The MSC Orchestra has arrived in Singapore, the sixth of 13 ports along her journey on a grand 33-night voyage tot he Far East.

MSC hosted an event to mark the call with media, travel agents, business partners and other VIPs.

Welcoming the visitors, MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato said: “This is a historic moment in our company’s journey – the first time an MSC Cruises ship has called at the magnificent city of Singapore. In fact, all 13 ports of call on MSC Orchestra’s pioneering Grand Voyage are firsts for MSC Cruises.”

He added: “We are in Singapore to show how firmly we believe in the Asian market’s potential, which is only going to grow further in the foreseeable future.”

Leading the presentations at the event, MSC Cruises Executive Director for Emerging Markets, Antonio Paradiso, said: “MSC Cruises has grown 800% since 2004. In 2014, we carried 40,000 guests per day on our fleet of 12 ships, and with up to seven ultra-modern ships in two state-of-the-art prototypes coming online by 2022 we’ll double our current capacity. We used to carry 80,000 guests per year at the start and we’ll carry 80,000 guests a day at the end of our investment plan. This growth will unlock fresh opportunities, including new markets and regions, and untried itineraries.”

Paradiso added: “Asia is an already robust source market for our cruises around the world, and MSC Cruises is the cruise line of reference for thousands of Asians travellers who want to entrust their European adventures to the biggest privately-owned cruise company in the world.”

Neeta Lachmandas, Assistant Chief Executive, Business Development Group, Singapore Tourism Board, also lauded the move, and warmly welcomed MSC Orchestra to Singapore.

She said: “This development is testament to the potential of Southeast Asia, where Singapore serves as the regional cruise hub. Singapore’s strong air connectivity and seamless transport network augments cruise itineraries and enables more travellers to use Singapore to discover Southeast Asia.”

“Unknown to many, Southeast Asia is a cruising playground in its own right – with over 25,000 islands and diverse attractions ranging from cosmopolitan cities to pristine beaches and UNESCO Heritage sites. We are excited that travellers from all over the world will get to experience so much of Asia through MSC Orchestra.”