Katrina McAlpine has been appointed as Managing Director, Australia & New Zealand for the MSC Group’s Cruise Division.
Based in the company’s Sydney office, and reporting to Antonio Paradiso, Cruise Division Vice President International Sales and MSC Cruises’ Managing Director UK & Ireland and Francesco Iannaccone, Global Head of Commercial Strategy & Sales Operations, Explora Journeys, McAlpine will lead the strategic direction and growth in Australia & New Zealand across both cruise brands, the contemporary brand, MSC Cruises, and the luxury ocean travel brand, Explora Journeys.
“On behalf of the Cruise Division, I am delighted to welcome McAlpine to the company. She brings with her a wealth of experience and will play a key role in strengthening our brands in Australia and New Zealand,” said Antonio Paradiso.
This appointment reinforces our growing presence in the region and showcases our determination to continue delivering on the goals and commitments we’ve established for this important market.”
McAlpine brings extensive commercial leadership experience, with a strong track record across both luxury and premium cruise brands in Australia and New Zealand, including Cunard and Imagine Cruising, where she has driven business growth by developing commercial strategies that deliver measurable results.
Both MSC Cruises, the world’s third largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe with a strong and growing presence in North America, and Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand, rank Australia and New Zealand among their key markets globally, underscoring the significance of this appointment for the Cruise Division and the commitment to further strengthen and grow the market presence in the region. McAlpine will formally begin her role on 12 January 2026.
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