Magnifica to Take Over MSC’s 2027 World Cruise

Magnifica to Take Over MSC’s 2027 World Cruise

MSC Magnifica under the Forth Bridge, photo credit Spacejunkie2, Flickr Account

The MSC Magnifica will take over MSC Cruises’ 2027 World Cruise, which was initially set to take place onboard the MSC Musica.

According to a press release, the 2,550-guest ship will embark on the global voyage after undergoing a major refurbishment in late 2025.

Departing from ports in Italy, Spain and France in early January 2027, the 121-night cruise is set to visit 45 destinations in 25 countries.

According to MSC, the itinerary is highlighted by seven overnight stays in key ports of call, including Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Buenos Aires in Argentina, Sydney in Australia and Tahiti in French Polynesia.

With the ship getting a new MSC Yacht Club during its refit, the 2027 World Cruise will also mark the first time that the global voyage offers the company’s upscale suite enclave.

Set to debut onboard the vessel in early 2026, the VIP area will include 63 new suites, as well as an exclusive solarium and a private lounge.

Guests staying in a Yacht Club suite will also be able to dine in a dedicated restaurant, which will serve a premium menu.

Built in 2010, the MSC Magnifica will be the first Musica-class ship to offer the suite enclave, which was first introduced by MSC’s Fantasia class in 2008.

During its refit, in addition to the MSC Yacht Club, the vessel is also getting an updated spa and a new fitness centre.

Then set to take place onboard the MSC Musica, MSC’s 2027 World Cruise was initially announced in late 2024.

As the first ship in the company’s namesake class, the 2006-built ship was scheduled to operate the global voyage for the first time.

The MSC Magnifica is also scheduled to offer MSC’s 2026 World Cruise, which departs from Europe next January.

Set to start operations ahead of the ship’s following summer season, the MSC Yacht Club won’t be available for guests sailing on the 119-night global voyage.

MSC to Add Yacht Club to Magnifica During Big Drydock

MSC to Add Yacht Club to Magnifica During Big Drydock

MSC Magnifica under the Forth Bridge, photo credit Spacejunkie2 Flickr account for MSC Magnifica Images

MSC Cruises has announced that the MSC Magnifica will get its Yacht Club concept later this year as part of significant onboard enhancements that will also see the introduction of a new spa and gym.

What the company calls a substantial drydock refurbishment will take place during October and November at the Palumbo shipyard in Valetta, Malta, to transform some of the vessel’s public spaces.

Sales opened today for the MSC Yacht Club on the MSC Magnifica starting in summer 2026. For the first time, the luxury product will be available on itineraries from Warnemunde in Germany to Baltic and Scandinavian destinations, plus the MSC Magnifica’s 2027 world cruise.

Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises, said: “The MSC Yacht Club is one of our most highly regarded products, loved by guests for its outstanding level of service, elegant spaces and exclusive facilities, so we are proud to be bringing this to MSC Magnifica. The extensive remodelling is the largest we’ve undertaken in the last ten years and underlines our commitment to offer our guests the best possible guest experience across our entire fleet.”

Guests booking the 63 new MSC Yacht Club suites spanning five upper decks can benefit from an exclusive, all-inclusive experience featuring 24-hour butler and concierge service, elegant and spacious cabins, and access to a range of private facilities including an exclusive restaurant and lounge, and a private sundeck with a pool as well as a grill restaurant and bar.

The refurbishment work will also see a new 270 square metre MSC Aurea spa and a new Techogym fitness centre.

The MSC Magnifica’s Itineraries that will feature the new onboard enhancements include:

• Summer 2026 – From Warnemunde, Germany on May 16 2026, to destinations such as Ronne in Denmark, Riga in Latvia, Tallinn in Estonia, Stockholm in Sweden and Helsinki in Finland.
• MSC World Cruise 2027 – The MSC Yacht Club will, for the first time, offer its personalised and luxury service and facilities on one of the line’s global voyages.  The ship departs Civitavecchia to Genoa, Italy, Marseille and Barcelona on Jan. 5, 6, 7 and 8, 2027, respectively, with a new 121-night worldwide sailing that will visit 45 destinations in 25 countries.

