Responsible Tourism

2025 AT A GLANCE

Inspirational symbol for sustainable tourism featuring a coral branch | MSC Cruises

317

Protectours

Cruise ship icon highlights sustainable port visits and responsible travel | MSC Cruises

Ship visits for local communities

Two icons representing children of school age together | MSC Cruises

200

Children Joined Tordos a Bordo

MSC Protectours

In 2025 we offered 317 Protectours in 137 destinations.

Protectours include experiences focused on environmental education, conservation and lower-impact activities.

Examples include walking and cycling tours, kayaking and canoeing, visits to biodiversity-protected areas and opportunities to learn about conservation initiatives. These experiences respond to guest interest in the natural environment.

A sea turtle swims among beautiful corals in crystal clear water | MSC Cruises

Working with communities

We aim for long-term, trust-based partnerships with the destinations we visit.

The industry has a far-reaching global impact, from the people it employs directly to the tourism related activities on shore. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the cruise industry supported 1.8 million jobs in 2024, with over 1.4 million based onshore.
We contribute to local economies through activities such as purchasing supplies and services and through guest and crew spending ashore, including excursions, meals and souvenirs.
In 2025, we launched the ‘Tordos a bordo’ (‘All aboard’) educational programme with local schools in Spain and Portugal together with CLIA, reaching over 200 school children. We also host many community and government representatives onboard our ships to better understand the business and our investment in environmental technologies.

Children gather for an interactive sustainability activity with MSC Cruises | MSC Cruises

Infrastructure Investment

We continue to make investments in new shore-based infrastructure to support our growth in existing and new regions.

Investment in cruise terminals can directly impact passenger experience, operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Modern, well-equipped terminals enhance the boarding and disembarkation process, improve safety and security measures, and can offer advanced waste management facilities. Additionally, investing in terminal infrastructure supports local economies and strengthens relationships with port cities, fostering growth and sustainability in cruise destinations.
In 2025, we opened two new terminals in Barcelon and Miami. These and our Ocean Cay island destination, and other terminals investments support our operations and are intended to contribute to economic activity in their respective port communities.