Exciting developments are in the works for one of Royal Holiday Cruises’ frequent cruise line affiliates. In the wake of its ship Divina’s maiden call to New York City earlier this spring, officials from MSC Cruises revealed some of the line’s upcoming plans to serve more North American cruisers in the near future.
In North America, MSC might be regarded as a particularly exotic choice compared to more familiar cruise lines like Carnival or Royal Caribbean. Based in Italy, the company has primarily served European vacationers, and has focused on itineraries in the Mediterranean and South America. Because of its European focus, MSC ships have sometimes seemed unfamiliar to North American travelers, due to the languages spoken onboard, menus, entertainment, and decor.
With the announcement that it will reposition Divina to a permanent homeport in Miami this November, MSC has indicated a new commitment to serving US passengers. In addition, the Divina has been retrofitted to suit North American tastes, and a handful of other MSC ships are already based here, sailing out of Florida.
MSC has made special efforts to address some of the misconceptions that American travelers might have about the company’s ships. Smoking, for example, is not allowed outside of the few designated areas on each MSC ship. Company officials have also stressed that, although menus are multilingual, the cuisine itself is created to suit an American palate, with popular offerings like Caesar salad or steak and potatoes. The company has also taken special care to book entertainers who can please any audience, no matter what language they speak. These acts include magicians and acrobats, as these performers offer visual spectacle and emotional impact.
The cruise line has also established partnerships with a range of popular businesses that are sure to appeal to North American passengers. Familiar quality brands like Italian restaurant Eataly, toy-maker LEGO, and confections company Nutella can be spotted on many MSC cruises. And, according to company officials, more such offerings are on the way.
As MSC orients its business toward American cruisers, the company is going out of its way to offer the most relaxing and enjoyable ocean vacations possible to all its guests.
