The line also revealed it is currently recruiting a regional sales manager for the north-east of England as it looks to “further our commitment to the trade”.
MSC reported a sales surge of 32% year-on-year with best-selling products including sailings around the eastern Mediterranean and ex-UK cruising onboard MSC Magnifica, which arrives in Southampton in April.
Itineraries around the western Mediterranean and those onboard the recently launched MSC Seaside and upcoming MSC Seaview have also proved popular, the line said.
Antonio Paradiso, managing director for the UK and Ireland said MSC had seen “huge engagement” from agents during the last 12 months.
“We’d like to say a huge thank you to the trade for their dedication and support in what promises to be another record-breaking year,” he said.
“There is no doubt that the new ships are driving sales and as a result we are seeing an increase in both volumes and rates.
“Passengers are willing to spend money on higher ticket products such as the Yacht Club or on the new ships which is testament to the increased confidence in our brand.”
Steve Williams, director of sales UK and Ireland added: “In 2017 we doubled the size of the sales team which has allowed us to increase agent engagement and our presence on the high street.”
Williams added that MSC’s new regional sales manager would be responsible for providing “hands on support” to agents in the north-east, an area which he described as seeing “high, consistent demand for the product.”
The line is currently running its #mscchoctacular giveaway offering trade partners the chance to win one of 10 places at the christening of MSC Seaview in Rome this summer when they find a golden ticket inside an MSC chocolate bar.
There are eight tickets left to be won during the campaign, which runs until February 28.
For further information on the role or to find out how to receive chocolate bars, agents can visit the MSC Cruises UK Travel Agents Facebook page.
