MSC Cruises

Geneva, Switzerland

MSC Cruises is a Geneva-based global cruise operator offering a range of innovative and luxurious cruise experiences across the world. Known for its modern fleet and excellent onboard amenities, the company has recently expanded its operations with a new terminal in Barcelona dedicated exclusively to its ships, reinforcing its commitment to superior service and convenience for its passengers.

CCI Score

-10.00

April 16

Latest Event

MSC Cruises Modern Slavery Compliance Statement 2024

MSC Cruises has released its UK Modern Slavery Statement for 2024, outlining a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, forced labour, and human trafficking. The statement details comprehensive measures in labor practices and supply chain ethics, including robust recruitment policies, adherence to the Maritime Labour Convention, and strict supplier codes of conduct.

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COLLABORATOR

MSC Cruises is currently rated as a Collaborator.

-5 to -9 CCI Score

In this category, companies align with authoritarian practices mainly to avoid trouble or regulatory conflict. Their compliance is driven by self-preservation, resulting in minimal resistance even as they participate in oppressive systems.

Latest Events

JUN

30

2024

MSC Cruises Modern Slavery Compliance Statement 2024
71.53

MSC Cruises has released its UK Modern Slavery Statement for 2024, outlining a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, forced labour, and human trafficking. The statement details comprehensive measures in labor practices and supply chain ethics, including robust recruitment policies, adherence to the Maritime Labour Convention, and strict supplier codes of conduct.
+80

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 22

MSC Cruises demonstrates a strong commitment to labor rights and human welfare by maintaining strict policies against forced labour, modern slavery, and human trafficking. Their adherence to international standards such as the Maritime Labour Convention and comprehensive employee training programs underscore this commitment.

UK Modern Slavery Statement 2024
+75

Supply Chain Ethics

March 22

The statement details rigorous supply chain measures, including supplier codes of conduct and contractual clauses on modern slavery, environmental protection, and social responsibility. These efforts indicate MSC Cruises' proactive approach in ensuring that its supply chain adheres to high ethical standards.

UK Modern Slavery Statement 2024
MAY

16

2024

MSC Cruises Adopts Facial Recognition Tech
-50.00

MSC Cruises has integrated Neurotechnology's Face Verification system into its MSC for Me application and web portal to streamline check-in procedures. While promoted as a security enhancement, the use of facial recognition technology raises concerns about biometric data collection and potential surveillance practices that align with repressive technologies.
MAY

14

2024

MSC Cruises Implements Biometric Face Verification in Digital Check-In
-27.33

MSC Cruises has integrated Neurotechnology’s Face Verification system into its mobile and web applications to streamline the pre-cruise check-in process. While the technology improves regulatory compliance and efficiency, its use of biometric surveillance raises concerns about privacy and potential implications for civil liberties in an era where surveillance technologies might be co-opted by authoritarian interests.
-30

Technology and Services Impact

March 22

The integration of a biometric face verification system in MSC Cruises’ digital channels signals a reliance on surveillance technology. Although implemented under the banner of enhancing security and expediting embarkation procedures, the deployment of such technology can pose risks to individual privacy and may contribute to a broader trend of normalizing digital surveillance. In the context of rising authoritarian practices, the use of biometric systems—even in ostensibly benign settings—raises concerns about the potential misuse of surveillance technologies.

Press Release: Face Verification used by MSC Cruises
MAR

19

2024

MSC Cruises Revises Content Policy After Censorship Incident
19.99

MSC Cruises, after being criticized for censoring bloggers onboard MSC World Europa, has issued a public apology and is working with the affected content creators to develop a more inclusive filming policy. This move, while addressing a problematic practice of suppressing free expression, reflects a commitment to reform and ethical responsibility.
+20

Public and Political Behavior

March 22

Under the category of Public and Political Behavior, MSC Cruises initially engaged in an authoritarian act by censoring bloggers during a cruise. However, the company's subsequent apology and proactive collaboration with the affected parties indicate a corrective step towards supporting free speech and democratic engagement, which is positive from an anti-authoritarian perspective.

Cruise line apologises for censoring bloggers and pledges ...
+25

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 22

In terms of Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility, MSC Cruises has acknowledged its error in censoring content creators and taken corrective action by inviting the affected bloggers to help shape a new onboard filming policy. This move demonstrates accountability and a commitment to ethical business practices, which are essential in combating authoritarian tendencies.

Cruise line apologises for censoring bloggers and pledges ...
JAN

26

2022

Allegations of Forced Labor at MSC Cruises
-57.92

MSC Cruises is accused of exploiting Cuban workers under conditions akin to slavery. NGOs and human rights organizations have presented evidence of severe labor abuses including confiscation of personal documents, withholding of wages, and restrictions on returning to Cuba, raising serious concerns about the company’s labor practices.
-80

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 22

MSC Cruises has been implicated in abusing Cuban workers by engaging with Selecmar, a state-run intermediary. Evidence cited by NGOs and Human Rights Watch indicates that workers are subject to conditions resembling modern slavery, including the confiscation of personal property, severe wage withholding, and prohibitions on returning to Cuba. This represents a significant violation of labor rights under the purview of ethical business practices.

Holiday cruise giant MSC using Cuban workers as 'slaves', says NGO
OCT

10

2017

MSC Cruises Implements Advanced Video Surveillance for Safety
4.71

MSC Cruises has installed an intelligent, military-grade video surveillance system on its flagship, MSC Meraviglia, aimed at enhancing emergency response for man overboard situations. While the use of cutting-edge, high-surveillance technology may raise concerns among anti-fascist advocates about potential overreach, the clear operational intent is safety enhancement rather than repression or authoritarian control.
+10

Technology and Services Impact

March 22

The deployment of the advanced video surveillance system by MSC Cruises represents a technological initiative focused on rapid emergency interventions, such as man overboard situations. Although the system uses military-grade technology—a point of concern for those wary of pervasive surveillance—it is applied here as a safety measure rather than a tool for authoritarian suppression. This dual-edge nature leads to a moderately positive score in the Technology and Services Impact category from an anti-fascist perspective.

MSC Cruises Installs Smart Video Surveillance System
OCT

25

2015

MSC Convicted of Treating Crew Members Like Slaves
-30.98

MSC Cruises was convicted by a Brazilian labor court for subjecting crew members to exploitative, inhumane working conditions, including excessive working hours, abuse, and harassment that resembled slavery. The ruling mandated the payment of fines, wages, overtime, and moral damages, underlining serious labor rights violations.
-80

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 22

A Brazilian labor court found that MSC Cruises exploited its crew by forcing them to work excessively long hours in conditions that resembled modern-day slavery. The mistreatment, including excessive work hours, bullying, and sexual harassment, reflects a stark violation of labor rights and human dignity, making this event a severe negative signal in terms of corporate ethical responsibility.

MSC Convicted of Treating Crew Members Like Slaves