MSC Innovates with Smart Containers to Elevate Cruise Passenger Experience

In a significant step forward for the cruise industry, MSC Cruises and its luxury brand Explora Journeys are harnessing the power of smart container technology to redefine the onboard dining experience for passengers. This innovative approach promises to deliver the freshest and finest quality food to cruise passengers, setting new standards in the quality of meals served at sea. By partnering with their sister company, MSC, a leader in container shipping, these cruise lines are now able to monitor the condition of food supplies in real time, ensuring only the best products make it onto their ships.

The smart containers, equipped with internet-connected devices, enable the monitoring of critical data points such as location, temperature, and humidity around the clock. This data is meticulously analyzed at a specialized customer service center in Antwerp, Belgium. The technology not only safeguards the quality of perishable items but also optimizes the supply chain, making it possible to adjust transit conditions mid-journey. This level of control is particularly crucial for delicate goods like meat, seafood, and dairy products, which require specific conditions to maintain their freshness.

For MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, sourcing locally has been a mantra, with approximately 96 percent of their food supplies procured from nearby producers. However, for items not available locally, smart containers step in to bridge the gap, facilitating a global network of warehouses that ensure continuous supply without sacrificing quality. This method proves indispensable in regions like the Middle East, where local production cannot meet the demand and transit times can be extensive.

The logistical marvel behind the scenes encompasses the delivery of a vast array of food and beverage items to MSC’s fleet of 22 ships. Annually, these vessels are stocked with millions of essential and exotic food items, from eggs and milk to oysters and tropical fruits. The implementation of smart containers has notably enhanced the efficiency and reliability of these operations, enabling the line to promise an unmatched dining experience for its guests. Enhanced food security and reduced waste are additional benefits, contributing to a more sustainable cruising environment.

This shift towards smart containers is not just a logistical upgrade but a milestone in MSC Cruises' commitment to innovation and passenger satisfaction. By ensuring the freshest ingredients are used in onboard kitchens, MSC is redefining what luxury dining means at sea. The initiative reinforces the brand’s dedication to quality, sustainability, and the best passenger experience, making a cruise vacation with MSC not just a journey across the seas but a culinary adventure worth savouring.