‘Extra effort’ required to secure bookings during ‘uncertain period’

MSC Cruises’ international sales chief has urged agents to maintain consistent communication with customers to encourage them to book during “uncertain periods”.

This comes as the cruise line launched its ‘Best Holiday Commitment’ to reassure trade partners and customers with a range of offers including one free cruise change if needed, a no-fuel-surcharge promise, lower deposits of £50 and flights from £99.

Speaking to Travel Weekly’s Lucy Huxley at the fourth annual MSC Cup at Stamford Bridge, vice-president of international sales Antonio Paradiso said sales from mid-April had seen “a spike in bookings” following a “challenging” March due to the impact of the Middle East conflict.

Paradiso noted the market needed to be “stimulated” more than in previous years, adding: “I am happy to report May is going well, although I need to mention the market needs to be constantly stimulated.

“You need to get your message out there on a weekly basis, so you cannot rest or breathe after a promotion. You need to make that extra effort to get those bookings.”

He urged all trade partners to be consistent with their communication to get bookings over the line, adding: “We are doing our bit, and I think we have built the right infrastructure to support anyone’s business and to support the customer, ultimately.”

He said the cruise line’s ex-UK programme was “doing particularly well”, while its western Mediterranean fly-cruise programme “needs a bit more love” and Caribbean bookings had been “stable”.

Paradiso added: “[Fifty per cent] of people are booking cruises within the next three months, and then there is a year gap where the bookings are for everything from 2027, 2028 and beyond, so we’re not really seeing the bookings for spring 2027.

“We need a bit of focus and there is an appetite there and we have this amazing flexibility we are giving to everyone, so if anyone still has doubts [about] committing to a holiday, we could not make it any easier than this.”

He also said the cruise line “needed to push a little bit more” on May and June departures as sales have been “slower than originally anticipated”, while peak season in July and August was performing well.

Looking ahead, Paradiso expected “a ramp-up” in bookings between June and July, particularly as the World Cup takes place, before shifting focus to third and fourth-quarter itineraries due to the “lost momentum” in March and April.

Paradiso added there was “still space” on certain sailings, especially during the shoulder season, but noted the luxury market was “very resilient” with strong sales for MSC Yacht Club and Explora Journeys.

“The proof is in the pudding because we are sold out for MSC Yacht Club on most sailings,” he added.