MSC CRUISES TO HOST FIVE-DAY GLOBAL TRADE GATHERING ONBOARD ITS FLAGSHIP MSC FANTASIA

The five-day event, staged each year by the Geneva, Switzerland-based global cruise line - number one in Europe, South America and South Africa – will welcome more than 1,800 travel agents and members of the media in what is by now a highlight of the MSC Cruises calendar.

From 7 to 12 November 2015, travel agents, networks and tour operators representing the more than 150 countries from which the Company sources its guests, will be welcomed on board the stunning MSC Cruises flagship, before she sets sail for a mini-cruise to the iconic ports of Marseille, Genoa and Barcelona. Some 200 staff from the Company’s worldwide direct sales force will also take part in the event.

“Many of our guests prefer to book their cruise holidays through a trusted travel agent,” said Mr Onorato ahead of the event. “As such, it is crucial to deepen the travel agent community’s knowledge of our product and its key distinguishing features. Importantly, All Stars of the Sea is an opportunity for us to share our strategy and vision, and to listen to our partners, so that we can continuously improve the way we do business together.”

The programme of this exclusive gathering will include a series of “MSC Academies” – meetings and workshops to discuss market opportunities, and set future objectives. The event’s climax will be glittering evening ceremonies, where awards for “Best F.I.T. Producer”, “Best Group Producer”, “Best Network”, “Best Initiative”, “Best Online Agent” and “Career Achievement” will be presented per market to the individuals or agencies that have contributed to making 2015 another strong year for MSC Cruises. All awards will be personally presented by MSC Cruises CEO, Gianni Onorato.

Over the five days, participants will also be treated to exquisite gala dinners and plenty of spectacular entertainment, from live music performances to signature shows in the ship’s 1,600-seat Teatro l'Avanguardia, all of which represent key distinguishing elements of MSC Cruises’ product.