headquarters and reports to the Board of Directors and to its Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago.

With over 30 years’ experience in the cruise industry, Mr. Onorato has a finely developed understanding of the cruise business and extensive knowledge in senior executive leadership, having served as President of Costa Cruises from 2004 to 2013.

Born in Italy, Mr. Onorato graduated from Naples’ Istituto Orientale with a degree in Foreign Languages and Literature in 1983 and then specialized at SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan and INSEAD in Fontainebleau.

He began his cruise industry career in 1986 at Costa Cruises as Food and Beverage Manager before becoming Cruise Product Director. From 1997 he served as Vice President & Cruise Operations Director and was responsible for logistics and provisioning, as well as all activities relating to calls, excursions, and hotel operations.

Emilio La Scala – President – Cruise Management UK

“Sail before the wind” are the words that  best express the spirit of Emilio La Scala, President , Cruise Management UK. Passionate about ships from a young age, La Scala studied at the famous Nautical Institute in his native city of Naples, graduating in 1978. He then embarked with MSC Cargo vessels as a deck officer, obtaining all the necessary certifications needed to meet the requirements of a maritime career. Seagoing changed to a shore-based  profession in 1984 when he started as the assistant to the MSC Technical Director, taking part in several major projects involving the renovation and repurposing of traditional cargo ships to container ships. In 1990, MSC entered the cruise industry with its acquisition of the SS Monterey –  setting a new course in the career of La Scala. As General Manager, he heads a team of more than 100 personnel who comprise the dynamic MSC Cruise technical department. Based in the heart of Piano di Sorrento, the technical department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to plan, build, manage and maintain a large and expanding fleet of cruise ships – some of which are among the largest in the world. Using professional skills and techniques acquired in various courses focused on quality, personnel management, and ship safety and security, in 2000 La Scala introduced a vital new department dedicated to new builds, where he is project manager. This vital new direction has already resulted in the delivery of nine new vessels.

Antonio Paradiso- Managing Director UK and Ireland

Antonio Paradiso started his working life with the British Consulate in Italy. In 2008 he moved to MSC Cruises where his experience of the cruise & travel industry began. As the Commercial Manager for Germany, Switzerland and Austria he was responsible for growing the business and making MSC Cruises the major player it is in those countries today. In 2012 a new challenge took him to MSC Cruises Head office in Geneva where he became Executive Director of Asia and the emerging markets. During his career with MSC Cruises Head office in Geneva Antonio was responsible for the direction and management of over 30 countries. Early 2016 Antonio was appointed as the Managing Director for the UK & Ireland, and came to the role with a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise.

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19 Essential MSC Cruise Tips That I Use Everytime (Freebies, Money Saving & More)

I’ve cruised with MSC 5 times and in this post, I will share with you my top tips. These tips will help you to save money, maximise your time onboard and even get a few freebies.

This article is based on my experience cruising on the MSC Meraviglia, Virtuosa, Preziosa, Seaview and World Europa.

I took my first cruise with MSC in 2012, my most recent was last month.

Match Your Loyalty Status For Freebies!

If you have a loyalty status with another cruise line or some hotels, MSC will match it. This means that you’ll be bumped up their loyalty program and will receive perks as if you had cruised with MSC before.

I matched my Norwegian Cruise Line status before my first MSC cruise and ever since I have received perks like free speciality meals and chocolates.

It’s well worth doing and isn’t difficult, all you have to do is fill in a form.

To see the full list of which programs MSC match and how to apply, check out this post: MSC Status Match – What Is it And is it Worth Doing? A Step-by-Step Guide

Book Theatre Shows as Soon As Possible

If the ship that you are sailing on requires theatre shows to be booked, book them on embarkation day on the mobile app or touch screens around the ship.

Not all MSC ships require theatre shows to be booked.

Most shows are shown a couple of days each but even still on the big ships, there isn’t capacity for everybody to go to see every show.

On my last cruise on the MSC World Europa, there was one show that I wasn’t able to see because it was sold out.

If you don’t manage to get a booking you can still show up to the theatre shows but you will be let in after everybody who has booked, this means that you might not get a very good seat and if you are in a big group you wouldn’t be able to sit together.

You are always able to cancel the theatre shows if you decide later that you don’t want to go.

Have an Open Mind About The Food – Try What MSC Is Good At!

I do feel that MSC get some unfair complaints about their food. That said the quality has improved a lot since my first MSC cruise in 2012 so perhaps some of the reviews I’ve seen are out of date.

You can’t go on an MSC cruise and expect the food to be the same as an American and British cruise line, personally I quite like that. It is different, but to me that doesn’t mean worse.

MSC are a Mediterranean cruise line and the things that they are best at are pasta, pizza and CHEESE. They also serve a lot of seafood and they make their own pizzas every day and mozzarella too.

