Drew Barrymore and Orlando Bloom in MSC Cruises' first Super Bowl commercial.

To introduce the highly-anticipated MSC World America , which makes its inaugural sailing from Miami in April, MSC Cruises will premiere its first Super Bowl commercial next month, featuring Drew Barrymore and Orlando Bloom.

MSC World America boasts a number of firsts, from the first Eataly at sea to Cliffhanger, the first over-water swing ride at sea. With 22 decks, seven distinct districts and 19 dining venues, it will be one of the biggest ships in the world, holding up to 6,762 passengers and 2,138 crew members.

The 60-second Super Bowl commercial highlights some of the Caribbean-bound ship’s most unique features, from the luxurious MSC Yacht Club (the brand’s award-winning ship within a ship concept) to its stop at the exclusive Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas.

With cruise bookings at an all-time high and more than a quarter of those guests first-time cruisers, Barrymore and Bloom are likely to attract a whole new demographic to cruising.

"We chose Drew Barrymore and Orlando Bloom for this campaign because they perfectly embody the essence of MSC World America , ” Suzanne Salas, EVP, Marketing, eCommerce & Sales, MSC Cruises USA, told me. “The ship seamlessly blends European style with American comfort. Drew, as America’s sweetheart, and Orlando, with his European heritage and broad appeal in the U.S., beautifully represent our unique cruise experience.”

According to Salas, “The timing of the Big Game is the ideal launching pad for this campaign, as MSC World America is set to sail from our new MSC Miami Cruise Terminal on April 9. The Super Bowl is America’s biggest stage, so what better platform to show the millions of people watching that MSC Cruises offers vacation experiences unlike any other cruise line in the market."

What appealed to you about being in this MSC Cruises commercial?

Barrymore: Traveling is one of my lifelong passions so when I learned about this opportunity I was immediately interested. I’ve also become a big football fan over the years, so I couldn’t turn down a chance to be part of the Big Game excitement. I was also so delighted to find out that Orlando Bloom would be in the commercial with me and that he wanted to “pre-game” on the phone so we could get to know each other and show up on the day of filming connected and comfortable. It really made me feel like I was working with someone who cares, which means so much to me.

I also know so many people who just don’t know where to start when it comes to travel planning. Because cruises are such a great way for us all to get out and see the world, it just made sense to me.

Bloom: I’ve never been in a Super Bowl commercial before so when MSC Cruises approached me about this opportunity I was very intrigued. They are a big cruise line in Europe and I think it’s great they are sailing more ships from the U.S. so Americans can experience their ships’ worldly charm. The pitch for the commercial was Americana meets European style with some banter between Drew and me, which just sounded like a lot of fun. I hadn’t met Drew before so we had a Zoom call ahead of the shoot to get to know each other a bit before meeting for the first time on-set. I think that really helped. She is so much fun and incredibly thoughtful.

Tell us about your own experiences with cruising and, specifically, MSC.

Barrymore: I am a Pisces, so I have a true love for the ocean, and I’ve always loved cruising. To me the feeling of being on a ship and sleeping on the water is just magical. I also have really come to love travel that’s not just by plane and cruising feels like traveling light to me—you don’t have to deal with all the airport shuffle and stress. I loved my time filming the commercial and showing everything MSC Cruises has to offer for travelers of all ages and lifestyles.

Bloom: I think cruising is a wonderful way for people to see the world. MSCCruises has a private island in The Bahamas, a really special place with beautiful white sand beaches and magnificent snorkeling. If you’re someone who isn’t a fan of organizing a holiday, the great thing about sailing is that everything is laid out for you with a cruise. It’s really like an all-in-one vacation that people can really get into and appreciate, especially when you want to just switch off and have a good time.

How do you think American and European travelers differ in what they want/expect from a cruise?

Barrymore: I think American travelers enjoy being able to fully relax on a ship, not having to worry about all the planning and making sure there is always something for everyone to do. MSC takes care of all that stress so travelers can truly enjoy every minute. I really love that their new ship has everything we all expect from a vacation, but with so many fun European twists that make it feel really special and unique. The cruise line goes out of its way to make sure everyone’s vacation is memorable and joyful.

Bloom: I think European travelers yearn for something new and exciting, and cruising is a great way to explore many different destinations and only have to unpack once. MSC World America is such a beautiful ship with so many amenities that both American and European travelers will appreciate. As a European, I love the variety and authenticity of the cuisine on board.

I think a lot of people have misconceptions about cruising. What do you think would surprise readers about cruising?

Barrymore: If you’re single, cruising is great. If you’re going with your family, it’s perfect too. I think it also works for a group of friends wanting to see the world.

Bloom: I think cruises can be such an exciting way to travel, as there is so much to do onboard and even more to see and explore at the different ports. I also think people will be surprised by the variety of food and entertainment options onboard. You can eat somewhere new every day and there are great bars and lounges to enjoy the nightlife.

Which activities, areas of the ship, dining venues, excursions, etc are the ones you're especially attracted to?

Barrymore: I think Cliffhanger is going to be my favorite! It’s this giant swing on the top deck of the ship that will push you out over the water and you’re 160 feet in the air. How cool!

Bloom: My favorite part of the ship is definitely going to be the All Stars Sports Bar. Whether you’re watching football or “football” – it’s the type of bar where you will be able lose track of time, enjoy the food and drinks, while cheering on your favorite team. I know I’m going to love the Eataly restaurant and see if it rivals some of the best meals I’ve had while traveling in Italy.

Check out MSC World America’s itineraries for 2025 and 2026 on the MSC Cruises website.