Windstar Launches 40th Anniversary Celebration in Kusadasi

Windstar Launches 40th Anniversary Celebration in Kusadasi

Windstar Cruises has officially launched its 40th anniversary celebration, commemorating four decades of cruising and its close-knit crew, described in a press release as a “shipboard family.”

The milestone event took place in Kusadasi, Turkey, where two of Windstar’s ships, the 312-guest Star Legend and the 148-guest Wind Spirit, docked together. Guests and crew disembarked for an exclusive event at the ruins of Ephesus, featuring Windstar’s largest dinner ever hosted at the site. Executives, captains, crew and guests from both ships enjoyed a special evening among ancient ruins.

The event featured additional entertainment from the Aegean Chamber Orchestra, a progressive cocktail party and speeches celebrating the company’s 40-year journey.

Windstar’s Chief Commercial Officer Janet Bava and Chief Operations Officer Stijn Creupelandt welcomed attendees, recognizing returning Yacht Club Members and first-time guests.

Wind Spirit’s Captain Mark Rowden and Star Legend’s Captain Pedro Pinto shared their experiences in the industry and acknowledged crew members’ dedication, many of whom have been with the company for over 20 years.

“Windstar wouldn’t be the company it is today without the love and support of our owners at Xanterra Travel Collection and The Anschutz Corporation,” said Bava. “With their support, we were able to survive the most challenging years in cruise history while expanding the fleet and renovating our ships when the whole world was standing still. With the acquisition of two new ships and the investments being made to elevate our existing fleet, including our beloved Wind class ships that will be completely renovated by 2027, we are so excited for the next 40 years of Windstar.” 

Windstar will celebrate its 40th-anniversary fleetwide through October 2025 with various activities, including complimentary Ruby Anniversary cocktails at a trivia event where winners can enter to win a cruise for two on Star Seeker’s inaugural cruise. The celebration will also feature limited edition seabags, which are bespoke bags made from Windstar’s recycled sails. Windstar’s social media channels will also share special moments and staff recognition throughout the year using the hashtag #40yearsofWindstar.

 

SeaDream says demand is high for restart

SeaDream Yacht Club said that its first sailings following its operations pause have sold out. 

The small-ship line will begin sailing seven- and 12-day cruises out of Norway on June 20. 

SeaDream opened reservations last week and according to executive vice president Andreas Brynestad, the first voyage sold out in “a matter of days.” 

“The response has been nothing but overwhelming in a good way and better than we could have ever imagined,” he said. “People are incredibly hungry for travel and our small yachts/ships are exactly what people are looking for now.”

SeaDream said that during the pause in operations its ships repositioned to Lisbon, where they were maintained and given upgrades such as replacing the teak deck. 

SeaDream normally operates in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. The Norwegian line’s itineraries will take the ships past the Arctic Circle so that guests can experience the midnight sun, the Lofoten Fjords, and Tromsoe.

MSC Cruises reveals details of the private island

MSC Cruises reveals details of private island

Gallery: First pictures of MSC Cruises’ private island Ocean Cay revealed

MSC Cruises’ new private island in the Caribbean will give guests a “ticket to paradise”, according to chief executive Gianni Onorato.

Ocean Cay, 20 miles off the coast of the Bahamas and 65 miles from Miami, will boast eight “pristine” beaches, seven reserved for different guests, such as families, Yacht Club or Aurea Spa passengers, and one for the crew.

There will also be a sunset beach, lagoon beach and main beach where all water sports and activities will take place. Water sports will include snorkelling to a shallow sunken shipwreck through to scuba diving.

Lectures on the coral life around the island and what MSC has done to clean up and preserve it will be offered, something Onorato felt would be popular with younger guests and children.

