MSC Cruises has rapidly established leading marketing exposure among cruise giants through partnerships with major sports clubs.
Investing $10 billion in a new generation of cruise ships, including 11 next-generation vessels, is part of Saga’s multi-year partnership with top clubs. Developing these partnerships will enhance MSC Cruises’ presence in sports and on the international stage.
An overview of MSC Cruises’ partnerships:
1st MSC Cruises Official Sponsor of S.S.C. Napoli
In 2011, MSC entered the sport by signing a partnership agreement with S.S.C. Napoli, one of the biggest football clubs in Italy. As Napoli’s official sponsor, the MSC logo has been featured on the team’s famous blue shirts at all official tournaments since 2011. The sponsorship also includes a program of events, tournaments, and special promotions for fans, as well as themed cruises.
MSC Cruises Official Global Cruise Partner of Miami Dolphins
MSC North American arm signed a three-year partnership with the NFL club Miami Dolphins in 2017 to offer Dolphins fans a range of distinctive experiences. The joint endeavor included several activations and engagement marketing opportunities.
MSC Cruises Official Global Cruise Partner of Chelsea
In 2018, MSC signed a similar partnership with Premier League football club Chelsea, making MSC an official global cruise partner.
The deal, which targeted brand awareness among Chelsea FC’s 2.6 million fans, included LED perimeter advertising, VIP Hospitality, star engagement, and a dedicated digital marketing presence.
MSC Official Sponsor of Fenerbahçe Beko
Turkey is a prudent market for MSC cargo trade and MSC Cruises, as it occupies a key geographic bridge between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Therefore, MSC became a partner for the second season as the official sponsor of Fenerbahçe Beko Basketball. Fenerbahçe Beko is one of the most successful clubs in the history of Turkish basketball, and the MSC collaboration is designed to promote MSC’s brand and strengthen its relationships in the Turkish market.
MSC Cruises Official Global Cruise Partner of Paris Saint-Germain
In February 2019, MCS made a new partnership with Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain. Under the three-year deal, MSC becomes the official and exclusive global cruise partner of the French football club. As part of the deal, MSC benefited from collective image rights, VIP hospitality rights, player meet and greets, LED weather, branded merchandise, digital assets, and brand activation during the club’s international tours.
MSC Cruises Global Partner of Formula 1
One of the most prominent partnerships was announced in March 2022, with Formula 1 providing dynamic exposure to the MSC brand at all Grand Prix races around the world.
The multi-year deal, which was announced at the 2022 FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX, will see the Swiss cruise line become the Official Cruise Partner of Formula 1. Through this partnership, MSC will be able to capitalize on Formula 1’s growing global fan base.
MSC Cruises global marketing partner of the New York Knicks
In January 2023, MSC became the first global marketing partner of the famous NBA team New York Knicks. The contract was signed as part of a broader multi-year pact with parent company Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.
With this partnership, MSC will receive significant brand promotion during all Knicks home games at Madison Square Garden, including an LED screen and virtual signage on the court. As the official cruise partner of the Knicks, MSC Cruises will also serve as the Knicks’ in-game jersey presentation partner.
MSC Cruises Partners with AC Monza
The last partnership agreement was signed in February 2023 with the Italian professional football club AC Monza. The MSC Cruises logo will be present on the sideline LEDs during home games and in the background in the conference room, flash zone, and mixed zone.
The MSC Cruises logo will also be visible at the Luigi Berlusconi-Monzello Sports Center on fixed signs placed near the training pitch.
Source; msc.com