Latest news with #MSCGroup
Zawya
16 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
MSC Group's Cruise division publishes 2024 sustainability report
United Arab Emirates - MSC Group's Cruise Division today published its 2024 Sustainability Report reaffirming its commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, accompanied by an independently verified Energy Transition Plan (ETP) to clearly show how it is working to achieve this ambition. The report, now in its sixth edition, highlights milestones in environmental innovation, responsible tourism, and social impact. It reflects MSC Group's Cruise Division's integrated approach to sustainability for its MSC Cruises' and Explora Journeys' brands. Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Group's Cruise Division, said: 'As a family business, we do not operate ships just for tomorrow. We sail them for future generations, designed for fuel flexibility, guided by innovation, and powered by people who share our long-term vision. 'The Cruise Division in 2024 reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a bold and transparent sustainability strategy that balances environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic resilience.' Report highlights include: Launching of the Energy Transition Plan for the fleets of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, outlining interim absolute emissions reduction targets. This is a published roadmap to achieving net-zero GHG emissions from marine operations by 2050. Avoiding 50,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions through fleet-wide optimisation tools (OptiCruise and Oceanly Performance) which support real-time operational efficiency and itinerary planning. An increase in shore power connections from 44 in 2023 to 142 in 2024, across 13 ports. All new ships since 2017 are shore-power ready with retrofitting continuing across the fleet, and the Cruise Division remains committed to using shore power wherever it's available. An increase in crew retention rate to 89%, up from 83% in 2023, demonstrating the commitment of the Cruise Division to employee engagement and development. The formation of a Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee, underlining a strong commitment to workforce equity across over 140 nationalities. Continued investment in destinations like Ocean Cay, where environmental stewardship has enabled marine wildlife to thrive and coral restoration is underway. Whale strike prevention training for 469 key crew members in conjunction with marine protection charity ORCA to understand more about the species of whale at risk, how to identify them, and take steps to reduce the risk. More than 4,500 shore excursions offered in 84 countries, including 284 'Protectours', low-impact experiences. The report also shows that in 2024 the fleets of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys together carried 4.6 million guests and sailed to 341 itineraries in 90 countries. Looking Ahead As MSC Group's Cruise Division looks to the future, it remains focused on scaling clean energy solutions, retrofitting existing ships, advocating for port infrastructure investments, and collaborating across the maritime sector to accelerate the global energy transition. 'There is no single solution to decarbonisation. It is a puzzle we solve piece by piece - with new technology, operational excellence, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to move forward,' added Mr Vago. The full 2024 Sustainability Report is available at: -Ends- The Cruise Division of MSC Group, the privately-owned world leader in transportation is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland with two distinct brands - MSC Cruises, covering the contemporary and premium segments and Explora Journeys dedicated to the luxury segment. MSC Cruises is the world's third largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe with a strong and growing presence in North America. A global cruise brand with 23 modern ships offering cruises across five continents, guests can visit more than 100 countries worldwide with more than 300 destinations, making unforgettable memories and enjoying the finest hospitality. For more information visit: Explora Journeys, launched in 2023, is the luxury ocean travel brand redefining the experience for a new generation of discerning travellers. The fleet, currently comprising two ships and expanding to six by 2028, offers effortless yet refined luxury. Guests embark on transformative journeys, connecting with the sea through exceptional itineraries that inspire discovery in all its forms. For more information visit : For interviews scheduling or any media enquiry, please contact: Ghida Abou Zaki ghida@
Travel Weekly
15-07-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Stock market woes? Global conflict? Cruise fans keep booking
Following April's stock market tumble and again during the June war in Iran, many cruise customers put the brakes on booking their next sailing. But in short order, once the news cycle moved on, they went right back to scheduling their trips. Cruisers may be "notoriously panicky," according to cruise industry analyst Patrick Scholes, but despite economic and global upheaval this year, booking patterns have been mostly consistent, apart from those temporary hiccups synched with the news cycle. That's according to cruise lines, agencies and analysts, which have found that trends one might see during more elongated periods of conflict -- particularly when in or near international destinations -- are only being felt by some advisors. Large cruise companies like MSC Group and Carnival Corp. say they have not noticed major shifts. And that is despite cruisers being a jumpy group, said Scholes, of Truist Securities. "The American cruise customer is about as skittish a traveler as you get and not very good with geography," he said. "Historically, every time you have some sort of international