Wednesday

06-18-2025 Vol 1995

Lynn Torrent Appointed President of MSC Cruises USA Amid Major Expansion

In May 2025, Lynn Torrent was announced as the new president of MSC Cruises USA, marking a significant milestone in her career that has profoundly influenced the modern cruise industry.

Originally from Long Island, New York, Ms. Torrent began her professional journey by studying accounting at Long Island University before pursuing her MBA at Florida Atlantic University in the pursuit of warmer climates.

Her early career involved roles as a CPA and CFO for a small public company, setting a foundation for a successful transition into the cruise sector—something she describes as unplanned but ultimately transformative.

Making her debut in the cruise industry in 1995 with Renaissance Cruises, a luxury line, Ms. Torrent acquired extensive hands-on experience across various departments. This foundational experience paved the way for her subsequent executive positions at Costa Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line, where she spent 15 years overseeing diverse areas, including strategic marketing, guest services, and commercial operations.

Following her time at Apple Leisure Group, she joined MSC Cruises in 2022 as chief commercial officer, a role that positioned her to spearhead the brand’s growth within the North American market.

Since her arrival, Ms. Torrent has played a pivotal role in expanding MSC’s presence in the United States, focusing on commercial strategy that encompasses sales, marketing, revenue, and contact center operations. Her promotion to president coincides with a significant moment for MSC, highlighted by the recent opening of its $350 million flagship terminal at PortMiami.

The terminal, designed by Arquitectonica and constructed by Fincantieri Infrastructure, is now the largest cruise terminal in the world, covering an impressive 490,000 square feet over four levels.

It has the capacity to process up to 36,000 passengers daily and can simultaneously accommodate three of MSC’s largest, next-generation vessels.

In addition to its impressive scale, the terminal incorporates cutting-edge features such as biometric check-in, advanced security protocols, and airport-quality baggage handling to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for passengers. Shore power capabilities enable ships to utilize land-based electricity while docked, aligning with MSC’s commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The terminal also showcases multiple pieces of art created through the county’s Art in Public Places program, including an extensive 10,000-square-foot LED installation that utilizes real-time NOAA data regarding tides, currents, and weather patterns.

Since MSC Divina first docked in Miami in 2013, the brand’s presence has steadily intensified, with the recent introduction of ships such as MSC Seaside and MSC Meraviglia.

In 2025, MSC is set to establish its new $100 million North American headquarters in downtown Miami, encompassing 130,000 square feet and uniting over 400 employees from MSC Cruises, MSC Cargo, and luxury brand Explora Journeys under one roof.

Ms. Torrent’s leadership has positioned the U.S. market as a crucial growth driver for the Geneva-based cruise line, and by 2026, MSC plans to operate from five home ports across North America. This strategic expansion includes MSC World America, the line’s first ship designed specifically for the U.S. market, which is now homeported in Miami.

For Ms. Torrent, Miami represents more than just a gateway to the Caribbean; it serves as a proving ground for the future of cruising, harmonizing scale, sustainability, and enhanced guest experiences.

In an exclusive interview with Miami Today, Ms. Torrent shared insights into her vision and strategies for MSC’s ambitious growth plans.

For more information, readers can access the full interview in the print or digital editions of Miami Today, available exclusively to subscribers. Those interested in further content can also find Ms. Torrent’s profile featured in next year’s edition of the Book of Leaders, an annual compilation recognizing prominent figures who are shaping Greater Miami.

image source from:https://www.miamitodaynews.com/2025/06/18/lynn-torrent-takes-the-helm-of-growing-msc-cruises-north-america/

Charlotte Hayes