Rubén Rodríguez Named CEO of MSC Cruise Division in N. America

The Cruise Division of MSC Group has announced the appointment of Rubén Rodríguez as Chief Executive Officer for its North American operations. In this new role, Rodríguez will lead the expansion efforts for both MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys in the region, according to a press release. 

He will operate under the global leadership of Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, and Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys. Rodríguez will collaborate closely with Lynn Torrent, President of MSC Cruises North America, and Chris Austin, President of Explora Journeys for North & Central America. 

According to the company, this updated leadership structure is designed to support continued growth in North America, which remains one of MSC’s most strategic and high-potential markets. 

The company stated that the new organizational framework will allow MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys to pursue independent growth while also benefiting from shared efficiencies and increased collaboration under Rodríguez’s direction. 

“In his role as President of MSC Cruises USA, Ruben achieved significant business results and laid the groundwork for growth and as such he was the natural choice to take on this newly created role,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division at MSC Group. “We are building a new organisation that will better service the needs of our trade partners and consumers, maximise the performance of the two brands with their distinct offerings and strengthen our presence in North America.” 

Rodríguez takes the helm at a significant time for MSC Cruises in the region. The brand’s newest flagship, MSC World America, is set to launch on April 9, sailing from the company’s new terminal at PortMiami. 

The ship will offer Caribbean itineraries, all featuring calls to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the company’s exclusive island destination in the Bahamas. 

Later in the year, MSC Cruises will begin operating from Galveston, Texas for the first time, and has also announced plans to launch cruises to Alaska beginning in summer 2026.