MSC CRUISES ANNOUNCES EXTENSION TO FORMULA 1® GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP DEAL

Geneva, Switzerland – May 4, 2023 – MSC Cruises announced today that the world’s fastest-growing cruise line has extended its global partnership deal with Formula 1®. The announcement took place in Miami on the eve of the Formula 1® Grand Prix and will see MSC Cruises continue as Official Cruise Partner of Formula 1® through to the end of the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

The continuing growth of interest in Formula 1® around the world, which has been particularly strong in key markets for MSC Cruises, has seen the existing global partnership agreement achieve strong results for the brand and its product portfolio. Encouraged by the success of bringing these two premium brands together, MSC Cruises will seek to further activate the partnership through an expanded program.

As part of the agreement, MSC Cruises will bring ships during select Grand Prix weekends to offer a unique hospitality experience from track to ship. The first of these will launch when MSC Virtuosa makes her way to Abu Dhabi for the final round of the 2023 Formula 1® season, offering unique all-access accommodation, hospitality and transportation packages for fans and VIPs. This initial product offering will grow under the extension of the partnership with more ships and races to come during the 2024 season and beyond.

MSC Cruises was also confirmed as the title sponsor of the 2023 Formula 1® Belgian Grand Prix and the brand will have an engaging activation for racegoers within the fan zone. Further title sponsorships will be revealed at selected Formula 1® Grands PrixTM during the 2024 World championship season.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman MSC Cruises commented, “Formula 1 and MSC Cruises are great partners on many levels and our successes are founded in teamwork.  Not only this, but we are both driving towards sustainable change. We want to build the future of our industries and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. We are both working at the forefront of our industries and helping to make a real difference. And this is why we are committed to Formula 1 for the long term and have extended our sponsorship as Global Partner. We look forward to this special partnership going from strength to strength.”

Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, said, “We're excited to extend our partnership with MSC Cruises, as both our brands share a commitment to innovation and excellence. This collaboration has brought exceptional results, and we look forward to enhancing our relationship further. Together, we'll continue pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks in sports and hospitality.”

###

Notes to Editors

About the MSC Cruises and Formula 1® Grand Prix™ Hospitality Experience

Formula 1® fans can now book a fully integrated hospitality experience on board MSC Virtuosa during the 2023 Formula 1® Etihad Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Serving as a cruise ship hotel throughout the race weekend whilst docked in the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, MSC Virtuosa offers a range of different packages, combining stylish accommodation, an array of amenities, race tickets and exclusive insider access with F1® Experiences to make the race weekend truly unforgettable. For more information click here.  

Packages start with a cabin only option for those who already have race tickets or a cabin + Formula 1® Grandstand ticket option. Other options include cabin + F1® Experience that include exclusive trackside activities, through to premium all-inclusive hospitality (Turn 1 Suite, Paddock Club and Legend), including exclusive insider access such as Pit Lane Walk, Guided Track Tour on a flatbed truck, Formula 1® personnel appearances, and more.

A choice of accommodation levels available all with half board (breakfast and an evening meal), complimentary Wi-Fi and transfers to and from the track.

The Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal where MSC Virtuosa will be docked is just a short drive from the circuit, allowing guests to get there and back with ease thanks to complimentary transfers.

MSC Virtuosa will be in port from November 23-27, allowing guests the opportunity to extend their race weekend.

About MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise brand as well as the market leader in Europe, South America, the Gulf region and Southern Africa. It is also the fastest growing global cruise brand with a strong presence in the Caribbean, North America and the Far East markets.

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC Cruises is one of the two brands that sit within the Cruise Division of MSC Group, the world’s leading and privately held shipping and logistics conglomerate with over 300 years of maritime heritage. MSC Cruises – the contemporary brand - has a modern fleet of 21 vessels combined with a sizeable future global investment portfolio of new vessels, terminals and other assets. The fleet is projected to grow to 23 cruise ships by 2025, with options for six more vessel orders in place through 2030.

MSC Cruises offers its guests an enriching, immersive and safe cruise experience inspired by the Company’s European heritage, where they can enjoy international dining, world-class entertainment, award-winning family programs, and the very latest user-friendly technology on board. To learn more about MSC Cruises’ itineraries and experience on board its ships, click here.

The line’s number one priority has always been the health and safety of its guests and crew, as well as the communities at the destinations its ships serve.  In August 2020, MSC Cruises implemented a new comprehensive and robust health and safety protocol to become the first major line to return to sea. To learn more about MSC Cruises’ health & safety protocol, click here.

MSC Cruises has long been committed to environmental stewardship, with a long-term goal to achieve net zero emissions for its operations by 2050. The Company is also a significant investor in next-generation environmental marine technologies, with the objective to support their accelerated development and availability industry-wide. To learn more about the Company’s environmental commitment, click here. 

Finally, to learn more about the MSC Foundation, MSC Group’s own vehicle to lead, focus and advance its conservation, humanitarian and cultural commitments, click here.