MSC Cruisescelebrated its 20th anniversary sailing from Valencia yesterday, Thursday, April 24th. Two decades of operations characterized by constant growth and a clear commitment to the city of Valencia as a gateway to the Mediterranean. Since 2005, MSC Cruises has brought the world of cruising to the people of Valencia and thousands of travelers from all over Spain and abroad.
The company's strong commitment to the city has allowed MSC Cruises to position 2 of its 23 ships in summer and 1 in winter in Valencia, and to operate uninterruptedly throughout the year, not just during the summer months.
Furthermore, in 2025, MSC Cruises announced an enhanced offering: a 30% increase in capacity in the region during the winterwith the arrival of the MSC Orchestra; and a ship upgrade in the summer with the arrival of the MSC Grandiosa to the port of Valencia, one of the most modern ships in the Meraviglia class. It will also be the first summer that both ships embarking in Valencia (MSC Grandiosa and MSC Splendida) will have access to the MSC Yacht Club, a yacht within a cruise ship, the most exclusive area on MSC Cruises ships.
To commemorate these 20 years of commitment, the company held a special gathering this morning aboard the MSC Grandiosa. Those in attendance included the Regional Secretary for Tourism of the Valencian Government, José Manuel Camarero; the Head of Cruises at the Port Authority of Valencia, Francesca Antonelli; the Director of the Valenciaport Foundation, Antonio Torregrosa; the Director of Blue Economy at the Valenciaport Foundation, Carolina Navarro; the Head of Tourism at the Valencia Chamber of Commerce, Mónica Morales; and executives from MSC Cruises. Fernando Pacheco, Managing Director of MSC Cruises in Spain, opened the event, sharing the company's most significant milestones in the city over the past twenty years and reaffirming its commitment to maintaining Valencia as a fundamental part of its future plans.
The shipping company MSC Cruises has been operating in Valencia since 2005
“We are proud to celebrate 20 years of making it possible for so many travelers to enjoy unforgettable experiences from Valencia. Our commitment to the city is unwavering, and we will continue working to strengthen our presence and contribute to the region's economic and tourism development. To this end, we work closely with local authorities to maximize the economic and social benefits of our presence in the city and continue contributing to Valencia's success as a top-tier tourist destination and its port as a prime location for accessing the Mediterranean,” stated Pacheco.
During the event, the Regional Secretary for Tourism of the Valencian Government, José Manuel Camarero, also spoke, commenting that: “When a company with the prestige of MSC maintains its commitment to Valencia for two decades, it recognizes the potential of the Valencian Community and also reinforces our position as a leading tourist destination.” Emphasizing that cruise tourism “is one of the most environmentally conscious sectors,” he explained that MSC Cruises is committed to zero emissions by 2025 and is currently one of the leading shipping companies in terms of offsetting and reducing emissions. Furthermore, he stressed that this tourism product “is also a strategic reality for our tourism model, where Valencia can be more than just a final destination; it can be a direct connection to the rest of the region.” He also acknowledged the work done by MSC to collaborate with destinations “with low-impact excursions and sustainable experiences that maximize local social and economic benefits.”.
Currently, MSC Cruises has at least one ship in Valencia year-round and two during the summer season
On behalf of the Port Authority of Valencia, its Cruise Director, Francesca Antonelli, added: “At Valenciaport, we have had the privilege of accompanying MSC Cruises for much of its journey; a strategic partner for our port, strongly committed to Valencia as a port of embarkation and disembarkation for thousands of cruise passengers. Thanks to them, many can begin their holidays from this port, their home. Our relationship has been built on trust, dialogue, and a shared vision for the future, supported by their firm commitment to sustainability.”.
A brief look at the history of MSC Cruises in Valencia
MSC Cruises' choice of Valencia as a port of embarkation is no coincidence. Its strategic location in the heart of the Mediterranean, its rich maritime history, its powerful and modern infrastructure, and its excellent transport links for both Spanish and international passengers make it a prime location for connecting travelers with fascinating destinations.
Thus, the relationship between MSC Cruises and the city of Valencia has strengthened over the last two decades, transforming the Valencian port into a strategic hub. Since its first calls in the early 2000s, MSC Cruises has progressively invested in Valencia, increasing the number of passengers and the frequency of its itineraries. This steady growth has contributed to the boost of local tourism, positioning Valencia as a key destination for both domestic and international passengers seeking to embark on the cruise line's Mediterranean routes.
• 2005. First stops. Since its first stops in 2005, MSC Cruises has consolidated Valencia as a strategic port on its Mediterranean routes.
• 2006First shipments from the Port of Valencia.
• 2022. MSC Cruises resumed operations in 2022 with a strong commitment to Valencia, stationing a second ship in the city during the summer. They are also beginning work on train services to bring passengers from other Spanish cities closer to the port.
• 2023. MSC Cruises is doubling down on its commitment to the city by extending its presence beyond the summer months and helping to boost local tourism throughout the year, with a ship also operating in winter.
• 2024. In addition to the train service, there are also buses from more than 10 cities on the Iberian Peninsula.
• 2025. The Port of Valencia celebrates 20 years of operations.
MSC Cruises enhances its quality offering for summer 2025 with MSC Grandiosa, one of the Meraviglia Plus class ships, visiting the city for the first time, and with MSC Yacht Club available on both ships sailing from Valencia
MSC Cruises currently operates year-round from Valencia, with two of its 23 ships based in the city's port this summer. These are the MSC Grandiosa and MSC Splendida, ships that offer a wide range of itineraries along the Mediterranean coast.
• MSC Grandiosa: As a major new addition for the 2025 season, MSC Cruises is positioning one of its Meraviglia-class ships in Valencia, increasing the city's capacity. MSC Grandiosa offers 7-night itineraries in the Western Mediterranean, with stops in cities such as Marseille, Genoa, Rome (from Civitavecchia), Palermo, and Ibiza.
• MSC Splendida: will also, from May, offer 7-night itineraries around the Western Mediterranean, visiting Marseille, Genoa, Livorno (to reach Florence) and Rome (from Civitavecchia).
Looking to the Future
On this 20th anniversary, MSC Cruises renews its commitment to Valencia, looking to the future with optimism and ambition. During the celebratory event, Fernando Pacheco shared MSC Cruises' latest news and future plans for Valencia, including potential itinerary expansions and improvements to passenger services. The company reaffirms its commitment to continue investing in the city and working in collaboration with local authorities to strengthen its position as a strategic port in the Mediterranean.
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