Tag Archives: MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises set to double UK capacity next autumn

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MSC Cruises set to double UK capacity next autumn

By Hollie-Rae Merrick

MSC Cruises is set to double its capacity from the UK in autumn next year, with a second ship operating out of Southampton.

The line’s product and operations director Oliviero Morelli said the decision demonstrated a commitment to the British market.

The cruise line is sending a second ship, MSC Magnifica, to join MSC Opera in Southampton, for four seven-night cruises in September and October 2014.

The seven-night cruises, covering five Northern Europe destinations including Zeebrugge, Amsterdam and Hamburg, will start from £429.

Morelli said: “MSC continues demonstrating its commitment to the British market by bringing a second and bigger ship to the English shores for the very first time.

“In addition to MSC Opera already based in Southampton during the summer 2014, MSC Magnifica is providing additional capacity to a market that has considerably grown in the recent years.

“MSC Cruises has also seen a sustained increase of its own bookings and, with MSC Magnifica, is hoping to respond to the demand of its own customers.”

The vessel has a maximum capacity of 2,518 guests, with a choice of 17 bars and five restaurants on board.

The cruises include free parking in Southampton or free coach transfers. The sailings will embark from Southampton on September 17, September 24, October 1 and October 8.

Royal Caribbean, MSC further restrict smoking

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Royal Caribbean, MSC further restrict smoking

By Tom Stieghorst
Two cruise lines have announced new restrictions on smoking.

Royal Caribbean International has done away with smoking on stateroom balconies, leaving Norwegian Cruise Line as the only major holdout.

In addition, Royal Caribbean extended its ban on smoking to almost all indoor areas except the casino, which will have a designated nonsmoking section.

However, on select cruises departing from China, a nonsmoking section in the casino will not be available.

Smoking is allowed in the cigar bars on Freedom- and Voyager-class ships and in The Vault, a nightclub on Voyager of the Seas.

The changes take effect starting Jan. 1.

Separately, MSC Cruises said that starting Nov. 2, when the MSC Divina departs Venice on a repositioning cruise to Miami, it will limit smoking on that ship to the Cigar Lounge and the port side of designated outdoor decks.

Smoking won’t be permitted in the Top Sail or Black & White lounges or in the MSC Yacht Club area.

In addition, the casino will become nonsmoking, although MSC said the casino manager at his discretion may allow some players to smoke in clearly designated areas.

Divina is scheduled to sail year round from Miami.

Former Costa president named MSC Cruises boss

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Former Costa president named MSC Cruises boss

Former Costa president named MSC Cruises bossFormer Costa Cruises president Gianni Onorato is moving to Italian rival MSC Cruises as chief executive.

He takes up the new role on September 2, with current chief executive Pierfrancesco Vago stepping up to become executive chairman.

Vago will continue to lead the privately-owned cruise company, while scaling up the scope of his duties, MSC said.

“From his new position, he will also oversee all the other companies of the MSC group that have strategic relevance to the tourism sector,” the company said.

Onorato, who stood down from Costa in June after more than nine years as president, has almost 30 years experience in the cruise industry.

He said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed to this exciting role and I am also particularly excited to move to Geneva, where the MSC Cruises headquarters is based.”

“I will do everything I can to add value to the company and help MSC Cruises maximise its industry-leading position. I look forward to starting work with the management team in this significant moment of the company’s growth.”

MSC Cruises runs a fleet of 12 ships and confirmed in July that former Carnival UK sales and customer delivery director Giles Hawke was joining as UK managing director on November 13.