Every Caribbean itinerary from Miami, whether sailing to the Eastern or Western Caribbean, will call at Ocean Cay. Onorato said: “Because it’s so close to Miami, we can stay there until 1am so people can experience it at night and still be back in Miami for 6am the following morning.”

Guests will be able to watch movies under the stars with their feet in the sand.

Food will include a family buffet and a food cart going around the island, but the ship’s restaurants will remain open all day as many guests are expected to go back on board to eat. The furthest point of the island is a 17-minute walk from the ship and “completely flat”, Onorato said.

Deckchairs and some activities will be included in the cruise price, but cabanas, cocktails, island Wi-Fi, and certain sports like scuba diving will be extra. All will be bookable through package upgrades via the MSC app.



Onorato also revealed there would be a second private island, for groups of 30-40 people, that could be booked out exclusively for the day. He said this would be a perfect upsell for travel agents. Costs for this and other extras would be added to the website at the end of the month.

The island will have three shops; one selling Bahamian goods manned by locals, one selling Ocean Cay-branded merchandise and the other selling MSC items.

Onorato said it was his “dream” to open an island in the Mediterranean but explained that the only location it would be possible to have an island open year-round, off the North African coast, was currently out of bounds.

“We will have to wait, but it is my dream to open a private island in the Mediterranean at some point,” he said.

MSC To Be Third Biggest Luxury Player

With MSC Cruises entering the luxury market with dedicated 1,000-guest ships, the family-owned company will be the third biggest luxury operator by 2027, according to Cruise Industry News estimates.

Viking Ocean will control most of the market pie, with 18 ships and an estimated market share of 35.7 per cent based on passenger capacity.

Silversea, with an aggressive newbuilding program and a new owner in Royal Caribbean Cruises, will be the second largest luxury line, with 12 ships and 13 per cent of the market come 2027, based on the existing cruise ship orderbook.

MSC Cruises is next, as the Italian brand will have four 64,000-ton luxury ships, 4,000 berths and just under 10 per cent of the luxury market, not including the company’s Yacht Club berths on its quickly-expanding fleet of megaships.

Crystal and Seabourn round out the top five, as both are expanding into the expedition market with new ships and Crystal has also committed to a new class of larger ocean-going vessels.

Costa revamps fares into four categories

Costa Diadema pictured above.

Costa Cruises said it will overhaul its fare structure, giving guests four levels of amenities to choose from.

The new fares, which take effect April 1, are broken out into Basic, Total Comfort Classic, Total Comfort Premium and Deluxe categories.

Passengers wishing to build only the standard complimentary amenities, such as meals and entertainment, can opt for Basic, the most affordable fare. Cabins are assigned.

A step up, the Comfort level is divided into two sub-categories. With Total Comfort Classic, guests get a Pranzo e Cena beverage package, which allows unlimited wines, beers and soft drinks by the glass for lunch and dinner. Guests are also able to choose a specific cabin.

A Total Comfort Premium fare is similar but ups the beverage package to Brindiamo beverage package allowing guests to have their favorite drinks at any time of day. Costa said guests are able to choose "a specific cabin in a prime location, as well as select first or second seating at dinner."

The Deluxe fare is for suite guests. Amenities include one-day spa access and the Intenditore beverage package, which provides unlimited drinks priced up to $9 served by the glass, as well as other perks. With the Deluxe package, breakfast, lunch and dinner is served in the Club Restaurant, Costa said.

In 2014, one of Costa's most direct competitors, MSC Cruises, adopted a fare structure that offered four levels of distinction, dubbed Bella, Fantastica, Aurea and Yacht Club. 

On most cruise lines, different fares are attached to inside, oceanview, balcony and suite accommodations.

Six reasons why MSC Meraviglia will be this summer’s ultimate destination in the Mediterranean

Designed around meeting every need of its guests, MSC Meraviglia will introduce new, cutting edge ways to connect holidaymakers seamlessly with the experiences that matter to them, whether at sea or on land.

