Tag Archives: MSC Seascape

MSC to Deploy 7 Ships in U.S. and the Caribbean for Summer 2028

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MSC to Deploy 7 Ships in U.S. and the Caribbean for Summer 2028

MSC Cruises recently revealed its plans for the 2028 summer season in North America and the Caribbean, which includes itineraries onboard seven ships.

According to a press release, the deployment is highlighted by the first full year of service of the MSC World Atlantic.

After entering service in late 2027, the new World-class ship will continue to sail from Port Canaveral during the summer, offering seven-night cruises to the Caribbean.

The World Atlantic will be joined in Central Florida by the MSC Grandiosa, which will offer a series of three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas.

MSC is also deploying two ships in PortMiami during the 2028 summer, with the MSC World America and the MSC Seaside.

The MSC Seascape will continue to sail from Galveston on seven-night itineraries to the Western Caribbean, while the MSC Poesia returns to Alaska for the third consecutive summer.

MSC also announced plans to operate the MSC Opera in the Southern Caribbean during the summer of 2028, with additional deployment details set to be revealed at a later date.

According to the company, the itineraries will be highlighted by overnight stays in its private island destination of Ocean Cay, as well as the debut of Sandy Cay.

“We’re always looking for opportunities to give our guests new ways to experience MSC Cruises’ mix of European style and American comfort, and our Summer 2028 Caribbean itineraries are a great example of that,” said Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America.

“We have sunny getaways available for everyone, whether they’re looking for a quick weekend in The Bahamas, a family vacation aboard one of our fantastic World Class ships, or a bucket-list journey through the gorgeous Southern Caribbean. Plus, guests can look forward to the new experiences we’re building in key destinations like Ocean Cay, Sandy Cay and Catalina Island—all aimed at ensuring they have the best beach days possible,” she added.

Record Day: 10 Cruise Ships in Miami

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According to a press release, PortMiami welcomed a record-breaking 10 cruise ships on Feb. 8.

They were the Carnival Magic, Carnival Sunrise, Zaandam, MSC Seascape, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Gem, Sirena, Icon of the Seas, Independence of the Seas and the Scarlet Lady.

Close to 68,000 passengers were expected during the day, the port said.

“It is no surprise PortMiami and the cruise industry continue to break records,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “PortMiami is the departure choice for all major cruise lines. As a destination, Miami-Dade is undoubtedly the centre of world cruise tourism with incredible weather, culture and unlimited options for exciting experiences.”

The 2025 season is filled with new cruise ships. Among the lineup of ships are Cunard Queen Anne (January 2025), MSC Cruises MSC World America (April 2025), Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Aqua (April 2025), Royal Caribbean International Wonder of the Seas (August 2025), Cunard Queen Elizabeth (October 2025), Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady (October 2025), and Oceania Cruises Allura (November 2025).

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