MSC Close to Megaship Deal with STX

Posted on 20 February, 2014 by Spacejunkie2

MSC Cruises is close to a newbuilding contract with STX France for two megaships with an option for two additional vessels, according to French media.

French reports quote a total budget of 2.4 billion euro for ships well over 4,000 passengers each.

Quoted is MSC France CEO Erminio Eschena, who said he was looking at the situation with “some confidence” and was optimistic.

He continued that MSC was still in talks with yards, looking for a fair price, and a decision is expected before April to target a delivery date to get the first ship in service before the end of 2016.

MSC Cruises appoints commercial director for UK

Posted on 17 February, 2014 by Spacejunkie2

By Hollie-Rae Merrick

MSC Cruises appoints commercial director for UK

MSC Cruises has appointed a commercial director for the UK and Ireland, following Giles Hawke’s promotion to executive director.

It was announced earlier this month that Hawke would take on the broader role across English speaking markets.

The cruise line has now appointed Lee Strongitharm for the newly created position of commercial director.

Strongitharm will take up his role in April and joins from Carnival UK.

Hawke said: “Lee brings with him a very impressive track record of achieving profitable growth from the UK marketplace in both air and cruise sectors which will be fundamental for MSC Cruises future ambitions.

“I am delighted to welcome him to lead our very talented team in UK and Ireland.”

The cruise line has also announced a number of other changes to their leadership.

From March 20, the current product director Oliviero Morelli will take up the position of managing director for MSC Cruises Japan.

Lorenzo Diamantini will be moving from his role as sales director for Ireland. He will be moving to Geneva to take up the position of deputy executive director for Anglo Saxon markets, reporting to Hawke.

Stephen Moffett will add Ireland to his remit as sales director.

Hawke added: “Oliviero and Lorenzo have both worked for MSC Cruises for a number of years and these promotions reflect their contribution and achievements within the UK and Irish business.

“They will both be missed and will be great assets to the markets in their new roles. Stephen’s broader responsibility reflects his contribution to the UK business and gives him greater scope to use his experience and expertise within the UK and Ireland.”

Sabine Ficek, finance director, and Alessandra Pierleoni, marketing director, continue their roles within the UK and Ireland leadership structure.

MSC Cruises to sail to Asia

Posted on 9 January, 2014 by Spacejunkie2

MSC Cruises will be making a splash in Asia for the first time ever, when MSC Orchestra sets sail on an all-inclusive voyage from Dubai to Perth next year.

In 2015, the company’s 33-night cruise – departing in February – will stop off in Mumbai and Cochin, India; Colombo in Sri Lanka; Langkawi in Malaysia; Singapore; and Bali, according to Travel Weekly.

The colourful schedule will also take in the best of Australia in the final leg of the month-long cruise, with stops scheduled in Cairns Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Fremantle.

Highlighting the emphasis placed on Asia during the voyage, Singapore represents one of two scheduled overnight stops, with Sydney making up the other.

According to the company, there has already been keen interest among passengers in the new itinerary.

Giles Hawke, MSC’s managing director for UK and Ireland, told the news provider: “We have had a number of our past passengers asking for an itinerary which will take them to the Far East and Australia and this gives them exactly what they are looking for.”