With the first cruise scheduled for 4 June 2017, MSC Meraviglia will feature the ultimate in entertainment, alongside a broad range of dining options and luxurious wellness choices. In addition to the on-board experience, the ship will spend her inaugural summer season sailing the western Mediterranean – calling at beautiful, historic destinations with a unique, highly-tailored programme of discovery excursions, to immerse guests in local culture and tastes.

1. Exclusive, world-class entertainment from Cirque du Soleil

The highlight of on-board entertainment will be represented by the world leader in artistic performance, Cirque du Soleil, thanks to the exclusive Cirque du Soleil at Sea partnership with MSC Cruises.

Two unique Cirque du Soleil shows will be performed on-board in the evenings, 6 nights per week, at the purpose-build Carousel Lounge. An exclusive on-site dinner service for up to 100 of the 450 guests booked for the show, which elevates MSC Cruises’ exquisite dining and award-winning entertainment to yet another level. In fact, this is a unique experience that cannot be had anywhere else at sea – or in the world, for that matter.

MSC Cruises designed a custom-made entertainment venue, the Carousel Lounge, for MSC Meraviglia and its three Meraviglia and Meraviglia-Plus sister smart cruise ships. Featuring the latest technology, this ground-breaking venue, which has been designed to meet the needs of Cirque du Soleil and its performers, will be a circular performance space with a 180° circular glass wall. Kitted out with the most cutting edge equipment and special rigging, the Carousel Lounge will enable Cirque du Soleil performers to deliver their world-renowned performances for the exclusive enjoyment of MSC Cruises guests.

2. Enriched family offering and cutting-edge entertainment for all ages

With MSC Meraviglia, MSC Cruises continues to evolve and enrich the family options that have historically been at the core of its offering. The facilities and services for families on every MSC Cruises holiday, are designed to ensure that it is engaging for all members of the family, both together and individually.

For the first time on any MSC Cruises ship, all of the facilities for families, kids and teens are all together in a super amusement park and children’s area. This means families have a dedicated area specially designed for their needs, providing a safe place for children, and an opportunity to also meet and get to know other families. This area includes the DOREMI Studio Lounge, a dedicated lounge for all family activities, DOREMI Tech Lab, a must visit destination for kids who love technology, as well as facilities designed in partnership with family experts including the LEGO Group and Chicco.

Amongst other features, the on-board Aqua Park will include four action-packed water slides, a splash pool and champagne bowl. And the Himalayan Bridge will thrill adventure seekers, who can attach themselves to a rope and cross the ship, 60 metres above the water.

3. Comfortable accommodations to meet every need

With 10 different types of cabin to choose from, there really is something for everyone.

The Yacht Club

MSC Meraviglia features an enhanced Yacht Club with luxurious accommodation, now spanning three decks with 78 suites, 15 inside cabins and two apartments. The two coveted apartment suites are designed with a large living room and two balconies, one of which is a large outdoor space that has a dining table for eating al fresco and a private whirlpool.

This unique “ship within a ship” concept is specially designed for guests seeking exclusivity and privacy in a world full of choice. MSC Yacht Club guests can thus enjoy the world-class entertainment, speciality restaurants and boutiques before returning to their own private, luxurious haven.

With unparalleled luxury comparable to that of a private yacht, it also provides key benefits including the Top Sail Lounge, an entirely self-contained private club, offering panoramic sea views, and the One Pool Deck, featuring a private pool, whirlpool baths and solarium. A private lift will transport guests discreetly to the MSC Aurea Spa to experience the delights of an authentic Balinese spa, with an exclusive MSC Yacht Club massage and treatment room.

Modular cabins designed with the needs of families in mind

The trend for multi-generational holidays is further met on this ship with a clever modular cabins system, which is unique to MSC Cruises. Up to three cabins can be combined together to accommodate up to 10 guests.

