MSC Cruises is stepping up its UK trade activity by hosting 1,000 agents on ship visits this year and expanding its sales team.
The cruise line has scheduled seven ship visits between May and October across Southampton, Belfast, Greenock and Invergordon, taking place on MSC Virtuosa and MSC Preziosa.
Each visit will include a full ship tour and hosted lunch, aimed at giving agents first-hand product knowledge to support sales.
MSC Cruises will also introduce dedicated on-board content days for the first time, designed to help trade marketing teams create promotional material through immersive experiences.
The initiative forms part of a wider investment in the UK trade, with two new appointments and an internal promotion.
Phoebe Thompson has joined as National Account Manager from Hays Travel, while Regional Sales Manager Daniel Short has been promoted to Regional and Strategic Account Manager.
A new Field Sales and Business Development Manager will join next month, increasing the trade team to 21.
Head of UK Sales Alyshia Bartlett said: “This expansion of the team will strengthen the support we provide to our trade partners as we continue to grow our business in the UK. The trade has always been central to MSC Cruises’ success, and our focus is on being more visible, more connected, and continuing to build strong relationships that drive mutual growth.”
The 2026 ship visit programme includes multiple dates in Southampton, alongside calls in Belfast, Greenock and Invergordon throughout May, August and October. Agents can register for the ship visits here.
Pictured: Phoebe and Daniel
