MSC Cruises has announced its MSC Preziosa ship has been equipped with a dedicated landing pad for Santa’s sleigh, located on its main deck – thus assuaging any fears from young passengers that Santa may have trouble finding them if they’re holidaying at Christmas.
Recent research found that 67% of parents said their kids are worried Santa won’t find them to deliver their gifts if they’re away on Christmas Eve. The same research found that 32% of kids will wake up away from their home this Christmas Day, with around 75% of parents looking to take their kids on holiday over the festive period.
But, MSC Cruises has sailed to the rescue with its landing pad for Santa’s sleigh on the deck of MSC Preziosa, thus keeping delivery dilemmas at bay. Holidaymakers were greeted by this festive 5-metre installation in Southampton, which ensures Santa and his reindeer can safely visit at sea, reassuring children travelling away from home that their gifts will still arrive on time.
The ‘Sleigh Pad’ features colourful markings inspired by a helipad, with a sleigh-shaped design and individual hoof ‘ports’ for each of Santa’s nine reindeer. To ensure a smooth docking, trained ‘Santa Spotters’ have been stationed at the sleigh pad with candy-cane marshal wands to guide Santa and his sleigh through the night.
Antonio Paradiso, VP of International Sales and Managing Director of MSC Cruises UK and Ireland MSC Cruises said: “Santa always does his best to find families, but a cruise ship out at sea can be a moving object, so we thought he’d appreciate the extra help. Kids ask some very valid questions, so we’re pleased to show them exactly how Santa will find us at sea. Our research highlights that being away from home on Christmas Day often leads to tricky questions from kids, prompting parents to get creative with their answers.”
He added: “Hopefully our sleigh pad will give kids heading away on a cruise with their families this Christmas some much-needed reassurance that he’ll still visit. Across our fleet, we work hard to create special, memorable experiences for families, and making Christmas as magical as possible is high on our agenda. ‘Santa’s Sleigh Stop’ is part of the festive fun that kids – and their families – can look forward to on board.”