In addition to the modular cabins, quadruple cabins can accommodate a family of up to four people each, with a living space in the daytime, and a sofa that turns into a comfortable bed by night – making the most effective use of space in the cabin.

4. A truly unprecedented choice of both fine and casual dining options

MSC Meraviglia makes available to her guests a choice of both fine and casual options through 12 venues – in true MSC Cruises fashion – serving always fresh, authentic food. This starts with the buffet, open 20-hours a day, which will serve a delicious array of Mediterranean specialities and international cuisines – including ethnic, “itinerary” and wellness corners plus a multitude of other tastes and dietary needs catered for round-the-clock.

In addition, fine dining options examples include the award-winning Kaito Sushi Bar, the new Kaito Teppanyaki Restaurant and an American-style steakhouse with specialty meats from around the world (details of additional fine dining options will be revealed over time).

5. The 96 metre-long Mediterranean-style promenade

Another feature of MSC Meraviglia is her Mediterranean-style indoor promenade, featuring an 80 metre LED sky that creates an awe-inspiring atmosphere 24 hours a day. With stunning visuals and effects, the Promenade will be the social centre of the ship and a focal point for a broad range of leisure activities. Amongst others, guests can stroll up and down, sit back and take in the atmosphere, shop until their hearts’ content, snack on delicious ice cream or crepes from Jean Philippe Maury, the award-winning French chocolatier and pastry chef.

6. Elegant pools for daytime relaxation and night-time entertainment

MSC Meraviglia offers all her guests a choice of three elegantly designed pools:

* The main pool, located on deck 15 is inspired by the cool vibes of Miami’s South Beach. At approximately 25 metres long, it has the most generous poolside space at sea. By night, the pool becomes a visual spectacle, illuminated with special lighting. There is also a buffet nearby with inside and outdoor dining options, providing guests with more convenience and optimal relaxation time.

* As MSC Meraviglia is the ship for all seasons, there is a 10 metres indoor pool with a magrodome that can be opened when the ship is in port or the weather simply allows for it.

* Finally, the Aft Pool on deck 16 offers spectacular views from the front of the ship, while by night is transformed into a space where guests can dance the night away under the stars.

Additionally, the private One Deck Pool, exclusively for the use of Yacht Club guests, is in a coveted position at the top of the ship on deck 19 providing a quiet haven for relaxation.

10 Amazing cruise ship swimming pools

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Disappointed by cruise ship swimming pools? Here are 11 that will make you want to jump right in

The showpiece pool – Viking Star infinity pool

Gorgeous to look at and offering matchless sea views, this glass-walled infinity pool cantilevered off the stern (Deck 7, aft) of the new ocean ship Viking Star is in a league of its own. Look down and it feels like you’re floating in the ocean; at night it looks like a sapphire, shimmering in the inky night. 

The details: 6.775m x 4.195m (too small for lengths). Open 6am to 6pm.
What else is on deck? The (not much bigger) main pool is next to the attractive Winter Garden and a hidden movie screen. This entire area can be covered by a retractable glass dome.

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The showtime pool – Allure of the Seas Oceanaria

The deepest freshwater pool (5.45m/17.9ft) at sea – on the biggest cruise ship in the world (so far) with 5,500 passengers – is not for passengers to swim in! However, as the sun sets, a choreographed fountain show comes into its own with jets, music and lights and water acrobats performing dizzying high dives and underwater feats (viewed from giant screens). As a piece of aqua theatre it’s hard to beat. 

