ROMA (ITALPRESS) – A recent survey conducted by AstraRicerche for MSC Cruises highlights a strong tendency to the seasonalization of travel among Italians. Almost 98% of respondents say they have already done or wish for a holiday in low season, while 84% have already experienced it in the first person. The study therefore confirms that the holiday is no longer concentrated only in the summer months, but is now distributed throughout the year.
The most convenient rates (56.8%), followed by a lower crowding of tourist places (45.3%) and a search for greater tranquility (40.1%). Entering the detail of the crocieristico product, the strengths perceived for the winter months are the favorable value for money (40.2%) and the opportunity to visit more destinations in a single trip (35.2%). On board, the most sought after experiences of guests concern relaxation and well-being (45.5%), as well as contact with nature and uncontaminated landscapes (42.8%). Overall, 63.6% of Italians positively assess the idea of a winter cruise and 35.4% consider it very likely to carry out one in the Mediterranean within the next two years.
The Mare Nostrum thus exceeds the stereotype of exclusively summer destination: for almost 7 Italians out of 10 (68%) it is an ideal destination even in winter than in autumn.
As Leonardo Massa points out, Vice President Southern Europe of MSC Cruises, “the way to travel is changing pace, offering the opportunity to rediscover the Mediterranean cities with a pleasant climate, more relaxed times and a more authentic atmosphere”.
In order to enhance the concept of seasonal adjustment since autumn, MSC Cruises in fact, has conceived four 4- and 5 nights mini-itineraries that will range between the landscapes of the Western Mediterranean, the Greek islands and the picturesque fiordi of Montenegro: MSC Magnifica will propose three close departures (17, 21 and 25 October) for a 4 night itinerary between Marseille and Barcelona, followed by two cruises of 5 nights (29 October and 3 November) to Marseille, Tarragona and Civitavecchia. MSC Symphony will sail from Bari on 24 October for a 5 night trip to Athens and Katakolon (Olimpia), then return to Italy in Civitavecchia. MSC Orchestra will depart on October 27 from Civitavecchia for a 4 night itinerary to Catania, Corfu and Kotor (Montenegro), with final landing in Bari.
In continuity with this trend, the winter programming of MSC Cruises will see the use of six ships in the Mediterranean with a wide choice of routes: Cruises of 7 nights with stops in Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Tunisia, Greece and Turkey, which include steps in major cities of art and historical ports such as Barcelona, Civitavecchia/Rome, Istanbul, La Valletta and Athens and longer routes (from 10 to 12 nights) with departures to Cyprus, Egypt, Croatia, Greece, Morocco and Spain, offering the opportunity to visit iconic attractions such as the Giza Pyramids or the Krka National Park. Finally, on December 6, 2026 Genoa will debut the new flagship, MSC World Asia, characterized by a design and a concept inspired by the charm of the East. The Admiralty will also propose winter itineraries of 7 nights in the Mediterranean with ports of call in Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina and Valletta.
The wide variety of the promotional offer and the available itineraries only confirms the strategic value of seasonal adjustment, intercepting the new trends and real needs of contemporary tourism.
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(ITALPRESS).
Cruises, Italians increasingly attracted by off-season travel