To see the food that I’ve eaten on past MSC cruises, including menus, check out this post: Everything I Ate on my MSC Cruise (Photos and Menus) – Food Review

On every ship, there will be at least a buffet and a main dining room where your food is included and on some ships there are lots of other options like grab-and-go burgers, poolside food etc.

Be Prepared to Be Asked About Speciality Dining and Drinks Packages!

MSC are a budget cruise line and because of that they sell their cruises cheaply and rely on onboard spend. This means that you will be asked a lot if you want to buy speciality dining packages or drinks packages.

Just a polite no thank you will do but you may have to say it multiple times per day.

On most other cruise lines they would only do this on embarkation day, but on MSC cruises it does happen every day and can get annoying.

The same happens with the photographers and you’ll be asked if you want photos a lot, again just politely say no and keep walking.

I do feel bad for the crew, but I really don’t want any photos taken!

Learn to Ignore Extra Safety Drills (Yes Really)

MSC are unlike other cruise lines in that they have guests that embark and disembark most days, what this means is that there are likely to be multiple safety drills.

On some cruises, for example, those out of the US this doesn’t happen, but in most of Europe, it does.

The safety drill, or muster drill is a legal requirement for everybody boarding a cruise but do be aware that you only have to do it once. If you hear announcements about a drill later in your cruise that is for other guests who have embarked.

To learn what happens at a safety drill, check out this post: What is a Muster Drill on a Cruise? Everything You Need to Know (REVIEW of Traditional and Virtual Muster Drills)

The same goes for disembarkation day, you’ll see luggage in the corridors on many days of your cruise.

If The Dates Don’t Work, Move It!

If you’re looking to book an MSC cruise but can’t get a certain day off work, or the flights to a place are expensive consider moving it a day forward or back.

You’ll embark in a different port but it doesn’t matter on an MSC cruise.

My personal favourite port to board MSC cruises at in Europe is Barcelona as it’s not far from the airport and I like staying in Barcelona pre-cruise.

MSC cruises don’t usually include flights or transfers as standard but if you book through a travel agent they’ll be able to sort this out for you, the agents I recommend can be contacted here .

Book Your Excursions Independently To Save Money

When I visited Genoa on my last cruise MSC were selling a trip to the Aquarium for €50 per person. The aquarium is within walking distance so I booked my tickets myself and they were around €30 each.

I don’t enjoy cruise line excursions anyway because you are grouped together with 20 or 30 other people.

If we had visited the aquarium on the excursion we would have had a set amount of time in there but because we went by ourselves we could leave whenever we wanted.

I usually use websites like Viator to find and book independent excursions:

Free cancellation.

300,000+ experiences.

Make memories around the world.

Reserve now, pay later.

The risk of booking your own excursions is that you do have to get yourself back to the ship on time but I have been on excursions where guests have wandered off and got lost.

Even booking with the cruise line isn’t a guarantee that you’ll get back to the ship on time.

Just make sure that you leave yourself lots of time, I’m always onboard an hour or two before sail away.

Download MSC’s App

If you are on an MSC cruise ship that uses the MSC for me the app I’d recommend downloading it from your phone’s app store as soon as possible.

It is free to download and use, all you need is an internet connection to download it.

In the app, you will find the daily schedule and lots of other useful things like the days menus. Most menus are viewable through QR codes and having the app just makes everything easier.

MSC’s app also has a free chat feature so you can chat to the other people in your cruise group.

Check Your Onboard Spend as You Go

When you spend money on a cruise it’ll be added to what is called your onboard account. You can check this on the cruise lines app and it is well worth keeping an eye on this as you cruise.

It will stop you from having any nasty surprises at the end of the trip and if there are any problems, for example, if you had been charged for something by mistake, you can sort that out while onboard.

I’ve been on cruises in the past where I’ve been charged for drinks despite having a drinks package and because I noticed I was able to get it fixed quickly.

Bring a White Dress/White Outfit

On most MSC cruises there will be a white night at some point. The white dress code isn’t enforced at all but it is good fun and a good percentage of the passengers do take part.

GRACE KARIN Women’s Sleeveless V-Neck A-line Dress

This one is from Amazon and I love it because: – It has two layers so it isn’t see through. – It’s very comfy and perfect for ‘white night’ which most cruise lines have!

I have seen other themes on MSC cruises like 60s 70 and 80s-themed parties.

It’s a little more tricky to pack for these, and they don’t always happen but if you have space in your suitcase, why not bring something along?

Change Your Dining Time if You Don’t Like it

MSC mostly have fixed dining where you will be assigned either early or late. If you book the cheapest ticket called a Bella cruise fare you have the lowest priority when it comes to dining times.

