New pricing from MSC
MSC Cruises is ushering in more flexible pricing for 2011 with special rates for a wider range of passenger types, such as single cruisers, older travellers and honeymooning couples.
The line has also unveiled a new points system for group bookings that agents can use to earn extra commission for themselves in addition to giving added benefits to their customers.
The “Music Points” can be accumulated on specific sailings on group bookings of eight cabins or more. Retailers can use a set number of points per booking to boost their commission and use the remainder for customer extras such as shipboard credits and on-board private parties.
The Italian line also launched its 2011 Mediterranean and ex-UK brochure at the 2010 UK Cruise Convention featuring its new ex-Southampton sailings aboard MSC Opera.
Price panels have been clarified with cruise-only and fly-cruise options – making it easier for customers to decide between taking just the cruise or a full package.
MSC Cruises UK and Ireland managing director Giulio Libutti hoped these measures would help to boost MSC’s share of the British cruise market, which he said currently stands at around two per cent.
“I would like to reach five per cent in the next two or three years,” he added.
This year, MSC expects to see UK passenger numbers to grow 15% over 2009, with revenue jumping by nearly 30%.
With the line’s twelfth ship due to join the fleet in 2012, Libutti is hopeful it will bring new destinations such as Dubai into the MSC programme.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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