The Msc Virtuosa begins its inaugural cruise in our waters. 6,000 people on board for a 7-day cruise in the Caribbean. The company presented its new ship to tourist partners this morning. An inaugural ceremony before setting off on its first cruise in Caribbean waters. Guadeloupeans and Martinicans represent a large part of the customers on board, and are the Swiss shipowner's preferred target during this 2024/2025 season.
19 decks 2400 cabins, the MSC Vistuosa stands proudly along the quays of Pointe-à-Pitre. First stopover, first departure from the Antilles for this ultra-luxurious liner from the Méraviglia range and above all much larger than the previous one positioned in our regions of the Caribbean (1000 more cabins). The company through the voice of its general director Patrick Pourbaixvery clearly displays its ambitions in the Antilles for this season: attracting as many local passengers as possible
Patrick Pourbaix, general director MSC Cruise France
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©Laura Sene and Ronhy Malety – Guadeloupe la 1ère
And for the cause, local customers represent 25% of passengers on board. But they are twice as numerous as the national clientele to choose the cruise.
A change of scenery, discovering other horizons, local passengers love it. The concept “cruise vacation” ticks all the boxes of the criteria sought by Guadeloupeans or Martiniqueans. Average age 48 but there are also many young people, especially during school holidays. A city at sea for a guaranteed change of scenery. And for all budgets. Starting price 500 euros for 7 days at sea but you should count on an average budget of between 800 and 1200 euros per person for a week.
MSC Cruise has understood this well and is adapting its offer for the local public. Themed cruises are gaining ground with, for example, musical performances to entertain and attract potential cruise passengers. Thus, singer Leila Chicot will celebrate her 30 years of career on board the ship. For Antonella Guarnaccia, commercial managerit is a necessary plus today.
Antonella Guarnaccia, commercial manager
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©Laura Sene and Ronhy Malety – Guadeloupe la 1ère
A windfall for the company but also benefits for Guadeloupe. Base port, embarkation port, it becomes a hub of this cruise tourism. By the end of the season, which lasts five months, 115 000 passengers are expected on this ship alone.
Guadeloupe will host 285 stopovers this year with some 5,000 to 6,000 passengers on board each week. A tourist bonanza that is just waiting to be seduced. The flagship of the winter cruise season, the Antilles Caribbean cruise, with Guadeloupe as the embarkation port, is a tourist window to pamper.
France
