CAISSA touristic And MSC Cruises Unveil Details Of Customized MSC Lirica For Chinese Consumers
CAISSA Touristic Group, China’s leading outbound tourism service provider, and Geneva, Switzerland-based MSC Cruises reaffirmed the strength of their recently announced strategic partnership at a joint press conference in Beijing today, disclosing details of the cruise experiences to be offered aboard MSC Lirica.
The ship is set to serve the Chinese home market from Shanghai, starting in May 2016.
CAISSA Touristic’s President Chen Xiaobing emphasized the popularity of MSC Cruises’ European and South American routes with travellers from around the world and that it had recently been named the number one cruise line in Europe.
MSC Cruises Chief Executive Officer Gianni Onorato added MSC Cruises’ private ownership gives the Company a clear edge in China, as it already does in other global markets.
During the press conference, Mr Onorato presented various industry-first innovations, particularly in onboard dining, entertainment and guest service, which will guarantee Chinese guests experience a unique offering that’s tailored to their tastes, from boarding to disembarkation.
Authentic Upscale Cuisine: partnership with star Chinese chef Jereme Leung to create menus and dining concepts.
In addition to a range of quality dining options from the Mediterranean region, MSC Lirica’s guests will encounter exquisite oriental and international cuisine throughout the ship, created by celebrity Chinese chef Jereme Leung. A household name in China and revered by Far Eastern gourmets worldwide, Chef Leung will create a unique oriental fusion restaurant called Jia Yao, offering diverse, freshly-made specialities from around China, including his trademark “hot pot” and a roster of other signature dishes.
Additionally, to further strengthen the authenticity of the dining experience, Chef Leung will provide MSC Lirica’s chefs with specialized training in the traditional cooking methods that are his trademark, while front-of-house staff will also undergo specific Jereme Leung training around the cuisine and clientele they will serve.
An additional plus for groups and families seeking an intimate dining experience is the ability to book private dining options in the Ippocampo restaurant.
Nonstop Entertainment: a packed 20-hour-a-day programme of activities and shows for groups, families, children and couples.
Another award-winning feature of the MSC Cruises offering is entertainment. Building on this, MSC Cruises and CAISSA Touristic have built a round-the-clock programme of live music and dance shows, fun activities, leisure and games to suit all guests, whether groups, families and children or couples.
Daytimes will be packed with a range of entertainment and social options, including activities for children, adults and families, plus five distinct kids’ clubs for all age groups. In addition, parents can join their kids in the exhilarating open-air spray park, or watch from the shady comfort of a lounger under one of the ship’s newly installed sun canopies. Daytime activities will include favourites such as arts and crafts, European history and culture lectures, language classes, yoga, tai-chi and fitness sessions, and a great many besides.
Evenings will come alive with spectacular stage shows, live music, dancers, illusionists, cabaret artists and more. Throughout the ship’s lounges and bars, 12 musicians will perform American, European and Chinese numbers. And the theatre will offer three nightly sittings with magic shows, a professional tenor, full dance troupes and variety artists. Otherwise, guests can also attend a choice of theme evenings, such as Hollywood Night, Italian Night or Rock Star Night, or participate in fun games, such as Dancing With the Stars and Karaoke Superstar.
Peerless Service: personal Cruise Ambassadors to ensure start-to-finish relaxation, entertainment and discovery.
The Cruise Ambassadors, who will speak Mandarin as well as English, will provide round-the-clock access to information and assistance whenever they want it. These trained professionals will be fully informed of all onboard amenities, services and experiences, as well as the ports of call.
One example of the ‘extra-mile’ services they will provide is handling guests’ restaurant, entertainment or shore excursion bookings. Then, if guests wish, their Cruise Ambassador can join the group for the dinner, show or excursion.
Other highlights revealed include a large, varied casino with Chinese favourites and classics, plus a private baccarat and sic bo room. And an extensive range of boutiques carrying leading high-end European brands, including but not limited to, Gucci, Bulgari, Longines and Tag Heuer.
