MSC Cruises is bringing back its transatlantic star power with a new round of commercials featuring Drew Barrymore and Orlando Bloom, continuing the brand’s “Let’s Holiday” platform as cruise booking season hits its peak.
The latest spots, created by Highdive, debuted over the weekend across broadcast and digital, with Barrymore and Bloom exploring the line’s newest flagship, MSC World America. The ads lean into the playful cultural contrast that defined last year’s campaign, pairing European style with American comfort through a series of light, character-driven moments.
From gnocchi and karaoke inside the only Eataly at sea to afternoon tea followed by football in a British pub, the campaign positions MSC Cruises as a holiday that blends indulgence, familiarity, and discovery. Barrymore and Bloom’s easy chemistry anchors the work as they trade jokes, debate onboard distances to gelato, and poke fun at each other’s distinctly American and British sensibilities. Watch below:
“I had so much fun finally sailing with Orlando on MSC World America,” Barrymore said. “I love being the ship’s godmother and working with MSC Cruises. They truly have something for every family. The food was incredible, and nothing beats karaoke with a bunch of new cruise friends.”
Bloom echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the brand’s dual identity. “Sailing with MSC Cruises feels like you’re getting a taste of Europe while exploring the Caribbean,” he shared. “That mix of classic afternoon tea, football, and gelato somehow just works.”
The work marks year two of MSC Cruises’ partnership with Highdive, which launched the “Let’s Holiday” platform during last year’s Super Bowl. According to the brand, the campaign has helped sharpen MSC’s positioning in the U.S. market by highlighting what sets it apart from more traditional cruise offerings.
“Our mix of European style and American comfort is what differentiates us,” said Suzanne Salas, EVP of marketing, e-commerce, and sales for MSC Cruises USA. “Drew and Orlando bring that idea to life in a way that feels warm, relatable, and fun.”
Highdive co-founder and co-chief creative officer Mark Gross said the second year builds on momentum rather than reinventing the wheel. “This is about doubling down on a proven idea with partners who trust each other,” Gross said. “It’s aspirational without feeling out of reach.”
The campaign launches during Wave Season, the cruise industry’s prime booking window, as MSC Cruises promotes fares starting at $199 per person, onboard credit incentives, and Kids Sail Free offers on select sailings. The push also coincides with the line’s expanded U.S. footprint for the winter 2027–2028 season, including departures from Miami, Port Canaveral, and Galveston.
CREDITS:
BRAND – MSC Cruises
- Valentina Mancini, Head of Global Brand + Product
- Suzanne Salas, Executive Vice President Marketing
- Allie Smith, Senior Vice President Marketing
- J.P. Nissenberg, Director: Brand, Promotions, Trade Marketing
- Dana DiCristofaro, Promotion & Brand Specialist
- Martina Pollio, Onboard Events Director
- Patricia Diez-Ghersy, Director – Group Operations & Events
- Itzel Sanchez, Group Operations
- Laura Ramos, Groups Operations & Events Manager, US
- Virginia Laird Rojo, Brand Consultant
AGENCY – HIGHDIVE
- Megan Lally, Co-Founder, CEO
- Mark Gross, Co-Founder, CCO
- Chad Broude, Co-Founder, CCO
- Dave Lowe, Executive Creative Director
- Alec Jankowski, Creative Director
- Elaine Kalvelage, Creative Director
- Jen Passaniti, Head of Production, President of 1986 Studios
- Alex Gianni, Executive Producer
- Addie Pampalone, Executive Producer
- Marilyn Sorita, Group Account Director
- Morgan Baggesen, Account Director
- Riya Randhawa, Senior Account Executive
- Kelley Beaman, Director of Business Affairs
- Marisa Rondinelli, Strategy Director
PRODUCTION COMPANY – Imperial Woodpecker
- Stacy Wall, Director
- Emily Maye, Director
- Doug Halbert, Managing Director / Partner
- Charlie Cocuzza, Partner / Executive Producer
- Terri Shafirov, Producer
EDIT – 1986 Studios
- Carlos Lowenstein – Editor
- Lilly Beck – Edit Assist
- Larissa Berringer – Managing Director
- Mike Trivisonno – EP
VFX – Parliament
- Jade Kim, VFX Supervisor
- Anna Kravstov, Production
- Olivia Schneider, Production
SAG SIGNATORY CO-PRODUCER – CMC/Forecast Inc
- Daniela Buchholz, Group Production Manager
- Sig ID Signatory ID: A0051647
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