The cruise line signs a worldwide agreement covering every stage of AC38, from the Preliminary Regattas to the Match in the Bay of Naples.
Ivan Sarfatti / America’s Cup
MSC Cruises has become the Official Global Cruises Partner of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, the event’s organisers announced on Thursday, as preparations continue for the competition’s return to the Mediterranean in Naples in 2027.
The agreement gives MSC Cruises worldwide partnership rights and visibility across the full America’s Cup programme. That includes the Preliminary Regattas, the Youth and Women’s America’s Cup, the Challenger Selection Series and the final Match.
The Geneva-based cruise line, part of MSC Group, framed the deal around values it says it shares with elite sailing, namely innovation, precision, teamwork and a long connection to the sea. The partnership also strengthens its Mediterranean profile as the Cup comes to southern Italy.
“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,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises. He added that the event gives the company a platform to reach guests, partners and audiences worldwide through a shared passion for the sea, performance and innovation.
Grant Dalton, Chairman of the America’s Cup Partnership, pointed to a relationship that goes back decades. “Our relationship with MSC Cruises is a long-standing one based on shared values, and one that we truly appreciate,” he said, adding that having the company alongside the event in Naples was an honour.
Marzio Perrelli, CEO of the America’s Cup Partnership, singled out the backing for the next generation and for women’s racing. “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,” he said.
The deal extends an existing link between MSC Group’s Cruise Division and the Cup. In 2024, Explora Journeys, the division’s luxury ocean travel brand, was a Global Partner of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona and a partner of Emirates Team New Zealand, the eventual winners.
The America’s Cup joins a growing sports sponsorship portfolio at MSC Cruises, which is also a Global Partner of Formula 1, a Premium Partner of the BWT Alpine Formula One Team and Official Main Partner of the Tudor Pro Cycling Team.
