MSC Cruises Invests in North America, Building up in the Market
In 2024, MSC Cruises is focusing on expanding its presence in the North American market. Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, stated that the company is investing more in North America with various initiatives. This includes the Meraviglia’s year-round program out of New York, the Magnifica sailing short cruises out of Miami, and the expansion of Ocean Cay. By winter 2023-2024, MSC Cruises will have five ships servicing North America. These efforts are part of the groundwork for the launch of the World America in early 2025, which will accommodate 5,400 guests.
Furthermore, MSC Cruises is finalizing its new venture in Galveston, which is set to happen in 2025. Onorato emphasized the company’s ambition to secure its share of the North American market. MSC Cruises has made significant investments in marketing, brand awareness, and systems for the travel advisor community to support its growth in the region. Although there will be no newbuild in 2024, MSC Cruises’ capacity will still increase by 7 percent.
Investments in the North American market go beyond ships. MSC Cruises is also focusing on supporting infrastructure such as Ocean Cay, as well as new terminals in Miami, Barcelona, and the port in Durban. These developments demonstrate the company’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and appealing cruise experience in North America.
Exciting Return to China: MSC Cruises Announces New Ships for 2023-2024
Returning to China, MSC Cruises plans to debut the Bellissima, marking the first ship from an international company to sail in the country. The Splendida will also join the Chinese market later in the year. Both ships will rotate between China and Japan, showcasing MSC Cruises’ commitment to building up in the region. The company sees great potential in the Chinese market and aims to capitalize on the growing demand for cruising in the area.
In addition to the Asian market, the Mediterranean remains a key region for MSC Cruises. The company currently has three ships sailing week-long cruises in the Mediterranean this winter. Major source markets for MSC Cruises in the region include Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and the UK. Southampton serves as a base for one of MSC Cruises’ ships, the Euribia, offering convenient access for UK travelers.
MSC Commits to More World Class Vessels, Emphasizing Sustainability
MSC Cruises has committed to two additional World Class vessels, demonstrating its confidence in the market’s recovery and future demand for cruising. The company has officially partnered with Chantiers de l’Atlantique for a third ship in 2026, a fourth in 2027, and an option for a fifth ship. This commitment showcases MSC Cruises’ drive to expand its fleet despite the limited ship orders since the pandemic began.
Furthermore, these new World Class vessels will be equipped to use alternative fuels such as bio and synthetic methane, as well as green methanol. MSC Cruises strives to be at the forefront of sustainability efforts in the cruise industry. By investing in new technologies and alternative fuels, the company aims to meet its sustainability goals for 2030 and 2050. Onorato emphasized that sustainability is a crucial factor in MSC Cruises’ decision-making process, and the company is confident that new scalable solutions for alternative fuels will become available.
CEO Gianni Onorato: Optimistic Outlook for MSC Cruises in 2024
Despite economic uncertainties, MSC Cruises remains optimistic about its outlook for 2024. Onorato highlighted the cruise industry’s resilience during tough times, emphasizing the value for money and potential advantages for cruise companies during economic distress. He expressed confidence in the cruise industry’s ability to adapt and meet consumers’ needs, especially considering the normalization of the booking window, which will benefit MSC Cruises in 2024.
Additionally, Onorato mentioned that MSC Cruises has seen a normalized crew turnover rate, indicating increased stability within the company. While MSC Cruises continues to focus on efficiency, the CEO highlighted the positive impact of returning to a normal booking window. These factors contribute to MSC Cruises’ positive outlook for the upcoming year.
MSC Cruises Sees Normalized Turnover and Return to Normal Booking Window in 2024
A significant development for MSC Cruises in 2024 is the normalized turnover rate among its crew members. This stability within the crew is a positive sign for the company, indicating a more harmonious working environment and potentially leading to enhanced guest experiences.
Additionally, 2024 marks the return of a normal booking window for MSC Cruises after the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Having a normal booking window allows the company to plan and execute its operations more effectively, enhancing the overall guest experience and ensuring better coordination across all aspects of the cruise experience.
These developments, alongside other positive factors such as MSC Cruises’ investments in marketing, brand awareness, and infrastructure, make the company optimistic about its prospects for 2024. MSC Cruises is confident in its ability to adapt to changing market dynamics and customer preferences, positioning itself for success in the coming year.
Analyst comment
Positive news: MSC Cruises Invests in North America, Building up in the Market, Exciting Return to China: MSC Cruises Announces New Ships for 2023-2024, MSC Commits to More World Class Vessels, Emphasizing Sustainability, CEO Gianni Onorato: Optimistic Outlook for MSC Cruises in 2024, MSC Cruises Sees Normalized Turnover and Return to Normal Booking Window in 2024
Short analysis: With investments in North America and China, the addition of new ships, and a commitment to sustainability, MSC Cruises is positioning itself for growth and success in 2024. The company’s focus on expanding its fleet and improving the guest experience, combined with a positive outlook for the cruise industry, suggests a promising future for MSC Cruises in the market.
