MSC CRUISES RECOGNISED FOR EXCELLENCE IN CRUISE CRITIC EDITORS’ PICKS TO CONTINUE AWARD WINNING TREND

GENEVA (December 12, 2017) – As 2017 draws to a close, MSC Cruises – the world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and the market leader in Europe and South America– is thrilled to announce another round of industry accolades. Cruise Critic, the leading site for cruise reviews and information, has honored MSC Cruises with three awards in this year’s Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks. In the US, the striking MSC Seaside was named “Best New Ship,” and in the UK, MSC Cruises was named “Best Cruise Line for Families,” and the stunning MSC Meraviglia was named “Best New Ship.”

MSC Cruises has had a stellar year seeing the launch of two new mega-ships in 2017 at the start of an incredible growth plan and winning the best new ships award for both these ships is testament to the way in which MSC Cruises is taking the cruise experience to a whole new level.

Host to the largest cruise community in the world, Cruise Critic is an international authority in the industry, offering awards once a year. The Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards are selected by Cruise Critic's international team of cruise experts, based on the lines and ships they feel best represent excellence in each of the designated categories.

A vacation aboard an MSC Cruises’ ship is an experience defined and distinguished by quality and excellence. Each ship in the MSC Cruises’ fleet showcases an ultra-modern, elegant design, comfortable accommodations, authentic international cuisine, family-friendly options, and award-winning entertainment. This year, the Swiss-based cruise line has been celebrated specifically for its family offerings, and its two brand-new next generation ships.

Receiving one of the most coveted awards in the U.S., the newly-built and the Company’s new flagship MSC Seaside was named “Best New Ship,” which Cruise Critic recognized enthusiastically noting MSC Seaside is “destined to become one of the best Miami-based ships around.” They gave compliment to the South Beach inspired design, the open-air promenade and alfresco dining, the massive water and adventure park, and all 9 restaurants onboard – including the Asian Market Kitchen by chef Roy Yamaguchi.

“We are thrilled to see that Cruise Critic has recognized the highly innovative MSC Seaside as Best New Ship,” said Roberto Fusaro, president of MSC Cruises USA. “MSC Seaside is the first ship of MSC Cruises’ fifth new prototype that we bring into service since entering this industry. She introduces a truly innovative product that sets a new standard for the industry to follow, as she features a revolutionary design that bring guests closer to the sea and ensures they are able to enjoy the outdoors like never before, while continuing to push the boundaries of maritime and guest-centric technology.”

Antonio Paradiso, MD of MSC Cruises for the UK & Ireland said ‘It’s a real honour to receive these awards from such an influential organisation and to be recognised in two areas that are key to our growth and development as a Company. At MSC Cruises family has always been a priority for us, and we understand the importance of ensuring that families have a great time at an affordable price. Our aim is to give our guests a wealth of choice and to cater to the needs of multi-generational audiences so that travelling becomes a holiday for the whole family.

Of MSC Meraviglia winning best new ship, the UK MD said ‘MSC Meraviglia is the first new ship in our expanding fleet and is one of the best sold ships this year, alongside our second new ship for 2017, and US award winner, MSC Seaside. MSC Meraviglia is a purpose built smart ship and is perfect for the UK market offering a huge variety in entertainment, dining, and on board experiences that British passengers have come to expect from a cruise holiday. Through world class partnerships with the likes of Cirque du Soleil and Lego we have been able to elevate the cruise experience and it’s great to be recognised for these innovations.’

For the UK awards MSC was named “Best Cruise Line for Families” where Cruise Critic praised the entire MSC fleet for its continued dedication to the family experience expressing, “MSC Cruises has long been family friendly, with a well-established kids-go-free offer, but recently it has gone a stage further.” The cruising experts emphasized MSC Cruises impressive partnerships with LEGO and Chicco saying, “Both these partnerships have been retro-fitted in kids' clubs across the fleet, culminating in arguably the best kids' club at sea on MSC Meraviglia.”

Highlighting the brand new MSC Meraviglia as “Best New Ship – UK,” the editors at Cruise Critic were especially impressed with the spectacular food, entertainment, service and accommodations offered aboard this elegant vessel. Namely, MSC Meraviglia was praised for “top-notch specialty restaurants” that include impressive partnerships with Eataly and celebrity chefs, exclusive shows by Cirque du Soleil at Sea, guest service “at the top level,” and new stateroom types.

Capping off these noteworthy awards, MSC Cruises received two awards in the 2017 Porthole Cruise Magazine, the nation’s leading cruise travel magazine, Reader’s Choice Awards, including “Best Social Media” and “Best Theme Cruise.” Most recently, Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards recognized MSC Cruises as the 4th best cruise line in the world, in the large cruise ship category. The award has over 300,000 readers submitting millions of ratings and thousands of comments, sharing their recent travel experiences of the world’s cities, islands, hotels, resorts, cruise lines, airlines, and airports.

MSC Cruises is also a star performer in the Berlitz Cruising and Cruise Ships 2018 guide, where four MSC Cruises’ ships were recognized in the top 10 large resort ships including MSC Divina, MSC Preziosa and the two new additions to the fleet in 2017, MSC Meraviglia and MSC Seaside.

To see a full list of the 2017 Cruise Critic’s Editor’s Pick awards, please visit HERE.