They’ll assign the people who paid more first then you’ll get the time you asked for if it is left.

That said, I have been given late dining on multiple MSC cruises and have always been able to change it to early dining without any problem.

If this is the case just head to the main dining room on the first day and there will usually be someone there who can change it.

Normally, they will change it from the next day, so we would eat in the buffet or another restaurant on the first day.

MSC do have some flexible dining for guests paying the highest cruise fare.

I changed my dining time on this cruise:

Don’t Expect Other Guests to Understand You

If you are taking a cruise with MSC there is a high chance that the other guests will speak Italian, Spanish, French, German, Dutch, you name it.

English is the main language onboard and if you speak English only that is no problem, all of the crew speak English and all of the menus/paperwork is in English, that said that doesn’t mean that other guests will understand English.

It is amazing how much you can communicate without language though, it’s easy to tell if somebody is saying ‘thank you’ or ‘after you’ just with gestures, if in doubt just smile.

I like hearing everybody speaking other languages, it reminds me that I am far from home.

Make Sure You Get Your Loyalty Perks

As mentioned earlier I matched my Norwegian status to MSC and as a result, I get a free speciality meal. Nobody ever tells me that when I cruise though!

Make sure if you do have a loyalty status with MSC that you get what you are due, sometimes the gifts/freebies will arrive throughout the cruise so don’t be alarmed if they aren’t there on the first day but for things like the free speciality meal you will need to go there and book it yourself.

On my last cruise, I just walked up to one of the restaurants and said:

“Hello, can I use my free speciality meal here?”

The waitress was lovely, she said yes, explained what we could have on the menu and that the bill would be €0.

At the end of the meal, I had to sign to say that I agreed to the charge which does always amuse me. I love paying that price for a speciality meal!

Avoid The Casino if You Don’t Like Smoke

On MSC cruise ships there is usually an area in the casino where guests can smoke and most ships also have a smoking bar or other areas where guests will be smoking.

I’m sure it’s something to do with the demographic of the passengers but MSC do have more smoking areas than most British or American cruise lines. I don’t mind it, but know many who do.

On some ships, there may be a lounge that is only accessible through the casino.

Even If It’s Cold – Go Swimming!

Don’t be put off if the temperature outside is cool, MSC heat their outside swimming pools.

The worst part is getting undressed and walking to the pool but I always find it nice when I am in there, then of course you do have to get back out.

MSC have lifeguards stationed at all of their pools when they are open and I’ve always found they are much quieter if it is cold, on my last MSC cruise I had a pool to myself and my own personal lifeguard!

The pools are usual open into the evenings and this can be a good time for a swim as most people head off for dinner.

Get Travel Insurance With Missed Port Cover

On my last MSC cruise, we missed a port because of bad weather and I didn’t mind because I had travel insurance with missed port cover. This means I get a cash lump sum for every port I miss.

Cruise-specific travel insurance is essential for any cruise, if you just listen to one tip please make it this one. It isn’t worth the risk.

Never ever ever ever cruise without travel insurance! Even if you are just cruising to the Caribbean from the USA, you NEED insurance. Compare quotes (for free) here: – USA – UK

Assign Your Credit Card and Check in Pre-Cruise

MSC’s website has an online check-in function which makes embarkation much faster. On my last cruise, I went from entering the terminal to boarding the ship in 8 minutes, all thanks to the fact that I had checked in online.

During the check-in process, you provide information about your passport and can add a credit card to your account which your onboard spend will be charged to.

You are also able to assign a card on the ship at one of the machines and you can load physical cash onto your card if you’d prefer that.

Print Your Luggage Tags at Home

When checking in you’ll also be given your luggage tags, printing these saves time.

If you can’t it isn’t a problem but the first thing you’ll have to do when you get to the cruise port is queue up to get your tags, attach them and hand them to the right person.

If you’re on a big MSC cruise ship there can be 5000+ people boarding so these lines can get long!

I always print my tags at home and I put them in these plastic luggage label holders, I find that stops them from breaking which means that they make it to my cabin.

In the past, before I used these I had one suitcase get so wet all the ink melted on the tag which wasn’t ideal!

Prebook Drinks Packages if You Want One

When you take a cruise there are two options, you can either pay as you go with the drinks like you would a bar on land or you can buy a drinks package.

The drinks package means you pay a certain amount per day and then are allowed drinks up to a certain cost.

It’s always cheaper to prebook the package than to buy it on the ship.

On my last cruise, the alcohol package pre-cruise was the same price as the non-alcoholic onboard!