The details: 15.7m x 6.75m. Decks 8/9/10.
What else is on deck? On Deck 15, the H2O zone is open from 7am-midnight each day and has three other pools – the Sports Pool, the Main Pool, for those seeking a simple swim and the faux-rock-lined Beach Pool, which features a sloped entry, allowing passengers to sit with loungers partially submerged 

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The family fun pools – Disney Magic

It’s the Disney “we’ve thought of everyone” factor. The three fresh water swimming pools on Disney Magic are all located on Deck 9, each with a different theme or purpose. AquaLab, aft, is a dedicated water play area for children with pop jets, geysers, bubblers and a freshwater pool. It also includes the Twist ’n’ Spout Slide, and the Nephews’ Splash Zone, a water playground for children (aged three and under). Goofy’s Pool and pool deck (with giant screen), is located mid-ships and has two hot tubs for families. 

The details: AquaLab and Goofy’s Pool are open 8am-10pm. Approx 167 sqm and 1.2 m deep.
What else is on deck? Quiet Cove, forward, is the adults-only area. The pool is large enough for laps and is open from 8am to midnight. The maximum depth is 1.2m 

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Swimming with the stars – Emerald Sky indoor pool

Like its sister ships (Star, Sun and Dawn), Emerald Sky has pioneered the pool-cum-cinema on river ships. It has a retractable roof and in the evening the swimming pool base rises to create a floor. Pool loungers are rearranged to face the large pull-down screen at the aft of the ship. Films range from modern-day blockbusters to old favourites such as the The Sound of Music, screened when cruising through Austria. 

The details: 6m x 4m. Horizon deck, open from 6am until 6pm daily.
What else is on deck? There’s a bar in the corner and in the evening filmgoers get complimentary popcorn

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The wow-factor pool – Bar du Leopard, Uniworld’s SS Catherine

Why is it special? Tucked away behind floor-to-ceiling glass walls on this river ship is a small resistance pool with a mosaic-clad interior depicting a jungle/rainforest scene, with leopards and other wildlife. The pool glows emerald-green at night, adding a wild, ‘Me Tarzan, you Jane’ ambience. This pool yearns for Audrey Hepburn, or Ursula Andress.
The details: measurements are irrelevant. This one's for dipping and sipping something exotic, while posing in a palm-leaf bikini. Find it on the Camargue Deck. 

What else is on deck? Beyond its room-with-a-pool innovation the Bar du Leopard is a cool and peaceful space. At dinner, it’s home to a bistro

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The thrillseekers' pools – Norwegian Escape Aqua Park

Almost too many thrills! There’s the Aqua Racer slide, the newest tandem waterslide at sea, where competitors can race side-by-side as they twist and turn to the finish line. There is also the Free Fall, where sensation seekers free fall, as the floor drops from underneath, propelling them into a thrilling loop. Or a more sedate, relaxing ride, in the family-friendly open-flume body slide.

The details: the Aquapark (Deck 16) features four multi-story water slides, a dedicated children’s Aqua Park, two pools and four hot tubs.
What else is on deck? Spice H2O, on Deck 17, is an adults-only space with waterfall grotto and hot tubs during the day. At night there’s dancing beneath the stars and a huge LED screen.

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The big splash pool – Carnival Sunshine Serenity

By far the biggest adults-only area Carnival has on any of its ships, Serenity is an adults-only retreat complete with a triple-height waterfall and plunge pool, plus hot tubs, cabanas and bars. 

The details: it’s a small, round plunge pool set directly beneath the waterfall. Find it on Deck 9.
What else is on deck? The on-board waterpark (WaterWorks – entrance on Deck 14) has five slides including Speedway Splash (72m long) and cork-screw Twister (102m) and a SplashZone for children 

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The tranquility pool – Oceania Nautica

Why is it special? Like all Oceania ships, Nautica has a tranquil saltwater pool (on Deck 9) straddled by a pair of whirlpool tubs. There are comfortable, cushion-topped loungers and stylish “outdoor living” areas featuring plush couches and deep armchairs positioned for shade. 

