MSC Cruises expands trade sales team amid growth in premium/luxury demand

Claire Smith is now Head of MSC Yacht Club and Trade Support. Claire has been at MSC Cruises for 9 years and now oversees MSC Yacht Club sales, a key growth area for MSC Cruises, as well as Trade Support. MSC Yacht Club, the line’s luxury ‘ship-within-a-ship’ is on 19 ships across the fleet and will be on all the new World Class ships, including MSC World Asia which launches in December 2026.

Lauren Perks joins in the new role of Trade Support Manager. Reporting into Claire Smith, Lauren leads a team that delivers excellent trade partner service whilst also supporting the sales team. Lauren has worked in the travel industry for 10 years.

Laura Wilson has been recruited as Field Sales and Development Manager. In this new role reporting to Head of Sales Alyshia Bartlett, Laura heads up a high-performing team of six, including five Regional Sales Managers, whilst also driving new business opportunities for MSC Cruises. Laura has extensive experience in the industry, having previously been Head of Business Development and a National Sales Manager in the cruise and travel sector.

Antonio Paradiso, Vice President of International Sales at MSC Cruises, said;

“As we grow our business, these new and expanded roles will strengthen the support that we already provide to our trade partners, who are central to our success in the UK. We are delighted to welcome Laura and Lauren to the MSC Cruises family and congratulate Claire on her new role. We are seeing high demand for premium and luxury holidays, and as the UK is the second-largest source market globally for MSC Yacht Club, this is a key area for trade partners to focus on.”

The new roles at MSC Cruises brings the total number in the trade team to twenty one people, split across the UK, Ireland, and Trade Support Team.

For more information about MSC Cruises or to book, visit www.mscbook.com