MSC Cruises has hailed its successful comeback 12 months after becoming the first major line to return to sailing following the global pause in cruise operations.
The line also highlighted its commitment to maintaining its growth strategy and the development of sustainable cruising initiatives a year after restarting sailings with a seven-night western Mediterranean voyage out of Genoa.
MSC currently has 10 ships sailing in the UK, the Mediterranean, the Baltic Sea, the Red Sea and the Caribbean.
Since its return to operation, the line has launched two ships – MSC Virtuosa in May and MSC Seashore (pictured) last month – and held a steel cutting ceremony for second liquefied natural gas-powered ship, MSC Euribia, in June.
Also in June, the keel was laid for MSC Seascape, which is due to launch in November next year, and MSC’s luxury brand Explora Journeys was announced ahead of the official launch in 2023.
In July, the line signed a preferential berthing rights deal to dock ships at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for the next five years.
A spokesperson said: “The past 12 months were a very busy year of return to service but [the company] retained an undiminished laser-focus on the long-term future of the business and in a sustainable manner.”