Neil Palomba Named EVP, Operations, MSC Cruises USA

Neil Palomba has been named executive vice president of operations for MSC Cruises USA, while Josef Jungwirth has been named vice president of food and beverage operations, reporting to Palomba.

“As a testament to our continued growth in the U.S. and focus on providing an exceptional onboard experience, we are pleased to welcome Neil Palomba and Josef Jungwirth to our U.S. Operations Team,” the company said.

Palomba will lead the operations function for the line’s U.S.-based ships and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

He held several positions from 1996 to 2013 with MSC Cruises, including Chief Operating Officer in Fort Lauderdale for MSC Cruises USA from 2006-2010, and then relocating to Geneva, Switzerland where he led multiple corporate functions. Most recently, Palomba served as President for Costa Crociere in Genova, Italy and Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for Carnival Cruise Line in Miami, FL.

Jungwirth will take on the role of vice president, of food & beverage operations, at MSC Cruises USA, reporting to Palomba. He brings more than 25 years of food & beverage operations experience to the role. Previously, Jungwirth spent 11 years as the Corporate Executive Chef at Sandals Resort International and 14 years at Royal Caribbean International where he oversaw the development of the company’s annual business objectives for culinary operations.

MSC Cruises Introduces 7 Districts on World America

MSC Cruises announced seven distinct districts onboard its upcoming ship, the MSC World America, designed to provide tailored experiences, set to launch in 2025.

From a dedicated family area or tranquil zen area to a busy promenade with entertainment, shops and bars, guests can choose among a variety of options to relax.

Combining bars, restaurants, entertainment and leisure facilities, each district will be tailored to the needs and moods and desires of guests throughout their time onboard.

MSC World America’s seven districts include:

MSC Yacht Club: MSC Cruises’ ship-within-a-ship experience opens up to guests staying in this secluded retreat with keycard-only access. This relaxed and elegant atmosphere offers personalized service with 24/7 butler service, priority embarkation and disembarkation, exclusive lounge and dining areas and more.

Family Aventura: Located at the top of the ship, Family Aventura features The Harbour, a new outdoor park for families. The park will feature a new attraction never before seen at sea that will soon be revealed, along with a family dwelling area and a playground modeled after the lighthouse at Ocean Cay island.

Aqua Deck: Home to the ship’s two main pools, the Aqua Deck offers experiences such as wellness offerings in the morning and parties at night.

Zen Area: The adults-only Zen Area, located at the stern of the ship, offers the ideal space for sunbathing, waterside lounging and taking in breathtaking ocean views.

Galleria: In the central heart of the ship is the Galleria, offering dining options, exclusive shopping, games, live music at the Dolce Vita Bar and more.

The Terraces: Featuring nine restaurants and bars, four retail shops and a comedy club, The Terraces offer a diverse range of entertainment from DJ sets to comedy.

Promenade: The half-covered outdoor promenade on deck 8, the area has plenty to offer. From morning coffee at the Emporium coffee bar to drinks and dinners with spectacular water views, the Promenade has something for every guest.

MSC’s Ocean Cay to Close Temporarily for Upgrades

MSC Cruises will be temporarily closing its private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, in 2024, to help prepare the island for the company’s growth plans.

“Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will be temporarily closed to MSC Cruises guests from April 7 to May 22, 2024, in order to make necessary guest experience enhancements and support the island’s future growth plans,” the company said in a statement.

“We are in contact with impacted guests and travel advisors to share updated itineraries and travel options,” MSC added.

Of note, the new World America debuts from PortMiami in early 2025 and will be the largest MSC ship to visit Ocean Cay.