Articles tagged “msc cruises”

Just as they've focused on building bigger and more elaborate ships, cruise lines are now seeking to outdo one another with private islands. MSC Cruises' eco-conscious approach is commendable, but will it resonate with passengers?

Travel advisors say this year's "wave season" is showing strong preferences for less-visited ports and immersive land experiences. There are also indicators that passengers are more likely to hold the cruise industry accountable on sustainability.

It makes sense that a longtime leader of a cruise company would give lip service to sustainability. To say consumer concerns about the sector's sustainability are fake, however, risks alienating customers at a pivotal moment for the sector.

UNESCO had, by many accounts, plenty of reason to add Venice to its list of sites "in danger" at its most recent meeting. Its decision not to reveals the complexities of naming World Heritage sites in the age of mass tourism.

The cruise industry is having a good run. But why not talk frankly about challenges and address them with meaningful solutions?

MSC Cruises is already spending billions on big ships, so why not add a few luxury vessels to the mix? The cruise operator has a built-in customer base, but the trick will be to offer a product that gets those passengers to pay more for the high-end experience.

Will a traveler who only expects the finest ever decide to board a mass-market cruise ship? Well, the marketplace has spoken and it says, “Maybe, but only under certain conditions.”

As MSC Cruises embarks on a rapid global expansion, it makes sense for the privately owned operator to focus on the popular Caribbean cruise market. The key will be figuring out the best way to make its products stand out in a field crowded with names that are far more familiar to North American consumers.

MSC Cruises continues to show its ambition as it plans to add more ships to an already fast-growing fleet. Now the question is whether demand can keep up with all that supply.

Cruise lines have been working on ways to improve guest-facing technology so passengers have a better experience on their trip. But it sounds like those efforts are moving to a new level this year — which should be good news for cruisers.