Latest news with #MSCCruises
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'My daughter and I went on holiday together for the first time in 30 years'
The last time I was on holiday with my daughter Kay was 30 years ago when she was a teenager - the less said about that the better. French boys and a bottle of Pastis were involved. Holidays changed when Kay and her sisters flew the nest and I started to enjoy leisurely breaks with my husband Ian, with no fighting in the back of the car. We got hooked on cruises and did Transatlantic crossings, Norway, the Baltic – the memories that keep you going. When I lost Ian after 47 years of marriage, I didn't think I'd go on a cruise again. Holidays on your own in your 70s are a whole new ball game and can test your emotions. So when Kay called and suggested a week's Mediterranean cruise with MSC Cruises, I whooped with delight. We'd be stopping at Majorca, Barcelona, Cannes, Genoa and La Spezia then back to Rome to fly home. Life is very busy for her and we live hours away, so we don't see each other as much as we'd like. I just hoped we wouldn't end up throttling each other. I'd never sailed with MSC Cruises before and first impressions seeing Seaview in Rome were 'wow, it's a big one'. Our balcony cabin was on deck 11, just a hop, skip and a jump away from a glass lift, where you could see out to the stern. This was always Ian's favourite location, watching the wake and the sun set and the coast slip away. My favourite location on Seaview was the champagne bar, where Kay and I caught up on a year's worth of news while looking out on calm waters. It was my idea of ultimate luxury and the most relaxed I've ever felt. It was Kay's first cruise so I'd talked her through the basics, with the different themed evenings to expect. I'd packed a lot more clothes than her but three days in, we'd both completely lost track of our knickers. I also learned not to mention it when Kay put an outfit on that was not quite right. Finding your way around Seaview was initially bewildering but we quickly cracked the route to the two buffet restaurants for breakfast. Big shock: no English breakfast teabags to hand… but attentive staff came to the rescue. I was missing the nectar of the gods because there were no tea-and-coffee-making facilities in our cabin, but the mini bar was put to good use. Buffet dining is convenient, if not the most relaxed experience, but the choice was superb. Still, breakfast in the main dining room, Golden Sands, felt far more civilised, where you place your order (English breakfast tea!), and the speciality restaurants were the bees' knees too. Kay and I are both starved of that experience – eating with another grown-up. My daughter has a reputation for hanging her clothes up on the floor and an annoying habit of leaving cupboards and drawers open and saying things like: 'Have you seen my so-and-so? Have you moved this?' and I was told: 'Will you stop tidying, Mother' countless times as she tried to hurry me out of our cabin to disembark each day, claiming it was quicker getting my grandchildren out the front door. I try to be organised, which you need when you're sharing a smaller space, while Kay has her own ways. But I was impressed with the space in our cabin – the shower was terrific and the balcony the perfect spot for a G&T. Kay to this day denies she snores, but I still managed to sleep well. I tended to go to bed earlier, leaving her to Seaview's late-night parties. One night she quietly stumbled in and the next morning I found toothpaste all over the bathroom floor and a piece of lemon and her cruise card in the sink. Some things never change. That was the same night I tripped over her charger cable on the way to the toilet, then reset my travel alarm clock to the wrong time, so we were accidentally wide awake at 5am. Seaview's decor was amazing and very subtle. I'm not a big fan of steps, but the sparkling Swarovski crystal ones in the atrium were something else, where we listened to live music. But it was lovely simply lounging on the sun deck, talking about holidays with her dad, and planning our next snack. She went off at one point to do Seaview's 425ft zip line – I thought she was incredibly brave and turned down the offer to join her. Cruise ships have come a long way and I was fascinated by the technology on board, with the smart lifts, MSC app and QR codes to access menus but I'm glad Kay was there to assist me. I worried we might get on each other's pip but we had lots of laughs, which are so good for the soul. Instead of being mindful of her children's needs, she was mindful of mine. We met some very interesting people, and it was far more cosmopolitan than the other lines I've used – you only had to hear all the languages over the Tannoy – and I chatted to everyone from Spanish schoolgirls to Japanese couples and handsome Spanish guys. I played my