MSC Cruises brings a taste of La Dolce Vita to Sydney

The team was led by MD Australia and New Zealand Lisa Teiotu and included Leisa Chell, PR and communications manager; Michelle Warren, marketing manager; Brigita Devries, sales manager; Arnaud Michelin, operations and reservations manager; Juliet Boyle, brand and marketing specialist; Bethany Ward, marketing co-ordinator; Bronwyn Knight, New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory/Western Australia BDM, Brenton Reidy, Victoria/South Australia/Tasmania BDM;  Aaron Eilers, Queensland/Northern Territory BDM; and Alka Thapar, New Zealand BDM.

Med demand up 60%

The Mediterranean theme reflected MSC Cruises' announcement that demand for its East and West Mediterranean voyages this Northern Hemisphere winter is up by nearly 60%.

Teiotu said MSC Cruises has 14 ships operating in Mediterranean waters at various seasons during the year and that the most popular seven-night itineraries include Eastern Mediterranean voyages that take in Croatia,  the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini and World Heritage listed Ancona in Italy.

She said in the West Mediterranean, Australians are drawn to weeklong cruises showcasing the best of Italy, Malta, Spain and France. 

She said MSC Cruises combines the best of East and West, with its combination ‘Grand Mediterranean’ cruise, including a same day transfer between Venice and Genoa.

Magnifica’s arrival

Teiotu told Seatrade Cruise News trade events will be held onboard MSC Magnifica next March when she calls at numerous ports in New Zealand and Australia.

‘Having a ship in these waters increases brand awareness,’ she said.