MSC CRUISES TO BECOME OFFICIAL GLOBAL PARTNER OF CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB

London, UK, 23rd November 2018 – MSC Cruises, the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise company, and Chelsea Football Club jointly announced a new partnership under which MSC Cruises will become the Premier League giant’s official global cruise partner.

Commenting on announcement, which was made at the presence of media and MSC Cruises’ travel agent partners at Stamford Bridge, the official home of Chelsea Football Club, Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said: “For MSC Cruises, this is an exciting opportunity to be working with the respected and highly successful Chelsea FC – the brand as well as the overall organization. It is part of MSC Cruises’ strategic focus on the UK & Ireland, with the two markets being a key part of the next phase of our global growth plan. It is also designed to build further positive brand association as well as introduce our distinctive cruise experience to new audiences both in the UK & Ireland and globally.”

MSC Cruises is currently the leading cruise brand across the whole of Europe as well as in the Gulf, South America and Southern Africa and is currently in the midst of an industry-unprecedented 10-year, €13.6 billion investment plan, which will see 17 new ships coming into service over the 2017 – 2027 period. MSC Cruises has a presence globally and has welcomed over 170 different nationalities on its ships.

Mr Onorato added: “Furthermore, the relationship with Chelsea FC demonstrates our ongoing commitment to partner with world-class leaders. MSC Cruises and Chelsea FC both have a strong global footprint and as we seek to access new audiences in an engaging and relevant way, they are the perfect partner to help us.”

Chris Townsend OBE, Commercial Director, Chelsea Football Club stated: “We are delighted to announce a partnership with MSC Cruises at such an exciting time for their business. With the imminent launch of their new ship, it is the perfect time to begin our partnership and we truly believe that working together, we can help MSC Cruises to achieve their strategic goals, both locally, in the UK and Ireland, and globally.”

“We look forward to collaborating with MSC Cruises and cannot wait to introduce our global fanbase to this fantastic company.”

The partnership with Chelsea comes during a milestone week for MSC Cruises, as the 100-day countdown to the launch of the new MSC Bellissima begins. The Company’s new flag ship, which will launch in Southampton in a star-studded ceremony on March 2nd will be the first ship in the fleet to benefit from the partnership where signed Chelsea FC memorabilia will be on display for guests in the British pub on board. In celebration of the partnership, representatives from the football club will attend the naming ceremony, as MSC Bellisima becomes the biggest ship ever to launch in the UK.

Antonio Paradiso, MSC Cruises’ Managing Director for UK & Ireland, added: “MSC Cruises has an ongoing commitment to the UK and Irish markets and this partnership with a world renowned and respected British institution, Chelsea FC further demonstrates this. This partnership will allow us to further raise the profile of the brand in the two markets. “

Of the impact on trade activity Antonio Paradiso added: “For our travel agents this will mean both an increased awareness around cruise from the billions of football fans who watch the Premier League every week but also an opportunity to engage a totally new audience who may never have considered a cruise before.”

The multi-million-pound deal, includes amongst other elements LED perimeter advertising, VIP hospitality, star player engagement as well as a dedicated digital marketing presence. It will commence in January 2019 and will run until June 2021.

Visit here for more information about MSC Cruises and here for Chelsea Football Club.