MSC Cruises is expanding its partnership portfolio with major sports clubs and franchises around the globe, swiftly establishing leading marketing exposure among cruise giants. 

The company’s multi-year partnership with some of the top clubs comes as part of a nearly $10 billion investment plan announced in 2017, which includes a total of 11 next-generation cruise ships, strategically growing its presence. Through partnerships, MSC Cruises intends to strengthen its presence in the world of sports and further reinforcing brand presence on the world stage.

Here is a list of MSC Cruises Partnerships:

MSC Cruises Global Partner of Formula 1

One of the most notable partnerships was announced in March 2022, with Formula 1 giving MSC brand dynamic exposure to all Grand Prix races around the world.

The multi-year deal, which was announced at the FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX 2022, will see Swiss-based cruise company, become the Official Cruise Partner of Formula 1. Through this partnership MSC Cruises will be able to leverage Formula 1’s growing global fanbase 

MSC Cruises Official Sponsor of S.S.C. Napoli

MSC Cruises entry into sports goes back to 2011 when they signed a partnership deal with S.S.C. Napoli, one of the biggest football clubs in Italy. As Napoli Official Sponsor, MSC Cruises logo is displayed on the team’s famous blue shirts on all official tournaments since 2011. The sponsorship also includes program of events, tournaments and special promotions for fans, as well as theme cruises.

MSC Cruises Warm-up back jersey sponsor of U.C. Sampdoria

In 2022 MSC Cruises announced partnership with another Italian football club U.C. Sampdoria. This time a contract was signed for warm up back jersey sponsorship with the Serie A club for the MSC logo to appear on the back of the shirts the players will wear in the pre-match warm-up for all the Serie A TIM and Coppa Italia matches.  

MSC Cruises Official Global Cruise Partner of Paris Saint-Germain

In February 2019, MCS launched new partnership with Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain. Under the three-year deal, MSC Cruises become the French football club Official and Exclusive Global Cruise Partner. As part of the agreement, MSC benefited from collective image rights, VIP hospitality rights, meet and greets with players, LED time, branded merchandise, digital assets and brand activation during club’s international tours.

MSC Cruises Official Global Cruise Partner of Chelsea

In 2018 MSC Cruises inked a similar partnership with Premier League football club Chelsea, making MSC the Official Global Cruise Partner.

The deal, which targeted the brand awareness among the 2.6 million Chelsea FC fans, included LED Perimeter advertising, VIP Hospitality, star player engagement and a dedicated digital marketing presence 

MSC Cruises Partners with AC Monza

The latest partnership agreement was signed in February 2023 with the Italian professional football club AC Monza. MSC Cruises logo will be present on the sideline LEDs during the home matches and on the backdrops in the conference room, flash zone, and mixed zone. MSC Cruises logo will also be visible at the Luigi Berlusconi-Monzello Sports Center on fixed signs positioned near the training pitches.

MSC Cruises global marketing partner of the New York Knicks 

In January 2023, MSC Cruises became the first global marketing partner of the famous NBA team New York Knicks. The dieal was signed as part of a wider multiyear pact with parent company Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.

With this partnership, MSC Cruises will receive significant brand promotion during all Knicks home games at Madison Square Garden including LED display and virtual on-court signage. As Knicks official cruise line partner MSC Cruises will also serve as the presenting partner of the Knicks in-game T-Shirt Toss.

MSC Cruises Official Global Cruise Partner of Miami Dolphins

In 2017 MSC Cruises North American arm signed a three-year partnership with the NFL club Miami Dolphins to offer a variety of distinctive experiences to Dolphins fans. The joint endeavor included several activations and engagement marketing opportunities. 

MSC Official Sponsor of Fenerbahçe Beko

Türkiye is a strategic market for MSC cargo trade and MSC Cruises, as it occupies a key geographical bridge between Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Therefore MSC partnered for the second season as the Official Sponsor of Fenerbahçe Beko Basketball. Fenerbahçe Beko is one of the most successful clubs in Turkish basketball history, and MSC’s collaboration is designed to promote MSC’s brand and strengthen its relationships within the Turkish market.