Italian Shipbuilding: Cruising on the Crest of a Wave
Traditionally, Italy’s location and coastal development have continued to ensure the country a flow of income from its role as a strategic European hub in what has come to be known as the new “maritime century.” The country boasts of having the largest ferry fleet, the twelfth most extensive merchant shipping fleet in the world (fourth in Europe), and the third biggest European fishing fleet, with the national maritime cluster generating 3% of GDP. But its growing cruise industry is being looked upon as the game changer to the gradual slump being witnessed in the other sectors. Italy remains “one of the most important destinations, the market of origin for large cruise lines and a world leader in shipbuilding.
MSC Cruise to Homeport in China
MSC Cruises has announced that the MSC Lirica will homeport in Shanghai to serve the Chinese cruise market, through a strategic partnership with CAISSA Touristic Group. The 2,600 passenger MSC Lirica will home port in Shanghai from May 2016 following a 60-day round the world Grand Voyage, which leaves from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil on March 3. After that voyage, the ship will homeport in Shanghai, maintaining a high percentage of native Mandarin speaking guest-facing crew and providing guests with all services in Mandarin. It will also offer popular as well as high-end Chinese cuisine as well as more traditional and popular entertainments. MSC will become the fourth international cruise brand to market cruises to the Chinese.
