NEWS SPECIAL REPORT


MSC outlines ambitions for new fleet as it enters the luxury arena


MSC Cruises recently announced plans for four new luxury ships. The line’s bosses gave the most detail yet about the project at a recent Travel Weekly executive lunch. Harry Kemble reports


MSC Cruises’ chief executive is yet to decide whether to name his ne feet of r esses after its current premium offerin he acht  an asked UK agents for their views.


The line confirmed industry rumours in October that it would be entering the luxury sector by announcing plans to launch four ships from 2023. Speaking at a Travel Weekly


executive lunch for 25 top agents


from the  and Ireland, ianni Onorato said: “The new ships will have a different brand name to the rest of the fleet. That name is yet to be decided, however. Asked if the new luxury ships


would be called The acht Club, he replied: “I don’t know yet. Maybe. hat do you all think Iglu senior vice-president for


global supply Simone Clark said she thought he should keep The acht Club name for the fleet of newer, smaller, more upmarket vessels, since it was established and recognised among the trade and customers. But Onorato confirmed there


would be differences in the new fleet, compared with the luxury area that exists on seven MSC ships. “e want to position it so it will


be like The acht Club, he said. “But the luxury ships will be really different vessels. e said the key difference is the


luxury ships would sail to different destinations and offer multiple durations, with more flexibility. “Our customers are saying they


do not want seven-night cruises – they want something more. That


is why we are investing in luxury, he added. Onorato said there would also


be a major difference in the food and entertainment found on the new luxury ships, compared with that currently offered on the mainstream ones. “There will be extra food options, as well as different – and more – entertainment available. It will be a different experience, more luxurious. Cuisine will feature ‘cultured cooking’. Onorato also hinted that pricing


on the luxury ships would not match that found in MSC acht Club. “The pricing today for MSC acht Club is really not very much money, he said. amilies would be welcome


on board, and Onorato hopes to transfer MSC acht Club passengers to the luxury ships.


Private island


MSC Cruises revealed that guests would be able to spend evenings at its new private island, as well as staying overnight. The line will open Ocean Cay pictured in the Caribbean next year. Onorato said it would offer


“cinema under the stars. “Our guests will be able to watch movies on the beach with the sand between their toes, he said. e also revealed that


couples who want to have “a special night will be able to sleep in private beach accommodation elsewhere on the island. Onorato, who visited Ocean


Cay last month to see trees being planted, confirmed that travel agents would be able to sell a one-night stay on Ocean Cay to customers. “The island will be uniue and an extension of the ship, he added. Onorato explained that his


island was being transformed from a former sand extraction site into a marine reserve and private destination, where more than 100 environmentally friendly structures, such as bars, restaurants and housing, are being built. e said he hoped Ocean Cay would be “an example to other cruise lines who owned private islands, due to its sustainable credentials. e added that the island’s food


offering would be limited because the ships are going to be so close


16travelweekly.co.uk13 December 2018


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