MSC Cruises set sail as global cruises partner of the 38th America’s Cup

MSC Cruises has announced a new global partnership with the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, becoming the event’s Global Cruises Partner as the world-famous sailing competition prepares to take place in Naples, Italy, in 2027.

The partnership aligns MSC Cruises with one of the world’s most prestigious maritime sporting events as it prepares to take place in Naples, reinforcing the cruise line’s global visibility, Mediterranean roots and long-standing connection to the sea.

The agreement gives MSC Cruises worldwide partnership rights and visibility across the full America’s Cup programme, including the Preliminary Regattas, the Youth and Women’s America’s Cup Regattas, the Challenger Selection Series, and the final Match events.

For MSC Cruises, the America’s Cup reflects values that are central to the brand: innovation, precision, teamwork and a deep passion for the sea. These values are reflected not only in elite sailing but also in the way MSC Cruises operates its fleet and delivers memorable experiences for guests around the world.

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. It gives us a distinctive platform to engage guests, partners and audiences around the world through a shared passion for the sea, performance and innovation.”

Grant Dalton, Chairman of the America’s Cup Partnership, welcomed MSC Cruises saying: “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 honour and we look forward to working with Pierfrancesco and his team throughout AC38.”

Marzio Perrelli, CEO of the America’s Cup Partnership, further added: “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.” 

The announcement is the latest milestone in MSC Cruises’ global sports sponsorship strategy, leveraging world-class sporting partnerships to strengthen brand affinity, broaden its international reach, and connect with audiences across key markets worldwide.

The partnership also further strengthens MSC Group’s Cruise Division's association with the America's Cup.

In 2024, the Cruise Division’s luxury ocean travel brand 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.