MSC Cruises has unveiled a new ‘stay and cruise’ programme for summer 2024, enhancing cruise holidays with extended city stays.
Travellers can now explore various destinations through a combination of cruising and immersive city experiences.
MSC Cruises has announced its innovative summer 2024 ‘stay and cruise’ programme, aimed at enhancing traveller experiences by extending traditional cruise holidays. This programme allows guests to book a nine or ten-night holiday by adding a two-night stay in select cities, alongside their seven-night cruise itinerary.
Cities featured in this offering include Athens, Venice, Rome, Miami, and New York, each providing guests with unique cultural experiences. By incorporating a hotel stay, transfer services, and a half-day city excursion, the programme promises a comprehensive travel experience.
The programme’s highlight is its flexibility, providing an expansive exploration of major cities. In Athens, for example, guests embarking on the MSC Opera can enjoy a pre- or post-cruise stay. Venice offers similar options for travellers on MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, and MSC Sinfonia, departing from Marghera-Venice.
In Rome, travellers can embark on MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia, MSC Musica, MSC Seaside, and MSC Seaview from the Civitavecchia port, with options to extend their stay. Each location offers strategically selected accommodations, designed to enhance the traveller’s journey.
For those seeking Caribbean adventures, MSC Cruises caters to this desire with tailored options.
Travellers departing from Miami on MSC Seascape can enjoy an additional two-day stay, gaining more time to experience the vibrant Miami culture before their cruise.
Guests also have the opportunity to extend their adventures from New York on MSC Meraviglia, integrating more leisure time into their travel plans.
Antonio Paradiso, managing director for the UK and Ireland, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “We know that guests enjoy the flexibility of tailoring their perfect holidays as well as exploring new destinations.” The emphasis on customisation aligns with modern travellers’ demands for personalised experiences.
The package is available on various Mediterranean and Caribbean sailings during the summer of 2024, embodying MSC’s dedication to enhancing travel experiences. This strategic offering not only adds value but also reinforces MSC’s position as a leader in innovative travel solutions.
The programme maximises exploration opportunities for travellers, expanding beyond the traditional cruise itinerary.
Guests are offered diverse excursions and cultural activities, creating an in-depth exploration of each city. This approach caters to modern consumers seeking enriching travel experiences beyond standard sightseeing.
The stay and cruise programme hints at the future of travel, combining convenience with rich cultural experiences.
This approach may set a precedent for the industry, encouraging other operators to adopt similar strategies and innovate further.
MSC’s summer 2024 programme successfully merges cruising with cultural immersion, responding to traveller preferences for more enriching and flexible holiday options.
MSC’s innovative approach sets a new benchmark in travel, blending leisure with cultural exploration.
This programme exemplifies a strategic shift towards more personalised, flexibility-focused travel planning.
