'Star of the Sea Award' Recieved by MSC Crociere CEO

PIERFRANCESCO VAGO WINNER OF THE YACHTSMAN 2008 AWARD

CEO OF MSC CROCIERE RECEIVES THE PRESTIGIOUS ‘STAR OF THE SEA’ AWARD

FOR AMERICA’S CUP, CRUISES AND SAILING

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (March 26, 2009) – Pierfrancesco Vago has been named “Yachtsman 2008.” The CEO of MSC Crociere (parent company of MSC Cruises, (USA), Inc.) was awarded this prize on Saturday, March 21 during a gala evening organized by the “Salone Nautico Internazionale di Venezia” (Venice Boat Show), in collaboration with Yacht Capital magazine.

This prestigious award, now in its fourth year, was presented to Vago as “Star of the Sea, for America’s Cup, cruises and sailing” – a man and a manager distinguished by his dedication to navigation and the sea.

The highest authorities of the City of Venice and the Veneto Region, as well as business leaders in the nautical world and journalists, were present at the awards ceremony, held at the splendid location of Palazzo Vendramin Calergi.

“It is an honor to receive this important recognition of my passion for and deep love of the sea. I accept this award as a modern skipper at the helm of a great team facing new and complex dynamics every day,” said Vago.

“Our company boasts the highest level of professionalism with a young, dynamic team focused on growth and the achievement of valuable objectives. Through their work, efficiency and dedication they have contributed over the past few years to making MSC Crociere what it is today,” he added.

MSC Cruises currently has the most modern fleet in the world with nine ships: MSC Fantasia (the largest ship ever built for a European ship owner), MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia MSC Opera, MSC Lirica, MSC Melody, cruising in the Mediterranean year round and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, North and South America, the Indian Ocean and South Africa. MSC Splendida and MSC Magnifica will be launched, respectively, in 2009 and 2010. MSC Cruises is the only company to receive the "6 Golden Pearls" award from the Bureau Veritas in recognition of its high level of quality management and environmental protection.