SHIPPING TIMES | Magnifica visits Fiji

THE cruise ship MSC Magnifica visited Fiji as part of its 131-night world cruise last weekend.

MSC Group’s Cruise Division Australia and New Zealand managing director, Katrina McAlpine, said the world cruise brought high-value, well-travelled international guests who acted as global ambassadors for the destinations they visited.

“Through this voyage, more than 3200 global travellers are experiencing Fiji and will carry stories of its culture, natural beauty and renowned hospitality back to their home countries around the world,” Ms McAlpine said.

Fiji holds a special place in MSC Cruises’ World Cruise program.

The MSC Magnifica visited Fiji for the third time. It visited previously in 2019 and 2023.

Ms McAlpine described Fiji as an iconic South Pacific destination, defined not only by its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but by the warmth and generosity of its people.

Beyond destination promotion, she also emphasised the tangible economic contribution of the ship’s visit, which generated between $F500,000 and $F600,000 in direct local spending, supporting tour operators, retailers and hospitality providers across Fiji.

She expressed her sincere appreciation for the warm welcome extended to guests and crew, reaffirming MSC Cruises’ pride in bringing the world to Suva and showcasing Fiji to a global audience.

Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka said modern cruise operations increasingly relied on dependable shipping networks, efficient port coordination and integrated maritime services.

“As connectivity strengthens, so too does Fiji’s attractiveness as a cruise destination,” Mr Gavoka said.

“The possibility of regular cruise vessel calls linked to expanding maritime routes presents exciting prospects like increased visitor arrivals into our ports, expanded revenue for local markets and artisans, greater demand for transport, tours and hospitality and wide global exposure for Fiji as a destination.

He said each cruise vessel arrival represented more than passengers stepping ashore.

“It represents livelihoods, vendors selling handicrafts, farmers supplying produce, guides sharing culture, and communities showcasing the warmth for which Fiji is globally known.

“Trade routes therefore do not only carry cargo. They carry visitors. They carry stories. They carry economic opportunity into our towns and villages.”

He said MSC’s global network of more than 675 offices connected Fiji to major commercial centres across the world, but global reach only succeeded when supported locally – and this was where Coral Sea Shipping’s role was vital.

He said their dedication to efficient service delivery, customer focus and operational excellence ensured the benefits of international connectivity were felt in Fiji.

He added strong local representation transformed global capability into national advantage.