conflict, especially if there's a cruise within 1,000 miles of that location, Americans get skittish. It just happens over and over." The period in June when Israel and the U.S. launched attacks on Iran was the most recent time that cruise bookings for Europe slowed, sources said. Once customers decided the conflict didn't seem to be leading to World War III, booking patterns returned to normal. "The fact that, so far, it really didn't escalate beyond that has made travelers breathe a sigh of relief," Scholes said. "But certainly for two or three days immediately following that, there definitely was a hiccup in bookings." The economic concerns of the spring transitioned into a more gradual rebound for Carnival Corp., with sales improvements in May after a shaky April and then further improvements in early June, said CEO Josh Weinstein during the company's second-quarter earnings call. Now, in part thanks to a strong Wave season, summer cabin options are slim and selling at premium prices, and bookings for next year are well underway, travel advisors said. Among the indicators that U.S. cruisers aren't spooked by the headlines is strength in Europe. Carnival Corp.'s Europe bookings for the third quarter are "looking great," Weinstein said. "Nothing but good things to talk about there." Scenic Group said it's seeing strong demand globally and particular strength for its summer cruises in the Mediterranean and European river cruises. Anthony Hamawy of shared similar observations. "Europe is still selling very well," Hamawy said. "And when I look outward into next year, Europe is already doing very well for us." Cruises closer to home Some cruise sellers and analysts are reporting shifting booking habits, much of which they attribute to the news. "People are booking right now more close to home," said Marisel Aleman, vice president of Cruise Elite in Ormond Beach, Fla. "I think that all depends on whatever is happening in the world." Mediterranean sailings likely have some of the greatest cabin availability in the third quarter but are still relatively full, said KHM Travel Group's Bill Coyle during a digitally broadcast discussion with Cleveland Research Co. "It's not a desperate plea yet," Coyle said. "They're probably at a good capacity for that, but we can always fill more cabins." Even affluent clients aren't immune to making travel decisions based on the macroeconomic climate or conflict. A month or two ago, Carlos Edery saw more cancellations than typical at his agency, Luxury Cruise Connections. "Our clients are 70 or 80 years old and usually taking long trips away from home," he said. "The [booking] curve is almost identical to the geopolitical or financial sentiment." Still, even those who are seeing some fluctuation don't necessarily think it will be long-lasting. Mark Wilson, who works in cruise and tour product strategy and operations at Arrivia, a travel tech company specializing in loyalty programs, described recent fluctuations in Europe cruise sales as "noise" during the Cleveland Research discussion. And looking toward 2026, he doesn't predict a negative impact. "Noise is noise, and we don't love noise, but I do think it's going to continue to do well," he said of Europe cruise sales. Cruise as an industry is a combination of unpredictable and resilient, said Josh Tolkin, vice president of supplier relations at World Travel Holdings. While major news events have an effect, customers adapt and bookings rebound, he said. Outside of the events that have caused temporary booking impacts, this year and next will be ones in which consumer interest continues to normalize after the post-Covid travel boom. "In general, 2025 is just rightsizing to a more normal booking year than the post-Covid rebound years," he said, "and 2026 is looking to normalize even further."
Travel Weekly
14-07-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Explora Journeys celebrates milestones for three ships under construction
Explora Journeys is celebrating three milestones on July 14: the Explora III's float-out, the Explora IV's coin ceremony and the Explora V's steel-cutting. The three ships are under construction at Fincantieri's Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy, where leaders from the cruise line gathered for the triple-milestone event. This was Explora's second consecutive year reaching three milestones at once. Last year, at the same shipyard, it celebrated the delivery of the Explora II, the coin ceremony for the Explora III and the construction launch for the Explora IV. "We've had a very solid 10 months working with the team to get the ships where they are today -- those ships sailing and those that are under construction," said Explora president Anna Nash. "It's an emotional moment for me, and I think the team as well, to see the reality that we're halfway through this incredible family vision and we're delivering it on time with confidence, and, I'd say, with poise." Explora Journeys is owned by MSC Group, the cruise and shipping company owned by the Aponte family. The Explora III is on track to debut in August 2026, with the fourth and fifth ships following in 2027 and a sixth in 2028. Sailings for the Explora III's first season in Northern Europe have already proven "extremely popular," Nash said. The luxury brand is also seeing the highest-end suites selling first, she said. Explora Journeys president Anna Nash and MSC Cruises executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago in front of the Explora III. Photo Credit: Explora Journeys "I think that just comes with longevity as a brand, more confidence," Nash said. "We're seeing that with our repeat guests. They want to come back and experience a different level of suite." The Explora I debuted in August 2023. The Explora II followed in September 2024. The line is introducing its first Alaska sailings on the Explora III, and Nash hinted that this fall it will announce Explora's first Asia itineraries.
