ITALIAN AMERICAN MSC increases focus on North American market
Posted on 11/20/2015
MSC Cruises celebrated the arrival of MSC Divina to Miami, where it will sail year-round to the Caribbean. The return to Miami marks a significant milestone for the company as it increases its focus on the North American market.
The cruise ship spent this past summer in the Mediterranean, following her inaugural Caribbean season sailing from Miami from November 2013 - April 2015. MSC Cruises announced that sales for its next-generation cruise ship MSC Seaside will open on December 15th; two years ahead of her debut in December 2017. MSC Seaside, which will join MSC Divina in sailing from a newly renovated and expanded dedicated berth and terminal at PortMiami, will be the first MSC Cruises’ ship to head directly to the US from the shipyard, and be the first MSC Cruises’ ship to be christened in the US.
“MSC Cruises is embarking on an ambitious growth plan that includes seven planned new builds that will allow us to expand our geographical footprint to new destinations and double our capacity by 2022,” said Rick Sasso, president of MSC Cruises USA. “We’ve already seen significant interest from North Americans in MSC Cruises unique ‘Mediterranean Style Cruising’ experience and MSC Divina sailing year-round from Miami, coupled with the opening of sales for the ground breaking MSC Seaside represents a new chapter for MSC Cruises as we grow in this region.” With the ship’s return to Miami, the cruise line will continue to make enhancements to MSC Divina’s offerings for a North American audience.
This season, MSC Cruises is introducing four new shows to its award-winning entertainment line-up on MSC Divina, including “Treasure Island,” “The Voices,” “Swing” and “The Mask.” In addition, MSC Divina will feature new musicians and bands specifically selected for the US market to play in bars and lounges, as well as new themed parties such as a fun, weekly “fluo” party (a glow-in-the-dark party), and a “snow” party with a snow cannon. MSC Divina will also launch a new offering, in partnership with Blend Craft Wines, called “Boutique Winery Tastings.” Guests will have the chance to try rare wines from award-winning boutique wineries and can then order many of the wines to be shipped directly to their home.
