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🎢 Leonardo Massa, vice president of MSC Group's cruise division, projects a positive outlook for the cruise sector in 2025, with strong travel demand evident from booking volumes. The average cruise price is nearing 2023 values. In April 2025, MSC will welcome the 23rd fleet vessel, MSC World America. Major infrastructure developments include the inauguration of a new terminal in Barcelona in March 2025 and a Miami terminal in April, capable of handling 30,000 people daily, thanks to a $400 million investment. The company is expanding into the American market with new itineraries to Alaska from Seattle starting in 2026. The fourth World-class ship, yet to be named, will join for the 2027-2028 winter season, offering year-round 7-night Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral. The luxury segment will see Explora I and Explora II operating in the Mediterranean throughout summer 2025. Additionally, 2025 brings spring mini-cruises in the Mediterranean and the continuation of Canary Islands programs into the next winter.

🍾 Emirates, starting in May, will introduce 18 new dishes for Business Class travelers, created by Michelin-starred Chef Jean Michel Bardet of Moët & Chandon and Emirates' VP of Culinary Design Doxis Bekris. Developed over a year with Moët & Chandon in France, Emirates serves 149 meals per minute, totaling over 77 million meals annually. Dishes range from scallops with Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2016 to roast duck with Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial, including vegan options. Emirates has partnered with Moët Hennessy for 33 years, offering champagne in all classes.

🎵 SiVola, an Italian travel tech firm, launches a contest during FantaSanremo offering five €1000 gift cards for any destination from their catalog to lucky players. Participants must join the 313,000-member SiVola League, create a team of singers, and register for the contest. Winners will be chosen by a final draw. Additionally, a secret daily bonus will be revealed on February 15 to help contestants gain extra points and climb the FantaSanremo rankings. Daniela Sparano, SiVola's marketing manager, highlights the synergy between travel, experiences, and the gaming phenomenon.

🗽 Boscolo to feature Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan in their 2025 tours of the Caucasus. Vera Rodaro highlights the region's vast potential, historical significance, and high-quality local cuisine. The 8-day "Armenia millenaria" tour focuses on Armenia's rich cultural heritage, including the ancient Khor Virap monastery and the visible Mount Ararat. The 9-day "Armenia and Georgia" tour explores Georgia's highest Caucasus mountains, ancient capital Mtskheta, and wine history. The "Azerbaijan and Georgia" 8-day tour showcases Azerbaijan's natural gas production, modern Baku contrasted with ancient Zoroastrian traditions and prehistoric sites in Gobustan Reserve.