MSC Cruises has its sights set on perfect gender balance within a few years.

The Pierfrancesco Vago-led company, the world's fourth-largest cruiseship owner, expects to have an equal number of men and women working on its 19 cruiseships by the end of 2024.

"We have a very clear road map and we are working collaboratively with a range of education facilities around the world to ensure that the future offers greater opportunities for all," chief human resources officer Elia Congiu told TradeWinds.