MSC Cruises extends Formula 1 deal...

Ships to be deployed to motor race destinations, which include Abu Dhabi

MSC Cruises is to continue as official cruise partner of Formula 1 until the end of the 2026 world championship.

The extension of the global partnership will see ships offered during selected Grand Prix weekends to offer ‘track to ship’ hospitality.

The first takes place with MSC Virtuosa in Abu Dhabi for the final round of the current Formula 1 season to provide accommodation, hospitality and transportation packages for fans and VIPs.

MSC Virtuosa will be in port 23 to 27 November 2023, allowing guests the opportunity to extend their race weekend with a range of packages combining accommodation, race tickets and exclusive insider access.

The initiative will see more ships deployed to coincide with races from the 2024 season. The company was also confirmed as the title sponsor of this year’s Belgian grand prix with further sponsorships to be revealed.

The line’s executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said: “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.”

Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali added: “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.”