Alicante is poised to reclaim its role as an MSC home port, signaling a maritime resurgence starting in May. MSC Cruises unveils an ambitious plan, aiming to dispatch up to twenty ships from the city during the peak season, as part of its meticulously crafted 2024 cruise program across Spain, tailored for the summer months.
Previously, due to security concerns emanating from the Arab-Israeli conflict in the Red Sea, MSC strategically adjusted its itineraries, temporarily shifting its homeport to Valencia in November. However, in a strategic move, MSC declares its triumphant return to Alicante as a homeport/departure port, with the MSC Orchestra set to recommence its maritime journeys from this coastal haven.
In the upcoming summer season, MSC Cruises will orchestrate the operations of 6 ships with weekly departures. The fleet composition includes 4 ships based in Barcelona, 2 in Valencia, and the MSC Orchestra embarking from both Malaga and Alicante every ten days.
MSC Sinfonia, initially intended to replace the Orchestra for the winter season, remained docked due to the conflict but is now poised for a comeback to Alicante in May. This reaffirms MSC Cruises' commitment to Spain's maritime landscape, showcasing a steady expansion since 2019, marked by the inclusion of new boarding ports - Tarragona, Alicante, Malaga, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in addition to the existing trio of Valencia, Barcelona, and Palma.
As part of the grand maritime vision, the company plans to bolster its connectivity, offering direct flights from major Spanish cities. This strategic move aims to facilitate passengers on up to nine ships, embarking on diverse itineraries exploring the Mediterranean and Northern Europe during the vibrant summer season.
Insights from the Alicante Cruise Tourism Association hint at MSC planning at least four additional port stops in the city, showcasing the flexibility and dynamism inherent in maritime planning. The return of MSC as a prominent player in Alicante's maritime landscape promises a season of maritime vibrancy and exploration.