Where to next for MSC Cruises? Future Fleet Plans

**Ally** · 07-03-2006, 07:48 AM

With the arrival of eighth ship MSC Musica, and the prospect of four more newbuilds delivering in the next three years, MSC Cruises must be seriously considering now whether to sell its three older ships Monterey (built 1952), Melody(built 1982) and Rhapsody(built 1987).

'Our older tonnage is very well maintained and in good condition and I can comfirm we have already planned our itineraries up to end 2007 and all nine ships (90,000gt MSC Orchestra arrives next year) will be deployed, ' said ceo Pierfrancesco Vago last week in Venice.

That ensures another eighteen months of sailing in MSC livery for the three older ships and Vago confirmed, 'we are starting to look at new deployment areas for our older tonnage.'

In a new departure for the line it will position Monterey in South Africa year round starting 2007. After a three year absence from the South African market MSC Rhapsody was based in Durban and Cape Town last winter. For winter 2006/07 it will have two ships in the market with Monterey and Melody.

In addition to its strong presence in the Mediterranean, the brand is currently operating in North Europe, South America, the Caribbean and South Africa. It is looking to increase its presence in the North American market and will most likely put a ship out of New York year round. 'With five new ships in three years we will have a ship in the US year round but it just takes time,' said Vago.

Rick Sasso head of MSC USA, in Venice to eye Musica told Seatrade Insider, 'we would love to have a ship like this in the US. Maybe we'll get MSC Poesia (delivering March 2008)' he hinted with a smile. Vago confirmed the US will have a third ship soon and then a fourth year round.

Asked about the decision to keep Musica in the Med during winter 2006/07 instead of putting her in the Caribbean despite the fact the ship does not have a magradome Vago said 'its purely down to economics and the exploding Med market, at the moment we can earn a better per diem in euros than we can in dollars.

Asked about newbuilding plans after the current programme at Aker Yards France is complete Vago said 'our growth is not indefinate. We want to be a main player in Europe.' Any newbuild plans after 2010? '2101 could be very interesting year. You know MSC has a lot of experience of building new ships in Korea,' he quipped.

(SeaTrade)