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 appoints commercial director for UK

Posted on 17 February, 2014 by Spacejunkie2

By Hollie-Rae Merrick

MSC Cruises appoints commercial director for UK

MSC Cruises has appointed a commercial director for the UK and Ireland, following Giles Hawke’s promotion to executive director.

It was announced earlier this month that Hawke would take on the broader role across English speaking markets.

The cruise line has now appointed Lee Strongitharm for the newly created position of commercial director.

Strongitharm will take up his role in April and joins from Carnival UK.

Hawke said: “Lee brings with him a very impressive track record of achieving profitable growth from the UK marketplace in both air and cruise sectors which will be fundamental for MSC Cruises future ambitions.

“I am delighted to welcome him to lead our very talented team in UK and Ireland.”

The cruise line has also announced a number of other changes to their leadership.

From March 20, the current product director Oliviero Morelli will take up the position of managing director for MSC Cruises Japan.

Lorenzo Diamantini will be moving from his role as sales director for Ireland. He will be moving to Geneva to take up the position of deputy executive director for Anglo Saxon markets, reporting to Hawke.

Stephen Moffett will add Ireland to his remit as sales director.

Hawke added: “Oliviero and Lorenzo have both worked for MSC Cruises for a number of years and these promotions reflect their contribution and achievements within the UK and Irish business.

“They will both be missed and will be great assets to the markets in their new roles. Stephen’s broader responsibility reflects his contribution to the UK business and gives him greater scope to use his experience and expertise within the UK and Ireland.”

Sabine Ficek, finance director, and Alessandra Pierleoni, marketing director, continue their roles within the UK and Ireland leadership structure.

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.