BC Cruise Services Honoured with MSC Cruises’ 2025 Best Global Tour Operator Award for Outstanding Shore Excursions

Published on November 18, 2025

In a remarkable achievement, BC Cruise Services has been awarded the prestigious Best Global Tour Operator title for 2025 by MSC Cruises, recognizing the excellence and authenticity of its shore excursion offerings to passengers. The award, presented during the annual Shorexcellence Awards ceremony, highlights BC Cruise Services’ long-standing commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences to cruise passengers in Spain and Portugal.

The ceremony, held aboard the luxury MSC ship World Europa while docked in Barcelona port, was a momentous occasion for both the company and the cruise line. The award solidifies BC Cruise Services’ role as a key partner in the global cruise industry, delivering personalized and culturally immersive experiences to thousands of MSC guests each year.

MSC Cruises Honors BC Cruise Services for Excellence in Shore Experiences

The Shorexcellence Awards, established by MSC Cruises, recognize the best contributions made by its shore excursion partners towards enhancing the guest experience. For BC Cruise Services, the recognition comes as a result of their outstanding dedication to creating memorable shore excursions that offer a deep connection to the local culture and community.

At the awards ceremony, Marialuisa Laccarino, the Vice President of Shore Excursions at MSC Cruises, alongside the captain and hotel manager of the World Europa, presented the coveted award to Mark Robinson, the managing director of BC Cruise Services. In her remarks, Laccarino emphasized the importance of shore excursions as an integral part of the cruise experience, stating that the company’s efforts in providing authentic and emotional experiences enable guests to form meaningful connections with the destinations they visit.

Laccarino conveyed her belief that these shore excursions “truly enhance the guest journey, offering added depth, authenticity, and an emotional connection to local cultures and communities.” Her words underscored the value that MSC Cruises places on high-quality shore excursions as a way to enrich their guests’ travel experience.

Celebrating Over 30 Years of Partnership and Excellence in Tourism

BC Cruise Services has been a trusted partner of MSC Cruises for over 30 years, primarily operating in key cruise destinations in Spain and Portugal. The company manages over 350 port calls annually and provides tailored shore experiences to approximately 60,000 passengers each year. The long-standing relationship between BC Cruise Services and MSC Cruises has been instrumental in shaping the shore excursion offerings available to passengers on MSC ships.

Robinson, upon receiving the award, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the recognition, acknowledging that the award was not only a testament to the company’s hard work but also an inspiration for the team to continue their commitment to excellence. He reflected that the award serves as “great encouragement” for the entire team at BC Cruise Services and highlighted the collective dedication to delivering exceptional experiences to MSC Cruises passengers.

He added that the recognition motivates the company to “continue working with even greater commitment and dedication to offer MSC Cruises guests unforgettable experiences on land as an essential part of their journey.”

Offering Memorable and Culturally Rich Travel Experiences

The importance of culturally immersive shore excursions cannot be overstated, particularly as cruise passengers seek experiences that go beyond sightseeing. The ‘Winter Wonders’ and ‘Hidden Gems of Europe’ itineraries are just two examples of the diverse tours offered by BC Cruise Services, focusing on connecting travellers with the essence of the regions they visit. These excursions allow guests to discover local heritage, indulge in regional cuisines, and engage in activities that are steeped in tradition and history.

BC Cruise Services continues to focus on providing high-value experiences, offering a diverse range of options that cater to all kinds of travellers, from solo adventurers and honeymooners to families and groups. The company’s ability to create authentic, immersive experiences in some of Europe’s most iconic yet off-the-beaten-path destinations ensures that MSC Cruises’ passengers can enjoy a truly unique and enriching journey.

How the MSC and BC Cruise Services Partnership Is Redefining Travel

The MSC Cruises – BC Cruise Services partnership exemplifies how collaboration between global cruise lines and local tour operators can elevate the guest experience. BC Cruise Services has consistently provided MSC passengers with exceptional service, and the growing demand for their excursions highlights the company’s skill in offering tailored, exclusive tours that resonate with travellers seeking something more meaningful than traditional excursions.

For MSC Cruises, the ability to offer guests excursions that reflect the true spirit of a destination is an invaluable asset. The partnership brings together MSC’s luxury cruise offering and BC Cruise Services’ extensive knowledge of local cultures and tourism infrastructure. The combined efforts ensure that each destination visited offers more than just a glimpse—it provides a deep, enriching experience.

BC Cruise Services Continues to Shape the Future of Travel and Tourism

The recognition from MSC Cruises is a significant milestone in the journey of BC Cruise Services, and it underscores their continued commitment to offering high-quality, unforgettable travel experiences. As the company looks ahead to the future, its focus will remain on strengthening its role as a leading provider of shore excursions and enhancing the connection between cruise passengers and the vibrant cultures of Spain and Portugal.

In conclusion, the Best Global Tour Operator 2025 award is not just a recognition of the hard work and dedication of BC Cruise Services, but a reflection of the company’s ongoing mission to provide travellers with deeper connections to the world around them. For MSC Cruises passengers, the journey on land is just as important as the journey at sea, and BC Cruise Services continues to deliver on that promise in spectacular fashion.