Five British agencies were recognised at the second MSC Cruises annual Team and Win event onboard the MSC Armonia, on the 28th November 2008. Key agencies from around the world were invited to the event; a three day cruise from Venice, Italy, to demonstrate MSC Cruises’ appreciation for their continuing support. A shortlist of 15 UK agencies were nominated for an award in categories including best group supporter, best individual supporter, best network, best web supporter and new business.

Each category was contested thanks to the efforts of the agents. Enjoy Travel was successful as best group supporter, FastTrack Holidays won best individual supporter, Thomson was rewarded by winning the best network award, Jetline was victorious in web supporter and D Cruise Shop prevailed in the new business category.

All agencies enjoyed a combination of business and leisure activities at the event, including an in depth presentation by Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Cruises, about MSC Fantasia. The first of a brand new, larger class of ship, MSC Fantasia joins the MSC Cruises fleet on 18 December 2008, boasting a capacity of 3,900 passengers and featuring the MSC Yacht Club – a six star cruise option featuring a personal butler service and an exclusive lounge.

The 133,500 tonne vessel also has 1,500 foot dedicated to Health and Wellness. The presentation was received with great interest and enthusiasm from agencies from around the world, who appreciated the freshness and scale of MSC Cruises’ product offering for the next twelve months.

Further plans for 2008 were unveiled, including additional information about the christening of MSC Poesia in April.

There was also no shortage of opportunities for agencies to talk to the MSC Cruises team whether at the round table discussion or during individual meetings. In addition, everyone enjoyed a city tour of Bari as well as the warm Italian hospitality and cuisine on board MSC Armonia.

David Gay, Cruise Expert, Thomson said: “We were thrilled to be successful in the network category and to be presented with the award in front of so many colleagues was a real honour. Our clients’ interest in cruising is growing month on month, so it’s great that MSC Cruises has such a tremendous amount happening next year which we can tempt them with. Now we’re looking forward to more success at the awards next year!”

Claudia Baino, Managing Director, MSC Cruises UK & Ireland comments: “In partnership with our agents, 2007 has been a wonderful year for MSC Cruises in the UK with a significant increase in passenger numbers. We’re delighted to be able to recognise the efforts of the wider team at the second annual Team & Win Event.”