The details: 6.4 x 4 x 1 (forward) and 1.5 m (aft). Open 6am-10pm.
What else is on deck? The Canyon Ranch Spa Club has its own thalassotherapy pool and sun deck area with unlimited access for spa-goers and Concierge and Suite guests. For other passengers it’s free for one hour before or after a treatment,

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The private pool – MSC Yacht Club

Why is it special? Because it’s exclusively for the use of MSC Yacht Club members, on MSC Fantasia, Splendida, Divinia and Preziosa, so there’s a butler to serve you drinks. 

The details: Though small, it is on Deck 18, so only club members are allowed to use it. MSC Fantastia class ships have four adult pools (the biggest is 11m x 5m) and one for children with splash park and waterslides, plus 12 whirlpool baths. Opening times vary but the longest is 7am-10pm.
What else is on deck? For MSC Yacht club members, The One Bar and on Deck 16, the spa.

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The serious swimming pool – the Crystal Pool on P&O Oriana

For serious swimmers size is everything and this is largest of any cruise ship. Stylish, with hints of art deco, you can contemplate a striking bronze water sculpture by Andre Wallace. The timeless Oriana is an adults-only ship. 

The details: 12m x 5.25m. Midship of the Lido Deck (12), Open 24 hours.
What else is on deck? The Riviera and the Terrace pool – each 4m shorter than the Crystal.

MSC Cruises USA's Rick Sasso

By Tom Stieghorst

Rick Sasso was appointed president of MSC Cruises USA in 2004. Earlier this month he spoke about MSC and its 3,502-passenger MSC Divina's year-round presence in North America with cruise editor Tom Stieghorst.

Q: Can the importance to MSC of homeporting Divina in Miami be overstated?

A: We've been gearing up for this for about a decade now as we started to introduce ships during the winter season only. Now we've made that decision to position our strongest hardware, a remarkable ship, and she'll be very competitive here in this market.

Q: How have agents reacted to the Divina?

A: We've just recently concluded an advisory board meeting, which represents about 80% of the cruise traffic that gets produced here in North America, and these very select, high-profile sellers of travel are very enthusiastic with us. They have offered their fullest support knowing that we're bringing such a magnificent ship and we're going to be here with some continuity.

Q: What type of agents are you focusing on the most?

A: You have to have more than one front. You have to make sure you're with the online producers, because that's what the consumers are using very frequently to search for cruises, to book cruises. So you have to have your hand very tight on the big online guys. But there's also a lot of opportunity in the group arena and the retail arena. We have done a good job penetrating the likely producers of groups and those who are looking for magnificent ships in the premium-plus category, and even those who want a luxury component, because we have Yacht Club on the Divina, as we do on the other three ships that also feature the Yacht Club. So I think we're now able to set up a little more penetration for those who are looking for a very high-quality product.

Q: Agents say they have to focus their business, and that means selling the cruise lines that have a big presence in North America. Your response?

A: I don't think that's something unusual. When you have the gorillas in the marketplace that have dozens of ships in one marketplace like North America year-round, there's certainly a lot activity going on and a lot of relationships. But we offer an extraordinary alternative, because we are a serious group of managers, there's incredible talent in our organization, so they like working with people they can trust. They also know that we are growing, that we have a presence in Europe, we're the No. 1 cruise line in the Mediterranean in Europe. And that alone is a lot of source [business] in North America that's going on for those products.

Q: A travel agent said, "I did send some of my clients over on MSC and they came back and said, 'This isn't our cup of tea.'"

A: I think that was probably very, very true three years ago, not so true two years ago and a lot less a year ago, and today we have taken the steps to actually re-engineer the product. So there's very few places to smoke on board. There is a very strong emphasis on all the culinary items that an American would want, whether they're cruising in Europe or cruising in the Caribbean. We've super-trained our crew in fluent English, there is an abundance of TV channels in the cabins, and we really take quality and service as a main priority now.

So I think we are a different cruise line than we were 12 months ago, and if you have some comments of a historical perspective, they can now start seeing the new MSC. And [after] Divina comes on Nov. 20, people are going to start talking about that