Before You Go

I recently took a cruise on one of the older ships the MSC Preziosa, to find out how that was check out this article next:

MSC Cruise Review – in Europe (Food, Service, Entertainment and More)

Wondering how MSC compare to the big American cruise lines? Check out this post:

We Took The Same Cruise With MSC and Royal Caribbean: Differences and Comparison

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MSC Cruises: Six Drydocks for 2024

• January 23, 2024

The MSC Fantasia drydocked in October in Malta for general hotel and technical work, as well as the installation of shore power, said Emilio La Scala, president and managing director for MSC Cruises Management UK.

The company also sent the MSC Bellissima to the Huarun Dadong Dockyard in Shanghai in November.

“This was the first time that any of our fleet has gone into a drydock in China for routine maintenance and repair work,” he said. “The choice of the yard was to make best use of the ship’s deployment in the Far East and the timing is based on her drydock cycle stipulated for class renewal.”

The vessel spent two weeks in drydock, receiving a new hull coating as well as various maintenance and cabin and public area updates ahead of her debut in China in 2024.

Six for 2024

“We will have six cruise vessels going to drydock during 2024. The ships are the Armonia, Opera, Musica, Magnifica, Splendida and Grandiosa,” said La Scala.

All six are drydocking in Malta, where MSC has a stake in the facility.

“Planned work includes periodical hull maintenance and painting, machinery and electrical maintenance, refurbishment of cabins and public areas, plus tests and inspections for class renewal.”

The Musica, Magnifica and Splendida will also be retrofitted for shore power, according to La Scala.

Other efficiency upgrades are targeting LED lighting and HVAC, he said.

“ Our cruise fleet is still relatively young but it is natural that older ships require more maintenance and upgrades to maintain the highest standards,” La Scala explained.

“At times obsolete or limited availability for spare parts means there is a requirement for equipment and component upgrades and in some cases, energy efficiency improvements, such as introduction of LED lighting and other devices, as well as the upgrade of HVAC systems, are also carried out to further reduce emissions.”

Coming out of the pandemic, he said there wasn’t a long to-do list as the company took the opportunity to get work done during warm lay up periods in 2020 and 2021.

La Scala said he has a drydock plan stretching 10 years into the future, set according to classification society rules and regulations. That means ships drydock typically every two to three years or every five years depending on the ship age.

“Our internal policy ensures an average of two stops per ship every five years, although this may be adjusted according to the deployment and itineraries of individual vessels,” he said.

“We book the dry dock availability in five-year time frames because the vast majority of work that needs to be conducted cannot be done when the vessel is in operation.

“Our fundamental approach is to plan far in advance what work needs to be done. This requires detailed planning, hard work, dedication and a paramount attention to detail.”

Excerpt from the Cruise Industry News Quarterly Magazine Winter 2023-2024

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MSC CRUISES AND CHANTIERS DE L'ATLANTIQUE MARK TWO IMPORTANT MILESTONES FOR NEW WORLD CLASS SHIPS

PR Newswire

GENEVA, April 9, 2024

• MSC World America floats out and enters final phase of construction in preparation for naming ceremony in Miami on April 9, 2025
• Construction begins on third World Class ship—officially revealed as MSC World Asia
• Video and images can be found at bit.ly/MSCSeatradeWorldClass

GENEVA, April 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --  MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l'Atlantique marked two important milestones today in the construction of the innovative World Class ships, MSC World America and MSC World Asia , during a press conference at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami.

MSC World America  celebrated a major milestone with the completion of its float out ceremony at the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France on Sunday, April 7, 2024. The ultramodern flagship is now in her final phase of construction and will be officially named on April 9, 2025  at MSC Cruises' new state-of-the-art PortMiami terminal, followed by a celebratory sailing to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Ocean Cay is the cruise line's private island in The Bahamas, is home to the MSC Foundation's Super Coral Program, and has been designated a 'Hope Spot' by Mission Blue . 

Meanwhile, the steel-cutting ceremony for the company's third World Class ship marked the start of that vessel's construction. MSC Cruises revealed the name of the new ship —MSC World Asia —with anticipated delivery in 2026 . Following the format of the other World Class ships that pay homage to different continents, MSC World Asia will symbolize the global nature of MSC Cruises. While details of where the ship will operate are yet to be revealed, MSC World Asia will feature signature design touches, experiences and features inspired by its continental namesake.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises commented, "MSC World America is another example of the incredible professional partnership between us and the Chantiers de l'Atlantique with whom we have designed five distinct and innovative prototypes – the most recent being the ground-breaking World Class platform. With each and every ship we strive to improve and enhance not only the environmental technology but also new features that enrich the experience for the guest as we design for the future holiday experience. MSC World Asia continues in this tradition and with this important milestone of the steel cutting we are pleased to confirm that she will offer even more advanced new features in terms of future-proof marine and onboard hospitality technologies as well as guest experiences."

Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l'Atlantique commented,  " We are very proud to begin construction on MSC World Asia. The third ship in the World Class series will feature cutting-edge technologies, making it one of the cleanest, most energy-efficient ships in the world. She embodies MSC Cruises' and Chantiers de l'Atlantique's long-term partnership and commitment toward the environment. "

The remarkable  MSC World America  will be MSC Cruises' largest ship to serve the U.S. and its first in the region to be powered by LNG.  MSC World America  is the second of the line's groundbreaking World Class ships and is specially designed with the North American guest in mind, featuring unique restaurants, bars and experiences that seamlessly blend European design with American comfort. Spanning 22 decks, measuring more than 150 feet wide and featuring 2,614 staterooms, MSC World America will be the centerpiece of the Miami skyline when she is named in 2025.

The World Class ships are distinguished by their eye-catching silhouette and signature plumb bow rising vertically from the waterline, with a stylish Y-shaped aft that opens onto an impressive outdoor promenade. These ships are an ultramodern urban metropolis at sea, offering a world of different experiences and spanning 22 decks, offering more than 2,600 cabins and suites, and providing more than 420,000 square feet of public space and featuring MSC Cruises' largest Yacht Club to-date. The exclusive "ship-within-a-ship" concept offers unparalleled levels of comfort, with a private lounge and restaurant, stylish suites and substantial outdoor areas with a sun-deck spanning two decks that offers panoramic views of the ocean.

MSC World Europa and MSC World America currently deliver one of the lowest carbon footprints in the cruise industry, as per the International Maritime Organization's Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). MSC World Asia will be an evolution of these high performing ships, with an even further reduced carbon footprint.

MSC World Asia will become the fourth Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) ship to join the MSC Cruises fleet, as LNG continues to be seen as a critical pathway toward maritime decarbonization. Fossil LNG offers immediate Green House Gas (GHG) emission reductions compared to conventional marine fuels, along with a direct pathway to drop in renewable substitutes like Bio and Synthetic LNG, which MSC Cruises' LNG ships are ready to use as soon as the fuels become commercially available at scale.

New generation dual-fuel internal combustion engines will help to reduce emissions and reduce methane slip by 30 percent versus current technology. MSC Cruises is part of an EU-funded project called GREEN RAY, that is working to minimize methane slip by developing new technologies that can be installed onto new and existing ships. Initial tests of the new combustion concept have shown encouraging results.

MSC World America  and MSC World Asia, as with all new MSC Cruises ships, will be fitted with shore power connectivity as standard. This reduces emissions by allowing the ship's engines to be switched off while calling at ports providing shore power. Smart technology is used throughout the ship to ensure guests can travel in comfort while keeping energy and water use low. A robust onboard recycling program minimizes waste, and even the propellers are designed to reduce noise and avoid disturbing marine life.

About MSC Cruises

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC Cruises is the world's third largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe, South America, the Middle East and Southern Africa, with a strong and growing presence in North America and the Far East.

The MSC Cruises fleet consists of 22 modern ships with three new vessels due to be launched in 2025, 2026, and 2027.

The Company operates in more than 100 countries around the world, offering cruises across five continents, calling at more than 300 destinations and welcoming more than 180 different nationalities on board.

MSC Cruises is firmly committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions for its marine operations by 2050.

For more information, click here .

SOURCE MSC Cruises

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Fly & Cruise

From sky to sea: cruise and flight packages.

Flights, transfers  and  cruise  included  in one unique package.  Designed to provide you with a seamless and stress-free travel experience, Fly Cruises remove the hassle of multiple bookings and planning, offering an effortless, all-in-one solution. From easy booking to perfect flight schedule, transfers included and expert travel assistance, we are committed to ensuring that your cruise holiday starts and ends on the right note.

Combining flights and transfers  with your cruise is extremely smooth. When making your booking, simply select the cruise itinerary that suits you best and choose the Fly&Cruise fare. Additionally, you can pick the airport that is most convenient for you. Before the payment is completed, you will have access to all the flight information, including the option to upgrade your class if it is available. Draw inspiration from the finest destinations that are easily within reach and book your Fly & Cruise holidays in 2024 or 2025!

Please refer to the  FAQ  for additional information.

Why should you choose the Fly & Cruise package?

Fly & cruise guarantees effortless organization and hassle-free travel.

Leave the organization to MSC Cruises! With our Flight and Cruise packages, we handle all the arrangements , guaranteeing a seamless holiday planning for you. Even if you should experience delays or encounter any problems during your journey, MSC Cruises will be there to support you , ensuring you reach the ship without any inconvenience.  Our dedicated telephone helpdesk is available anytime  from three hours before your flight to provide complete assistance .

