A European cruise line’s expansion plans will bring an annual $102 million in new revenue to New York City. This is in addition to more than 200,000 additional tourists per year, Mayor Adams predicted Wednesday.
Under the new deal, MSC Cruises will operate out of the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal year-round beginning next year, with voyages to Florida, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada and New England.
“We are really excited about that,” said Adams, steps away from the USS Intrepid on Pier 88 at 12th Ave. and W. 48th St. in Manhattan.
“This is a real boost to our economy, a boost to tourism and a boost to contributing to our local communities. So we are thrilled MSC Cruises is dropping its anchor in New York.”
The Switzerland-headquartered MSC will hire a minimum of 150 people to work out of the cruise terminal with salaries of $20 an hour, according to Adams. Overall, he predicted the company’s presence would create “up to 10,000 full-time jobs in the city.”
MSC is also donating $236,000 to the Parks Department’s GreenThumb program and to the city’s Junior Ambassador initiative.
“The cruise industry is a crucial part of New York City’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs across the city in the maritime, tourism and entertainment sectors,” said Andrew Kimball, president of the city’s Economic Development Corporation. “We estimate that MSC’s offerings will increase the number of passengers in New York by 20%, generating upwards of $100 million in local spending.”
Adams clearly enjoyed the announcement on Wednesday.
From the building next to the MSC Seascape, which he toured after the press conference, he called out to two passengers standing at one of the ship’s balconies.
“What are you doing in my room?” he said with a broad smile. “That’s my suite.”
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