Following several years of unprecedented growth, MSC Cruises boasts the most modern cruise fleet in the world, with 11 ships currently in operation. The company currently carries 1.2 million passengers per year. MSC Cruises is a leader in the Mediterranean cruise market, sailing in the region throughout the year, as well as offering a wide range of seasonal itineraries in Northern Europe, Transatlantic, the Caribbean, Canada/New England, South America, the Indian Ocean, South and West Africa. The company is entirely European-owned. It employs 12,000 staff around the world and has offices in 42 countries.