Tag Archives: MSC

MSC Melody for sale

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MSC Melody for sale

The future of MSC Cruises’ Melody cruise liner hangs in the balance, with the holiday provider reportedly listening to a number of offers for the vessel.

First built in 1982, the ship is something of an old favourite for fans of the firm, with some 15 years of sailing to its name as part of the company’s fleet.

The vessel is currently tied up at the port of Naples in Italy, with MSC Cruises currently debating its next step.

News of the plans first broke on the Seatrade Insider yesterday with a company insider revealing this latest development in an interview with the news provider.

“Melody is up for sale but has not yet been sold,” the spokesperson explained.

No additional information has yet been provided on the potential sale, with negotiations currently continuing in private.

The MSC Melody is the latest liner to seemingly be heading for the scrapheap, following closely on from the recently retired Ocean Countess.

MSC Cruises retires its smallest ship, the Melody

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MSC Cruises retires its smallest ship, the Melody

By Tom Stieghorst
MSC Cruises said it has withdrawn the 1,000-passenger MSC Melody from its fleet.

Melody has sailed for MSC since 1995, when it was acquired as the Starship Atlantic. It is the smallest ship in the MSC fleet.

In a statement, MSC said the move affirms its decision to focus on cutting-edge service and reflects a continued commitment to comfort, elegance and technology across the fleet.

Passengers booked on the Melody for 2013 will get a variety of cruise options, including upgrades on newer ships, and will be contacted over the next few days, either directly or through agents, MSC said.

MSC Cruises revises 2013 commission levels

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MSC Cruises revises 2013 commission levels

By Melanie Hall

MSC Cruises revises 2013 commission levels

MSC Cruises has decided not to follow its competitors by introducing a flat rate of commission for agents.

The cruiseline announced it would opt for a variable commission rate of 10%-14% and is also scrapping its 5% online discount.

It said in a statement that the new commission levels have been set “according to season and product”.

MSC said the new rates “will remain competitive within the market”, adding that it will offer more marketing support, together with a “lucrative” overrides scheme.

The cruise line said it is setting up the new commission levels after completing commercial agreements with travel agents.

It also told agents that as part of the 2013 commercial agreements, they must stop discounting “as this is confusing customers and causing frustration among the trade”.

Giulio Libutti, MSC Cruises UK and Ireland managing director, said: “MSC Cruises will take appropriate action if agents continue to discount MSC Cruises product. I hope this move will bring more clarity and a level playing field to the market.”