own secret game in the lifts, trying to guess the nationalities. I have so much respect for the multilingual staff. Our waitress, Shilpa, who was starting an eight-month run onboard, was delightful. Kay was mortified when I told another waiter he had lovely hair that looked like crispy seaweed. The animal-themed theatre show we caught onboard was also a hoot, with the best juggler I've ever seen, but I wish we'd booked the earlier show as I was wilting a bit due to all the walking. We did an awful lot of that. Portofino in Italy was my favourite port of call – it was crackingly good, sitting on a sea wall and watching silver fish swimming while eating dollops of lemon and coffee ice cream with my grown-up daughter. You could imagine the celebrities visiting here (Tom Hanks and Michelle Obama are fans) and I was swept away by the Alexander McQueen and Rolex shops. Majorca's shops were more in our price range, where I loved trying on silly sunglasses with Kay and bought a red fedora, which still has chocolate ice cream on it after a cone melted quickly in Cannes. It somehow found its way on to my bag, top and trainers and Kay's hat and rucksack too. Paddling in the sea in Cannes had to be done, although I nearly went my length in the sinky sand. I admit, we tended to be at the back of the excursions – at 76, I was the oldest person on ours. Kay would have preferred to do her faster 'London walk' but slowed down for her poor old mother. It felt like we packed a month's worth of things into a single week. I'd do it again in a heartbeat and I know Kay's dad would have been smiling down on us. The cruise was like a fizzing glass of champagne, with lots of bubbles… and each bubble was a new experience. But my favourite bubble was spending quality time with my daughter. A seven-night MSC Cruises cruise from Rome visiting: Palma de Mallorca (Baleari Is), Spain; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes (Côte d'Azur), France; Genoa (Portofino), Italy; La Spezia (Cinque Terre), Italy costs from £1,399. Visit
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
MSC Cruises plans to take key title back from Royal Caribbean
MSC Cruises hasn't tried to hide the fact that it's trying to lure Royal Caribbean cruisers to try out its unique style of family cruising. A dominant cruise line in Europe, MSC Cruises is relatively new to North America, but determined to quickly establish itself as a cruise line of choice for Americans. Related: Cruise lines face new passenger fee; MSC Cruises brings new thrill The Switzerland-based global cruise line is propelling forward with a major initiative to establish a strong U.S. footprint, and Royal Caribbean cruisers are a key target audience. If that wasn't already clear, this year's launch of MSC World America proved it. MSC World America is MSC's answer to Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship. Both megaships sail seven-night Caribbean cruises from Miami featuring huge thrills and an emphasis on spaces and experiences for kids and families. While Royal Caribbean remains a top choice among U.S. cruisers, MSC Cruises is winning over many by offering cruises at a lower price point than most cruises on Icon of the Seas and newer Royal Caribbean ships. But lower prices aren't the only tactic MSC is using to attract Royal Caribbean cruisers. As MSC Cruises has made moves to compete directly with the cruise lines best known for offering thrilling vacation experiences, it's fueled a growing war of cruise ship thrill rides. That war includes an ongoing battle between Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises for one key title when it comes to cruise ship thrills: world's longest dry slide at sea. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. In late 2022, MSC Cruises claimed the world's longest dry slide at sea title from Royal Caribbean as it launched its first World Class ship, MSC World Europa, sister ship to MSC World America. MSC World Europa's 250-foot Venom Drop slide surpassed the 10-story Ultimate Abyss dry slide featured on most of Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships. Royal Caribbean didn't appreciate being one-upped and took the title back by introducing a taller, 259-foot Ultimate Abyss slide on Utopia of the Seas when it launched in 2024. Now, MSC Cruises wants the title back. Related: MSC Cruises bets on a new kind of entertainment The cruise line has revealed that its next World Class ship, MSC World Asia, which launches in the Mediterranean in late 2026, will be the next ship to claim the title of longest dry slide at sea. MSC World Asia's dry slide, Tree of Life @The Spiral, will surpass all those designed before it at 266.7 feet and spanning 12 decks. Inspired by the trees in Singapore's famous Gardens by the Bay, the slide will also be a striking architectural feature of the ship's World Promenade - an open-air space at the heart of the ship featuring dining venues and entertainment options paired with ocean views. