MSC Cruises increases capacity

MSC Cruises has doubled it's winter cruise capacity in the Mediterranean for 2007-08.

MSC Orchestra, which was launched in Genoa, May, will join sister-ship MSC Musica offering 11-night itineraries from Genoa from November until next February.

Cruise-only prices start from £700pp, based on two sharing an inside cabin.

UK managing director Claudia Baino, launching a autumn/winter preview brochure, said: "We're one of very few operators offering Mediterranean cruises year-round and agents should find it easy to sell this increasingly-popular winter holiday option on board two of the most modern and stylish ships in the Med.

"Add to this our many agent-friendly offers such as commission on pre-booked excursions, spa treatments etc and the fact that online booking is only available to agents, not the general public, and it should become clear to agents that MSC Cruises is determined to be the cruise operator that best supports the trade."

There are also 3 other offers 'ocean voyages' from the Mediterranean to South America on MSC Opera, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Armonia.

The Italian cruise line has doubled capacity for Christmas and the New Year, with Caribbean and Mediterranean optional.

Baino said: "Christmas is traditionally a busy season. Last year we sold out on the one ship very early. This year we have combined attractive flight options with BA to Miami with one night's pre-cruise hotel accommodation in Florida."