Johannesburg – August 2023 – MSC Cruises and Formula 1® reached a new milestone together, 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, was held at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps Circuit in Belgium from 28 to 30 July 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.
Motorsports enthusiasts and MSC Cruises guests alike 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, prominently featuring its brand on the start-finish line amongst other key locations around the undulating and fast track.
Furthermore, the winning Driver and Constructor trophies have been co-designed by MSC Cruises to be unique for the brand and this event, with Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, who played an integral part of the podium ceremony. He 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; an incredible moment celebrating the success of the drivers and recognising the teamwork that goes into delivering winning results. It was a real honour for me to participate in this special moment on behalf of MSC Cruises and present the winners with the trophy.”
This collaboration further strengthens the partnership that has already achieved strong results for both brands and 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 to 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 at 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 accommodation, unparalleled hospitality, and convenient transport, including VIP packages to ensure that the race weekend is a truly memorable experience. This offer will be extended to other destinations, with other ships, from the start of 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 at the 2023 Formula 1® Etihad Abu Dhabi Grand PrixTM.
Serving as a cruise ship hotel throughout the race weekend whilst docked in the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, MSC Virtuosa offers comfortable and stylish accommodation combined with an incredible array of amenities. A range of different packages are available, combining accommodation, race tickets and exclusive insider access with F1® Experiences to make the race weekend truly unforgettable.
More information is available 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 23 to 27 November, allowing guests the opportunity to extend their race weekend.
