Mediterranean Shipping Cruises/MSC Cruises profile

MSC Cruises is a division of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), a privately owned company with a longstanding history on the seas headed by captain Gianluigi Aponte, entered the cruise industry in 1988 and MSC Cruises was officially born. MSC Cruises combines a deep heritage at sea with an enthusiastic, young, motivated management team to present a company philosophy of innovation plus tradition. Mediterranean Shipping Cruises parent company MSC S.A. "Mediterranean Shipping Co. S.A." of Geneva, Switzerland is a privately owned shipping line, founded in 1970. MSC has grown rapidly to become one of the leading global shipping lines of the world. During recent years MSC?s maritime fleet has grown significantly to reach the rank of the 2nd largest carrier in 1998 in respect to the number of vessels operated (134), and the 4th largest carrier in terms of container slot capacity. Mediterranean Shipping Cruises has expanded its itineraries to the Caribbean, South America and South Africa, offering classic European cruises, Italian ambience, good food and service.  MSC Cruises uniquely blends maritime traditions, culture and famous Mediterranean cuisine to deliver the ultimate cruise experience while displaying a real commitment to the finest hospitality afloat. In essence, MSC Cruises has made true Italian service the heart of its business and its key point of differentiation in the cruise industry.We do not have any feedback from crew or staff members at the moment, any information regarding employment conditions on these cruise ships will be greatly appreciated.

Fleet and itineraries:

MSC Orchestra: Panama registered, built 2007, 92.409 gross tons, 2.550 passengers, 987 crew members. Itineraries: Mediterranean, North Africa, Canary Islands.

MSC Musica: Panama registered, built 2006, 90.000 gross tons, 2.550 passengers, 990 crew members. Itineraries: Mediterranean.

MSC Opera: Panama registered, built 2004, 60.000 gross tons, 1700 passengers, 740 crew members. Itineraries: Mediterranean, Caribbean, Trans-Atlantic.

MSC Lirica: Panama registered, built 2003, 59.000 gross tons, 1566 passengers, 760 crew members. Itineraries: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, Trans-Atlantic.

MSC Sinfonia: Panama registered, built 2002, 59.000 gross tons, 1566 passengers, 760 crew members. Itineraries: Mediterranean, North Africa, Black Sea.

MSC Armonia: Panama registered, built 2001, 59.000 gross tons, 1566 passengers, 760 crew members. Itineraries: Mediterranean, South America, Trans-Atlantic.

Monterey: Italian registered, built 1952, 21.000 gross tons, 638 passengers, 290 crew members. Itineraries: Mediterranean, Portugal, North Africa.

Melody: Italian registered, built 1982, 36.500 gross tons, 1.200 passengers, 535 crew members. Itineraries: Mediterranean, Middle East, North Africa, Caribbean.

Rhapsody: Italian registered, built 1977, 17.500 gross tons, 850 passengers, 425 crew members. Itineraries: Mediterranean, Brazil, South America.