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MedCruise professional development course on board MSC Fantasia

MSC Fantasia will host MedCruise members as they work towards completing a professional development course focussing on sustainability within the cruise industry.

Holly Payne, Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

January 15, 2024

2 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

The 42 delegates from 11 countries will depart Genoa today, arriving in La Spezia on January 16 and Naples on January 17. 

The purpose of the voyage is to learn more about environmental and social sustainability, and the circular economy.

Challenges 

A meeting was held this morning at Sala del Capitano in Palazzo San Giorgio, Genoa, prior to the sailing. 

MedCruise President Figen Ayan said, ‘The great challenge facing the cruise industry in the future will be to combine the ever-growing market demand with products that meet the expectations of an increasingly diverse public, while appealing to new generations...’ 

MedCruise SVP & Professional Development Director and Port Authority of Valencia Manager Francesca Antonelli praised the ‘generous support of MSC Cruises,’ thanking the cruise line for its ‘strong commitment to sustainability.’ 

She said, ‘The training has to be a call to action for our delegates.’ 

Ship tour and masterclasses

Conducting a technical tour of the ship and a masterclass on MSC’s sustainability plans and strategies will be Michele Francioni, SVP, MSC Cruises, while the cruise line’s head of energy efficiency and funded projects, Ivana Melillo, will deliver a lecture on vessel efficiency. Marieta García, president and managing partner of the Gestión y Estudios Ambientales cooperative will instead hone in on the circular economy, looking at the management of water, waste and food. 

Specialised technicians from MSC Cruises will also take the group on a ship tour, including areas closed to the public, and engage in discussions on waste reduction, water conservation, advanced wastewater treatment systems, and energy consumption monitoring. 

Workshops will focus on ship efficiency, fuel flexibility, exhaust gas cleaning systems, and more. 

To inspire immediate action upon the delegates' return to their respective ports and destinations, a dedicated session will raise awareness of the social and environmental significance of selective waste separation and recycling, water and waste management, food waste, and fostering good practices in daily life, as well as in the work environment.

La Spezia

The Port Authority of the Eastern Ligurian Sea, a member of MedCruise, will take delegates on a sustainable tour of La Spezia, taking in the city’s culture, history and gastronomy. 

About the Author

Holly Payne

Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

Holly is Deputy Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review & Seatrade Cruise News and has experience managing a range of highly successful international business and consumer titles. With a flair for video reporting and a history of overseas work documenting people and places of diverse cultures, Holly brings a variety of skills to the Seatrade Cruise portfolio.

Holly’s academic credentials include oral and written Arabic language skills (intermediate-advanced), an MA Multimedia Journalism with NCTJ accreditation, and a BA (Hons) Degree in Classical and Archaeological Studies with English and American Literature.

 

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