MSC CRUISES SHARES FIVE TRAVEL TRENDS DRIVING GUEST DECISIONS FOR 2024

• Guest desires are shifting toward added touches of luxury, more cultural experiences, and extended time ashore for more immersive destination experiences
• City trips and muti-destination vacations are more popular than ever as vacation goers look for maximum vacation value

Geneva, Switzerland – December 14, 2023 — MSC Cruises, the world’s third largest cruise brand, is shedding light on five important travel trends driving guest decisions for 2024 and beyond. The leading global cruise line sees heightened demand for products that offer extended stays in destinations, vacations rich in cultural experiences, upgraded adventures with touches of luxury, sustained enthusiasm for travel ranging from the Caribbean to Europe’s most vibrant cities, and guests looking for the best vacation value.

1. LINGER FOR LONGER

Itineraries with extended or overnight port calls are gaining popularity, as cruise goers increasingly express a desire for more time in ports. This extra time ensures guests can truly explore their destinations in an authentic and leisurely way, allowing enough time to soak up unique cultures, savor local flavors and explore everything a destination has to offer.

Many of MSC Cruises’ 2024 itineraries feature full-day or overnight stays in highly sought-after destinations, including the Greek Island of Mykonos; Dubai in the UAE; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and the line’s own private island in The Bahamas – Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. These extended stays allow ample time for guests to explore, whether it's relaxing in the slow pace of life in the Greek islands, shopping in one of the world's fashion hubs, or taking in an after-dark lighthouse show in The Bahamas.

1. CULTURAL EXPLORATION

The new year sees a heightened eagerness among travelers to explore diverse cultures and experience new destinations. Vacation goers are no longer content with visiting well-known tourist attractions; instead, they want to experience destinations in a way that reflects the local lifestyle.

In 2024, MSC Cruises will offer itineraries to trending destinations that are full of rich cultural heritage and history to discover around every corner. MSC Bellissima will sail in Asia, giving guests the chance to explore the art, history and traditions along with the present-day vitality of Japan and China. For those who want to experience the Middle East, MSC Virtuosa will sail the region with stops in cultural hubs including Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE and Doha in Qatar. Those eager to dive into the unique history and traditions of Scandinavia and the Baltic region can opt for a cruise on MSC Poesia next summer. 

1. UPGRADED EXPERIENCES

Globally, travelers are increasingly seeking more exclusive and luxurious experiences, aiming to transform their annual vacation into truly unforgettable and indulgent adventures that result in lifelong memories.

MSC Cruises offers the MSC Yacht Club—an elevated ship-within-a-ship cruising experience. First introduced in 2008, this concept has gained immense popularity, leading to its expansion across 14 of the line's ships.

Guests in the MSC Yacht Club can take advantage of everything from 24-hour butler service and lavish suites to private lounges and a dedicated high-end restaurant, while also benefitting from easy access to the array of entertainment, dining options and facilities offered throughout the rest of the ship. Those MSC Yacht Club guests sailing to private island destinations such as Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and Sir Bani Yas are also treated to upgraded on-island experiences such as exclusive access to private beaches and elevated dining options.

1. EUROPEAN CITY ESCAPE

Travelers are more enthusiastic than ever to delve into the vibrant cities of Europe. These urban destinations offer a well-rounded appeal, featuring an abundance of historic sites, culinary experiences, diverse shopping options, renowned attractions, and immersive opportunities to engage with local culture.

MSC Cruises is the market leader in Europe, providing a growing number of itineraries that allow guests to explore a variety of active cities—all on one journey without needing to repack their suitcase. From the iconic landmarks of Paris (Le Havre), London (Southampton), and Amsterdam in Northern Europe to the historical vibrancy of Rome and Barcelona in the Mediterranean, MSC Cruises delivers an unparalleled exploration of Europe's dynamic urban landscapes.

1. ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE-VALUE RETURN

Cruising is gaining popularity among those who have never sailed before, with more Gen-X and Millennials considering taking a cruise vacation for the first time. More and more individuals are recognizing the inherent value of a cruise compared to alternative land-based options. Couples, families or groups of friends can choose itineraries containing must-see destinations. Those who sail with MSC Cruises can tailor their time ashore with a variety of shore excursions to experience the best of a destination and, once back onboard, seamlessly transition between a different dining venue for each meal, a new full-scale theater production each evening, and the option to relax in outstanding wellness facilities—all with unbeatable value.

For more information on MSC Cruises’ itineraries, please click here.

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About MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise brand as well as the market leader in Europe, South America, the Gulf region, and Southern Africa. It is also the fastest growing global cruise brand with a strong presence in the Caribbean, North America, and the Far East markets.

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC Cruises is one of the two brands that sit within the Cruise Division of MSC Group, the world’s leading and privately held shipping and logistics conglomerate with over 300 years of maritime heritage. MSC Cruises – the contemporary brand - has a modern fleet of 22 vessels combined with a sizeable future global investment portfolio of new vessels, terminals, and other assets. The fleet is projected to grow to 23 cruise ships by 2025, with options for six more vessel orders in place through 2030.

MSC Cruises offers its guests an enriching, immersive and safe cruise experience inspired by the Company’s European heritage, where they can enjoy international dining, world-class entertainment, award-winning family programs, and the very latest user-friendly technology on board. To learn more about MSC Cruises’ itineraries and experience on board its ships, click here.

The line’s number one priority has always been the health and safety of its guests and crew, as well as the communities at the destinations its ships serve. In August 2020, MSC Cruises implemented a new comprehensive and robust health and safety protocol to become the first major line to return to sea. To learn more about MSC Cruises’ health & safety protocol, click here.

MSC Cruises has long been committed to environmental stewardship, with a long-term goal to achieve net zero emissions for its operations by 2050. 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. To learn more about the Company’s environmental commitment, click here. 

Finally, to learn more about the MSC Foundation, MSC Group’s own vehicle to lead, focus and advance its conservation, humanitarian and cultural commitments, click here.