MSC CRUISES AND FORMULA 1® JOIN FORCES TO LAUNCH A UNIQUE GRAND PRIX™ HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE

• Sales open today for a range of different packages and experiences on board MSC Virtuosa, for the FORMULA 1® ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX™ 2023
• A range of different packages have been made available, combining accommodation, race tickets and exclusive insider access
• Fans will enjoy a seamless end-to-end experience that extends the thrills of the track to the cruise ship hotel

Geneva, Switzerland - As part of MSC Cruises Global Partnership with Formula 1®, a unique and high-end Grand Prix™ hospitality offering has been unveiled today promising an unrivalled race weekend experience at this year’s FORMULA 1® ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX™ on 24-26 November.

The new collaboration will take race weekend accommodation to the next level providing a fully integrated Grand Prix™ experience that will bring the trackside thrills of the final race of the season on board MSC Virtuosa, one of the line’s most modern and stylish cruise ships.

Serving as a cruise ship hotel throughout the race weekend whilst docked in the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, the glamourous and modern MSC Virtuosa offers comfortable and stylish accommodation combined with an incredible array of amenities including restaurants and bars, two theatres, a shopping mall and Mediterranean-style promenade, luxurious spa and fully equipped gym, five swimming pools, an interactive waterpark, extensive kids’ areas and much more! Sales for the packages opened today (15 March 2023) and can be booked here.

In 2022, MSC Cruises signed a multi-year deal to become a Formula 1® Global Partner and this new collaboration is a further enrichment of the partnership, which was established to bring together two global leaders in their respective fields to drive change through their shared passion for excellence, sustainability, and global entertainment.

A range of different packages are available, combining accommodation, race tickets and exclusive insider access with F1® Experiences to make the race weekend truly unforgettable.

Whether fans are looking for elegant cabins or deluxe suites, they will find a host of accommodation levels available aboard MSC Virtuosa, all with half board (breakfast and an evening meal), complimentary Wi-Fi and transfers to and from the track.

Packages start with a cabin only option for those who already have race tickets or a cabin + Formula 1® Grandstand ticket option.

For diehard fans searching for the ultimate Formula 1® weekend, there is a choice of cabin + F1® Experience that include exclusive trackside activities, through to premium all-inclusive hospitality (Turn 1 Suite, Paddock Club and Legend),  including exclusive insider access such as Pit Lane Walk, Guided Track Tour on a flatbed truck, Formula 1® personnel appearances, and more.

The Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal where MSC Virtuosa will be docked is just a short drive from the circuit, allowing guests to get there and back with ease thanks to complimentary transfers. In addition, the city centre is very close by, making the ship a perfect base for the weekend. MSC Virtuosa will be in port from 23 to 27 November, allowing guests the opportunity to extend their race weekend.

And the thrills won’t stop when the fans leave the track, as the festive atmosphere continues aboard for guests with a specially designed programme of themed activities, parties and entertainment, as well as a dedicated kids’ programme.

Gianni Onorato, CEO MSC Cruises commented, “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 unrivalled and truly memorable race experience for fans of all ages.”

Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, said, “We are delighted to join forces with MSC Cruises and bring fans a unique and unparalleled hospitality experience during the season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix™. With luxurious accommodations, exclusive insider access, and the convenience of all-in-one race packages, we're confident that this partnership will make the race weekend truly unforgettable."

About MSC Virtuosa

MSC Virtuosa can carry up to 6,334 passengers and is designed to offer a dynamic and dazzling guest experience with innovative features and facilities, and she is also one of the most environmentally-advanced ships in MSC Cruises’ fleet. Some of the highlights include:

• A la carte dining in the main restaurants and an extensive buffet serving international dishes for more informal dining
• 5 specialty restaurants* including The Butcher’s Cut an authentic American-style steakhouse HOLA! Tacos & Cantina and Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki restaurant
• 21 bars and lounges including the innovative MSC Starship Club featuring the world’s first humanoid robotic bartender offering a futuristic immersive bar and entertainment experience
• Two theatres - a 945-seater main theatre and the stunning Carousel Lounge at the aft of the ship with live productions and shows every night
• A dedicated entertainment area with an MSC Formula Racer, bowling and XD cinema
• 112-metre-long Mediterranean promenade lined with boutiques, bars and restaurants, topped with a breath-taking LED sky screen with animations throughout the day and night
• Award-winning kids’ facilities including 7 rooms dedicated to babies, children and teenagers. with LEGO® play areas and a Chicco baby club
• Five swimming pools including an extensive pool with a retractable roof and an interactive aquapark with three action-packed water slides including two racing tube slides
• The luxurious MSC Aurea Spa with a full range of treatments and the state-of-the-art MSC Gym by Technogym®
• The MSC Yacht Club, the ship within a ship concept with chic private facilities and accommodation including a panoramic lounge, gourmet restaurant and private pool and sun deck (available for Paddock Club and Legend packages)

* Dining in the specialty restaurant is on payment

Latest Environmental Technologies

Air Emissions: MSC Virtuosa features hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems on all their engines. This technology achieves a 98% reduction of sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions. The ship is also equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems that reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 90%. The ship is equipped with shore-to-ship power connectivity, allowing it to connect to local power grids while at ports where this infrastructure is available. This allows to minimise engine use at berth, leading to a substantial emissions reduction when the ships are close to urban areas.

Wastewater: The ship features advanced wastewater treatment systems designed in line with the International Maritime Organization’s MEPC 227(64) Resolution, with purification standards that are higher than many wastewater treatment facilities ashore. Ballast water treatment systems prevent the introduction of invasive species in the marine environment through ballast water discharges.

Protecting Marine Life: MSC Virtuosa is equipped with an underwater radiated noise management system, with hull and engine room designs that minimise acoustic sound impact, reducing their potential effects on marine fauna, most particularly on marine mammals in the surrounding waters.

Energy Efficiency: All MSC Cruises’ newbuilds incorporate a wide range of energy efficient equipment that help reduce and optimise engine use. These include smart ventilation and advanced air conditioning systems with automated energy recovery loops that redistribute heat and cold to reduce demand. The ships use LED lighting controlled by smart management systems to enhance further the energy saving profile. In partnership with the shipyards, all new builds are fitted with remote energy monitoring and analysis systems, allowing real-time shoreside support to optimise operational efficiency onboard.