• MSC Cruises launched its first-ever MSC Shorexcellence Awards Ceremony to celebrate the exceptional contributions of its global shore excursion partners to the guest experience ashore.
• The company presented six awards recognising excellence across performance, innovation, and sustainability.
• Awards included Best Tour Operator, Most Innovative Tour Experience, and Sustainability and Community Champion, showcasing the diversity and impact of MSC Cruises’ shore excursion network.

MSC Cruises has rewarded six top-performing shore excursion partners during its first-ever MSC Shorexcellence Awards Ceremony aboard MSC World Europa.

The inaugural event was held at the port of Barcelona when the ship was berthed at MSC Cruises’ own terminal that opened earlier this year.

The ceremony brought together many of the line’s global partners to celebrate outstanding contributions to the guest experience ashore.

The awards’ winning criteria focused on the creativity, dedication, and impact of shore excursion partners for MSC Cruises’ guests with customer satisfaction playing a major role.

Marialuisa Iaccarino, VP Shore Excursions, MSC Cruises, said, “We believe that a truly remarkable cruise experience continues ashore and the excursions designed by our partners add depth, authenticity, and emotion to the journey, and help our guests connect with local cultures and communities.”

Winners – 2025:

Best Tour Operator – Highest overall guest satisfaction scores for all the ports covered by the operator

• BC Cruise Services* – Spain

Best Tour – Overall best rated tour in a region

• Esperiencias Xcaret Naviera* – FURY Catamaran Tour in Cozumel, Mexico

Special Mention: Excelling in Dynamic Environments

• Gorbis Travel* – Kotor’s Maritime Heritage & Perast’s Baroque Charm – Montenegro

Most Innovative Tour Experience – Celebrating creativity and originality in tour design

• SMS ISO Europe* – Tutor Programme for CIV76 Tour – Italy

 Sustainability & Community Champion – Europe

• De Buck Agency* – Belgium and The Netherlands

Sustainability & Community Champion – Caribbean

• Big French Key Roatan SA* – Honduras

The ceremony also saw tour operators work together to discuss success stories, best practices and innovative ideas to improve MSC Cruises’ global shore excursion programme.

Ms Iaccarino concluded “The event was not just about recognising winners but it provided a great opportunity to inspire our shorex providers to continue to raise the bar for quality, innovation, and sustainability in every destination that our fleet of ships visit.”