MSC Cruises has racked up losses of more than $1bn amid the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic that forced it to suspend operations in March last year.

But the cruiseship operator has been able to fall back on the financial support of its Switzerland-based parent — Mediterranean Shipping Company Holdings SA (MSC Holdings), controlled by Gianluigi Aponte.

The family-controlled holding company has stepped up to provide $222.5m