MSC Divina to sail year-round from PortMiami
(Miami, Florida - April 22, 2015) – MSC Cruises, the world’s fourth largest cruise line, announced today that the MSC Divina will return from her season in the Mediterranean, and will sail year-round from PortMiami to the Caribbean starting November 2015.
“North America is a key market for MSC Cruises as the company works to double its capacity by 2022,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, at a press conference during the Cruise3Sixty Convention. “Since the arrival of MSC Divina in Miami in November 2013, we’ve seen significant growth in the market and strong demand by consumers and travel agents for MSC Divina to sail from North America year-round. We’re thrilled to be able to meet this demand, providing more opportunity for North American guests to enjoy the unique ‘Mediterranean Style Cruise’ experience that only MSC Cruises can offer.”
A testament to the company’s long-term commitment to North America, MSC Cruises’ also recently announced that MSC Seaside, set to debut in November 2017, will sail year-round from Miami to the Caribbean.
“MSC Cruises has received extremely positive ratings from travel agents and guests, who rave about the beauty of our Mediterranean-inspired décor, quality of international cuisine, and world-class, standing-ovation quality entertainment,” said Rick Sasso, President of MSC Cruises USA. “Keeping MSC Divina in North America year-round will help us expose even more travel agents and consumers to the MSC Cruises’ brand as well as build excitement for the arrival of MSC Seaside in 2017.”
“PortMiami welcomed MSC Cruises for the first time in November 2013 with the MSC Divina,” said PortMiami Director and CEO Juan M. Kuryla. “MSC Divina is among the most modern and elegant ships in the industry today. We are extremely proud to welcome her back home for year-round sailings starting November 2015 and we are excited to be the homeport of MSC Cruises’ first Seaside-class vessel. We are thankful to MSC Cruises for entrusting PortMiami with their innovative cruise ships and we look forward to our continued long-term partnership.”
“The tourism industry is an important economic generator to Miami-Dade County”, said Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “In 2014 the cruise industry generated more than $2 billion to Miami-Dade County’s economy. We welcome the continued growth of MSC Cruises at PortMiami.
“We are proud to welcome the return of the MSC Divina to PortMiami with year-round sailings to the Caribbean. The Divina will add grace and beauty to our cruise line industry and serve as another economic generator to Miami-Dade County’s tourism industry,” said Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz, who Chairs the Trade and Tourism Committee that oversees PortMiami.
About PortMiami
PortMiami is among America's busiest ports and recognized across the globe with the dual distinction of being the Cruise Capital of the World and the Cargo Gateway of the Americas. PortMiami contributes more than $27 billion annually to the South Florida economy and helps provide direct and indirect employment for more than 207,000. For more information please visit www.miamidade.gov/portmiami.