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. The recently launched MSC World America also features a dry slide - the 11-deck-high Jaw Drop - as well as standout thrill ride Cliffhanger, the only over-water swing ride at sea. MSC Cruises' innovative cruise ship thrill rides also include Robotron, the first robotic arm ride at sea, featured on MSC Seascape. The ride offers a roller coaster-like experience that flips and spins riders as they soar nearly 175 feet above the sea. MSC will soon bring the unique thrill ride to a new U.S. market as MSC Seascape begins sailing from Galveston, Texas, for the first time in November. Related: MSC Cruises is coming for Royal Caribbean's title Like Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises has a robust new ship pipeline, and more thrills are sure to come as the cruise line continues to rapidly grow its fleet. In May, the cruise line signed an order for two more World Class ships to complement the four already delivered or under construction. With the addition of these new ships, the MSC Cruises fleet will expand to 27 ships by 2030. Those plans include a new ship that will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, beginning in 2027, alongside Royal Caribbean's upcoming Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas. In addition to expanding its World Class, MSC Cruises is expected to soon reveal plans for a new and even bigger class of ships that will claim the world's largest cruise ship title from Royal Caribbean's Icon Class. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Unlocking the future of African tourism: Harnessing coastal potential for inclusive growth
Africa is on the cusp of a tourism renaissance. With its extraordinary natural beauty, cultural diversity, and expansive coastline, the continent is well poised to become one of the world's most exciting cruise destinations. Now is the time to transform long-recognised potential into lasting progress — and cruise tourism is one of the avenues to help achieve this. As managing director of MSC Cruises South Africa, I've seen how cruising offers valuable travel experiences and acts as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and regional development. Through collaboration and investment, the full value of cruise tourism across Africa can be unlocked. A coastline of opportunity Africa's more than 30,000 kilometres of coastline span vibrant cities, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems, from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic. Ports like Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Richards Bay, Maputo and Walvis Bay already welcome cruise ships, with some offering facilities to service vessels. These destinations demonstrate the potential that exists and lay a foundation for future growth. We're looking ahead to the upcoming 2025/26 season, with MSC Opera returning to South African waters and extending to destinations such as Port Louis and, for the first time, Mamoudzou in the Comorian Archipelago. These itineraries reflect the growing appeal of African coastal cruising and what's possible when a shared vision for tourism development is embraced. Laying the groundwork for growth For this industry to flourish, there's growing recognition of the importance of holistic infrastructure development. Modern ships can carry up to 10,000 people (passengers and crew), representing a larger economic opportunity, but many African cities will need to strengthen their capacity to handle this scale of tourism. While well-equipped ports are essential, a quality cruise experience also depends on seamless airport connections, modern roadways, efficient services, and memorable inland excursions. In Durban, for example, easy access to highlights like Hluhluwe or the Drakensberg would enhance visitor experiences. Equally important are leisure activities that make destinations memorable. From snorkelling in crystal-clear waters and exploring World Heritage sites to enjoying local cuisine, music and cultural experiences, these opportunities create lasting memories for visitors while supporting local businesses. Whether it's a township tour in Gqeberha, a spice market visit in Port Louis, or a sunset dhow cruise in Maputo, excursions help connect travellers with the heart of each destination. Cross-sector collaboration is essential to realising cruise tourism's potential. Partnerships between port authorities, tourism boards, local governments, hotels, transport operators and activity providers help align efforts with broader development goals. By creating cruise-ready cities that act as gateways to inland adventures and cultural experiences, lasting value can be generated for local communities and visitors alike. Tourism that enriches and empowers