MSC Cruises bids to boost UK sales

MSC Cruises claims UK sales topped 20,000 before the end of the summer 2005 season.

The figure was unveiled as the independent Italian line launched its biggest programme for summer 2006 and announced a move of London offices.

MSC Cruises’ seven ship fleet is being expanded with new build ship MSC Musica in June and MSC Orchestra in 2007. Two more ships have been commissioned, MSC Fantasia for 2008 and MSC Serenata in 2009.

Releasing the UK sales figures, office move and new brochure, UK director Peter Pate said: “We have enjoyed an amazing period of growth and development. But the time came to relocate to offices which will give us the space to grow further.

“This office move coincides with the latest announcement and commission for MSC Fantasia and MSC Serenata. These will be the biggest ships to be commissioned to date for an Italian ship owner and the third largest ships in the world. 

“We have had a very successful summer and winter is shaping up well with our efforts concentrated on summer 2006 and the arrival of MSC Musica in June.”

The larger premises are at Queens House, 55-56 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2. New contact numbers are reservations – 0870 8504 883, general – 020 7092 2880 and fax – 020 7831 1927.

Commercial director Clive Howard joined last year plus five regional sales managers. MSC Cruises held 10 training road shows for up to 50 agents each in the South West, South East, the North and Midlands last month.  

The summer 2006 brochure includes MSC Musica’s inaugural cruise from Venice on July 1 with prices starting at £730 per person, including a 30% discount offer.

The line is offering 23 different itineraries on board eight ships including Musica. This will increase the number of berths available on MSC ships by 22% taking the total capacity across the fleet from 8,936 berths a night to 14,540.

Capacity for Northern Europe has been doubled with both MSC Lirica and MSC Rhapsody offering seven-night cruises to the Fjords and the Baltics. MSC Rhapsody will be calling into four UK ports for the first time sailing from Amsterdam. MSC Monterey will be based in Spain offering seven-night cruises from Barcelona.

Children under 18 years of age cruise for free across the entire summer programme, paying the flight cost only.

Report by Phil Davies 

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