The 2024 Sustainability Report, published by MSC Group’s Cruise Division on 31 July 2025, shows the latest advancements of the company. Topics including environmental innovation, responsible tourism, and social impact are reflected in the document, which shows the cruise line’s commitment to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The sixth edition of the Sustainability Report covers the sustainability achievements and goals of the MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys brands, both part of the MSC Group’s Cruise Division. Its goal is to provide clear information about MSC Group’s Cruise Division’s environmental, social, and governance status, commitments, and progress to both stakeholders and employees.
“As a family business, we do not operate ships just for tomorrow. We sail them for future generations, designed for fuel flexibility, guided by innovation, and powered by people who share our long-term vision. The Cruise Division in 2024 reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a bold and transparent sustainability strategy that balances environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic resilience,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman at MSC Group’s Cruise Division.
Environment, social impact, and responsible tourism
Overall, MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys carried 4.6 million guests and sailed to 341 itineraries in 90 countries in 2024. While doing so, 50,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions were avoided through fleet-wide optimisation tools (OptiCruise and Oceanly Performance), supporting real-time operational efficiency and itinerary planning. 2024 also saw an increase in shore power connections to 142 across 13 ports, compared to 44 in 2023. Since 2017, all new ships are shore-power ready, while retrofitting continues across the fleet. The Cruise Division remains committed to using shore power wherever it’s available.
“There is no single solution to decarbonisation. It is a puzzle we solve piece by piece – with new technology, operational excellence, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to move forward,” said Pierfrancesco Vago.
In 2024, the crew retention rate increased to 89%, up from 83% in 2023. This number demonstrates the commitment of the Cruise Division to employee engagement and development. A so-called Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee was formed, showing the company’s commitment to workforce equity across more than 140 nationalities.
As far as environmental preservation is concerned, the company continues to invest in destinations such as its private island Ocean Cay, where environmental stewardship has enabled marine wildlife to thrive and coral restoration is underway. 469 crew members were trained in whale strike prevention with the help of marine protection charity ORCA. During the training, they learned to understand more about the species of whale at risk, how to identify them, and take steps to reduce the risk. The over 4,500 shore excursions offered in 84 countries by MSC Group’s Cruise Division also include 284 ‘Protectours’, low-impact experiences.
