MSC pledges not to “trash†UK cruise prices
MSC Magnifica
Prices are likely to be competitive with established lines from Southampton and would include free car parking or national coach transfers to the ship.
But a source stressed: "We’re not coming here to trash the market."
CEO Pierfrancesco Vago, speaking at the company showcased new 3,013-passenger ship MSC Magnifica to more than 2,000 travel agents over two nights in Southampton, said: “There are many well known brands from Southampton but there has been a flattening of product offerings which have all become very similar.
Two Baltic departures of ten nights duration are scheduled, starting on May 23.
Five eight-night fjords cruises will run in June, including one calling in Oslo.
UK managing director Giulio Libutti said a dedicated 2011 ex-UK cruise brochure would be published at the end of March together with separate brochures for fly-cruises and Caribbean itineraries.
The line is aiming for 50% of all Opera departures to be filled by British passengers – up from 35% expected on this summer’s sailings from Dover.
"We plan continuous growth from the UK and want to enhance the brand image with the consumer. This is still something we need to do," said Libutti.
Agents play an important role in raising the company’s UK profile through promotions and communicating MSC’s distinctive Italian style, he added.
Libuitti did not rule out the use of a larger ship from the UK in the future.
"Having Opera here is a very big investment for us," he said. "We have to show that we deserve a bigger ship.
"A ship with more balconies in the future will help us."
Phil Davies
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