Karryon catches up with MSC’s Managing Director, Lisa Teiotu as the cruise line celebrates MSC Yacht Club’s 15th anniversary and prepares for the launch of its latest ship, MSC World America.
In December 2008, MSC Fantasia was the sixth MSC Cruises ship to be christened by Italy’s legendary movie star Sophia Loren – and the first to sport the ‘ship within a ship’, a luxurious private-access enclave known as the MSC Yacht Club.
When MSC World America sets sail in April 2025, she will be the 15th ship to feature the Yacht Club. But while the 23-strong fleet of big, activity-packed family-friendly ships has been expanding at a rate of knots since it was established by the Italian Aponte family in 1988, many local travel advisors and cruisers are new to the line.
Here, Lisa Teiotu, who was appointed MSC’s Managing Director Australia and New Zealand in 2023, gives us the lowdown on why MSC Cruises should be on your radar for clients looking for a “world of choice” on their next cruise.
Who came up with the concept of a ship within a ship?
We’ve done some research into that, and it is thought to have come up in discussions among MSC’s owners, the Aponte family, when MSC Fantasia was in the design stage.
The company has always been very family oriented and it became clear that both multi-generation families and couples would benefit from having the big-ship experience – exciting onboard activities, waterparks, entertainment, lots of bars and restaurants – plus all the privileges of the luxury cruise experience, on one ship.
Do all the Yacht Clubs have the same facilities?
Yes, there’s always a private pool and sun deck, a Top Sail Lounge which has its own lounge and bar area plus nightly entertainment, a Yacht Club Restaurant that serves world-class cuisine, and a bar and grill area.
Yacht club suites and staterooms vary in size and layout across several categories, from the top-flight, two-storey Owner’s Suite to very comfortable Interior Suites. Families might book a large suite for the parents or grandparents, and an Interior for older children; it’s all about flexibility and choice.
Interiors, by the way, are incredibly good value because all Yacht Club guests enjoy the same luxury facilities and services – as well as the run of the ship, of course – and the fares are very competitive.
What are the perks of cruising in the Yacht Club?
Perks and privileges include having a dedicated concierge team, who are on hand to do things like look after guests’ restaurant and show reservations, excursions and even shopping trips. All drinks are included, you have personalised butler service 24/7, high-speed internet, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and free access to the thermal spa.
We recently introduced more than 90 shore excursions exclusively for MSC Yacht Club guests on our Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Caribbean cruises, with more to come later this year. Yacht Club guests also enjoy the VIP treatment at our shore-based island resorts, MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas and Sir Bani Yas Island, in Abu Dhabi.
How many Australian cruisers are currently booking into MSC Yacht Club?
As awareness of the brand grows locally, Australians and New Zealanders are really seeing the value of the Yacht Club and bookings grow year on year. Mediterranean cruises are the most popular; people appreciate our flexible porting options, range of itineraries and how many ships we have there year-round.
Another trend we’re seeing among Australian guests – particularly the new-to-cruise contingent – is adding a short cruise to a big European holiday because it’s such an easy way to see or revisit several countries in a week.
Breaking up the flight between Europe and Australia with a quick cruise in the UAE is an increasingly popular option – it’s a great way to avoid jetlag and there’s so much to discover in the region.
Asia is an emerging destination for MSC and its proximity makes it very accessible for Aussie and Kiwi travellers. Our Japan itinerary has tripled in terms of growth and sales and MSC Bellissima, which has the Yacht Club, recently won Asia’s Best Cruise Ship at the Asia Cruise Forum.
How often do you travel, for work or fun?
I travel about once a month and it’s very important to balance my family life – we have a daughter, 13 and a son, eight – with my work life. They love travelling with me (not that it happens very often!) and it’s great that they can see first-hand what my role involves and understand why I’m away a lot.
As a Sydneysider born and bred in the suburbs, I have incredibly happy memories of playing backyard cricket, riding bikes and only having to go home when the streetlights went on. Family holidays were camping or staying in a caravan park or going out on our boat – it was always an adventure.
I have never lost that love of travelling with family and friends, and those memories you have last forever. Our next proper family holiday will definitely be a cruise. It’s easy for parents and it’s fun for the kids.
What do your kids like best about MSC Cruises?
So much! They really enjoy silent discos, live entertainment and all the fun activities like waterslides, ziplines, ten-pin bowling and Formula 1 simulators.
MSC World Europa and MSC World America have an incredible range of activities for kids of all ages – roller-skating, bumper cars, a huge swing that flies over the ocean – along with cooking classes, the Drone Academy, a recording studio and lots more.
As a very experienced world traveller, do you have a favourite destination?
I love Europe, just about everything about it. I don’t like wasting time in airports or in transit, so when time is limited, cruising gives you a wonderful taste of the region’s history, beautiful natural destinations, the food and the culture.
While not wanting to sound “on brand”, Italy – MSC’s spiritual home – is my favourite part of Europe. I feel as though you really live when you’re in Italy. The people are friendly, relaxed and have an amazing passion for everyday life – la dolce vita – as much as for style, design and, yes, pizza. Can’t get enough pizza!
For more information, visit MSC Cruises.
