MSC Cruises Looks to Conquer Northern Europe

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Information Center

MSC Cruises Looks

To Conquer Northern Europe

MSC Lirca

Alongside At Port Everglades

Cruise Information Center Photo

By 2008, Three MSC Cruises’ Ships Will Sail Northern Europe Itineraries

MSC Cruises has its sights set on significantly expanding its presence in the Northern Europe cruise market.

Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO for MSC Cruises, detailed the line’s Northern Europe expansion program at a May 18 press conference in Copenhagen. A key element of the program is a continued strong relationship between MSC Cruises and SAS (Scandinavian Airlines).

Successful summer seasons have made MSC Cruises a leader in Northern Europe. Due to continued interest and increased demand, MSC has doubled its capacity in the region this summer, with both MSC Lirica and MSC Rhapsody offering new and exclusive itineraries.

"We believe in the success of our Northern Europe cruise program. MSC Lirica and MSC Rhapsody symbolize the elegance and style of MSC Cruises," said Vago. "In 2007 MSC Opera will also be positioned to sail in Northern Europe, while in 2008 we will have three ships there – MSC Melody, MSC Opera and MSC Poesia – with the potential to carry a total of 126,000 passengers."

During this expansion program, it is anticipated that:

The total number of Italian cruise passengers in Northern Europe will increase from 8,500 in 2004 to 126,000 in 2008;

The number of port calls in Northern Europe will grow four times, from 12 in 2004 to 44 in 2008.

"These are very significant numbers for our exclusive partner SAS and the local tourist economy," Vago said. "The number of airline tickets from Italy to Scandinavia for MSC Cruises’ passengers is expected to increase from 1,020 in 2004 to 17,000 for 2008. Plus, thanks to the promotions carried out by MSC Cruises, Scandinavians are booking more Mediterranean cruises, with the 4,900 cruising passengers in 2005 expected to increase 144 percent to more than 12,000 in 2008."

Research indicates that those joining cruises in Copenhagen spend an average of 120 Euros per person, for a total of 3.8 million Euros.

This season, MSC Rhapsody will cruise for the first time from Amsterdam. Beginning on May 20, 2006, she will offer 7-night itineraries to the Norwegian Fjords plus a new route for the discovery of the Shetland Isles and the Scottish coastline. In June, she will also sail from Amsterdam to the North Cape.

MSC Lirica will be positioned in Copenhagen, where she will sail every week to the Norwegian Fjords and the Baltic Capitals.

"MSC Cruises is looking for market leadership on all fronts as it continues to expand its fleet. By 2009 there will be 12 ships in the fleet, all offering excellent service, the key to the company’s success," says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA).

For additional information on MSC Cruises, please visit their website at MSCcruises.com