headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, is the fastest-growing cruise line in the world. In 2001, under its former name Mediterranean Shipping Cruises, the line had just three classic vessels. Today MSC Cruises (the name it adopted in 2004) boasts a fleet of nine modern, environmentally friendly ships—MSC Fantasia (introduced in December 2008), MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica and MSC Melody. The MSC Splendida will debut in Summer 2009, while MSC Magnifica will launch in late 2009/early 2010.
Clients can experience this growing cruise line on a wide range of itineraries that last from 3 to 22 nights. The line’s destinations include the Eastern and Western Med, Eastern and Western Caribbean, South America, Deep Caribbean, Transatlantic and South Africa (1st Quarter); Transatlantic (2nd Quarter); Eastern and Western Med, and North Europe (3rd Quarter); and Eastern and Western Med, Transatlantic and South America (4th Quarter). The diverse itineraries offer popular and off-the-beaten-path ports of call, including 80 in Europe alone.
All of MSC Cruises’ ships feature a sophisticated ambiance with Italian hospitality, unique international-style entertainment, day spas, and Mediterranean-style cuisine as well as perennial American favorites. On all sailings, kids under the age of 17 sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults, and there’s a complimentary kids’ program. The 3,959-passenger ships MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida also boast the MSC Yacht Club, a 99-suite exclusive area for discerning travelers featuring butler and concierge service, a private pool and observatory lounge, and complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Base commission is 10%. MSC Cruises pays commission for air fare, pre-booked shore excursions and spa packages, hotel, transfers, and more. Group commission rates range from 15% 18%. With MSC Rewards, travel agents accumulate points for booking with MSC Cruises, which can be redeemed for a variety of exciting rewards. To pre-register for the program (and receive 1,000 bonus points), go to www.MSCCruisesAgent.com, which also lists agent-training webinars.