Fly & Cruise offers personalized flight options tailored to your needs

Maximize your time with our Fly Cruise packages. While booking your cruise, we will help you find the best flight schedule that aligns with your cruise embarkation and disembarkation. Say goodbye to wasted hours searching for flight options and waiting for it at the airport - we have got it covered!

Flight Excellence for unbeatable value

Experience exceptional value for your money with our Fly & Cruise Package. Enjoy the convenience and quality of our trusted airline partners , ensuring a comfortable and memorable flight experience. We prioritize your comfort and satisfaction, from takeoff to landing. You can also treat yourself to Premium, Business, or First-Class upgrade. 

Seamless transfers for stress-free travel

Leave the airport navigation to us. All Fly & Cruise Packages includes transfers from the airport directly to the ship, and vice versa. Enjoy peace of mind as MSC Cruises handle all the organization, allowing you to fully embrace and enjoy your cruise holiday.

Luggage peace of mind

With MSC Fly & Cruise your luggage is well cared for. In the rare event of a mishap during air travel, our dedicated team will swiftly recover your belongings . We work closely with airport Lost & Found offices to ensure your luggage is promptly delivered to your cabin , so you can focus on enjoying your holiday and making memories.

FLY & CRUISE FAQ

What is included in the fly and cruise package.

• Direct flights to and from your embarkation port
• Comfortable transfers from the airport to the ship and back again 
• Checked luggage and luggage recovery 
• Assistance at airports
• Airport taxes
• Rearrangement of your travel in case of flight delay

What are Fly Cruises?

How can i book a fly cruise.

You can simply book your Fly&Cruise package directly on MSC Cruises website. During your cruise booking you can add a convenient flight for a safe and guaranteed boarding on the cruise. We will offer a list of best flight schedules that aligns with the cruise embarkation and disembarkation.

What happens to the luggage with Fly & Cruise?

The luggage follows the same flow as on a usual flight. In case of delays or losses, our  dedicated staff will support you to ensure a smooth trip.

What happens if the flight company loses my luggage?

What is the luggage allowance.

It differs according to the destination, flying companies and the type of flight classes selected. 

What if the flight is delayed or the departure time changes?

Will i receive assistance at the airport, where do i find my flight details, where should i do the online flight check-in, thank you for visiting msc cruises.

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MSC Cruises

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About MSC Cruises

We’ve called the sea our home for over 300 years. It’s a place of wonder, discovery, and delight. But it’s also a place that needs protection. On an MSC Cruise, our guests don’t just create unforgettable memories, visit incredible destinations, and enjoy the finest hospitality - they also have a chance to make a difference. From our experienced crew members to our engineers, to our expert ship builders, we’re securing the sea’s tomorrow by taking positive steps today.  

Discover the Beauty of Cruising With MSC Cruises

Our company

We are the world’s third-largest cruise brand as well as the leader in Europe, South America, the Gulf region and Southern Africa, with more market share in addition to deployed capacity than any other player. We are also the fastest-growing global cruise brand with a strong presence in the Caribbean, North America and the Far East markets. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, we are part of MSC Group , the leading privately held Swiss-based shipping and logistics conglomerate with over 300 years of maritime heritage. We employ over 30,000 staff globally and sell cruise holidays in many countries around the world. Each of our highly qualified masters draws on the company’s experience to navigate our fleet of ships.

Our Cruises

At MSC Cruises, our love for the sea goes back many generations. And we are eager to pass this passion on to future generations. That’s why we are dedicated to making each of our cruises a voyage of discovery and unforgettable emotions for every guest. We offer an enriching, immersive and safe cruise experience, where you can enjoy international dining, world-class entertainment, award-winning family programs and the latest user-friendly technology on board.  With our cruises you can decide where to go and for how long. Choose among the best cruise destinations, with a wide variety of itineraries mapped to reveal the sights, sounds and flavors of the world's most intriguing cultures. Our ships sail year-round in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean (visiting also Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, our private island in the Bahamas). Our seasonal itineraries include Northern Europe, South America, southern Africa, Asia, North America, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Red Sea.

