MSC Cruises Introduces Summer 2024 ‘Stay & Cruise’ Program

MSC Cruises announced its new summer 2024 “Stay & Cruise” program, offering guests the chance to extend their seven-night sailing into a nine or 10-night voyage, according to a statement. 

 The add-on packages are available for sailings on 11 MSC ships at five destinations; Athens, Venice, Rome, Miami and New York.

Travellers can add two nights’ accommodation with breakfast before or after their seven-night voyage at a 4-star hotel in Athens, Venice and Rome or a 3-star hotel in Miami, plus the option for two or three nights at a 4-star hotel in New York.

All “Stay & Cruise” packages offer a half-day excursion to explore the city’s attractions.

 Ground transfers from airports to hotels are included for guests staying before the cruise and from the hotel to the ship.  Additionally, for guests staying after the cruise, transfers from the ship to the hotel and from the hotel to the airport are also included.

 The offer applies to the MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia, MSC Musica, MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview from Civitavecchia for an extended stay in Rome before or after a cruise.

 The add-on package to explore Venice is available pre- or post-cruise onboard the MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica and MSC Sinfonia from Marghera-Venice. Additionally, guests sailing on the MSC Opera, departing from the port of Piraeus, can extend their vacation in Athens.

 The program is available for Caribbean itineraries on the MSC Seascape departing from Miami with an additional two-day stay in the city.

 Guests sailing onboard the MSC Meraviglia can also extend their trip pre-cruise in New York before the ship sets sail.

An add-on package for Istanbul will also be available soon for MSC Cruises’ winter 2024-25 ‘Stay & Cruise’ program.

Carnival Lists Miami Headquarters for Sale; Looking to Downsize

Carnival Corporation has listed its headquarters in Miami for sale, after owning it for nearly three decades.

According to Bloomberg, the company is now looking to downsize to about 300,000 square feet of new office space in the Miami area in the next two years. 

Cruise Industry News understands many Carnival employees work fully remotely following the pandemic.

A spokesperson confirmed that the company is “exploring options for new office facilities,” according to the Bloomberg story. 

Located 15 miles from the Port of Miami, the 470,000 square feet Doral headquarters has served as Carnival’s base since it was acquired in 1983. The Miami space is being listed with commercial real estate broker Cushman & Wakefield Plc.

Regent Announces 2027 World Cruise with 71 Ports

Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced its 2027 World Cruise, sailing from January 11, 2027, onboard the Seven Seas Splendor, according to a press release.

Sailing from Miami, Florida to New York, the 2027 World of Splendor adventure travels to 71 ports of call in the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand, Asia, Africa and Europe. Guests will travel 35,668 nautical miles across three oceans, exploring 40 countries on six continents.

Also included are over 480 shore excursions and 14 overnight stays,  as well as a chance to visit 73 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Prices for the 140-night world tour start at $91,499 per guest for a Veranda Suite and up to $839,999 per guest for the Regent Suite.

“We have seen continued interest and demand to venture further afield and for longer durations and so we are thrilled to announce that our 2027 World Cruise will take place on board Seven Seas Splendor, offering more luxury travelers the opportunity to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Andrea DeMarco, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

“This will be the first time a World Cruise will sail on board one of our magnificent Explorer-Class ships, Seven Seas Splendor, which was launched in 2020 and offers the highest standards of unrivaled luxury, and features the one-of-a-kind, 4,443 square foot Regent Suite.”

In addition, for the first time, travelers can embark on this World Cruise in the most exclusive address residence at sea – the Regent Suite. The Regent Suite experience onboard is priced at $1.7 million dollars for two guests.