GENEVA - October 29, 2026 - MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys have become the first cruise line to be certified from for its application of the international guidelines ISO 30415:2021 - Human Resources Management - Diversity and Inclusion, following an independent third-party assessment by the independent assessment and certification body, RINA.
ISO 30415:2021 provides an international framework for integrating diversity and inclusion principles into human resources management processes and practices. The certification recognizes the steps MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys have taken to apply these principles across its organization.
Magali Bertolucci, Vice President of People Development, Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing, Cruise Division of MSC Group, said: "Diversity is part of who we are. Every day, people with unique cultures, backgrounds, abilities and experiences work together on our ships and in our offices. For us, inclusion means valuing these differences and creating a workplace where everyone feels part of the team and can be at their best. We are really proud to be the first cruise line to receive this certification from RINA. It recognizes the work we have already done on diversity and inclusion, while giving us an independent perspective on where we can improve. Above all, it encourages us to keep building on this work and do more for our people."
The process began in 2023 with a gap analysis and culminated in 2026 with the award of the attestation, following three years of assessment, consultation, evidence gathering and the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives. RINA conducted its assessment across several MSC Cruises offices and ships to verify the company's alignment with the guidelines set out in ISO 30415. The project presented a particular challenge given global operations and the wide range of stakeholders involved across both businesses.
Emanuele Castagno, RINA's Executive Vice President Certification, said: "MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys have demonstrated a clear vision and a strong commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion, translating these values into tangible action. RINA is proud to have supported a leading international company on this journey, which has been underpinned by strong internal engagement, open dialogue and a genuine willingness to challenge existing practices and drive continuous improvement. The achievement of the ISO 30415 attestation recognizes the work undertaken by everyone and its leadership in fostering an increasingly inclusive corporate culture."
The efforts span a range of initiatives involving teams across the company and external stakeholders. These include the Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee, which brings together external experts and internal colleagues to regularly review progress and recommend next steps. Through ongoing dialogue and workshops with key partners and suppliers, The companies also exchanged good practices and learnings from their experience. New HR policies and processes have been introduced to foster inclusion throughout the employee journey, from recruitment and career development to the end of employment.
The certification was formally presented to MSC Cruises on October 27, 2026, on board MSC Grandiosa in La Spezia, in the presence of Magali Bertolucci, Vice President of People Development, Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing for the Cruise Division of MSC Group, and Emanuele Castagno, RINA's Executive Vice President Certification.
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The Cruise Division of MSC Group, the privately-owned world leader in transportation is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland with two distinct brands - MSC Cruises, covering the contemporary and premium segments and Explora Journeys dedicated to the luxury segment.
MSC Cruises is the world's third largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe with a strong and growing presence in North America. A global cruise brand with 23 modern ships offering cruises across five continents, guests can visit more than 100 countries worldwide with more than 250 destinations, making unforgettable memories and enjoying the finest hospitality.
For more information visit MSC Cruises.
Explora Journeys, launched in 2023, is the luxury ocean travel brand redefining the experience for a new generation of discerning travelers. The fleet, currently comprising three ships and expanding to six by 2028, offers effortless yet refined luxury. Guests embark on transformative journeys, connecting with the sea through exceptional itineraries that inspire discovery in all its forms.
For more information visit Explora Journeys.
About RINA
RINA, a leading certification and engineering company, provides a wide range of services across the Energy, Marine, Infrastructure & Mobility, Certification, Industry and Real Estate sectors. In December 2023, alongside the majority shareholder Registro Italiano Navale, Fondo Italiano d'Investimento SGR entered the shareholding structure guiding a pool of co-investors. With revenues in 2025 of over 1 billion euros, over 7,000 employees and 200 offices in 70 countries worldwide, RINA is a member of key international organizations and an important contributor to the development of new legislative standards. www.rina.org
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