MSC Close to Megaship Deal with STX

Posted on 20 February, 2014 by Spacejunkie2

MSC Cruises is close to a newbuilding contract with STX France for two megaships with an option for two additional vessels, according to French media.

French reports quote a total budget of 2.4 billion euro for ships well over 4,000 passengers each.

Quoted is MSC France CEO Erminio Eschena, who said he was looking at the situation with “some confidence” and was optimistic.

He continued that MSC was still in talks with yards, looking for a fair price, and a decision is expected before April to target a delivery date to get the first ship in service before the end of 2016.

MSC Cruises to halt ex-UK sailings in 2015

Posted on 27 January, 2014 by Spacejunkie2

By Hollie-Rae Merrick

MSC Cruises to halt ex-UK sailings in 2015

MSC Cruises is halting its ex-UK sailings in 2015 as it looks to focus on its fly-cruise Mediterranean offering.

As part of the major refit of Lirica class ships, MSC Opera – currently sailing out of Southampton – will be out of action for part of the summer months in 2015.

The cruise line said this led to a decision to halt ex-UK sailings for a year to focus on fly-cruise capacity out of the UK.

Giles Hawke, executive director for UK, Ireland and Australia, said the line would be introducing new tools to support agents booking fly-cruises with MSC.

He said: “As market leader for Mediterranean cruises it is important that we work to reinforce this position by increasing our fly-cruise capacity, along with improving our ships to include more balcony cabins, more onboard entertainment and additional technological advancements.

“We are considering various charter options and working with our air partners to come up with the best approach to keep up with the current customer demand for fly-cruises direct to the Mediterranean.

“We will also be introducing tools supporting travel agents in order to make the fly-cruise booking process easier than ever.”

In total the Lirica class ships, made up of MSC Armonia, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera and MSC Lirica, will be in dry dock for 28 weeks.

In September, the cruise line revealed it was doubling its capacity out of Southampton for this year by sending MSC Magnifica to join Opera for four seven-night cruises.

MSC Cruises to sail to Asia

Posted on 9 January, 2014 by Spacejunkie2

MSC Cruises will be making a splash in Asia for the first time ever, when MSC Orchestra sets sail on an all-inclusive voyage from Dubai to Perth next year.

In 2015, the company’s 33-night cruise – departing in February – will stop off in Mumbai and Cochin, India; Colombo in Sri Lanka; Langkawi in Malaysia; Singapore; and Bali, according to Travel Weekly.

The colourful schedule will also take in the best of Australia in the final leg of the month-long cruise, with stops scheduled in Cairns Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Fremantle.

Highlighting the emphasis placed on Asia during the voyage, Singapore represents one of two scheduled overnight stops, with Sydney making up the other.

According to the company, there has already been keen interest among passengers in the new itinerary.

Giles Hawke, MSC’s managing director for UK and Ireland, told the news provider: “We have had a number of our past passengers asking for an itinerary which will take them to the Far East and Australia and this gives them exactly what they are looking for.”