by Eric Bowman
Last updated: 9:15 PM ET, Sun May 3, 2026
MSC Cruises took it to the next level with the new Yacht Club experience at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.
It’s essentially a super yacht on land, with multiple decks, all-inclusive food and drink, two pools, cabanas and more.
We caught up with Erin Douglas, Senior Vice President of US Trade Sales for MSC Cruises, for some insights into the new hospitality offering as well as what’s ahead for the cruise line.
The guest experience onboard the Miami Grand Prix Yacht Club is distributed across five distinct levels, each offering a curated atmosphere and specialized amenities for a premium race weekend:
The Marina Deck – Designed for those seeking seclusion and comfort, this level serves as an exclusive retreat. It features nine private, track-side cabanas that offer a relaxed lounge environment and dedicated seating, perfect for groups looking for a more intimate viewing experience just steps from the circuit.
Deck 1 – Functioning as an open-air oasis, this deck is the place to recharge. It is anchored by the gorgeous pool and features expansive lounge seating available to all guests, providing a vibrant yet relaxed space to take in the sweeping views of the track action.
Deck 2 – Serving as the flagship hub for the MSC Yacht Club, this level is defined by elevated hospitality. Guests enjoy reserved, covered seating with seamless access to all-day dining services. The culinary highlight is a reservation-only Chef’s Table experience curated by Bagatelle, specifically designed for those seeking a more sophisticated, intimate meal.
Deck 3 – The social centerpiece of the venue, this deck is home to the Jack Daniel’s Lounge. It features a full-service bar offering custom-crafted cocktails for purchase alongside reserved covered seating. Positioned at a higher elevation, it provides a superior vantage point overlooking the track.
The Captain’s Deck – Positioned as the highest and most impressive vantage point, this private level offers the venue's most striking view. With a 360-degree panoramic perspective of the entire track and surrounding campus, it is the ultimate destination for enthusiasts who want to see every maneuver on the circuit.
The Yacht Club captivated Formula 1 fans all weekend long, as many in attendance walked by just to take their pictures outside of it.
A few guests I spoke with attended the Grand Prix last year at the Marina, and they kept raving on about how much better the whole experience was this year at the Yacht Club.
Douglas spoke about the importance of partnering with Formula 1 and growing the cruise line brand.
“For us at MSC Cruises, we've been on a strong trajectory to really become a household name in the U.S., and we continue to embark on initiatives to support that,” said Douglas. “This particular activation really showcases our ship within a ship experience, which is absolutely incredible. We have so many loyalists who love it, but we want to spread the word to others too.”
This experience at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix did just that, as guests I spoke with who hadn’t sailed with MSC Cruises before definitely had their interest piqued by this Yacht Club weekend on land. The food was a non stop talking point for many.
This isn’t the only place where MSC Cruises is pushing for growth though, as Douglas spoke about the expansion plans ahead with Alaska, more ships based out of Miami, plus a brand-new ship, MSC World Asia, set to debut in November of 2026.
Additionally, Douglas discussed her biggest takeaways after one year on the job as SVP and how essential the travel advisor community is for MSC Cruises.
“ The vital role that the travel advisor community plays for us in driving brand recognition, our growth in the North American market, I mean, you've all been along with us for the journey from the inception and first and foremost, thank you,” Douglas said. “ We really, really appreciate it and we're excited to continue that journey with you and continue working closely to support you guys with everything you guys need.”
She encouraged all travel advisors to head over to MSC Book to learn more about how MSC Cruises helps support agencies.
Watch the video above for the full interview with Douglas on what’s next for MSC Cruises.
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