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Our seasonal itineraries include Northern Europe, South America, southern Africa, Asia, North America, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Red Sea. It can be concluded that MSC Cruise Lines is owned by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). The company was founded in 1987, and has grown to become one of the largest cruise lines in the world.
- Portugal
I'm sure anyone who sails often has seen those ubiquitous contains with MSC on them. Mediterranean Shipping Company got into the cruise line business in 1987 and adopted the name Mediterranean Shipping Cruises in 2001. In 2004, the line officially became MSC Cruises and has grown rapidly since then, spending over 5.5 billion Euros to expand the fleet. That’s why we are dedicated to making each of our cruises a voyage of discovery and unforgettable emotions for every guest. Choose among the best cruise destinations, with a wide variety of itineraries mapped to reveal the sights, sounds and flavors of the world's most intriguing cultures. Our ships sail year-round in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean (visiting also Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, our private island in the Bahamas).
The Founder of MSC Cruises
For example, a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise on the Seaside is $439, while a similar cruise on the Norwegian Jade is $399. For context, Frommer’s writes that the ideal lifespan for a cruise ship is 30 years. The governance structure of MSC Cruise Line, with the Aponte family at the helm, supports effective decision-making and strategic planning. Transparency, accountability, and a strong corporate culture are fundamental aspects of the company’s governance framework. In addition to the Aponte family, MSC Cruise Line likely has a board of directors composed of seasoned industry professionals.
Worldwide MSC International
MSC Group Unifies Operations in Miami With New Headquarters - Cruise Hive
MSC Group Unifies Operations in Miami With New Headquarters.
Posted: Thu, 18 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
It’s November 2017 and Rafaela Aponte double-checks that the carpets, curtains, and chairs are just right on the MSC Seaside, MSC Cruises’ newest ship. It is also the fastest-growing global cruise brand with a strong presence in the Caribbean, North America, and the Far East markets. In conclusion, the Aponte family’s ownership, combined with a robust governance structure, has positioned MSC Cruise Line as a global leader in the cruise industry. With a commitment to excellence, innovation, and exceptional guest experiences, MSC Cruise Line continues to set sail with a bright future ahead.
- Ultra-Luxury line concept is launched
A year later, MSC took over the Lauro Cruise Line, which was only a one-ship cruise line with the Achille Lauro. In 1970, Gianluigi Aponte borrowed money and founded MSC with the acquisition of Patricia, his first ship, followed by Rafaela. The fleet also attracts a slightly younger crowd, 45 years on average vs the rest of the industry at 46 years (CLIA). The organization runs a global network of logistics and transportation that reaches 155 countries via more than 260 routes. When MSC Lirica was first launched in 2003, Sophia Loren was asked if she would be interested in serving as its godmother.

The passenger shipping side of the business began in 1988 when Mediterranean Shipping Company bought the liner Monterey. The following year MSC took over the Lauro cruise line, a one-ship fleet consisting of just the Achille Lauro (which had infamously been hijacked by Palestinian terrorists three years earlier). One year later the Achille Lauro, while sailing a passenger cruise, caught fire off the coast of Africa and sank.
MSC's Luxury Cruise Line Christens First-Ever Ship - Cruise Hive
MSC's Luxury Cruise Line Christens First-Ever Ship.
Posted: Thu, 12 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
We have long been committed to environmental stewardship with a long-term goal to achieve zero emissions for our operations. We are also a significant investor in next-generation environmental marine technologies, with the objective to support their accelerated development and availability industry-wide. MSC Cruises has long been committed to environmental stewardship with a long-term goal to achieve zero emissions for its operations. The Company is also a significant investor in next-generation environmental marine technologies, with the objective to support their accelerated development and availability industry-wide.
Who owns MSC Cruises?
The decision to go public was driven by the need to access capital for expansion and investment in new ships and onboard amenities. In 2016, MSC Cruises expanded upon its plan, raising the total investment to €9 billion and signing a letter of intent to develop four World-class ships. The new vessels are powered by liquified natural gas (LNG) technology, which is cleaner than traditional gas or diesel engines. Between 2017 and 2026, the MSC €9 billion plan adds eleven new cruise ships to its fleet. The parent company of MSC Cruises is Mediterranean Shipping Company, the world's second-largest container shipping company.
In 1988, with the acquisition of the Italian cruise ship company Starlauro, MSC entered the cruise market and it marked the birth of MSC Cruises. Presently, MSC is the world’s largest and fastest growing cruise brand with a strong presence in the North America, Caribbean, and the Far East Markets. 2020 began a year of tremendous hardships for the cruise industry, and MSC was not immune to the downward trend, seeing a significant decline in passengers. The MSC spas offer all of the exciting treatments found on other large cruise ships, ranging from massages to well-being body treatments to aromatherapy and thalassotherapy. The fitness centers are well equipped with all the latest equipment and classes such as Pilates, Tae-boo, aerobics, and Latin dancing.
There are often announcements in English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian. Because of their industry-leading health and safety measures, MSC Cruises was the first major cruise company to resume operations following the pandemic in 2020. There are old records of the Aponte family dating back to the seventeenth century which entails an unbroken history reflecting ancient seafaring tradition.
With an average age of 45, it draws a significantly younger clientele than other cruise lines, where the average age is 46. The company feels that there are synergies between the business as it relates to passengers and cargo. MSC Cruises is led by Pierfrancesco Vago, who is currently Executive Chairman. He is tasked with the continued growth of the business, new ship construction, and the development of Explora Journeys, its luxury cruise brand set to debut in 2023. He is the son in law of founder Gianluigi Aponte and is married to Alexa Aponte. If you're confused about which companies own which cruise lines, you're not alone.
MSC Cruises is the world’s largest privately owned cruise line and the third-largest cruise line behind Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Group. Below, we break down which cruise line parent companies own which cruise line brands, as well as where those parent companies are domiciled. The Aponte family’s continued involvement and leadership ensure that the company’s core principles and values endure. Overall, privately-owned shares are a crucial element of MSC Cruise Line’s ownership structure.