MSC Cruises has upped its investment in the UK trade as it bolsters its UK sales team and launches a ship visit programme with more than 1,000 places

Phoebe Thompson has joined the line from Hays Travel, taking on the role of national account manager, while Daniel Short has been promoted to regional and strategic account manager, with the goal of driving growth and developing key trade partnerships.

A new field sales and business development manager will also join the team in June, growing the team to 21 people.

Alyshia Bartlett, head of UK sales at MSC Cruises, said: “This expansion of the team will strengthen the support we provide to our trade partners as we continue to grow our business in the UK.

“The trade has always been central to MSC Cruises’ success, and our focus is on being more visible, more connected, and continuing to build strong relationships that drive mutual growth.”

Additionally, the line will operate seven UK ship visits between May and October this year across Southampton, Belfast, Greenock and Invergordon on MSC Virtuosa and MSC Preziosa.

The first visit will be in Southampton on 9 May on MSC Virtuosa, followed by three visits on MSC Preziosa on 14 May in Belfast, 15 May in Greenock and 22 May in Invergordon.

The remainder of the visits will take place in Southampton, hosted by MSC Virtuosa on 20 August and 19 October, and by MSC Preziosa on 30 October.

Each visit will include a ship tour and hosted lunch. Plus, for the first time, MSC Cruises is also hosting dedicated onboard content days for trade marketing teams.