MSC Cruises rolls out F1 Experience for passengers on cruises calling in Abu Dhabi

MSC Cruises and Formula 1 have announced a new F1 Experience for passengers cruising aboard MSC Virtuosa out of Dubai during the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

MSC Virtuosa is homeporting in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha throughout the northern hemisphere winter months of November, 2023 through April, 2024.

During the race weekend of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 23rd to November 27th, MSC Virtuosa will be docked at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal in Port Zayed.

The cruise line is offering cabin only tickets, as well as F1 experiences for fans of the Grand Prix, such as the full F1 Experience with insider access, and a premium all-inclusive experience, with exclusive track activities such as a Pit Lane Walk and a Guided Track Tour.

Back aboard the ship, there’ll also be a range of F1-themed activities and entertainment as part of a specially designed programme for guests. Sales for the packages opened today and can be booked here.

In a statement, Formula 1 said this collaboration marks a new era for its relationship with MSC Cruises, who have been a Global Partner since 2022.

“We are thrilled to join forces with MSC Cruises and bring fans a unique and unparalleled hospitality experience during the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix,” said Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1. “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.”

Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said the cruise line’s race weekend offers were intended to bring together the best of both worlds.

“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,” he said.

MSC Virtuosa offers comfortable and stylish accommodation combined with an array of amenities, restaurants and bars, as well as two theatres, a shopping mall and Mediterranean-style promenade.

There’s also a luxurious spa and fully equipped gym, five swimming pools, an interactive waterpark, extensive kids’ areas and much more. Delivered in January 2021, MSC Virtuosa is one of the latest in the cruise line’s Meraviglia-Plus-class and was named in Dubai later in the year.