MSC Cruises reports ‘very strong’ May and June bookings

MSC Cruises has reported “very strong” sales for May and June and thanked UK agents for their support to secure more bookings.

Antonio Paradiso, international sales vice-president at MSC Cruises, told a Travel Weekly webcast how promotions and communications to stimulate the market and reassure clients during “uncertain periods” had boosted business.

“Six weeks ago, we were seeing last-minutes, and then a year’s gap [with] people booking for Q3 and Q4 in 2027 and beyond,” he said.

“We have managed to fill that gap.

“Looking at the sailings out of Southampton during the winter [2026-27] season, we have seen a huge spike, especially across the past four weeks.”

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Measures launched by the cruise line included 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.

He added: “We didn’t necessarily just focus on pricing…we have seen an increase over the past few weeks about that peace of mind that we wanted to give to all our travel agents [and] that little extra flexibility with the low deposits.

“Ex-UK is very strong, even in winter. Barbados is doing wonders. Alaska is going really well.

“I think the bookings for the Caribbean have also increased in view of this halo effect coming from the World Cup. 

“We are seeing also very strong momentum for some of our ships in Asia and Japan.

“For obvious reasons, we don’t have bookings for Dubai right now, because we decided for next winter to not send a ship there.”

He said the cruise line’s agent partners have been “so supportive” and noted how his sales team have had “incredible initiatives” to boost trade awareness through webinars and videos.

Paradiso was talking to Travel Weekly alongside Rob Scott, who has just joined MSC Cruises as guest experiences and growth strategy senior advisor.