Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is not new to welcoming new brands when it comes to promoting their racing events each year. Likewise, branding is at the forefront of MSC Cruises‘ latest announcement as they partner with Formula 1 to deliver an unmatched hospitality experience onboard MSC Virtuosa during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November 2023. This exciting collaboration will bring the thrill of the final race of the season to the luxury cruise ship, which will serve as a hotel for racing enthusiasts throughout the weekend while docked at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, a stone’s throw away from the circuit. This unique offering is set to solidify MSC Cruises’ position as a leading global brand in the travel and hospitality industry.
A Partnership that Goes Beyond Sponsorship
MSC Cruises and Formula 1 are extending their partnership beyond the sponsorship around the races, as the cruise line has announced an exciting new collaboration that takes race weekend accommodation to the next level. This new partnership between F1 and MSC Cruises will provide a fully integrated Grand Prix experience that will create an unrivaled and truly memorable race experience for fans of all ages.
A Truly Immersive Experience
MSC Virtuosa will be transformed into an F1 hotel during the upcoming Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix between November 24 and 26, 2023. The cruise line offers a wide range of packages to stay onboard. MSC Virtuosa has space for 4,842 guests at double occupancy. Through this exclusive hospitality offering, MSC Cruises aims to bring together the best of both worlds – Formula 1 and MSC Cruises – to create an unrivaled and truly immersive race experience for fans of all ages.
An Opportunity to Stand Out from the Crowd
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said, “Through this exclusive hospitality offering, we are bringing together the very best of two worlds – Formula 1 and MSC Cruises. By collaborating together, we are integrating the incredible atmosphere at the track with the incredible experience on board our ships to create an unrivaled and truly memorable race experience for fans of all ages.” This partnership is an excellent example of how brands can leverage their strengths to create unique experiences that stand out from the crowd and reinforce their brand image.
A Successful Partnership
Formula 1 and MSC Cruises have had a successful partnership since the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2022. The cruise line is the official cruise partner for Formula 1. Utilizing cruise ships as hotels during race weekends is a wise decision by Formula 1 organizers. This approach eliminates the need to construct large hotels to accommodate the thousands of race fans who attend each race while still providing them with excellent accommodations and bonus amenities.
Bringing Sports and Travel Together
This is not the first time that MSC has brought the world of sports to its ships. MSC World Europa played a huge role during the FIFA World Cup, housing thousands of fans from around the world in Qatar. The ship offered guests a unique and immersive football experience, complete with live broadcasts of the matches, special guest appearances, and football-themed activities. Through these partnerships, MSC Cruises is positioning itself as a brand that brings sports and travel together, creating unique experiences for fans and travelers alike.
