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MSC Cruises Opens Bookings for 2028 Alaska Summer Season

September 12, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

MSC partira en Alaska pour l'été 2028. DepositPhotos.com/DonyaNedomam

Hurtigruten

The cruise line is already gearing up for its third season in Alaska. MSC Cruises has opened sales for its itineraries for the summer 2028, with MSC Poesia as the vessel dedicated to this program.

Departing from Seattle, the ship will offer 7-night cruises starting on April 24, 2028. The itineraries will notably allow guests to discover Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Tracy Arm in Alaska, as well as Victoria, in British Columbia.

A Renovated MSC Poesia

For this new season, passengers will rediscover a recently renovated MSC Poesia, which notably welcomes the new MSC Yacht Club.

This concept « ship within a ship » includes 69 suites, a 24/7 butler and concierge service, as well as several private spaces : restaurant, lounge, solarium with whirlpools and a grill restaurant with bar.

The ship’s renovation also allowed the addition of two specialty restaurants: Butcher’s Cut, focused on meat, and Kaito Sushi Bar, dedicated to Japanese and Asian specialties.

The MSC Aurea Spa has also been modernized, while the ship now features a MSC Gym Powered by Technogym, a Gentleman’s Barber, several training studios and a Top 15 Exclusive Solarium reserved for Aurea guests.

The itineraries offered in Alaska will place emphasis on the landscapes and nature of the region.

Among the highlights announced are sailing through the Tracy Arm fjord, with its glaciers and waterfalls, as well as calls at Juneau, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point.

MSC Cruises: MSC World Europa in the Mediterranean and MSC World Asia in the Caribbean for Winter 2027-2028

September 12, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Le MSC World Asia proposera lors de l’hiver 2027-2028 des croisières de sept et quatorze nuits au départ de Fort-de-France, Pointe-à-Pitre et Bridgetown @MSC

Hurtigruten

The MSC World Europa will not be heading to the Middle East during the 2027-2028 winter season. MSC Cruises has decided to keep its vessel in the Western Mediterranean, where it will offer seven-night itineraries.

The company is thus making a substantial adjustment to its original program. Marseille will be among the embarkation ports for the MSC World Europa, alongside calls planned in Barcelona, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina, and Valletta.

This retention strengthens MSC Cruises’ winter offering from France. It also confirms the company’s intention to operate one of its newest ships in the Mediterranean year-round, a vessel that entered service in 2022.

The MSC World Asia will serve the French Antilles

The scope of movement is not limited to the Mediterranean. The MSC World Asia, due to enter service in December 2026, will head to the southern Caribbean for the winter of 2027-2028.

The new vessel will offer seven- and fourteen-night cruises from Fort-de-France, Pointe-à-Pitre, and Bridgetown.

The itineraries may notably include calls in Saint Lucia, Grenada, Saint Martin, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, as well as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

This positioning will give French and Caribbean markets direct access to MSC Cruises’ new flagship. The MSC World Asia will notably incorporate some elements already present on other ships in the World class, to which will be added new attractions such as Cliffhanger, a swing installed above the sea.

Bookings initially made aboard the MSC Meraviglia will be transferred to the MSC World Asia. Customers will be contacted individually if this substitution also affects their itinerary.

Saint-Nazaire, Le Havre, Marseille: MSC World Asia’s Very French Launch

August 11, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Parmi les nouveautés du MSC World Asia, Cliffhanger, une balançoire suspendue à 50 mètres au-dessus de la mer - Photo : MSC Croisières

CroisiEurope

France will be at the heart of the early days of the MSC World Asia.

The third ship of MSC Cruises’ World class will be delivered on November 25, 2026 by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, before performing its inaugural sailing and then being officially christened in Le Havre on November 28.

The liner will then join the Mediterranean, where it will kick off its inaugural season starting December 4, 2026.

It will offer seven-night itineraries in the Western Mediterranean, with embarkations notably in Barcelona and Marseille, as well as calls in Messina, Civitavecchia, Naples and Valletta. Passengers will be able to embark at each of these ports.

Beyond its inaugural schedule, this sequence highlights the long-standing partnership between MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

Since 2002, the company claims to have invested more than €21 billion in France through the construction of 19 ships, contributing to the maintenance of 7,500 direct jobs and a network of more than 500 French companies.

New attractions and immersive experiences

The arrival of the MSC World Asia also marks the commercial launch of the 2026-2027 winter season in the Western Mediterranean.

The ship will notably be offered from Marseille, which has, over the years, become one of MSC Cruises’ main embarkation ports for French guests.

The company continues to unveil the new features that will distinguish the World Asia from its two predecessors.

Among them are Cliffhanger, a swing suspended 50 meters above the sea, as well as a new version of The Spiral Tree of Life, the spectacular dry slide of more than 80 meters integrated into the ship’s architecture.

The MSC Luna Park Arena will also offer a new generation of immersive entertainment experiences.

Gastronomy: Southeast Asia in the spotlight

The culinary offering will be enriched by a space inspired by Southeast Asian street markets, bringing together a pan-Asian restaurant, street food and a dedicated bar.

