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THE Arabian Peninsula is the new destination for another top cruise company, MSC Cruises. The Italian line is set to station its luxury liner Lirica out of Abu Dhabi from November and says the Emirate port will become its new home in the region. The move, first announced last year (TD 29 Sep 10) was highlighted last night at a briefing to specialist cruise travel agents at a Sydney brochure launch of MSC’s 2012 program by General Manager, Lynne Clarke. “We know from past experience that cruising has been the most lucrative part of business for travel agents and anyone not selling cruise products today will be left behind,” said Clarke. She said that for couples who book a seven-night Arabian Peninsula cruise, the second person will pay only half price. With prices starting at $849 per person for the cruise, the second passenger sharing the cabin will pay only $535, or little more than $75 a night. Ports of call include Al Fujairah and Dubai in the UAE plus Khasab and Muscat, both in Oman, with an exciting range of shore excursions to accompany each visit. MSC is also offering a 15% discount on its Allegro Drinks packages, a quick and easy way to pre-purchase beverages to accompany the dining in Lirica’s main restaurant. For MSC’s Mediterranean cruises, those who book and pay early for 2012 will be rewarded with a saving which will bring the starting price of a seven-night cruise to $609 per person, twin share, including meals, entertainment and port charges. Clarke also said that MSC would now offer free tea, coffee and water across its entire fleet, with the move lauded by the agents attending last night’s event. And a new family policy will extend MSC’s ‘children cruise free’ offer to kids under 18 sharing a cabin with a single adult. The new brochure will be distributed to agents shortly; for more information see www.msccruises.com.au. MEANWHILE MSC is set to expand its distribution options in Australasia, with an upgraded website later this year to offer the ability for consumers to make direct cruise bookings. Pictured above at last night’s event are Sue Francis from Interline Reservation Services and Lynne Clarke, MSC md Australasia. |
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