Amadeus Signs Agreement with MSC Cruises
The world’s second-largest shipping company and cruise provider to be available through Amadeus Cruise and Amadeus Cruise API
MADRID, June 19, 2006 : Amadeus, a global leader in technology and distribution solutions for the travel and tourism industry, today announced an agreement with MSC Cruises, the largest independent Italian cruise line, to distribute its product via the Amadeus system. MSC Cruises has offices in the major Italian cities of Naples, Milan, Venice, Genoa, Rome, Palermo, Bari plus an additional 26 MSC Cruises offices worldwide.
The cruise line will become available to North American, UK and Spanish travel agents from July 2006. Travel agents in France and Scandinavia will be able to book MSC Cruises through Amadeus from the third quarter 2006.
Domenico Pellegrino, Managing Director, MSC Cruises stated, "Our philosophy at MSC Cruises has always been to link our deep heritage at sea with innovation. So we are pleased to partner in Europe and North America with a renowned leader in the global travel technology arena. This agreement will allow us to increase our global presence and reach within the international travel agency community."
MSC Cruises’ decision to distribute though Amadeus’ world-leading distribution system is part of an aggressive growth strategy which has seen its fleet expand from three ships in 2002 to eight ships today after the arrival of the newest flagship MSC MUSICA from July 1st. MSC Cruises has ordered four more ships; MSC ORCHESTRA and MSC POESIA, the twin sisters of MSC MUSICA will arrive in spring 2007 and spring 2008, and recently a new order has been announced for the construction of 134.000 tons MSC FANTASIA and MSC SERENATA . This new order will increase the fleet to a total of 12 ships.
“We are delighted to add this prestigious cruise line to the market-leading range of 16 cruise lines available in Amadeus. We will help MSC Cruises increase their sales and revenues in Europe and North America by providing access to live availability and pricing, and optimizing the way to reach travel agents," said Albert Pozo, Managing Director, Travel Services and Leisure, Amadeus. "Amadeus’ leadership and continued technology investment will bring significant efficiencies in time and productivity to MSC Cruises."
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About MSC
MSC Cruises began its activities in 1988 and since 2001 has experienced incredible growth that by 2009 it will be one of the major players in the cruise industry in the Mediterranean. MSC Cruises combines a deep heritage at sea with an enthusiastic, young, motivated management team to present a company philosophy of Innovation equals tradition.
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.
MSC Cruises has a current fleet of eight ships: MSC Musica sailing from Venice on 01 July 2006 for the first time, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera, MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Melody, MSC Rhapsody, MSC Monterey and offers itineraries in the Mediterranean all year round, in Northern Europe, Transatlantic, the Caribbean, South America and South Africa. The MSC Cruises fleet will increase to 12 ships when MSC Orchestra, MSC Poesia, MSC Fantasia and MSC Serenata also join the fleet. MSC Cruises co-sponsors Alinghi in the 32nd America’s Cup, culminating in the final races in Valencia in June 2007 and also sponsor Series A -- Rome, Fiorentina and Milan Football Clubs for the 2005-2006 championship.
About Amadeus
Amadeus is the chosen technology partner for providers, sellers, and buyers of travel. The company provides distribution, IT and point-of-sale solutions to help its customers adapt, grow and succeed in the fast changing travel industry. Customer groups include travel providers (airlines, hotels, car rental companies, railway companies, ferry lines, cruise lines, insurance companies and tour operators), travel sellers (travel agencies) and travel buyers (corporations and travellers). Solutions are grouped in four solution categories -- Distribution & Content, Sales & e-Commerce, Business Management and Services & Consultancy.
Amadeus has central sites in Madrid (corporate headquarters & marketing), Nice (development) and Erding (Operations -- data processing centre) and regional offices in Miami, Buenos Aires and Bangkok. At market level, Amadeus maintains customer operations in 75 countries covering more than 215 markets. The company has over 6,700 employees worldwide, representing 95 nationalities. More information about Amadeus is available at: www.amadeus.com.
