Shanghai Port and MSC Cruises in joint venture

HONG KONG – MSC Cruises and Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal (SIPG) have formed a joint venture travel and general sales agency called MSC Cruises Travel Agency (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.

Aside from marketing cruise products, MSC Cruises Travel Agency will introduce the cruising lifestyle to the local tourist market and promote it as a popular way to enjoy leisure travel.

The multi-billion-yuan SIPG, located along the Huangpu River in Shanghai, will officially open on August 5, 2008.

MSC Cruises, a key investor in the terminal, will make SIPG their Asian hub port and will commence a number of Asian routes off the back of its launch.

SIPG expects to attract both inbound and outbound passenger liners as well as foreign cruise liners.