Tag Archives: MSC Divina

MSC Cruises to Upgrade Ocean Cay with Extended Pier

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MSC Cruises to Upgrade Ocean Cay with Extended Pier

MSC Cruises has announced upgrades to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the cruise line’s private island in The Bahamas.

The island will receive new facilities to enhance the guest experience and an extended pier to accommodate two ships calling simultaneously, due for completion in late 2027.

Ocean Cay opened in late 2019 and became a guest-favorite destination on MSC Cruises’ Caribbean itineraries.

The cruise line transformed the former industrial site into a private island destination.

Guests visiting the island from late 2027 can expect new restaurants and bars, a dedicated adults-only beach, a fully equipped family lagoon and more cabanas available to rent.

Four new dining experiences will be added to the island, bringing the total to seven venues.

A signature specialty restaurant will be added alongside new buffets and food market options.

Seakers Cove Family Beach will receive an upgrade with new experiences, including a kids’ playground, a splashpad and a ropes course with water elements. The area will also feature ping-pong and foosball.

Paradise Sands, an exclusive retreat for adults, will allow adults to relax by day before the space then transforms into a spot to sip cocktails and let loose at sunset.

The new MSC Foundation Shifting Perspective Experience will invite guests to explore marine conservation through hands-on experiences, from coral restoration to interactive exploration of ocean ecosystems.

Ocean Cay was designated a Hope Spot by Mission Blue in 2023, recognized as an area of key importance in supporting biodiversity and safeguarding sea life.

Construction work has begun on extending the pier to accommodate two ships.

Currently, one vessel can dock directly at Ocean Cay, but the pier extension will allow two ships to dock simultaneously.

Work continues on developing a second private island destination adjacent to Ocean Cay.

This island, known internally as Little Cay, will offer pristine beaches and luxury facilities.

MSC USA: Readying for Big Moves

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“We’re excited about how the product is positioned in the U.S. market with very clear points of distinction, with our European style and American comfort, and how we bring that together,” said Lynn Torrent, executive vice president and chief commercial officer.

Torrent said MSC had tweaked the product for U.S. passengers and was gaining ground on marketing and driving wider brand awareness ahead of the MSC World America’s arrival in Miami this spring.

“We’re expanding our U.S. deployment,” she continued. “We’re adding Galveston this year, a second ship in Port Canaveral and sailing to Alaska from Seattle in 2026.”

Much of the immediate focus has been revealing feature after feature on the new World America for her Miami-based deployment of week-long cruises. These include a new sports bar concept and a comedy club, in addition to the first Eataly at Sea concept which will feature dishes and cocktails only available on the World America.

A new terminal with shore power will be awaiting World America in Miami, and a second new terminal will be ready for the MSC Seascape in Texas.

“We’re investing significant yin marketing and trade sales support in Texas,” said Torrent.

More ships in the market mean MSC has the attention of travel advisors, said Torrent, and continues to enhance tools and training options. Travel agents can benefit from lunch-and-learn seminars, virtual training, and more. Torrent said the company had a lot of on-the-ground support for advisors in Texas.

While Torrent focuses heavily on North American deployed ships, the company is also busy sourcing guests for cruises in Europe and elsewhere.

“We have a significant offering in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, and the World Europa and Euribia have driven more interest. The Yacht Club is popular with American guests looking for a premium, unforgettable experience.”

2026 brings more deployment and more berths to the U.S. market, as MSC will debut in Alaska, with the Poesia offering a week-long program from May to September.

“Alaska is a marquee destination. It completes our global portfolio,” Torrent said. “We think there is a lot of demand globally for Alaska. There is significant momentum already.”

Excerpt from the Cruise Industry News Quarterly Magazine Winter 2024-25

MSC Cruises Introduces Summer 2024 ‘Stay & Cruise’ Program

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MSC Cruises announced its new summer 2024 “Stay & Cruise” program, offering guests the chance to extend their seven-night sailing into a nine or 10-night voyage, according to a statement. 

 The add-on packages are available for sailings on 11 MSC ships at five destinations; Athens, Venice, Rome, Miami and New York.

Travellers can add two nights’ accommodation with breakfast before or after their seven-night voyage at a 4-star hotel in Athens, Venice and Rome or a 3-star hotel in Miami, plus the option for two or three nights at a 4-star hotel in New York.

All “Stay & Cruise” packages offer a half-day excursion to explore the city’s attractions.

 Ground transfers from airports to hotels are included for guests staying before the cruise and from the hotel to the ship.  Additionally, for guests staying after the cruise, transfers from the ship to the hotel and from the hotel to the airport are also included.

 The offer applies to the MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia, MSC Musica, MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview from Civitavecchia for an extended stay in Rome before or after a cruise.

 The add-on package to explore Venice is available pre- or post-cruise onboard the MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica and MSC Sinfonia from Marghera-Venice. Additionally, guests sailing on the MSC Opera, departing from the port of Piraeus, can extend their vacation in Athens.

 The program is available for Caribbean itineraries on the MSC Seascape departing from Miami with an additional two-day stay in the city.

 Guests sailing onboard the MSC Meraviglia can also extend their trip pre-cruise in New York before the ship sets sail.

An add-on package for Istanbul will also be available soon for MSC Cruises’ winter 2024-25 ‘Stay & Cruise’ program.