'Reaching our 20 millionth cruiser is truly a milestone achievement for MSC Cruises, and a representation of how far we’ve come while building a global brand that serves guests from over 170 nationalities across five continents,' CEO Gianni Onorato said, adding that capacity is set to triple by 2020.
Four ships in North America this year
MSC Cruises' €13.6bn investment plan entails 17 new ships between 2017 and 2027, bringing the fleet total to 29. While the company is expanding globally, MSC Cruises has placed a priority on increasing its North American presence. By the end of this year, four ships will be sailng from PortMiami — MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia (arriving to North America in October), MSC Divina and MSC Armonia.
Raul Bonachea, MSC Cruises’ 20 millionth cruiser, his wife and daughter, from Winter Haven, Florida, embarked Saturday on a seven-night cruise booked by Dream Vacations. The family was upgraded to an MSC Yacht Club suite. And, to toast the occasion with all the MSC Seaside passengers, the ship hosted a party in the atrium on Sunday with complimentary champagne, a special officers’ parade, an artisan cake and entertainment.
US travel agent support
'As MSC Cruises expands its presence in the North American market, the support of and collaboration with our travel advisors is paramount to our success,' said Ken Muskat, EVP and chief operating officer of MSC Cruises USA. 'We were extremely pleased to learn that Mr. Bonachea and his family were booked by one of the largest travel agency networks in the US, Dream Vacations, a long time dedicated partner of MSC Cruises. We look forward to celebrating this occasion with them.'
'We are thrilled to have sold the cruise voyage to MSC Cruises’ 20 millionth customer,' said Myrna Reyes, travel agent with Dream Vacations - Santisteban and Associates in Miami. 'Our agency has long been a believer in the MSC Cruises product ... We remain loyal to the MSC Cruises brand and look forward to being part of the MSC Cruises’ story for the next 20 million consumers and beyond.'
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