Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, we are part of MSC Group, the leading privately held Swiss-based shipping and logistics conglomerate with over 300 years of maritime heritage. We employ over 30,000 staff globally and sell cruise holidays in many countries around the world.

MSC Cruises is a privately owned company based in Switzerland, but its roots and heritage are deeply Italian. It is a division of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world's largest container shipping line, which is owned by the Aponte family. Founded by Gianluigi Aponte, the company remains 100% independent and is not part of the large publicly traded conglomerates like Carnival or Royal Caribbean. In 2026, MSC is the third-largest cruise brand globally and continues to reflect its Italian spirit through its Mediterranean-inspired dining, design, and entertainment. While the headquarters are in Geneva for corporate and logistical reasons, the "soul" of the operation remains in Naples, Italy, where the family's shipping empire began. Because it is privately held, MSC can often take more aggressive "long-term" risks in ship design—such as the massive World-class vessels—without the pressure of quarterly earnings calls that govern its American competitors.