Emerging stronger – A message from our Executive Chairman

Last week, we had the pleasure of celebrating our MSC Seascape’s Naming Ceremony in New York City.

The celebration felt even more special considering what we’ve all been through these past three years. We have come a long way since the pandemic hit and our industry was put in the spotlight.

But like the people of New York in the face of adversity, we came together and steered ourselves on the right course.

Cruise lines developed stringent health protocols that set the standard beyond the cruise industry, and while other sectors remained closed, we were able to quickly resume operations thanks to the stringent health protocols that we developed. Cruising eventually emerged as the safest vacation option and now we’re back stronger than ever.

As macroeconomic conditions change, there are valuable lessons to draw from this experience. High inflation, speculation and economic uncertainty are on the rise. But there are glimmers of hope, as we know that consumers won’t – and shouldn’t – compromise on their right to have a break.

✅ Our capability to adapt is unmatched

✅ We offer the best value for money

✅ Despite the uncertainty, we continue growing

And yet, great vessels alone aren’t enough to secure our industry’s future. The challenge is to realise our full potential as an essential activity that contributes to coastal communities through significant economic returns and is fully committed to sustainability. It is at the centre of everything we do.

In the last few years, MSC Cruises has played an increasingly relevant role in the global cruise industry, accounting for over 50% of our industry’s global capacity growth. We continue creating opportunities for all our MSC Family and partners.

I’m proud to say that our mission is not just to innovate for our industry, but for the whole of society. That’s why we are leading the way and taking bold actions to decarbonise. For example, we will soon build two vessels for our luxury brand, Explora Journeys, that will be capable of using hydrogen fuel. We see this is a significant step in our journey towards decarbonised cruise operations.

We also recognise that sustainability is about preserving and restoring paradise. The MSC Foundation is engaged in a range of projects to make our world more beautiful by protecting mangroves, seagrass, and coral: M-S-C!

A huge thank you goes to our colleagues, partners, and customers across the world for the contributions each of you has made to making our business what it is today. We’re looking forward to what the future holds.

-         Pierfrancesco Vago