MSC Cruises (USA) Inc. James Henwood ~ Sr. Vice President, Groups and Reservations Jim has over 20 years of cruise industry experience originally focused in selling, marketing and building relationships with the travel agent community. Jim led the growth of the sales team for Celebrity Cruises, as Vice President, Sales. He then managed the Customer Service and Creative Services Department for both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises as Vice President, Customer Relations. Currently with MSC Cruises managing the USA call center and North American shoreside operations.
Albino di Lorenzo ~ Director, Cruise Operations & Shore Excursions Albino began his career with MSC Cruises as O.B. Revenue Manager in 2007. In 2008, he moved to the United States as the Operations Manager for the USA Office. Nominated director in 2011, he currently manages the cruise and hotel operations for North America, which includes a dedicated team in charge of Passenger Services, Cruise Operations, On Board Events, Shore Excursions, Ground Services and Pre/Post Cruise Packages. He also works in close contact with Port and Marine Operations worldwide to develop new and different itineraries for the North American sailings.
Richard E. Sasso ~ President and CEO MSC Cruises (USA), Inc. Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA), Inc., has been a popular and wellrespected figure in the cruise industry for more than 40 years and involved in the travel industry for 43 years. After holding key positions at Costa Cruises and Chandris Cruises, Sasso joined the senior management team that launched Celebrity Cruises in 1990. He served as president of that line from 1995 to 2001 and was instrumental in establishing it as a leading premium cruise line. Sasso was named president and chief executive officer of MSC Cruises USA in April 2004. Since then, he has effectively positioned MSC Cruises for growth in the North American market as a cruise experience that uniquely reflects the heart and soul of the Mediterranean. In November 2013, MSC cruises will debut one of its most dazzling vessels, MSC Divina, to Port Miami. She will be the first MSC ship to sail year round from North America. Backed by one of the world’s largest container shipping companies, MSC Cruises has emerged as a fast-rising star, winning multiple industry awards over the years for best itineraries, environmental efforts and onboard experience. In 2003, the company launched a $7-billion expansion program. Its fleet now consists of 12 vessels: “Lirica” class MSC Armonia, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Lirica, and MSC Opera, the Panamax “Musica” class MSC Magnifica, MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra, and MSC Poesia and the post-Panamax “Fantasia” class MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida, MSC Divina and the recently inaugurated MSC Preziosa. In 1999, Sasso was named “Cruise Industry Executive of the Year” by a leading travel industry trade magazine. Two years later, he received the coveted “Hall of Fame” recognition from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) for his many efforts and accomplishments that have led to significant contributions in the growth of cruise vacations. Over the years, he has served as chairman of both CLIA and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) as well as chairman of CLIA’s Marketing Committee. Sasso recently published UnselfishWorld, a book based on his philosophy of encouraging ourselves and others to be the most selfless individuals possible. In conjunction, he has created UnselfishWorld.org, a foundation that supports causes that give thanks to those who have made personal sacrifices without expecting rewards. Sasso lives in Delray Beach, Fla., with his wife of 40 years, Carmen. 54
CRUISE INDUSTRY PROFILES