MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys receive RINA recognition for inclusion practices
MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys have received independent recognition from RINA for their application of the ISO 30415:2021 international guidelines on diversity and inclusion in human resources management.
According to MSC Group’s Cruise Division, the two brands are the first cruise lines to obtain this recognition following a third-party assessment of their workplace policies and organisational practices. The guidelines provide a framework for integrating diversity and inclusion considerations into recruitment, employee development and other human resources processes.
The attestation follows a three-year programme that began in 2023 with a gap analysis and continued through assessments, consultation and the implementation of changes across the companies’ operations.
RINA conducted evaluations at several offices and aboard vessels to examine how the guidelines had been incorporated into the businesses’ human resources practices.
Three-year assessment of workplace practices
The programme included the establishment of a Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee, bringing together internal representatives and external experts to review progress and recommend further improvements.
MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys also introduced changes to HR policies covering recruitment, career development and other stages of employment. The companies engaged with partners and suppliers through workshops and discussions intended to exchange approaches to workplace inclusion.
Magali Bertolucci, Vice President – People Development, Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing at MSC Group’s Cruise Division, said the independent assessment recognised work already undertaken while identifying areas requiring further improvement.
RINA’s Executive Vice President Certification, Emanuele Castagno, described the recognition as the outcome of efforts to incorporate diversity and inclusion principles into everyday organisational practices.
The recognition relates specifically to the application of ISO 30415:2021 guidelines and should not be interpreted as an assessment of the companies’ entire operational performance.
Recognition presented aboard MSC Grandiosa
The attestation was formally presented on 27 October 2026 aboard MSC Grandiosa in La Spezia, Italy.
The presentation was attended by Bertolucci and Castagno, representing MSC Group’s Cruise Division and RINA, respectively.
The recognition covers both MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, reflecting the application of the guidelines across the group’s contemporary and luxury cruise operations.
The companies said the assessment forms part of their continuing work to develop workplace policies and practices for employees serving both aboard vessels and ashore.
