The highly anticipated arrival of MSC Poesia in Brisbane has been met with great excitement, as the stunning vessel made its maiden call to the sunny shores of Queensland on its 119-day world cruise from Genoa, Italy. This marks only the third time that MSC Cruises, the contemporary brand of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, has brought a ship to Australia, with MSC Magnifica having visited in 2019 and 2020, and MSC Orchestra in 2015.
As part of an industry first, MSC Magnifica and MSC Poesia departed Genoa together on January 5th for simultaneous world cruises, sailing together for the start of the journey before parting ways at the edge of the Mediterranean for different routes around the globe. The MSC Magnifica is set to reach New Zealand with stops in Auckland on March 8th and Hobart, Australia on March 15th.
In honour of MSC Poesia’s arrival, MSC Cruises organised special events on board, inviting travel agents to experience the unique offerings of the MSC Cruises brand. The Commercial Director of MSC Cruises Australia and New Zealand, Lisa Teiotu, expressed delight at the number of agent partners who were eager to tour MSC Poesia in Brisbane. She noted that the sales for the 2025 World Cruise opened last week and that bookings have already been made, making the presence of the ship in port a great opportunity for trade partners to see one of the Musica class of ships, which are used for MSC Cruises’ world cruises, firsthand.
The MSC Poesia will depart Brisbane on the same day and head to Cairns, where it will make its maiden call on March 3rd. This visit not only marks a momentous occasion for the Queensland tourism industry, but it also serves as a reminder of the potential that cruise tourism holds for the Australian economy.
With the COVID-19 pandemic having heavily impacted the tourism industry, the arrival of MSC Poesia and the presence of other cruise ships in Australian ports offer a glimmer of hope for the sector’s recovery. However, it is crucial that tourism businesses, including cruise operators, continue to adhere to strict health and safety protocols to protect the health of their passengers and staff.
As Australia’s vaccination program progresses and restrictions ease, the tourism industry is expected to make a gradual comeback. With this in mind, it is imperative that governments, businesses, and individuals work together to support the industry’s recovery and ensure that it is sustainable and responsible.
In conclusion, MSC Poesia’s maiden call in Brisbane represents a significant milestone for the Australian tourism industry. As the industry looks to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, it is essential that businesses and individuals continue to uphold high standards of health and safety while also working together to promote the sector’s growth and development.
Written by: Anne Keam