Home » CRUISE NEWS » Austin And Global: MSC Cruises Revs Up Partnership With Formula 1® For Future Races
Published on
October 22, 2025
Austin, Texas, will be the location of MSC Cruises’ continued sponsorship of the Formula 1® World Championships, with the cruise line taking on the role of title sponsor during the 2025 and 2026 Formula 1® United States Grand Prix. This event also marks the first time MSC Cruises will implement sponsorship activities in the state of Texas, where Galveston will host year-round cruise sailings from Galveston.
The announcement of MSC Cruises’ sponsorship activities correlates with the expectation of other cruise lines surfacing, MSC Seascape, to sail in the Texas territories. The cruise line’s immigration to sport activities includes sponsorship of two other major Formula 1® races in Barcelona and São Paulo, in addition to the one in Austin, for the 2026 season. This further marks sport activation growth for the cruise line.
MSC Cruises and Formula 1®: A Partnership for Innovation and Entertainment
Since 2022, MSC Cruises has become a global partner for Formula 1®. The collaboration has expanded, and MSC Cruises has now confirmed title sponsorship of several Formula 1® races, including the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, for 2025 and 2026. The agreement also includes 2026 races in Barcelona, Spain, and São Paulo, Brazil.
This collaboration is part of MSC Cruises’ strategy, aiming to reach audiences through the dynamic world of sports and entertainment, while still providing a unique cruise offering to its customers. The cruise line’s CEO, Rubén A. Rodríguez, stated that the partnership with Formula 1® MSC Cruises focuses on values of innovation, entertainment, and technology. The cruise line, for example, promises to bring the excitement of the racetrack to The Cruises.
MSC Cruises’ Devotion to the Texas Market
Beginning on November 9, 2025, MSC Cruises will operate out of Galveston, Texas, on an MSC Seascape, which will cruise the Western Caribbean with 7-night itineraries with stops in Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Roatan, including 7-night cruises. Integrated with the cruise line’s Formula 1® hospitality, MSC Cruises has an F1 Simulator on the MSC Seascape, which will let guests enjoy the exhilarating experience of racing in famous circuits.
MSC Cruises’ extension of its sponsorship to the Austin Grand Prix marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth in the U.S. market and a great deal of trust in Texas. As the cruise line increases its presence in the state, the partnership with Formula 1® serves as a marketing strategy and the means to reach a new audience of motorsport fans.
MSC Cruises and the BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team Partnership
MSC Cruises is not just a sponsor of events in the sport; they have expanded their partnership with the BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team and prominently placed MSC logos on the A525 race model. This is a testament to MSC Cruises’ engagement within the motorsport community. Being the sponsoring cruise line of the BWT Alpine race team allows for greater exposure at the events rather than just a title sponsor.
With this partnership, MSC Cruises has the unique opportunity to connect with customers at high-octane motorsport events. This also adds branding power to the cruise line, which will help position the brand in the sporting world and enhance the reputation of the cruise line with innovation and performance in the industry.
What This Means for Guests on MSC Seascape
The MSC Seascape’s first cruise out of Galveston, Texas, will be timed with the excitement of the Formula 1® United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. Guests on the ship, which offers cruising in the European tradition with the comforts of America, will be able to experience the high-octane thrills of Formula 1® in several interactive ways. With the F1 Simulator and an array of motorsport activities on the ship, guests will be able to extend the excitement of the race well after leaving the track.
MSC Cruises’ and Formula 1®’s partnership illustrates the cruise line’s desire to give guests varied offerings. The high-octane Formula 1® cruises will feature high-end entertainment, specialty dining, and cruise ship amenities to match the energy of Formula 1® racing. Guests will be delighted by the balance of cutting-edge cruise ship technology and high-end entertainment, both on the track and on the ship.
Expanding MSC Cruises’ Global Sports Partnerships
Formula 1® is only one of the many global sports partnerships MSC Cruises is building. MSC Cruises has recently been working with other major sporting events internationally. These partnerships not only help the MSC brand gain visibility but also provide the MSC’s cruise line customers with unique sporting experiences. This is the interest MSC takes on enhancing the customer’s vacation experience.
Investing in sports partnerships like Formula 1® will help MSC Cruises gain the attention needed in the global cruise market. This also shows the cruise line’s unique flexibility within the market; MSC does not just cater to traditional cruise customers. Instead, the cruise line seeks to combine sports and vacations while remaining one of the leaders in customer and entertainment engagement.
Conclusion
Partnership expansion with Formula 1® MSC Cruises is one of the greatest signs of MSC Cruises. While having sponsorships of Grand Prix events in Austin, Barcelona, and São Paulo, MSC Cruises equips itself at the crossroads of luxury cruising and motorsports. This gives an exclusive experience to Formula 1® fans and gives a fascination for the sport to cruise guests on the MSC Seascape. Sailings from Galveston in November 2025, MSC will provide an exciting experience of European sophistication. These bonds with events are great for strengthening MSC Cruises, and we hope to see more.
