MSC Italian Cruises Introduces New Ships
MSC Italian Cruises, based in Naples, Italy, has announced exciting plans for 2004. Their brand new flagship, the MSC Lirica, will have her inaugural celebration in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in January, and the company will introduce yet a second new cruise ship, the MSC Opera, in April 2004. Eight new ports have been added to the company’s Mediterranean itineraries for 2004 in keeping with MSC Italian Cruises commitment to vary its cruise destinations each year. “There is no question that MSC Italian Cruises plans a higher profile in the U.S. market by bringing its newest ship, the Lirica, to Florida this winter, “said Nicola Arena, president of MSC Italian Cruises (USA). MSC Italian Cruises has also added eight new ports of call to its Mediterranean itineraries in 2004.
CLIA: Cruise Fleet Growth Continues
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) -- the organization tasked with helping the world's cruise lines promote their ships -- reported cruise shipping fleet growth in 2002/03. In a year-end report the organization noted that 14 new vessels -- as well as three re-launched ships and several others introduced in late 2002 but having their inaugural sailing seasons in the new year -- will make 2003 another record year in the cruise industry. Bora Bora Cruises: The 226-foot, 2,677-ton, Tia Moana and Tu Moana are scheduled to begin sailing in the South Pacific in June. The ships are designed to sail to the heart of the Tahitian lagoons. Carnival Cruise Lines: The 110,000-ton, 2,974-passenger Carnival Glory launches year-round seven-day Caribbean service from Port Canaveral July 19.