The Italian house Venchi will also open its largest space at sea there, featuring a boutique, café, gelateria and Chocolate Lab spanning nearly 300 m².

Families will have access to a fully redesigned Family Aventura District, with The Clubhouse and The Harbour spaces, while the MSC Aurea Spa will inaugurate a new wellness offering.

In total, the ship will boast more than 40 bars and restaurants, seven pools, thirteen hot tubs, as well as an expanded entertainment offering for all generations.

TourMaG will follow the different stages of the MSC World Asia launch, from its delivery in Saint-Nazaire to its christening in Le Havre, before its commercial entry into the Mediterranean.

MSC Cruises

August 7, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

MSC CROISIERES

CroisiEurope

GENERAL INFORMATION

Offices: Geneva

Language(s): French

Employees: More than 37,000 employees worldwide, representing over 140 nationalities, on land and at sea.

APPLY NOW

OPEN POSITIONS

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Ownership

Family-owned company within the MSC Group, the world leader in transport and logistics, with over 300 years of maritime heritage.

Positioning

Third largest cruise line in the world, MSC Cruises is a European leader and holds top positions in South America, the Gulf region and Southern Africa. It also shows the fastest growth in the industry in North America, the Caribbean, and the Far East.

Fleet

23 modern and elegant ships in service. A broad investment plan is underway, including the delivery of new ships by 2030.

Offer

More than 340 itineraries in over 100 countries, combining comfort, international gastronomy, high-class entertainment, client-centric technologies and award-winning family programs.

At MSC Cruises, we do not just travel the world: we create unforgettable experiences, guided by passion, excellence, and teamwork. As the world’s cruising leader, a Mediterranean-rooted family business, we place people at the heart of our success.

WHY WORK WITH US?

An international adventure

Our teams reflect the diversity of the world: more than 140 nationalities collaborate every day to deliver the best to our passengers. Working at MSC Cruises means thriving in a dynamic, multicultural, and stimulating environment.

Unique career opportunities

We believe in internal mobility and talent development. Whether on land or at sea, a beginner or an expert, each employee has a key role to play and concrete possibilities for progression.

An innovative company driving the future

MSC Cruises is committed to sustainable tourism and environmentally responsible practices. Joining our teams means contributing to the cruise of tomorrow and to ambitious and innovative projects.

A culture based on respect and collaboration

We value teamwork, commitment, and performance. Here, every voice matters and every talent is recognized.

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH US

Family-owned and inclusive corporate culture

Global-scale projects with strong growth

Continuous training and skill development through the MSC People Academy and personalized dedicated trainings

Family health insurance: 70% coverage; reimbursement for holistic therapies (osteopathy, psychology); 3-day waiting period covered after 6 months of service; 4 days for sick children per year

Recently renovated Paris offices with an ideal work setting: Parking, bike storage, auditorium and Business Center accessible for events, access to the company restaurant or 10€ restaurant tickets, gym access and group classes in our offices for 12.50€/month, 20 kg of fruit delivered weekly to the office

Access to a wide range of perks via the EDENRED+ platform (Parc Astérix, Disneyland, Cinema…)

Discounted cruises to fully enjoy the MSC Cruises experience

CSR POLICY

• 1. Global objective and strategic plan: – Carbon neutrality for all our maritime operations by 2050.

– Energy Transition Plan (ETP) verified annually, aligned with the Paris Agreement and sector objectives.

• 2. Emissions reduction and energy efficiency: – Carbon intensity reduced by 38.9% in 2024, industry target of 40% by 2030.

– New ships lowering emissions per passenger by 44% compared with pre-2013 ships through hull optimization, propulsion pods, HVAC systems, LED lighting and waste heat recovery.

– Onshore power supply: 142 shore connections in 2024 avoided over 12,000 tonnes of CO₂. New electrical connection at Le Havre since October 30; Marseille in 2026.

• 3. Fuels and innovations: – Use of bio-LNG and synthetic LNG via a certified “mass balance” system, ensuring measurable greenhouse gas reductions.

– Methane slip reduction by 90% over 30 years thanks to advanced LNG engines and ongoing innovations.

• 4. Onboard management and recycling: – Wastewater treatment systems, waste management and recycling to reduce the environmental footprint of onboard operations.

– Initiatives to reduce plastics and improve energy efficiency of hotel facilities.

• 5. Responsible tourism and local impact: – Collaboration with ports, local authorities and excursion operators to ensure a positive impact on visited communities.

– Traffic management, support for electric transport and low-impact excursions (“Protectours”).

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Please feel free to visit our site.

https://www.msccroisieres.fr/

MSC Aims to Capitalize on Cruise Growth in France

June 26, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Cécile Walson : "la croisière continue à gagner du terrain alors que d’autres segments ralentissent, cela montre que le produit trouve sa place au sein du tourisme" - Photo MSC

CroisiEurope

Growth remains modest, but MSC sees a underlying signal.

While the French cruise market expanded by 1.8% in 2025, the company prefers to place this figure in perspective against a global tourism market that remains under pressure.

