Military vets get MSC Seaside bonanza

MSC Cruises had an "Oprah moment" for agents who are military veterans. Photo Credit: Arnie Weissmann

A group of more than 30 travel agents who are military veterans got a surprise on the final day of CruiseWorld when MSC Cruises awarded them spots on a preview cruise for the new MSC Seaside a year from now.

At first, MSC vice president of sales, public relations and guest services Ken Muskat gathered the vets on stage for recognition on Veteran's Day and a drawing that would have awarded one Seaside cruise.

"I'm feeling an Oprah moment," Muskat said, alluding to the talk show host's propensity for giving away valuables to everyone in the studio audience for her show.

As the room rose to its feet in applause, Muskat and his colleagues awarded the Seaside prize to all of the vets on stage.

The giveaway continued MSC's focus on veterans as a market segment. At last year's CruiseWorld, MSC sponsored a Veteran's Day reception and fireworks show at the waterfront Perez Art Museum in Miami.

CruiseWorld, a Travel Weekly event for travel suppliers and agents, is held every November at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale.