Climate Change

MSC cruises helps support Miami Herald climate coverage of ‘challenges, solutions’

Travelers catch some sun as the Miami skyline produces a backdrop. MSC Cruises officially named its highly-anticipated new flagship, MSC World America, at the line’s new state-of-the-art MSC Miami Cruise Terminal on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the Port of Miami.
Travelers catch some sun as the Miami skyline produces a backdrop. MSC Cruises officially named its highly-anticipated new flagship, MSC World America, at the line’s new state-of-the-art MSC Miami Cruise Terminal on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the Port of Miami. cjuste@miamiherald.com

The Miami Herald and el Nuevo Herald received renewed support from MSC Cruises to support climate change coverage, the cruise line announced Wednesday, April 22.

“In South Florida, climate journalism is not just important, it’s essential. The Miami Herald’s multimedia climate reporting plays a critical role in shaping meaningful dialogue around the environmental topics in our community,” Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America, said in a statement.

Miami Herald and el Nuevo Herald Executive Editor Alex Mena said the funding makes a difference on a crucial topic in South Florida.

“We’re grateful to MSC Cruises for this generous investment in deepening our climate journalism,” he said. “For a community like ours, already experiencing the real impacts of climate change, this support helps ensure we can inform our readers about the challenges and solutions shaping our future.”

The Geneva-based cruise line, with ships departing from Miami, first formed a partnership to fund an existing climate reporting position at the Herald in April 2025 with its contribution to the nonprofit Miami Herald Impact Journalism Fund at the Miami Foundation in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.

The private-sector support bolsters multimedia coverage of climate change through digital, video and print stories from the Miami Herald, which retains editorial control of all content.

“At MSC Cruises, environmental stewardship is a core priority,” Torrent said.

The new office space of MSC cruise line during a tour before the ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at Block 55 at Sawyer's Walk in downtown Miami, Fla.
The new offices of MSC Group’s North American cruise division before a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at Block 55 at Sawyer's Walk in Miami, Fla. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com

In January, MSC Cruises, along with its luxury sister company Explora Journeys, opened its newly remodeled 130,000-square-foot headquarters in Miami for its growing North American market. The new cruise division headquarters off Interstate 95 near downtown Miami houses more than 400 employees from MSC Cruises, Explora Journeys. CTL Maritime, which develops port infrastructure, and MSC, the company’s cargo shipping division, also shares space at the new headquarters.

In May, MSC Cruises begins seven-night Alaska itineraries from Seattle. During the inaugural season, MSC plans to partner with marine conservation organization ORCA to host a marine mammal expert onboard for research, crew training and guest education.

Last year, the MSC Foundation opened the Marine Conservation Center at Ocean Cay and has plans for a second private island in the Bahamas, Sandy Cay.

Come winter 2026, MSC Cruises plans to home-port four ships at the MSC Miami Cruise Terminal, its largest U.S. presence to date, according to the company.

READ MORE: A major cruise line has unveiled its new Miami headquarters. See the details

Cruisers and visitors explore the restaurants and shops on multiple levels as MSC Cruises officially named its highly-anticipated new flagship, MSC World America, at the line’s new state-of-the-art MSC Miami Cruise Terminal on April 9, 2025, at PortMiami.
Cruisers and visitors explore the restaurants and shops on multiple levels as MSC Cruises officially named its highly-anticipated new flagship, MSC World America, at the line’s new state-of-the-art MSC Miami Cruise Terminal on April 9, 2025, at PortMiami. Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com
Local government officials and MSC Group executives cut the ribbon during a ceremony at the company’s new headquarters for its North American cruise division on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at Block 55 at Sawyer's Walk in Miami, Fla.
Local government officials and MSC Group executives cut the ribbon during a ceremony at the company’s new headquarters for its North American cruise division on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at Block 55 at Sawyer's Walk in Miami, Fla. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
Seagrass in Florida Bay on April 7, 2025. Warmer temperatures exacerbate seagrass decline by slowing photosynthesis and plant growth.
Seagrass in Florida Bay on April 7, 2025. Warmer temperatures exacerbate seagrass decline by slowing photosynthesis and plant growth. Ashley Miznazi amiznazi@miamiherald.com

This story was originally published April 22, 2026 at 9:00 AM.

Howard Cohen
Miami Herald
Miami Herald consumer trends reporter Howard Cohen, a 2017 Media Excellence Awards winner, has covered pop music, theater, health and fitness, obituaries, municipal government, breaking news and general assignment. He started his career in the Features department at the Miami Herald in 1991. Cohen is an adjunct professor at the University of Miami School of Communication. Support my work with a digital subscription
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