We want you to discover the world in absolute style, comfort and safety. That’s why we are constantly expanding and improving our fleet, not only to give you a greater choice of destinations, but also to offer you an amazing state-of-art cruising experience wherever you go. We have a modern fleet of vessels combined with a sizable future global investment portfolio of new ships. The current ships across our classes of ship include: MSC World Europa , the first MSC World Class ship introduces a completely new, ground-breaking platform that brings together innovative technologies and industry-first design features including its unique Y-shape. MSC World Europa, delivered in November 2022, is the first LNG-powered vessel in MSC Cruises’ fleet and one of  the most environmentally advanced to date. MSC World America  will be the second in the cruise line’s innovative World Class when she launches in 2025, offering contemporary cruising in the Caribbean from Miami, with new, immersive and unique experiences at sea.  MSC Virtuosa , is one of our latest ship of our fleet, delivered in February 2021. With a total guest capacity of 6,334 passengers, she is the largest ship in the MSC Cruises global fleet. Her sister ship MSC Grandiosa  (from the Meraviglia Plus Class), came into service in November 2019. The smaller sister ships MSC Meraviglia  and MSC Bellissima  were the first two Meraviglia Class ships that came into service in 2017 and 2019. In 2023 another ship, MSC Euribia , powered by LNG joined the Meraviglia Plus Class fleet. MSC Seaside (2017) and MSC Seaview  (2018) rewrite the rule book of cruise ship design, blending indoor and outdoor areas to connect guests with the sea like never before. With a guest capacity over 5000 passengers, MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview add a game-changing element to MSC our fleet. Two additional larger Seaside EVO ships, representing a further enhancement of the prototype, will have a capacity of 5,632 guests. The first one, MSC Seashore , was delivered in 2021. Her sister ship, MSC Seascape  joined in December 2022. The four Fantasia Class ships – MSC Preziosa  (2013), MSC Divina  (2012), MSC Splendida  (2009) and MSC Fantasia  (2008) – are large-size and modern ships. MSC Preziosa and MSC Divina can accommodate 4,345 guests, while MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia carry 4,363 guests. The Musica Class ships MSC Magnifica  (2010), MSC Poesia  (2008), MSC Orchestra  (2007) and MSC Musica  (2006) carry around 3,000 guests each. The fleet is completed by the Lirica Class ships – MSC Sinfonia  (2005), MSC Armonia  (2004), MSC Opera  (2004) and MSC Lirica  (2003) – each carrying around 2,000 guests. The fleet is projected to grow to 23 cruise ships by 2025.

Sustainability

Charting a sustainable future

We have long been committed to environmental stewardship with a long-term goal to achieve zero emissions for our operations. We are also a significant investor in next-generation environmental marine technologies, with the objective to support their accelerated development and availability industry-wide.  

Our commitment to sustainability goes above and beyond our efforts to reduce our environmental impact. It is also reflected in the way we support our employees and those who choose to travel with us, as well as how we interact with our partners and the communities and places we visit. 

This second phase investment plan is increased from €5.1 billion to €9 billion with the signing of a letter of intent to build a further four World class ships.

This second phase investment plan rose to €9 billion with the signing of a letter of intent to build a further four World class ships, each with next-generation LNG propulsion technology. Consequently, between 2017 and 2026 a total of up to 11 new, next-generation MSC Cruises ships will come into service. MSC Cruises is the first global cruise line brand to develop an investment plan of this length and magnitude, spanning an horizon of over ten years, from 2014 through 2026.

We consolidate our second fleet expansion plan with orders for two additional Seaside ships and a fifth Meraviglia vessel, bringing the total investment for the 2014-2026 period to €11.6 billion.

MSC Cruises consolidates its second fleet expansion plan with orders for two additional Seaside ships and a fifth Meraviglia vessel, bringing the total investment for the 2014-2026 period to €11.6 billion. Due to be delivered in 2021 and 2023, the two Seaside EVO ships will present an evolution of the successful Seaside platform and have a capacity of 5,646 guests. The fifth Meraviglia ship, which will be delivered in 2023, will have capacity for 6,334 guests. Like the World class ships, she will be equipped with a new generation of LNG-powered engines that will strongly reduce her environmental footprint.  

Completion of MSC Virtuosa and MSC Seashore and strengthening our leadership in sustainability.

Thanks to the pioneering work that we had undertaken since the early days of the pandemic to develop our stringent health protocol, we managed to offer safe and carefree cruise holidays to our Guests throughout the whole year. Despite the challenges of the Covid pandemic two new cruise ships joined our fleet in 2021 – MSC Virtuosa and MSC Seashore. We also advanced with our ambitions to grow our portfolio of cruise terminals, which allow us to anchor our presence in marquee homeports and offer the best service to guests while enabling us to foster a front-to-end integrated experience. In November, we opened the doors of the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in Durban, South Africa. We also obtained final clearance to start building our exclusive cruise terminals in Barcelona and Miami as key embarkation ports in the western Mediterranean and the Caribbean. In 2021, we also took an important step forward in Sustainability and reinforced our industry leadership in this field by pledging to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 for our marine operations.

Delivery of MSC World Europa, the first LNG-powered ship of our fleet and introducing innovative environment-protecting technologies.

