MSC to employ ‘cruise ambassadors’ on ship in China

MSC Cruises said that when the MSC Lirica arrives in China
next year, it will be staffed with “cruise ambassadors,” a role that doesn’t
exist on the line’s current ships.

The recruited and trained ambassadors will be assigned to
specific guests, MSC said. They will chaperone guests,
acting as social host, fixer, guide and information point as required. The
ambassadors, who will speak both Mandarin and English, will handle their
guests’ restaurant, entertainment and shore excursion bookings, among other
things.

MSC unveiled the ambassador program and other Chinese
adaptations for the Lirica at a press conference in Beijing held by MSC CEO Gianni
Onorato.

“It’s bold innovations like the introduction of cruise ambassadors
that we believe will really make the difference to our Chinese guests, and keep
them coming back to MSC Lirica,” Onorato said.

He Lirica is due to start sailing from China in May
2016.  Onorato said the ship will be
staffed by “an industry-leading ratio of Mandarin-speaking
personnel,” with as many as 80% in some departments. It will have a large,
varied casino with Chinese favorites and classics, plus a private baccarat and
sic bo room.

Culinary direction and training will be provided by Chinese
chef Jereme Leung, who will create an oriental fusion restaurant called Jia
Yao. He will also oversee development of the Kaito sushi restaurant; the
20-hour-a-day Chinese and international buffet; and La Bussola, which will
serve dishes from across Asia and around the world.

The Lirica’s entertainment in China will include stage
shows, live music, dancers, illusionists and 
cabaret artists. A dozen musicians will perform American, European and
Chinese numbers throughout the ship’s lounges and bars, while the theater will
offer three nightly sittings with magic shows, a professional tenor, full dance
troupes and a variety of artists.

Guests can also attend a choice of themed evenings, MSC
said.

MSC has partnered with Caissa Touristic Group to develop its
program for the Lirica.