Line Profile: MSC Cruises

MSC Poesia.

Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises 

If you've researched or booked a cruise to the Mediterranean or Caribbean recently, chances are you probably saw itineraries offered by MSC Cruises.  The fourth-largest cruise line in the world, their rise has been meteoric.  Five years ago, the line had a small fleet consisting of two purpose-built ships and a handful of vessels acquired from other lines. 

In 2010, MSC boasts a fleet of eleven ships, six of which were built in the last four years alone.  Another, MSC Fantastica, is slated to launch in 2012.

During the intervening years, MSC established itself as the de-facto standard in Europe, with a strong presence in the Baltic and Mediterranean.  Recent years have also seen the line expand their winter offerings in South America.  The North American market has been a bit tougher to crack, but like a great prize fighter, MSC picked itself up and dusted itself off, ready for another round.

When the line first entered the Caribbean, initial sailings didn't exactly go as planned.  Complaints about everything from the food to the service to the water onboard were rampant despite the fact that similar complaints just didn't exist for its European sailings.  The biggest gripe, in fact, seemed to revolve around the water in the dining room.  Keeping in custom with many European countries, MSC charged for sparkling water.  North American cruisers, who seemingly want everything to be 'like it is at home', were mortified. 

So MSC listened.

They started putting their newer, flashier ships on the Caribbean runs.  The charge for water was scrapped.  North American sailings offer more culinary choices that will appeal to the average US cruiser.  Onboard accounts, billed in Euros in Europe, are charged in US Dollars.   Theme cruises are offered.

It worked.

By all accounts, the line's 2009 season was a success - so much so that this year, MSC is expanding its North American itineraries by offering voyages to Canada & New England for the first time in its history.  The diverse itineraries rival those on offer from competing lines, and upon completion of this groundbreaking step in the company's history, MSC Poesia returns to Fort Lauderdale for another successful season of Caribbean cruising.

So why should you consider a MSC voyage, particularly in the Caribbean or New England?  Simply put, because they're different.  Sure, they've strengthened and tailored their product to better suit North American tastes, but the Genoa-based line is still very much an Italian line at heart and aims to offer a truly international cruise experience.  The Caribbean tends to be overrun with the same old ships doing the same old itineraries; why not shake it up and try something new?

To whet your appetite, have a peek at the MSC Poesia - virtually - using this tremendous, full-screen virtual tour of the ship.

Now want more?  Hop on over to the MSC Cruises website and experience a taste of Italy without the transatlantic flight.