Tag Archives: MSC Cruise

Vago: ‘Our Capability to Adapt Is Unmatched’

Posted on by
Reply

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman, the Cruise Division of MSC Group, highlighted the strengths of MSC Cruises during a speech in New York at the MSC Seascape’s christening on Wednesday.

“Our industry was put in the spotlight just like New York was, but like you in the face of adversity, we came together and steered ourselves on the right course,” Vago said.

He said that cruise lines had developed stringent health protocols that set the standard. While other sectors remained closed, MSC quickly resumed operations, becoming one of the first major cruise lines to sail again when it resumed operations in the summer of 2022.

“Just like New York, we are back stronger than ever. Today, as macroeconomic conditions change, there are valuable lessons to draw from this experience. High inflation, speculation and economic uncertainty are on the rise, but consumers won’t compromise on their right to have a break,” Vago continued.

“Our capability to adapt is unmatched. We offer the best value for money. Despite the uncertainty, we continue growing.”

Despite the growth in new ships, Vago said the industry needs to remind the world that cruising is essential due to its economic impact.

MSC Seascape Arrives in New York City

Posted on by
Reply

MSC Cruises’ new MSC Seascape arrived in New York City on Monday, December 5 after a trans-Atlantic crossing from Italy.

The ship arrives in time for its upcoming naming ceremony that will take place on December 7 at the city’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal, according to a press release.

This will be the first ship naming ceremony for an MSC Cruises ship to take place in New York, coming after MSC Cruises added New York City as a new homeport starting in April 2023.

The MSC Seascape will depart from New York and set sail for Miami on December 8 where it will commence its inaugural sailing season with the Eastern and Western Caribbean Sea sailings.

While sailing the Western Caribbean, the ship will make calls in Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Cozumel in Mexico, George Town in the Cayman Islands and Ocho Rios in Jamaica.

On Sunday, December 11,th  MSC Seaspace will embark on a 15-night Caribbean and Bahamas voyage departing from Miami, Florida with calls in Ocean Cay, Bahamas, Nassau, Bahamas, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Puerto Plata/Amber Cove, Dominican Republic and St Thomas, US Virgin islands.

Port of Hamburg Sets a New Record with 280 Calls

Posted on by
Reply

Cruise Gate Hamburg (CGH) set a new record with 280 calls in the 2022 cruise season, ending it with a positive outlook.

According to a press release, so far Hamburg has received 280 calls by 49 different ships from 20 cruise lines, ten maiden calls, one christening and roughly 750,000 passengers as well as 41 calls by river cruise ships.

“After two years of pandemic-related restrictions, cruise shipping in Hamburg has made a strong comeback,” commented Simone Maraschi, managing director of CGH.

“At 280 calls the 2022 cruise season has seen the most calls ever at Hamburg, surpassing even pre-pandemic levels (2019: 210 calls). We are very happy about the high demand for cruises departing from Hamburg. For us, it is proof that the enormous efforts and the adaptability demonstrated by the entire industry during the COVID-19 pandemic are truly appreciated.”

CGH is expecting an even better cruise season in 2023. The port expects another record number of calls (283) and a further 37 calls by river cruise ships.

Apart from that, cruise fans in Hamburg can look forward to multiple entertainment events including eight maiden calls scheduled for 2023 as well as a celebration of the 834th port anniversary. 

Hamburg is also working on strengthening its position as one of Europe’s most sustainable ports. 

Jens Meier, CEO of the Hamburg Port Authority AöR, said: “Ports play a crucial role in decarbonization and keeping the air clean. Shore-side electricity enables us to significantly reduce ships’ emissions while they are docking at the Port of Hamburg.

“By rapidly expanding its shore power facilities, the Port of Hamburg shows its commitment to protecting the environment and takes account of the expectations Hamburg’s citizens have of a city port. We are looking forward to being one of Europe’s first ports to offer both cruise ships and container vessels shore-based power at the berth in 2025.”

In 2022, 30 cruise ships relied on the Altona shore power station. In 2023, 12 more ships will undergo integration tests so they can become certified and use the shore power station while they’re docked.