MSC & Explora Journeys Achieve Industry First Diversity and Inclusion Certification

MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys have become the first cruise line to be certified for its application of the international guidelines ISO 30415:2021 – Human Resources Management – Diversity and Inclusion, following an independent third-party assessment by the independent assessment and certification body, RINA.

ISO 30415:2021 provides an international framework for integrating diversity and inclusion principles into human resources management processes and practices. The certification recognises the steps MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys have taken to apply these principles across its organisation.

Magali Bertolucci, Vice President – People Development, Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing, Cruise Division of MSC Group, said: “Diversity is part of who we are. Every day, people with unique cultures, backgrounds, abilities and experiences work together on our ships and in our offices. For us, inclusion means valuing these differences and creating a workplace where everyone feels part of the team and can be at their best. 

"We are really proud to be the first cruise line to receive this certification from RINA. It recognises the work we have already done on diversity and inclusion, while giving us an independent perspective on where we can improve. Above all, it encourages us to keep building on this work and do more for our people.”

The process began in 2023 with a gap analysis and culminated in 2026 with the award of the attestation, following three years of assessment, consultation, evidence gathering and the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives. RINA conducted its assessment across several MSC Cruises offices and ships to verify the company’s alignment with the guidelines set out in ISO 30415. The project presented a particular challenge given the global operations and the wide range of stakeholders involved across both businesses.

Emanuele Castagno, RINA’s Executive Vice President Certification, said: “MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys have demonstrated a clear vision and a strong commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion, translating these values into tangible action. RINA is proud to have supported a leading international company on this journey, which has been underpinned by strong internal engagement, open dialogue and a genuine willingness to challenge existing practices and drive continuous improvement. The achievement of the ISO 30415 attestation recognises the work undertaken by everyone and its leadership in fostering an increasingly inclusive corporate culture.”

The efforts span a range of initiatives involving teams across the company and external stakeholders. These include the Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee, which brings together external experts and internal colleagues to regularly review progress and recommend next steps. Through ongoing dialogue and workshops with key partners and suppliers, the companies also exchanged good practices and learnings from their experience. New HR policies and processes have been introduced to foster inclusion throughout the employee journey, from recruitment and career development to the end of employment.

The certification was formally presented to MSC Cruises on 27 October 2026, on board MSC Grandiosa in La Spezia, in the presence of Magali Bertolucci, Vice President – People Development, Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing, Cruise Division of MSC Group, and Emanuele Castagno, RINA’s Executive Vice President Certification.