MSC Lirica will be based in Shanghai until May 2018
Beijing, September 2, 2015 – CAISSA Touristic Group, a leading Chinese tour operator, and MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately owned cruise line and a leader in Europe, South America, and South Africa, today announced the start of a strategic partnership. As part of their agreement, MSC Lirica will begin service in Shanghai on May 1, 2016, to meet the demand of the Chinese domestic market for an initial period of two years.
This cooperation agreement will be the longest-lasting and most economically significant agreement between a cruise company and a tour operator in the history of the cruise industry in China.
The Chairman of CAISSA Touristic, Chen Xiaobing, highlighted the popularity of MSC Cruises' routes in Europe and South America and its recent recognition as the number one cruise line in Europe. Xiaobing added: “MSC Cruises' distinctive European flavor perfectly aligns with the spirit of CAISSA Touristic, which also originated in Europe. Furthermore, what will set this agreement apart from other traditional partnerships between China-based tour operators and cruise lines is our emphasis on, firstly, training all onboard crew members to ensure that guests receive the best MSC Cruises experience and service, and secondly, tailoring the entire onboard offering to the tastes and customs of the Chinese market.”.
“We are confident that the recently refurbished MSC Lirica will offer Chinese customers exciting new holiday experiences, and we look forward to welcoming all new travelers at a time when the cruise market in the country for this particular type of product is growing,” Xiaobing concluded.
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, stated: “MSC Cruises has been present in China since 2010, successfully bringing the cruise experience to Chinese customers with its modern fleet and the opportunity to travel to many destinations around the world, especially in Europe and the Mediterranean, where our distinctive product has made us the number one cruise company on the continent. We are delighted that through this agreement we will elevate our presence in China to a higher level. In fact, partnering with CAISSA Touristic will allow us to bring our unique MSC Cruises experience directly to Chinese customers.”.
Onorato added: “MSC Lirica, which will be the fourth ship renovated under the €200 million Renaissance Programme, will feature many characteristics—including some industry-leading service innovations—specifically designed for Chinese cruise customers to enjoy their experience. This will make it a much more popular choice in the region.”.
MSC Lirica is scheduled to arrive at its home port of Shanghai on May 1, 2016, after a 60-day Grand Voyage that will take it from Rio de Janeiro to Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, and Dubai. While maintaining its Mediterranean ambiance and service, MSC Lirica's 2,600 guests will be able to enjoy all services in Mandarin, thanks to a high percentage of native-speaking crew members. It will also offer popular and haute cuisine from China, as well as leisure and entertainment .
Further details on MSC Lirica's products and services to meet the needs of Chinese customers will be announced at a press conference to be held in Beijing in the coming weeks.
