Football fans will have the chance to meet and learn from Chelsea icon Gianfranco Zola this year after MSC Cruises confirmed the former player will join a special themed sailing aboard MSC Virtuosa.
The five-night cruise will depart from Southampton on 19th October 2026 and will feature a programme of football-focused events and experiences designed around one of the Premier League club’s most celebrated figures.
Guests sailing on the voyage will have access to a range of activities hosted by Zola, with all events included in the cruise fare at no additional cost.
Prices for the sailing currently start from £519 per person.
The itinerary will include calls to Zeebrugge, Rotterdam and Cherbourg, combining a short European cruise with exclusive sporting experiences linked to MSC Cruises’ long-running partnership with Chelsea FC.
Guests To Train And Meet With Chelsea Legend
Passengers on board MSC Virtuosa will not simply hear stories from Zola’s football career. The cruise line has confirmed guests will also be able to take part in football training sessions led by the former player, with activities planned for both adults and children.
The sessions will give guests the opportunity to learn skills and techniques from the former Italy international, while a live theatre Q&A session will allow passengers to hear more about his experiences in football and his time at Chelsea.
Following the Q&A, selected meet-and-greet opportunities will also give guests a chance to interact directly with Zola.
MSC Cruises said the activities are designed to allow passengers to personalise their holiday with experiences that would normally be difficult to access during a traditional sporting event or appearance.
Beyond the football-themed programme, MSC Virtuosa offers a range of onboard facilities including multiple dining venues, theatre entertainment, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and fitness centre, along with attractions such as a bowling alley and racing simulator.
“We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with Chelsea FC, which has gone from strength to strength since 2019, allowing us to create truly unique experiences for fans. Bringing Gianfranco Zola on board MSC Virtuosa is a fantastic way to bring that partnership to life, giving our guests the rare opportunity to connect with a football legend. It’s this blend of world-class sport, entertainment and cruising that makes these experiences so special, and we’re excited to deliver something truly memorable for everyone on board.”
Antonio Paradiso, VP of International Sales
Gianfranco Zola added: “This will be my first time on a cruise ship, and I am really looking forward to the experience. It’s an opportunity to meet people with a passion for travel, and introduce them to my world of football and so many fantastic memories from my years of being connected to the game, and of course Chelsea Football Club.”
MSC Continues Chelsea Partnership Expansion
MSC Cruises has served as an official sponsor of Chelsea FC since 2019 and has regularly used the relationship to develop fan-focused experiences and promotions.
The latest sailing appears to be one of the most interactive activations connected to the partnership so far, moving beyond sponsorship branding and offering guests direct access to a former player associated closely with the club.
Sports-themed cruises and celebrity sailings have become an increasingly popular way for cruise lines to attract niche audiences, allowing guests to combine holidays with exclusive experiences that would normally be difficult to replicate on land.
For football supporters, the October 2026 sailing represents an unusual opportunity to combine a European cruise itinerary with behind-the-scenes stories and coaching sessions from one of Chelsea’s most recognised former stars.
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