MSC Cruises opens bookings for mega-ship

MSC World America

GENEVA — MSC Cruises has opened bookings for MSC World America.

The LNG-powered ship will be the second in the cruise line’s World Class when it launches in April 2025, offering sustainable cruising with new, immersive and unique experiences at sea.

MSC World America will sail from MSC Cruises’ new terminal at PortMiami, exclusively on seven-night Caribbean itineraries during its inaugural season. All sailings will include visits to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ private destination in The Bahamas.

For Eastern Caribbean sailings, MSC World America will visit Puerto Plata, San Juan and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. For Western Caribbean itineraries, ports of call are Costa Maya

People Lawson joins Trevello Travel Group as National Director of Sales & Training

Trevello Travel Group has named Susan Lawson as National Director of Sales & Training.

The industry veteran joins Trevello after eight years at Allianz Global Assistance. Lawson was also General Manager, Central and Western Canada for Air Canada Vacations, and before that she was Director of Sales for Club Med.

In her new role at Trevello Travel Group, Lawson is responsible for Sales & Training, with a primary focus on helping Trevello advisors achieve sales and deliver memorable experiences to their clients.

Trevello CEO Zeina Gedeon said Lawson’s wealth of experience and expertise will be an invaluable asset as Trevello continues to grow its business. “We are thrilled to welcome Susan to our team,” said Gedeon. “We are confident that Susan’s skills and experience will help us to achieve our goals and take our business to the next level. Susan has a wide of knowledge in dealing with advisors and has a proven track record of success.”

Lawson added: “I am thrilled to be part of this dynamic team is the perfect match for my skills and passion. I am excited to bring my enthusiasm for sales and training to the table and work together toward even greater heights.”

and Cozumel, Roatan and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises, said: “MSC World America will become the fourth of our new ships that we have deployed in the Caribbean for her inaugural season. This is not only part of our commitment to growth in the North American market but also to bring our newest and most innovative ships to the region for our international guests from around the world. This exciting new ship will definitely deliver the ultimate cruise experience in the Caribbean when she comes into service.”

The cruise line has ‘optimized’ MSC World America for North American cruising with new restaurants, bars, public spaces and experiences. MSC describes the onboard experience as ‘elegant European design meets American comfort.’

One of the new experiences on MSC World America is The Harbor, a brandnew outdoor destination located on deck 20, specially designed for kids and families to gather, play and relax together. The Harbor includes activities such as the aquapark, interactive water features and inviting areas to relax with delicious bites and cool beverages.

MSC Voyager’s Club members who book by April 12, 2023 will receive an onboard credit of 50 euros. They will also benefit from their usual Voyager’s Exclusives benefits when booking more than 12 months ahead of their departure, including a 5%+5% discount, double membership points for the type of experience chosen and a further €50 onboard credit.

MSC World America spans 22 decks, and measures more than 154 feet wide. The ship has 2,626 cabins, more than 430,556 square feet of public space, and offer top-of-the-line modern features and facilities, including 13 restaurants, 20 diverse bars, lounges and cafes, six pools and 14 hot tubs, three entertainment venues with all-new live entertainment and theatre shows, and more. A 11-deckhigh dry slide made of stainless steel gives guests a fun way to reach the lower decks in style.

Meanwhile the MSC Yacht Club features spacious suites, dedicated lounge and restaurant, private pool and sun deck facilities, and 24-hour concierge and butler service as well as spacious, luxurious suites.

The new ship will also feature systems to maximize efficiency as well as an advanced wastewater treatment systems and an underwater radiated noise management system with hull and engine room designs that minimizes acoustic sound impact, reducing potential effects on marine life.

IPW 2023 on track to return to pre-pandemic levels

WASHINGTON — It’s going to be an IPW to remember this year, with attendance on track to surpass 2019 levels.

Set to take place in first-time host city San Antonio from May 20-24, IPW, the United States’ leading inbound travel trade show, is showing strong buyer registration numbers from around the world, says the U.S. Travel Association. Canada and Mexico, for example, are presently 34% above 2019 levels, while Brazil and South America overall are 33% and 19% above 2019 levels, respectively. Australia is also trending 17% above 2019 levels.

More than 500 domestic and international media are also registered to attend.

“Given the incredible early interest and confirmed registrations from our key global inbound buyers and media, IPW will be the main arena for building back international travel to the United States,” said Malcolm Smith, IPW’s GM and U.S. Travel Association’s Senior VP of Business Development. “This can’t-miss event, coming to firsttime host city San Antonio, unites the global travel industry under one roof to conduct business face to face - a key opportunity to ensure travellers from around the world choose the U.S. when planning their trips.”

U.S. exhibitors may still add up to four partners per booth to meet this year’s strong demand.

“We encourage exhibitors to be well resourced to maximize business productivity on the show floor,” Smith added.

“IPW’s new format is unique in that it allows delegates to create the experience that works best for their objectives,” said Smith. “These opportunities add deep value to an already action-packed show.”