Geneva (AFP)
The boss of MSC Cruises expects reservations to return to normal in 2022, after 2021 still in deficit due to a pandemic, he told reporters.
"Like all other cruise lines, we have lost money in the last 15 months," Pierfrancesco Vago, president of the Italian-Swiss shipowner, headquartered in Geneva, told the Swiss press group. CH Media.
"This year we are still in deficit, but at least we are generating revenue again," he said, reporting 50% lower bookings than in 2019.
"I am optimistic for 2022", he added, however, adding that he was already receiving "reservations for 2022 which correspond to the 2019 trend. I therefore see a certain normalization".
Mr Vago said unvaccinated people will continue to be allowed aboard his ships so as not to exclude families with children.
"We are a family cruise company. I have children of my own. And I don't have the heart to let only vaccinated people on board. I should refuse a lot of families," he said. valorize.
Especially since, according to him, the anti-Covid protocols put in place by his group have allowed tens of thousands of customers to participate in cruises "in complete safety".
MSC Cruises passengers and crew members must undergo antigen testing before boarding, and additional testing during the cruise, as well as daily temperature monitoring.
The crew members are also tested every seven days.
Mr. Vago also described as "positive" the decision of the Italian government to ban, from August 1, navigation in the lagoon of Venice large cruise ships, accused of endangering the foundations of its historic center. .
According to him, cruise passengers have long pleaded in favor of an alternative route for their ships, which will now have to anchor in the industrial port of Marghera.
© 2021 AFP