Vago: ‘Our Capability to Adapt Is Unmatched’

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman, the Cruise Division of MSC Group, highlighted the strengths of MSC Cruises during a speech in New York at the MSC Seascape’s christening on Wednesday.

“Our industry was put in the spotlight just like New York was, but like you in the face of adversity, we came together and steered ourselves on the right course,” Vago said.

He said that cruise lines had developed stringent health protocols that set the standard. While other sectors remained closed, MSC quickly resumed operations, becoming one of the first major cruise lines to sail again when it resumed operations in the summer of 2022.

“Just like New York, we are back stronger than ever. Today, as macroeconomic conditions change, there are valuable lessons to draw from this experience. High inflation, speculation and economic uncertainty are on the rise, but consumers won’t compromise on their right to have a break,” Vago continued.

“Our capability to adapt is unmatched. We offer the best value for money. Despite the uncertainty, we continue growing.”

Despite the growth in new ships, Vago said the industry needs to remind the world that cruising is essential due to its economic impact.

MSC Seascape Arrives in New York City

MSC Cruises’ new MSC Seascape arrived in New York City on Monday, December 5 after a trans-Atlantic crossing from Italy.

The ship arrives in time for its upcoming naming ceremony that will take place on December 7 at the city’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal, according to a press release.

This will be the first ship naming ceremony for an MSC Cruises ship to take place in New York, coming after MSC Cruises added New York City as a new homeport starting in April 2023.

The MSC Seascape will depart from New York and set sail for Miami on December 8 where it will commence its inaugural sailing season with the Eastern and Western Caribbean Sea sailings.

While sailing the Western Caribbean, the ship will make calls in Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Cozumel in Mexico, George Town in the Cayman Islands and Ocho Rios in Jamaica.

On Sunday, December 11,th  MSC Seaspace will embark on a 15-night Caribbean and Bahamas voyage departing from Miami, Florida with calls in Ocean Cay, Bahamas, Nassau, Bahamas, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Puerto Plata/Amber Cove, Dominican Republic and St Thomas, US Virgin islands.

New MSC World Europa Christened in Doha, Qatar

MSC Cruises’ newest ship, the MSC World Europa, was christened on Sunday night in Doha, Qatar.

Together with partners Qatar Airways, the celebrations were said to be part of MSC’s overall commitment to Qatar, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the growth of international tourism there as well as the broader Middle East region, where MSC Cruises is the brand leader.

MSC World Europa is the most innovative and environmentally advanced cruise ship in the MSC Cruises fleet. On top of ground-breaking advances in terms of the reduction of Greenhouse gases.

A long-standing maritime tradition, the official naming ceremony of the ship took place in presence of the Master of the Vessel, Captain Marco Massa and distinguished guests from around the world.

Hosted by comedian, producer and entrepreneur, Hamad Al Amari, event guests from around the world were treated to experiences from local artists, a cutting-edge video-mapping projection onto the ship’s hull, a huge drone show and a grand finale performance by international singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli, presenting his solo work for the first time ever in Doha. His new album is due in early 2023 via Capitol Records.

The night culminated in a firework display against the stunning Doha skyline, and a gourmet gala dinner in the ship’s elegant restaurants.