Interview with Kevin Osborne – MSC Cruises

An interview by Tony Amatulli

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kevin Osborne, the Operations Manager on the MSC Cruises.

TA: Tell me a little bit about what being a Cruise Operation Manager on a large company like the MSC Cruises entails. I’m sure it’s a lot more than what the passengers are visible to.

KO: My function is very much behind the scenes, I am responsible for the terminal operation from the time passengers board the ship. This of course involves the Port Authorities, the check in staff, baggage handling, immigration services, parking facilities and then of course their destination. I am responsible for the crafts which take passengers ashore at the island, to ensure the smooth transfer of passengers from ship to shore , to ensure the facilities on the island are ready and in good order to cater for over 2,000 passengers per call which land at the islands.

TA: That’s a lot more work than I think most passengers imagine. What’s a typical day like for you?

KO: Up early of course to be at the port by 06:00 when the passengers disembark the vessel and to ensure that this goes smoothly, and to ensure everyone manning the stations for the very quick turnaround of embarking passengers as the ship must leave by 14:00 latest in order to arrive at the island early in the morning. I sometimes go with the ship to watch the disembarkation of the passengers onto the landing crafts and to double check the facilities at the island are all running well.

TA: What’s the career path for a cruise Operation Manager? How did you get to where you are now?

KO: I had a passion for cruise ships from a very young age when I worked on board as a cruise host at 18 years old. I experienced travel and tour operating from then and never doubted for a minute that this is exactly what I wanted to do.

TA: One thing I’ve noticed about cruising on MSC is that there’s a wider age range than on other cruise lines. How do you plan activities to ensure that people my age (in their 30s) are just as happy with the activities as people my grandparents age (in their 70s)?

KO: Many years ago cruising was considered for the older client with and was regarded as a leisurely holiday. Now however cruises have become an attractive option for a much broader client base. Its great for families with young children – they are entertained all day with activities, young people come on board and it’s a party with a wide variety of entertainment – honeymoons, anniversaries, conferences – and the entertainment and ship facilities cater for all age groups.

TA: One thing I was impressed by was the number of religious offerings you have on board. I haven’t seen that on other cruises in the past.

KO: (I have no comment on this) I do know we cater for vegetarians and provide halal menus to ensure all our guests are happy, but I do not know anything about religious offerings on board.

TA: Finally, what do you have to say to our readers who may be skeptical that a cruise vacation is the right thing for them?

KO: Cruising is still the best value all inclusive holiday for any age, and with an eat as much as you like buffet open 20 hours a day, entertainment day and night for all ages, game shows, theatre, comedians, singers, bands – all in the price of your holiday , it is well worth an experience people repeat year after year.

TA: Thank you Kevin!