« We are probably not going to see double-digit growth every year. But if cruising continues to gain ground while other segments slow down, it shows that the product has found its place within tourism », notes Cécile Walson, Chief Commercial Officer.

Today, growth is driven by a twofold engine : a solid base of repeat customers, but also the arrival of new clients attracted by the cruise model. « Many French people have not tried it yet. Once they embark, satisfaction and repeat-visit rates are typically very high. »

« The Reserved Price Is the Price Paid »

Selon les données mises en avant par MSC, près de 31 % des Français n’ayant jamais effectué de croisière se déclarent intéressés par l’expérience, attirés notamment par le rapport qualité-prix, les destinations proposées et la simplicité d’organisation.

Ainsi, depuis Marseille, à bord du MSC Orchestra, on trouve des cabines à partir de 399 euros par personne pour un départ le 12 juin. Et, pour un embarquement le 2 juillet sur le même navire, c’est à partir de 569 euros

Pour la compagnie, le produit bénéficie aussi d’un effet de comparaison favorable : formule intégrée, logique de club, itinérance et maîtrise du budget. MSC rappelle que son offre comprend hébergement, restauration, activités et clubs enfants.

Autre message adressé au marché : aucune surcharge carburant ne sera appliquée en 2026 sur la partie croisière opérée directement par MSC. « Le prix réservé est le prix payé », insiste la compagnie.

Cécile Walson évoque un environnement plus complexe que la seule question du pouvoir d’achat: contexte géopolitique, climat international plus incertain et recherche croissante de voyages simples à organiser.

Marseille, the Antilles… and new routes to boost demand

Cécile Walson et Patrick Pourbaix (MSC) lors de la mise à l'eau, le 12 novembre, du World Asia aux Chantiers de l'Atlantique. Le navire proposera des croisières de 7 nuits en Méditerranée dès décembre 2026 @LG

Although summer bookings are appearing more cautious and oriented toward last-minute, MSC notes a more favorable dynamic for the upcoming winter season.

The positioning of the MSC World Europa in the Antilles has notably triggered a strong acceleration in bookings, driven by both overseas and mainland clientele.

In parallel, the MSC World Asia will join Marseille from December 2026 to operate year-round in the Mediterranean. Yet the company is also refreshing its offer for the more seasoned customers.

Among the novelties are the opening of Alaska itineraries from Seattle and Vancouver, but also a new program departing from La Romana in the Dominican Republic, with an extended summer presence.

MSC continues to invest in Florida, notably driven by the appeal of Miami, a destination that many French travelers now combine with a few days on site before setting sail.

Published by Laurent Guéna Journalist – TourMaG.com
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MSC World Asia Countdown Begins Ahead of Le Havre Christening

June 24, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

MSC World Asia, nouveau fleuron de MSC Croisières, entre dans sa phase finale de préparation - Depositphotos.com @DonyaNedomam

CroisiEurope

Six months before its inaugural voyage, MSC Cruises is stepping up its communications around its new flagship, the MSC World Asia.

The liner will be officially christened on November 28, 2026 in Le Havre, before kicking off its inaugural Mediterranean season on December 4. As the third unit of the World Class lineup, this next‑generation vessel underlines the company’s innovation strategy.

Inspired by Asian cultures in its design and ambience, it promises an experience blending entertainment, gastronomy and family leisure, while serving several major Mediterranean ports: Barcelona, Marseille, Messina, Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples and Valletta.

The christening in Le Havre will bring together international tourism players, the company’s partners and media for an evening that will be both traditional and modern. This choice also underscores the strategic importance of the French market for MSC Cruises.

Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, highlights the momentum of the World Class range: “Our ships are enjoying remarkable success… MSC World Asia marks a new milestone in this journey“, emphasizing continuous innovation and the enhancement of the passenger experience.

The ship’s command has been entrusted to Captain Paolo Benini, praised for his recent experience aboard the MSC Euribia and his leadership abilities.

Six flagship experiences

As its entry into service approaches, the company reveals six major attractions that will structure the onboard leisure offering:

The ship will notably offer Cliffhanger, a swing suspended 50 meters above the sea, a first in Europe for the line.

It will also feature The Spiral @ Tree of Life, an 81.3-meter dry slide spanning 11 decks, designed as the ship’s signature attraction.

Thrill‑seekers will also enjoy Twin Racer and U Drop Waterslides, crafted for competition and spectacular drops.

The experience continues with Adventure Trail High Ropes Course, a two‑level aerial course incorporating zip lines and balance challenges.

For immersive entertainment, the MSC Formula Racer simulator will allow guests to experience the Formula 1 world in virtual settings.

Finally, the MSC Luna Park Arena will offer a digital interactive space where the floor becomes an evolving playground for varied challenges and activities.

A strengthened dining and leisure offering

Beyond these novelties, the ship will position itself as a true floating resort. It will boast more than 40 bars, lounges and restaurants, seven swimming pools, thirteen hot tubs, as well as an entertainment lineup designed for all ages.

The design will also feature a collection of artworks inspired by Asia and the largest range of suites ever offered within the MSC Yacht Club concept.

Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com Editor
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