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. »
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.
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
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.
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 See all articles by Laurent Guéna
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