In a significant milestone, MSC Cruises reported nearly doubling its passenger numbers to over four million in 2023, marking a noteworthy recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on the cruise industry.
- Passenger numbers rose from 2.1 million in 2022 to over four million in 2023, facilitated by the expansion of MSC’s fleet and increased occupancy rates.
- MSC’s luxury brand, Explora Journeys, launched in July 2023, contributed to the growth, carrying 8,180 passengers on one ship by the year’s end.
- Crew expansion and innovative training programmes were pivotal, with MSC hiring nearly 19,000 new crew members, raising workforce diversity to 138 nationalities.
- Environmental advancements included increased shore power usage and the introduction of LNG-powered ships, enhancing MSC’s carbon efficiency.
MSC Cruises experienced a substantial increase in passenger numbers, reaching more than four million in 2023. This was a significant rise from 2.1 million passengers the previous year, attributed to the recovery of the cruise industry post-COVID-19, increased fleet capacity, and higher occupancy rates.
The company’s 2023 sustainability report highlights these achievements, noting the launch of Explora Journeys, which began operations in July 2023. This luxury brand managed to attract 8,180 passengers on a single ship within the first year, underlining the brand’s immediate impact on the market.
Moreover, MSC Cruises made strategic enhancements to its workforce. The company recruited 18,866 new crew members, significantly increasing its diversity to include 138 different nationalities. This expansion supports MSC’s commitment to providing top-quality service through extensive training and innovative rotations.
The report also underlines MSC’s environmental initiatives. New sustainability efforts include an increased use of shore power and the deployment of ships powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), advancing the company’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. The introduction of MSC Euribia, the second LNG-powered vessel, exemplifies this commitment, and additional LNG-powered ships are expected to join the fleet in the coming years.
With a focus on reducing carbon intensity, MSC achieved a 6.5% improvement in 2023 compared to 2022. The company is on track to reach its goal of a 40% reduction by 2030, in line with the International Maritime Organisation’s targets. This progress is complemented by improvements in onboard water management through desalination techniques, achieving an 87.2% self-sufficiency rate.
MSC Cruises’ significant advancements in passenger numbers and sustainability initiatives underline its robust recovery and forward-thinking strategies.