Sustainable growth is a vital focus. From adopting cleaner fuel technologies and advanced waste management systems to efficient itineraries, environmental responsibility is increasingly embedded in cruise operations. Equally important is the potential for cruise tourism to uplift communities. Prioritising partnerships with local guides, artisans and entrepreneurs ensures that each stop on a cruise route contributes to job creation, cultural exchange, and small business growth. With training and enterprise support, local communities can become active participants in the tourism economy, creating authentic, meaningful experiences for visitors while expanding opportunity at home. Working together for shared success A notable aspect of Africa's cruise tourism journey is the growing spirit of collaboration. Globally, successful cruise destinations have been built on coordinated strategies between public and private stakeholders. Africa is no exception. From joint marketing to infrastructure development, there's a unique opportunity to harness the power of partnership. Regional cooperation can take this further. Multi-country cruise itineraries offer unmatched variety, and by working together to streamline visa processes, harmonise standards, and co-promote cruise corridors, African nations can create an interconnected cruise experience that benefits all. A bright future in sight The global cruise industry has already shown its transformative potential. For example, Florida's cruise sector contributes over $168 billion to its economy. While every region is unique, Africa, too, can chart its own course. Already, tourism contributes 8.8% to South Africa's GDP, with room for growth. Looking at the achievements of peers like Morocco and Greece reveals the potential. In Morocco and Greece, strategic investment, coordinated marketing, and public-private partnerships have revitalised coastal towns into vibrant cruise destinations. Casablanca and Tangier have become gateways to cultural experiences, while Greece's islands offer itineraries filled with history, cuisine and natural beauty. These examples illustrate how infrastructure and partnerships can position cruise tourism as a driver for inclusive growth, job creation and international visibility — a model for South Africa and the continent. This is a moment of opportunity. With aligned policies, investment and a shared commitment to inclusive development, Africa can position itself as a leading cruise destination, combining innovation, sustainability and cultural connection. This transformation is not only possible, but already underway. Through collective effort, African tourism's future can be unlocked and shaped for generations to come.
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
MSC Cruises aids Norwegian Cruise Line excursion gone wrong
Although it's logical to assume that most cruise lines would treat other cruise lines in a competitive manner, the reality is that the cruise industry is quite collaborative. Cruise line CEOs like Royal Caribbean Group's Jason Liberty often say their companies are not focused on cruise line rivalries. Instead of each other, they see land-based vacations as their main competition. Related: Royal Caribbean cruisers react to Carnival cruise loyalty shakeup Cruise lines want to collectively grow the industry to gain a greater share of the global vacation market, and all cruise lines can win as they advance that goal. Working cooperatively, all cruise lines can benefit from the rising tides of cruising interest from vacationers all over the world. The cruise industry is seeing strong growth from first-time cruisers, with 31% of passengers in the last two years being new to cruising, according to the 2025 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) State of the Cruise Industry report. With this kind of proven ability to attract new customers, cruise lines know that they can focus more on working together on strategies to continue to grow the industry as a whole. If there was any doubt that cruise lines really are in it together, though, MSC Cruises stepped up to prove it when Norwegian Cruise Line suffered a shore excursion mishap in Germany on June 22. Doug Parker shared details on how MSC Cruises came to the aid of Norwegian and its passengers, and other cruise news, on the June 23rd edition of Cruise News Today. Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Transcript: This is Cruise News Today with Doug Parker. Good morning, here's your cruise news for Monday, June 23rd. A Caribbean cruise took a troubling turn for one couple when kitchen wastewater dumped into their cabin. Yeah, Pam and Ken Jackson were three days into their trip on Marella Explorer 2 when a pipe carrying macerated food waste to the ship's holding tanks burst above their bed. The sludge soaked them, their clothes, and medication. This video here courtesy of Liverpool Echo. Now, Marella Cruises apologized and offered a partial refund plus $680 in compensation, which they accepted. The couple says it still doesn't cover the damage to their belongings. Marella 2 was formerly the Celebrity Century. Related: Video: Celebrity Cruises ship nearly collides with Carnival ship And a show of solidarity between two cruise lines played out in Germany over the weekend after a shore excursion went wrong. With extreme heat, a bad bus, and two guests being left behind, MSC Cruises stepped in to help. The guests were left behind after a scheduled stop was cut short during the excursion. The stranded Norwegian Cruise Line passengers were picked up by an MSC shore excursion bus, provided with water, and safely returned to the ship, where they were able to board. A guest sailing on Norwegian told us that the shore excursion started to fall apart after the bus was late due to mechanical issues. Related: Cruise lines face new passenger fee; MSC Cruises brings new thrill And it's a bucket list destination, but ships are getting a bad name. Yeah, cruise ships heading to Antarctica are under scrutiny after a new study revealed that the ship's anchors are severely damaging the seabed. Now, scientists from Memorial University of Newfoundland and New Zealand used deep sea cameras to capture the first underwater video of anchor impacts in the region. You can see here this video courtesy of Colossal, where they found crushed sponge colonies and disrupted marine habitats, especially in shallow coastal zones. Researchers say nearly a half-acre of seafloor was damaged by cruise ships in 2023 alone. Recovery for Antarctic marine life could take a century or maybe never happen at all. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. And cruise stocks were higher on Friday. Carnival Corporation: up one percent, 23.77. Royal Caribbean: up two percent, 272.39. Norwegian: flat 18.86, and Viking; up two percent, 49.48. If you have a lead on a story, let us know. Tips@ Here on the seventh floor of the parking garage at Harrah's Vegas, I'm Doug Parker with Cruise News Today. Have yourself a great Monday. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
The Independent
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
A first look at new features on MSC World Asia ahead of 2026 launch
The largest dry slide at sea and a speciality pan-Asian market are among the key features to be included on MSC Cruises' newest ship. MSC World Asia is set to launch in December 2026 with cruises in the Mediterranean. It is the third in the World-class series and joins World America. The 6,782-capacity ship will feature design elements that reflect Asian culture, art, and beautiful landscapes. Similar to her sister ships, she will also feature seven on-board districts, each with its own atmosphere, facilities and experiences. Cabin types include luxury suites, balconies, connecting family cabins, suites and rooms in its luxury Yacht Club area. There will be some new features as well. Here is what passengers can expect from MSC World Asia. Tree of Life @The Spiral Dry Slide Both World America and World Europa have dry slides, and World Asia is getting one too. Set to be the longest dry slide at sea at 81.3 metres, MSC Cruises said the Tree of Life @The Spiral Dry Slide will transport guests between 12 decks in seconds. The new design will be inspired by the trees in Singapore's famous Gardens by the Bay. Pan-Asian speciality restaurant MSC World Asia will have its own unique dining venue with a pan-Asian speciality restaurant that has a dedicated bar and an outdoor terrace. It will focus on southeast Asian cuisine, including flavours from Singapore, Thailand, Laos, South China, Vietnam and Indonesia. New restaurants to try MSC World Asia will have its own unique dining venue with a pan-Asian speciality restaurant that has a dedicated bar and an outdoor terrace. It will focus on southeast Asian cuisine, including flavours from Singapore, Thailand, Laos, South China, Vietnam and Indonesia. Returning favourite venues Popular features from other World-class ships are also being brought on board. These include more than 40 bars, lounges and restaurants such as the Butcher's Cut steakhouse and MSC Cruises' classic British pub with a full-scale microbrewery. The Harbour outdoor park, first launched on MSC World America, will also be on the ship alongside the Cliffhanger swing ride that propels guests back and forth 50m above the ocean. The destinations MSC World Asia will sail MSC World Asia will sail seven-night itineraries to Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina and Valletta in winter 2026 and similar in summer 2027 with additional sailings to Genoa and Naples. There are currently no plans for it to sail in Asia, but it is understood that the name reflects the brand's international focus and design inspiration.