Reuters
25-06-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Exclusive: Maersk sues over $1 bln Brazil port auction, MSC Group's TIL may follow
SAO PAULO, June 25 (Reuters) - Global shipping groups are looking to Brazil's courts to overturn competition rules that bar them from participating in the first round of bidding on a major new container terminal at Latin America's largest port, due to take place later this year. Danish shipping group Maersk ( opens new tab filed a lawsuit on Monday in Sao Paulo against Brazil's marine transport authority (Antaq), and its general director, according to a document seen by Reuters. The lawsuit called for "procedural corrections to ensure a fair process" to assign the Tecon 10 terminal at the Port of Santos. The bidding rules, defined by Antaq, are under review by Brazil's federal audit court (TCU). The privately held MSC Group is also hoping for a change in the rules. Patricio Junior, regional investment director at MSC's subsidiary Terminal Investment Limited, said TIL is considering a lawsuit if the TCU does not impose changes to the process. The auction rules would bar Maersk, MSC and other operators of existing container terminals at Santos from the first round of bidding to build and run the new megaterminal, expected to require 5.6 billion reais ($1.0 billion) of investment. That may open the door for Asian rivals or a local player such as JBS Terminais, the new port operating unit of Brazilian meatpacker JBS (JBS.N), opens new tab, which took over a container terminal at Itajaí, in southern Brazil, last year. JBS declined to comment. Antaq, which has billed Tecon 10 as the biggest port auction in Brazil's history, said its bidding rules are meant to promote competition. The agency said it had not yet been officially notified about the lawsuit and reiterated that the process is currently with the TCU, awaiting a decision. If no valid proposals are received in the first phase of the auction, Antaq said operators of existing container terminals at Santos can bid in subsequent rounds, provided they divest their other holdings in the port complex. Maersk declined to comment on the lawsuit, but called for a more transparent process to guarantee fair competition. "Excluding companies with broad international experience, responsible for managing some of the most efficient ports globally, without thorough studies to support such a decision, significantly diminishes the project's potential at Latin America's largest port," Maersk said in a statement. Some heavy users of the Santos port infrastructure also voiced concerns about the rules constraining who can bid for Tecon 10. Eduardo Heron, technical director of the Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council, said the group is advocating for "broad and unrestricted participation." ($1 = 5.511 reais)
Telegraph
01-06-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Five essential things to know before boarding an Explora Journeys ship
If you think cruising means corny entertainment, greasy buffets and lengthy bridge contests, then chances are you haven't experienced Explora Journeys yet. Inspired by the sleek design of private yachts, this new kid on the block wants to inspire those who 'don't do cruises' to give holidays-at-sea a try. This ethos is reflected in the line's choice of terminology, with 'guests' rather than 'passengers', and 'hosts' instead of 'crew'. Explora Journeys, the ultra-luxury arm of the MSC Group, sees its ships more as high-end hotels that just happen to be on water, as evidenced by the Buccellati boutiques, marble bathrooms and Emilio Isgrò artwork on board. The brand has also made a deliberate decision to hire staff from a luxury hospitality background wherever possible, so don't be surprised when intuitive employees (there's an impressive ratio of 1.25:1 guest-to-crew) remember your name or your favourite drink. What's more, Explora Journeys is truly all-inclusive, so you don't have to worry about forking out extra for drinks, food, fitness classes, tips or Wi-Fi. In short, the brand has attained its goal of offering all the trappings of the world's leading luxury hotels – a sophisticated aesthetic, first-class service and superlative restaurants and bars – on the high seas. 1. Where does Explora Journeys cruise? Explora I will sail the Mediterranean until November 2025, when she will then reposition to the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula for winter 2025-2026. Sister ship, Explora II, will spend summer 2025 in the Mediterranean and winter 2025-2026 in the Eastern Caribbean. Explora III which, as the name suggests, is the third ship in the line's growing fleet, will debut in summer 2026 