Cruise ship market leaders MSC Cruises have announced a major three year partnership agreement with AC Milan Football Club, one of the world’s most successful soccer teams.
The agreement, which renews and upgrades an existing long term arrangement between the two organisations is designed to mutually promote and develop awareness and exposure for the two brands both domestically and internationally.
The announcement was made at a press conference held jointly by MSC Cruises CEO Pierfrancesco Vago and AC Milan vice-president and CEO Adriano Galliani on the opening day of the annual BIT, International Tourism Exchange in Milan.
Among the extensive programme of events and initiatives included in the sponsorship announce-ment is a unique cruise aboard the flagship MSC Splendida which will be entirely dedicated to AC Milan supporters. The first ever Crociera Rossonera named after the colours of the team, takes place from 5-12 June this year and will host a number of AC Milan players, as well as feature tournaments, special training workshops for young fans and a range of memorable entertainment activities.
Hamilton Travel Co. Ltd., exclusive General Sales Agents for MSC Cruises in the Maltese islands will be organising a group of A.C. Milan local supporters on this unique cruise.
“This agreement continues to link MSC Cruises to one of the most successful Club’s in the world, something I am so very proud of. I see MSC Cruises and AC Milan as two international symbols of success and professionalism, two ambassadors of Italian excellence and style in the world, and together I know, we will accomplish many great things,“ said MSC Cruises CEO Pierfrancesco Vago.
AC Milan vice-president and CEO Adriano Galliani responded: “We are extremely pleased to be continuing and renewing our partnership with MSC Cruises. We are ready for new challenges and initiatives, such as the ‘Crociera rossonera’ aboard MSC Splendida, a unique event for anyone seeking an original and relaxing way that combines the best of AC Milan with one of the finest cruising experiences in the world. “
MSC Cruises will be calling at Malta 34 times during 2011 carrying a total of 150,000 passengers who will spend a whole day here since the MSC Fantasia berths at 9am and departs at 6pm every Wednesday. Over 120 Maltese and Gozitans will embark on the MSC Fantasia weekly cruising to Messina, Taormina, Civitavecchia, Rome, Genova, Portofino, Marseilles, Cassis, Barcelona and Tunis.
Hamilton Travel Co. Ltd. of 4, St. Publius Street, Floriana – Tel. No. 21241292 – www.hamiltontravel.com.mt – are the local exclusive General Sales Agents for all the MSC Cruises fleet and are also responsible for organising shore excursions for all passengers onboard.
MSC Cruises is the world’s leading cruise company in the Mediterranean, South African and Brazilian markets and operates across the globe. Its modern fleet comprises eleven ships: MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia (the largest ships ever built for a European ship owner), MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica and MSC Melody. MSC Magnifica, the newest ship in the fleet, was launched in March 2010. The fleet cruises year-round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, North America and Canada, South America, the Indian Ocean and South and West Africa. MSC Cruises is the only company in the world to receive the “6 Golden Pearls” award from the Bureau Veritas in recognition of its high level of quality management and environmental responsibility. MSC has also achieved ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certification for the quality and food safety of all aspects of its catering, both onshore and onboard. MSC Cruises cares about the welfare of children, and as a responsible market leader believes in making a positive impact in the regions where it operates. To this end, the company recently forged a partnership with UNICEF to fund a community project aimed at providing disadvantaged children in Brazil with a quality education.