SYDNEY TO CELEBRATE MSC ORCHESTRA’S MAIDEN CALL
17/03/2015
Geneva, 17 March 2015 – Following her Asian maiden calls on her 33-night maiden voyage from Dubai to Fremantle, MSC Orchestra today reached the shores of New South Wales, receiving a warm welcome from Sydney-siders.
MSC Orchestra made her first Australian debut in Brisbane on 15 March before sailing into Sydney’s iconic harbour, cruising by the world famous Opera House and passed the Harbour Bridge, docking at the Overseas Passenger Terminal. MSC Orchestra’s visit to Sydney marks the first time MSC Cruises brings one of its cruise ships down-under.
MSC Orchestra’s stay in Sydney treats MSC Cruises’ travellers with stunning views of its famous harbour while specific shore excursions grant them easy access to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains in addition to the overall the scenic beauty of the area.
In honour of the maiden call in the stunning capital of New South Wales, MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned cruise company in the world, organised events throughout the day to welcome its guests to the Harbour City. MSC Cruises invited key media and travel agents to allow them to acquaint themselves with the unique Mediterranean-inspired approach to cruising and the unique MSC Cruises experience.
Lynne Clarke, Managing Director of MSC Cruises Australia and New Zealand, said: “We are honoured to welcome MSC Orchestra into Australian waters in what is a very special moment for MSC Cruises. It is such an extraordinary sight to see her cruise past our iconic Harbour Bridge. Ms Clarke added “the company is looking to grow past its core leadership in the Mediterranean, as part of the €5.1 billion expansion plan launched in 2014.”
To celebrate MSC Orchestra’s historic visit, Sydney-siders enjoyed a grand fireworks display in the Harbour, in a bid to farewell MSC Orchestra in style. A musical score including Australian favourites such as Waltzing Matilda and Kyle Minogue’s ‘On a night like this’ accompanied as fireworks lit up the night sky.
The company, which grew by 800% since 2004, carried 1.67 million guests in 2014 and reported strong financial results with a turnover of €1.5 billion. In addition, MSC Cruises is forecasting an additional 10% growth for 2015.
After spending the day in the city, MSC Orchestra is now on route to make her maiden call into sunny Melbourne tomorrow, followed by Adelaide on 22 March, and finally Fremantle on 26 March.
