MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and market leader in South Africa, Europe, and South America has teamed up with Air France-KLM to offer exclusive services and greater flexibility for cruise passengers booking ‘Fly & Cruise’ holiday packages.

South African cruise passengers will now be able to combine their cruise holiday packages with flights from and to any South African airport served by Air France KLM, as well as receive other dedicated benefits making for a seamless holiday experience.

South Africans are not the only cruise passengers to benefit though, as the partnership is global in nature and takes into account all airports in the world served by Air France-KLM.

This latest partnership is an extension of an existing agreement with Air France-KLM which offers high level of service and great connectivity between France, Cuba and other Caribbean destinations.

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“We are delighted to further extend our partnership with Air France-KLM,” said Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ CEO. “As Fly & Cruise packages are ever more instrumental in providing an all-inclusive and consistent cruise experience, more of our guests can now benefit from Air France-KLM’s and our Company’s impeccable joint-service from the minute they leave their homes.”

Flights operated by, Air France, KLM and HOP! Air France will provide the outstanding level of service that MSC Cruises guests expect in connection with their cruise holiday, the airline said in a statement.

Patrick Alexandre, Air France-KLM Executive Vice President, Commercial, Sales and Alliances, added: “By partnering together, we will provide our mutual guests with a seamless and most enjoyable flight and cruise experience. This three year contract is a best-in-class example of what Air France-KLM wants to build with key partners: share the long term vision to grow together.”

While the overwhelming majority of South African cruise passengers stay local, cruising out of Durban or Cape Town with MSC Cruises, Fly & Cruise packages have seen consistent growth.

Since 2012 the number of Fly & Cruise packages sold by MSC globally has tripled and is expected to grow by another 60% in the coming two years.