This will be the Italian line’s first North American cruise. The 3,013-passenger MSC Poesia will sail the St. Lawrence from New York to Quebec City a total of six times in 2010.
Quebec City Tourism and its director also welcomed the news for the Quebec City area tourism industry. “Quebec City’s growth on the international cruise market attracts large numbers of tourists to the area. We will continue to work with the Port of Quebec to optimize our promotional efforts,” said QCT director Gabriel Savard, adding that cruise ship passengers often come back to Quebec City after discovering it on their cruise.
MSC Cruises is the newest and fastest growing cruise ship line in the industry, with a fleet of 10 ships to which a brand new vessel will be added in early 2010. The line is noted for its unique itineraries, fabulous on-board entertainment, and Mediterranean cuisine featuring Italian specialties. Children 17 and under sail free.
MSC Cruises, which holds nearly 17 per cent of the European market, is the only privately owned international cruise ship line. It belongs to Mediterranean Shipping Company, a noted container operator.
At present, MSC Cruises is mainly active in Europe but also present in South America.
MSC Cruises is the second big Italian cruise line to enter the Canada-New England
market, following Costa Cruises in fall 2009.
“The arrival of this new player, MSC Cruises, is a result of the expertise we have acquired over the years as well as the support and flexibility we offer all our customers, in addition to the appeal of our destination,” Mr. Gaudreault said.
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