MSC Cruises Announces Extension to Formula 1 Deal

Posted on 7 May, 2023 by Spacejunkie2

MSC Cruises announced the extension of its global partnership deal with Formula 1 to become its Official Cruise Partner through the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, according to a press release.

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises, 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. We look forward to this special partnership going from strength to strength.”

As part of the partnership, MSC Cruises will offer a unique hospitality experience onboard its ships on selected Grand Prix weekends.

The extended program will start when the MSC Virtuosa arrives in Abu Dhabi for the final round of the 2023 Formula 1 season and will offer accommodation, hospitality and transportation packages for fans and VIP guests.

More ships will join the program during the 2024 season and beyond. MSC Cruises will also be the title sponsor of the 2023 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix with more title sponsorships to be announced at the Formula 1 race during the 2024 season.

Stefano Domenicali, president and 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.”

MSC Euribia completes sea trials ahead of launch in June

Posted on 3 May, 2023 by Spacejunkie2

MSC Cruises’ upcoming ship MSC Euribia has successfully completed its four-day sea trial in the Atlantic Ocean.

The cruise line tested the performance of the ship’s four LNG-powered engines, manoeuvrability, fuel consumption, safety systems, speed and stopping distances.

MSC Euribia is now undergoing finishing touches at Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, before its naming ceremony on 8 June in Copenhagen, Denmark. It will then embark on its maiden season in Northern Europe from its homeport in Kiel, Germany.

The ship, which is the 22nd to join the MSC Cruises fleet, will accommodate up to 6,327 passengers and will host seven different live productions per week to entertain guests.

The LNG-powered vessel will feature shore power plug-in connectivity to reduce carbon emissions in port as well as advanced wastewater treatment, recycling and underwater noise management systems to protect marine life.

MSC Cruises’ commitment to sustainability will also be reflected on the ship’s exterior via a fresco designed and painted by German graphic artist Alex Flaemig.

Port Canaveral Welcomes MSC Seaside for Inaugural Voyage

Posted on 29 April, 2023 by Spacejunkie2

Port Canaveral welcomed the MSC Seaside as its new homeported ship during a ceremony on Thursday.

The MSC vessel is set to sail three and four-night cruises to The Bahamas, and seven-night cruises to Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico, Belize.

“We are excited to welcome the MSC Seaside to Port Canaveral, yet another beautiful ship in the MSC Cruises lineup to call Port Canaveral home,” said Capt. John Murray, CEO of Port Canaveral.

“We are proud of our relationship with MSC Cruises and delighted to be the homeport for this new vessel class. Our Port is setting the standard for excellence in the industry. We’re committed to delivering a world-class experience for all cruise guests.”

MSC Cruises’ ship arrived at Port Canaveral on April 27 when port officials including Kevin Markey, chairman of Canaveral Port Authority presented the MSC Seaside’s captain Michele Di Mauro with a commemorative plaque to mark the ship’s first visit.

“The arrival of the MSC Seaside is another great milestone for Port Canaveral and the Space Coast region, further solidifying our position as the top cruise port in the world,” said Canaveral Port Authority Chairman Kevin Markey. “We are committed to continuing our efforts to responsibly grow our Port to promote the economic growth and prosperity of our local community and the state of Florida.”

MSC Cruises started sailing year-round from Port Canaveral in 2021 first with the MSC Divina and then with the MSC Meraviglia as well.

We built MSC Seaside specifically for Caribbean cruising, with an incredible amount of outdoor space and a sweeping waterfront promenade that allows guests to truly connect with the sea during their time onboard,” said Rubén A. Rodríguez, president of MSC Cruises USA.

“It’s a privilege for MSC Cruises to play a role in Port Canaveral’s growth with the deployment of yet another large and modern ship in our U.S. fleet. MSC Seaside’s beautiful amenities go hand in hand with our international heritage and the natural beauty and sustainability of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, our private destination in The Bahamas, to represent our unique vision for Caribbean cruising. We’re thrilled to share that experience with guests sailing from Port Canaveral.”