January 2024
NCL Unveil Details of Autumn and Winter 2025/26 Voyages
NORWEGIAN Cruise Line have unveiled details of the cruise- line’s new fall and winter 2025/26 voyages. Continuing the positive trend from
recent years, the Company experienced strong sales in November as a result from the ongoing demand for cruising. The newly released season of sailings
features several ships making their debut in new destinations, including Norwegian Sun visiting new ports in Asia for the first time, including Kyoto (Kobe), Japan; the all-new Norwegian Viva homeporting for the first time in Galveston, Texas for a series of Caribbean voyages; and much more.
MSC Cruises Announces Two Title Sponsorships of 2024 Formula 1 Grand Prix
MSC Cruises announced that it will be the title sponsor of two 2024 Formula 1 World Championship Grand Prix – Japanese Grand Prix and Gran Premio dell’Emilia Romagna held in Imola, Italy. The cruise line’s brand will be included in the name of these two iconic Formula 1
Grand Prix next year – this is in addition to the usual track branding as part of MSC Cruises’ global sponsorship. MSC Cruises has been a Global Partner of Formula 1 since 2022, when the cruise
line entered into a multi-year collaboration.
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CRUISE NEWS | 59
Princess Cruises Appoints Captains for Star Princess
PRINCESS Cruises announced the two captains who will serve as masters of the line’s second, sensational Sphere Class cruise ship, Star Princess, during an official keel laying ceremony in Monfalcone, Italy. Captain Gennaro serves
Arma, currently as who the newbuild
site lead for the construction of both Sun Princess and Star Princess, will be master of the 17th Princess ship when she debuts in the summer of 2025, bringing her into service from the shipyard. When Captain Arma is on leave, Commodore Nick Nash will take over the navigation and leadership of Star Princess. “It is my privilege to introduce and congratulate the masters of the stunning new Star Princess,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president.
“Captain Arma and
Commodore Nash have remarkable histories with Princess, and will
provide great experience and excellent leadership on our newest vessel.” Commodore Nick Nash, a 33-year veteran of Princess Cruises, was
promoted to the rank of commodore of the line’s global fleet in 2020. He currently serves as captain of Enchanted Princess, having navigated the ship out of the Fincantieri shipyard for the first time. Commodore Nash first joined the company in 1989 and was promoted to staff captain in 1997. In 2002, he became captain and has been at the helm of many Princess vessels. Commodore Nash also has served as President of the Nautical Institute and after two years, now serves on the council. He was awarded the United Kingdom’s Merchant Navy Medal for meritorious service in 2018. He is a Chartered Master Mariner, a Fellow of The Nautical Institute, The Royal Institute of Navigation, The Royal Geographical Society and a Younger Brother of Trinity House. Captain Gennaro Arma has always been passionate about the sea. He began his career with Princess Cruises in 1998 as a Cadet and moved up the ranks achieving his first command as Captain of Sea Princess in 2015, where he navigated the ship on two world cruises. He took the helm of Diamond Princess in 2018 and in 2020 and was honoured with the recognition of Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, the highest of the orders of the Italian Republic, and selected among the 20 most influential Italian characters of the year by Vanity Fair in December 2020. Arma has also received the title of Magister of Amalfi Civilization for the Byzantine New Year, the Emanuela Loi award for courage, and the Assarmatori prize from the Italian Maritime Association awarded by the Minister of Transportation. He most recently served as captain of Discovery Princess. He was born in Sorrento, Italy, where he lives with his wife Mariana and his son Diego. Star Princess makes her debut in August 2025 in the Mediterranean, with cruises on sale now.
MSC Cruises is shedding light on five important travel trends that are driving guest holiday decisions for 2024 and beyond. The leading global cruise line observes heightened demand for products that offer extended stays in destinations, holidays rich
in cultural experiences, upgraded
adventures with touches of luxury, sustained enthusiasm for Europe’s vibrant cities, and guests looking for the biggest experience- value return.
LINGER FOR LONGER Cruise travellers are increasingly
expressing a desire for more time in their destinations, and itineraries with extended or overnight port calls are gaining popularity. This extra time ensures guests can truly explore their destinations in an authentic and leisurely way, allowing enough time to soak up unique cultures, savour local flavours and explore everything a destination has to offer. Many of MSC Cruises’ 2024 itineraries
feature full-day or overnight stays in highly sought-after destinations,
including the
Greek Island of Mykonos, Dubai in the UAE, and the line’s own private island in The Bahamas – Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. These extended stays allow ample time for guests to explore at their own leisure, whether it’s relaxing in the slow pace of life in the Greek islands, shopping in one of the
MSC Cruises Shares Five Travel Trends Expected For 2024 and Beyond CULTURAL EXPLORATION
world’s fashion hubs, or taking in an after- dark lighthouse show in The Bahamas.
The new year sees a heightened eagerness among travellers to explore diverse cultures and experience new destinations. Travellers are no longer content with just visiting well- known tourist attractions; instead, they seek to experience destinations in a way that reflects the local lifestyle. In 2024, MSC Cruises will offer itineraries
to trending destinations that are full of rich cultural heritage and history to discover around every corner. MSC Bellissima will sail in Asia, giving guests the chance to explore the art, history and traditions along with the present-day vitality of Japan and China. For those who want to experience the Middle East, MSC Virtuosa will sail the region with stops in cultural hubs including Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE and Doha in Qatar. While those eager to dive into the unique history and traditions of Scandinavia and the Baltic region can opt for a cruise on MSC Poesia next summer.
UPGRADED EXPERIENCES Globally,
seeking more
travellers are increasingly exclusive
and luxurious
experiences, aiming to transform their annual holiday into truly unforgettable and
indulgent adventures that result in lifelong memories. Addressing this desire, MSC Cruises offers the MSC Yacht Club—an elevated cruising experience within the ship. First introduced in 2008, this concept has gained immense popularity, leading to its expansion across 14 of the line’s ships. Guests in the MSC Yacht Club can take advantage of everything from 24-hour butler service and lavish suites to private lounges and a dedicated high-end restaurant, while also benefitting from easy access to the array of entertainment, dining options and facilities offered throughout the rest of the ship. Those MSC Yacht Club guests sailing to private island destinations such as Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and Sir Bani Yas are also treated to upgraded on-island experiences such as exclusive access to private beaches, elevated dining options and facilities.
EUROPEAN CITY ESCAPE
Travellers are more enthusiastic than ever to delve into the vibrant cities of Europe. These urban destinations offer a well- rounded appeal, featuring an abundance of historic sights, culinary experiences, diverse shopping options, renowned attractions, and immersive opportunities to engage with local culture.
MSC Cruises is the market leader in
Europe, providing a growing number of itineraries that allow guests to explore a variety of different active urban hubs all on one journey without the need to repack their suitcase. From the iconic landmarks of Paris (Le Havre), London (Southampton), and Amsterdam in Northern Europe to the historical vibrancy of Rome and Barcelona in the Mediterranean, MSC Cruises delivers an unparalleled exploration of Europe’s dynamic urban landscapes.
ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE-VALUE RETURN
Cruising is gaining popularity among those who have never sailed before, with more Gen-X and Millennials considering taking a cruise holiday for the first time. More and more individuals are recognizing the inherent value of a cruise holiday compared to alternative land-based options. Couples, families or groups of friends can choose itineraries containing multiple must- see destinations. Those who sail with MSC Cruises can tailor their time ashore with a plethora of different shore excursions to really see the best of a destination, and once back onboard, seamlessly transition between a different dining venue each meal, see a different full-scale theatre production each evening and relax in outstanding wellness facilities – all with unbeatable value.
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