Currency surcharge guarantee from MSC

MSC Starlight Cruises has announced a “No Currency Surcharge Guarantee” for the upcoming local cruise season incorporating MSC Sinfonia and MSC Melody. This guarantee is a first in the local market and will ensure holiday makers great comfort and security when selecting a cruise holiday.
 
“Even though the rand has depreciated by as much as 18% in the past year against the US dollar and other foreign currencies, MSC Starlight  cruises can now guarantee that SA rand fares published in the brochure will not be increased,” says Allan Foggitt of MSC Starlight Cruises.
 
This, in essence, means that holiday makers choosing the cruise option have peace of mind as opposed to other travel options that are affected by the volatile rand. MSC Starlight Cruises will therefore carry the risk if the currency is affected.
 
As all international holidays involve a foreign currency component, any rand depreciation after the tour has been costed will increase the final amount payable for holiday makers. Local cruise offerings therefore become an attractive and acceptable holiday alternative ensuring passengers an ‘international level experience’ without the financial risk of other holiday options.

Cruising offers many other benefits, with accommodation, meals and entertainment all included in the fare, so the ‘No Currency Surcharge Guarantee’ covers passengers for all these expenses that would normally be affected by a weakening rand. Children under 18 also cruise and eat free, which holds massive benefits for families in these trying financial times.
 
As a foreign flag vessel with an international crew earning wages in euros and dollars, MSC Cruises has a large foreign exchange exposure, but in its on-going commitment to growing the South African cruising market, a decision had to be made to guarantee cruisers that no currency surcharge would be applied to the fares for the upcoming cruise season, regardless of what happens to the rand in the coming months.
 
MSC Sinfonia and MSC Melody returned to SA waters in November and December respectively.