The Cruise Division of MSC Group today announced that Rubén Rodríguez has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer, Cruise Division, North America, where he will oversee the growth of both MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, according to a press release.

Under the strategic guidance of Gianni Onorato, Global CEO of MSC Cruises, and Anna Nash, Global President of Explora Journeys, the company said that Rodríguez will work with each brand’s respective leaders – Lynn Torrent as President, MSC Cruises North America and Chris Austin, President Explora Journeys, North & Central America.

The new leadership structure in North America will support the Cruise Division’s continued growth in one of its most important markets, the company said in its statement.

This new role and structure will enable both brands to continue their own unique expansion while generating enhanced synergies and collaboration under the leadership of Rodríguez.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group, said, “In his role as President of MSC Cruises USA, Ruben achieved significant business results and laid the groundwork for growth and as such he was the natural choice to take on this newly created role. We are building a new organisation that will better service the needs of our trade partners and consumers, maximise the performance of the two brands with their distinct offerings and strengthen our presence in North America.”

This is a big year for MSC Cruises in North America as the brand’s new flagship MSC World America will launch on April 9 from the Cruise Division’s new terminal at Port Miami.

The new ship will be deployed in the region to offer Caribbean cruises all of which will call at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve—the company’s private island destination in the Bahamas.

MSC Cruises later in the year will begin sailing from Galveston, Texas for the first time, followed by the addition of cruises to Alaska in the summer of 2026.