After holding a press conference, Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, participated in a live interview with attendees of the INTERNATIONAL CRUISE SUMMIT.
Virginia López, General Manager of CruisesNews Media Group and organizer of the event, conducted the interview. It's worth noting that this was her first participation in an international event since joining MSC Cruises.
In response to the first question during his speech at the International Cruise Summit, Gianni Onorato highlighted the differences between Costa Cruises, where he remained for 27 years, serving as president from April 2004 to June 2013, and his current role as CEO of MSC Cruises.
The first topic addressed was the differences in management styles between the two cruise lines. In his second year as CEO of MSC Cruises, Gianni Onorato emphasized the differences in management style between the two companies, highlighting the contrast between Costa Cruises' more structured approach and MSC's more informal one: "There's a more European atmosphere in Geneva; it's not just an Italian company. Decisions can be made informally over lunch or even in an elevator at headquarters," he commented.
When asked about working methods at a company where a large part of the business is container shipping, Onorato pointed out the advantage that MSC has massive cargo operations at all of its home ports. He also highlighted the benefit of leveraging the material and human resources of the large parent company.
When asked about potential investments in cruise terminals, such as Costa's Palacrociere and Palacruceros in Italy and Spain, Onorato indicated that his company is not primarily focused on port management. "There are exceptions, such as the port of Durban, South Africa, during the winter season, and Barcelona, in order to provide a service to our clients."
Regarding the new shipbuilding program, the CEO noted that his company has a two-year gap following an intensive annual growth schedule. The first two ships will be delivered six months apart, and the remaining three within a 12-month period.
Regarding the choice of Fincantieri and its potential influence on the decision, he made it clear that there is never just one reason for such a choice. They were looking for a different approach and range with two very different prototypes, and “we finally had the opportunity to work with them after previous attempts when no construction space was available.”.
Regarding the design of the ships, Onorato described “Seaside” as a 4,140-bed resort ship with large deck spaces, which will operate only in warm climates and is geared towards South America, among other markets.
The Vista class, on the other hand, which will be built by STX in Saint-Nazaire, will be larger, with 2,250 cabins, but shorter than the Fantasia class, therefore able to enter more challenging ports such as St. Petersburg.
The two new 167,600-ton ships will be delivered in early 2017 and early 2019.
She also added the importance of families traveling with children and revealed MSC Cruises' intention to include cabin designs with a maximum of 5 beds connecting to adjacent cabins and a restaurant dedicated to children.
He also mentioned that they are including new features in the high-end Yacht Club range, but it is too early to be specific about the details.
Gianni Onorato concluded with a message of optimism for the future. “Our industry is very resilient. We can increase market penetration and there are still opportunities for growth.”
Gianni Onorato
Chief Executive Officer, MSC Cruises
Gianni Onorato is the CEO of MSC Cruises. He oversees the company's growth from its headquarters in Geneva and reports to the MSC Board of Directors and its Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago. MSC Cruises has 15,500 employees and offices in 45 countries.
With nearly 30 years of experience in the cruise industry, Onorato has a deep understanding of the cruise business and extensive experience in executive management, and most recently served as Chairman of Costa Crociere from April 2004 to June 2013.
He began his career in the industry in 1986, working onboard as Food and Beverage Director, before moving ashore to take up the position of Cruise Product Director for Costa Crociere in Genoa. From 1997 to 2004, he then served as Vice President of Cruise Operations for the same company, managing all aspects of onboard operations.
Born in Italy, Onorato graduated in Foreign Language and Literature from the Oriental Institute of Naples in 1983, and majored in business administration at the SDA Bocconi Business Schools in Milan and INSEAD in Fontainebleau.
Onorato has also held various executive positions in tourism and cruise associations. He served as Vice President of ASTOI, the Italian tourism association, and was a member of the European Cruise Council, now CLIA Europe, the leading cruise industry association in Europe.
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