and offer itineraries throughout northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland before making its way to North America 's east coast. For the winter 2026/27 season, the ship will shift to Miami, where it will embark on a series of Caribbean itineraries. While the line emphasises longer itineraries that visit lesser-known ports, and then stay late/overnight, it has also introduced regular, shorter seven night journeys for those who have limited time. In addition, Explora offers what it terms 'experiences' as opposed to 'excursions'. These include a meeting with an astronaut from Nasa in Florida and a hike along the Tet Paul nature trail in St Lucia to see the island's icons – the Unesco-protected Pitons. 2. Who does Explora Journeys appeal to? New-to-cruise guests who are attracted to the brand for what it is not: blaring night clubs, blingy casinos and petty extra charges. That being said, while the line isn't looking to attract passengers from other cruise lines, it would nonetheless appeal to fans of small ship, luxury cruising offered by the likes of Seabourn, Silversea, and Crystal – as well as those who have stayed in ship-within-a-ship venues on mainstream lines and are looking to try something new. Explora Journeys – as its name alludes – is also a good choice for anyone looking for a little more from their annual leave than merely sitting by a pool all day. Itineraries blend well-known destinations, such as Athens, with lesser-travelled ports, and offer guests the opportunity to feel part of the place they are visiting. Small-group trips are led by local experts who know that the most memorable and magical experiences are often about meeting the community, rather than simply tickling off the blockbuster sights. 3. Explora Journey's fleet Explora Journeys currently has two ships in its fleet with four more – Exploras III, IV V, and VI – slated to follow over the next few years. Explora II (922 passengers) From a distance, the line's newest ship, Explora II, resembles a superyacht (perhaps not a surprise, given that its aquiline profile was crafted by veteran British yacht designer Martin Francis). Step on board, however, and it's like walking into a five-star resort. Expect a glittering white-and-gold, double-height lobby bar with a back-lit drinks wall; the open-air Sky Bar; bespoke artwork by Emilio Isgrò and Yves Dana dotted around the decks; four swimming pools – one with a retractable rooftop; numerous hot tubs; and upmarket shops in the shape of Piaget, Panerai, Cartier and Buccellati. Elsewhere, the cabins are all suites – starting at a spacious 35 square metres for an entry-level Ocean Terrace Suite. This comes equipped with a king size bed, Frette linens, Steiner binoculars, a walk-in dressing area featuring a Dyson hairdryer, marble bathroom with underfloor heating and bespoke Mandala Blue toiletries; plus a separate living area leading to a terrace with a supremely comfortable Manutti daybed. Explora I (922 passengers) The first ship from Explora Journeys is almost identical to its sibling. Four pools are complemented by numerous whirlpools, while extensive workout areas – indoor and out – have Technogym equipment. Spread over 14 decks, you'll find a spacious spa whose inviting thermal areas – including a salt cave, vitality pool and experiential showers – are free to access on port days, as well as extensive workout areas filled with swanky Technogym equipment. The ship has 12 bars and six restaurants: standouts include the pan-Asian Sakura where you can watch the chefs at work in the open kitchen, Marble & Co (a smart steakhouse) and Emporium Marketplace – Explora's upmarket take on the buffet. All dining venues are included in the fare, with the exception of Anthology – three Michelin star Italian chef Mauro Uliassi's first restaurant at sea. Entertainment is low-key with a pianist tinkling at a Steinway in the lobby bar, while West End and Broadway veterans perform songs from everyone's favourite musicals and movies in Journeys Lounge. 4. Loyalty scheme In April 2025, Explora Journeys revealed a new loyalty programme. The Explora Club has five tiers and allows guests to earn points that can then be converted into perks such as priority service and access to exclusive events, or used towards future sailings. 5. Access for guests with disabilities The line has fully-accessible suites and, in certain ports, offers accessible destination experiences. Explora Journeys asks that: 'Any guests in need of special services during their journey, or needing to travel with medical apparatus, including wheelchairs, motorised scooters or oxygen therapy [...] please notify us in writing prior to final payment becoming due.'
