Cruise MSC to ‘treble UK market share’

Wednesday, 18 Sep, 2006 0

Rapidly expanding Italian line, MSC Cruises aims to treble its UK market share in three years.

The ambitious plan was outlined by UK managing director Peter Pate with the release of the line’s largest, 230-page brochure, running until winter 2007.

The privately-owned Italian line plans to increase its fleet from eight to 12 ships by 2009 and is to run its first ex-UK cruises next summer.

Pate said: “We are looking at trebling our current market share over the next three years.

“In order to ensure we can deliver this increase we have engaged in a wider dialogue with retailers all over the UK, expanding our distribution channels.”

Pate added: “This has to be one of our most exciting launches in terms of the content and sheer size. It reflects the outstanding growth we have experienced as a result of our huge ship building investment programme. Our new brochure has been designed to emphasise that our cruises are offering maximum flexibility for the traveller without reliquishing the on board quintessentially Italian style and atmosphere.”

MSC Rhapsody will be offering 11-night itineraries from Dover for the first time in summer 2007 with prices starting at £1,112 per person.

Pate said: “Having an MSC Cruise ship sailing from the UK is a big bonus for our UK sales team.

“It will ensure we attract those British cruise enthusiasts who prefer not to fly to join their cruise. Already the support for these cruises from retailers has been most encouraging.”

The line will have three ships offering Northern Europe itinraries next summer, including Rhapsody, in addition to five ships running seven and 11-night Mediterranean cruises including new-build MSC Orchestra which joins the fleet in May sailing from Venice.

Report by Phil Davies

Phil Davies

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