MSC Aims New Website Toward Agents

In anticipation of two MSC Cruises' ships-MSC Orchestra and MSC Lirica-sailing in the Caribbean in the coming year, MSC has unveiled a new website (www.theorchestraiscomingtotown.com) with a dedicated travel agent section that will include a multitude of marketing tools to help agents sell the cruises.

As Travel Agent reported earlier this year, MSC is making a major push in North America with two ships and is incentivizing agents with special offers and prizes.

MSC Orchestra joins MSC Lirica for the 2008-2009 Caribbean season, which will feature seven itineraries, 16 ports of call and the line's first-ever Bermuda call. Pricing begins at $449 per person for the seven-night itineraries and $699 for 10-day voyages. MSC Orchestra, which debuted in 2007, will become the largest MSC ship to ply the Caribbean, carrying 2,550 passengers. The ship will begin its Caribbean season on January 2, 2009, and sail seven-night itineraries from Fort Lauderdale through April. Lirica will operate seven- and 10-night itineraries from Fort Lauderdale beginning December 3, 2008. Visit www.msccruisesusa.com. (DE)