In 2022 we were delighted that we finally saw the restart of the entire fleet and progressively and safely ease Covid restrictions. We also continued to make significant progress along our sustainability journey. Over the year, we launched two new ships which introduced several innovative environment-protecting technologies. In October, we took delivery of the MSC World Europa, the first to be LNG-powered. It features a pilot solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and incorporates a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system – which reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90% by converting the gas into harmless nitrogen and water – and shore-to-ship power connectivity, which allows MSC World Europa to minimise engine use at ports wherever the portside infrastructure is available. In November, we took delivery of the MSC Seascape which include hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems that remove 98% of sulphur oxide from ships’ emissions. We continuously reviewed our itineraries to lower emissions intensity and our MSC Protectours, dedicated excursions that are specifically designed to educate our guests and promote responsible tourism and responsible travel.

MSC Foundation

Life-changing programs worldwide

As a family-owned company with a global seafaring heritage that dates back to 1675, we care passionately about the seas and have a real love of the beautiful places and inspiring cultures we take our guests to explore all over the world. This has led us to launch many life-changing initiatives over the years.

The MSC Foundation was founded in 2018 to lead and coordinate these conservation and humanitarian commitments worldwide, developing the longstanding philanthropic partnerships of all the MSC Group companies and launching many new initiatives.  

Latest News

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Usit Colours building Bulgaria 2000, 1 Yoan Pavel II Sq., Sofia Phone +359 2 903 9196 Premier Tours   43 Bregalnitsa Str 1606 Sofia - Bulgaria Phone:+359 29201215 CONTITRANS M. Ltd 25B Yakubica Str Lozenec 1164 Sofia - Bulgaria Phone:+359 29627518 Travel Holidays Ltd. Bulgaria, Burgas 8000  -  39 Lyuben Karavelov Str. Phone +359 (56) 824 814  - 824829

Europa Tour Professional 183 Rakovski str 1142 Sofia - Bulgaria Phone: + 359 888515113

Travel Agency Blue Seas Ltd Varna, Bulgaria  4 Dubrovnik street, entr.1, office 1 Phone: +359 52 300452 New Travel Agency  Ltd 92 Levski Bld  1504, Sofia Bulgaria Phone: +359 24640400/1/2 - +359 24640405

Cruise GURU   14 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd.,fl. 5, office 519 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria Phone: +359886068888

CRUISEWAY TRAVEL SA 193, Kifisias Avenue & 24, Iereos Dousi Str, Marousi, 151 24, Athens, Greece T: +30 210 32 59 900 F: +30 210 32 59 999 Web: www.cruiseway.gr [email protected] NAVIHELLAS CRUISE CENTER (MSC Partners) 83, Iroon Politechniou Ave. GR 185 36 Piraeus, Greece Phone: + 30 210 4284391 [email protected] BlueSun Travel & Consulting A: 3, Stadiou St. - 1st Floor Syntagma Square, Athens, Greece 10562 T/F: +30-210-3254642 E: [email protected]

MANESSIS TRAVEL (MSC Partners) 4, Filellilon Street 10557 Athens - Greece Phone: +30 210 3211 777 Fax: +30 210 3211 527

VERSUS TRAVEL Ltd (MSC Partners) 7, Filellinon Street 10557 Athens - Greece Phone: + 30 210 3232 800 Fax: + 30 210 3232 450 CRUISE EXPERTS (MSC Partners) 6, Paleologou Benizelou str 10556, Plaka, Athens, Greece Phone: +30 210 3259900

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MSC Cruises

Swing ride 160 feet above the water coming to MSC Cruises' new ship in 2025

MSC Cruises’ new ship will have a swing set on board – but not the kind you’d find on a playground.

Cliffhanger, a new ride launching on forthcoming U.S. flagship MSC World America next year, will allow guests to swing out over the ocean 160 feet above the water, the cruise line revealed Tuesday. The four-seat ride uses mechanical arms to lift guests beyond the 22-deck ship’s edge, where they are propelled back and forth.

The line is billing the attraction as the only over-water swing ride at sea. MSC Cruises USA President Rubén A. Rodríguez said Cliffhanger is a “natural next step,” following attractions on its other ships like Seascape’s Robotron .

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“It’s the first time we’re taking thrill-seekers out past the deck and over the water, and we know they’ll love it,” he told USA TODAY in an email. There will be an added charge for the ride, but pricing details were not yet available.

Cliffhanger will be part of Family Aventura, one of seven districts on the 2,614-stateroom ship. The area also features The Harbor, an outdoor park area with a high ropes course, a playground inspired by the lighthouse at the line’s private Bahamas destination Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and more.

Other districts on the ship include Galleria, home to dining venues, shopping and games “at the heart of the ship,” and Zen Area, an adults-only zone at the vessel’s stern where guests can enjoy music, catch some sun and take a dip in twin pools, according to an earlier news release .

Short vs. long cruises: Which one is right for you?

World America will debut in April 2025 and spend its inaugural season sailing Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Swing ride 160 feet above the water coming to MSC Cruises' new ship in 2025