MSC CRUISES CELEBRATES FIRST TITLE SPONSORSHIP: THE FORMULA 1® MSC CRUISES BELGIAN GRAND PRIX 2023

Geneva, Switzerland – July 31, 2023 – MSC Cruises and Formula 1® reached a new milestone together over the weekend, celebrating the first Grand Prix with MSC Cruises as title sponsor.

The FORMULA  1® MSC CRUISES BELGIAN GRAND PRIX 2023, one of the most historic and prominent races on the F1 calendar, took place at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps Circuit in Belgium from July 28 to July 30, 2023. As the race’s title sponsor and Global Partner of Formula 1®, MSC Cruises, one of the world’s largest and fastest growing cruise brands, brought the line’s global reach and passion for excellence to this thrilling event, enhancing the experience for fans around the world.

Motorsport enthusiasts and MSC Cruises guests witnessed the merging of two world-class brands—each distinguished for their commitment to providing unforgettable experiences and pushing boundaries. As title partner, MSC Cruises had greater track branding visibility and was prominently featured on the start/finish line along with other key locations around the track.

Furthermore, the winning Driver and Constructor trophies were uniquely co-designed by MSC Cruises for this event, with Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, playing an integral part in the podium ceremony.

Onorato commented, “Being the title sponsor in Belgium is the next milestone in our partnership with Formula 1®. An MSC Cruises trophy was presented during the Formula 1® podium ceremony, which was an incredible moment celebrating the success of the drivers and recognizing the teamwork that goes into delivering winning results. It was an honor for me to participate in this special moment on behalf of MSC Cruises and present the winners with the trophy.”

This collaboration further strengthens a partnership that has already achieved strong results for both brands. Future title sponsorships will be revealed at selected Formula 1® Grands PrixÔ during the 2024 World championship season. MSC Cruises is the Official Cruise Partner of Formula 1® through the end of the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

OTHER UPCOMING COLLABORATIONS FOR MSC CRUISES AND FORMULA 1

As part of the global partnership, MSC Cruises will position ships alongside races during select Grand Prix™ weekends to offer a unique hospitality experience from the ship to the racetrack. The first of these event weekends will take place in November in Abu Dhabi, for the final race of the 2023 season with more races to come in 2024. MSC Virtuosa will spend the Grand Prix™ weekend dockside, offering motorsport fans a unique combination of world-class accommodations, unparalleled hospitality and convenient transport, including VIP packages to ensure the race weekend is a truly memorable experience. This offer will be extended to other destinations, with other ships, during the 2024 season.

EDITOR’S NOTE

MSC Cruises and the Formula 1® 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 while docked at 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, and a premium all-inclusive hospitality package (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 are 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 to November 27, 2023, allowing guests the opportunity to extend their race weekend.

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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 22 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.