MSC Cruises has announced a new global partnership with the 38th America’s Cup as the event’s Global Cruise Partner. The event will take place in Naples, Italy, in 2027.
MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago, said: “This partnership brings MSC Cruises into one of the most iconic arenas in international sport, at a moment when the America’s Cup returns to the Mediterranean in Naples.”
Grant Dalton, Chairman of the America’s Cup Partnership, said: “Our relationship with MSC Cruises is a long-standing one based on shared values, and one that we truly appreciate.”
“The company’s relationship with the America’s Cup goes back decades, and their journey very much mirrors ours in the modern era. Having MSC Cruises onboard with us in Naples is an honor, and we look forward to working with Pierfrancesco Vago and his team throughout AC38,” added Dalton.
Marzio Perrelli, CEO of the America’s Cup Partnership, welcomed the news and said: “MSC Cruises is a valued global partner to the America’s Cup, and their support of the main event plus the Women and Youth Regattas is greatly appreciated.”
“As a prestigious partner with values that reflect our own and a deep connection with the sea, MSC Cruises and the America’s Cup can set sail for the long term, and we look forward to working together through the Preliminary Regatta and the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup events,” added Perrelli.
The company said in a press release that the agreement gives MSC worldwide partnership rights and visibility across the full America’s Cup program, including the:
- Preliminary Regattas
- Youth and Women’s America’s Cup Regattas
- Challenger Selection Series, and
- Final Match events.
MSC Cruises added that the announcement is the latest milestone in MSC Cruises’ global sports sponsorship strategy and strengthens the group’s Cruise Division’s association with the America’s Cup.
In 2024, Explora Journeys was a Global Partner of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona and a partner of Emirates Team New Zealand.
The cruise line’s sports sponsorship portfolio includes MSC Cruises’ role as Global Partner of Formula 1, Premium Partner of BWT Alpine Formula One Team, and Official Main Partner of Tudor Pro Cycling Team.
