MSC Cruises has teamed up with award-winning Blackeye Gin, bringing the premium British spirit onboard MSC Virtuosa this summer – and you don’t want to miss it!
What is Blackeye Gin & What to Expect on MSC Cruises
Founded by Rugby World Cup winners Mike Tindall and James Haskell alongside broadcaster Alex Payne, Blackeye Gin has quickly become one of the UK’s most talked-about craft spirits thanks to its bold flavour profile, premium quality and unmistakably British identity. Now, following a successful onboard trial last year, the gin has officially joined the drinks offering across MSC Virtuosa, available in all bars throughout the ship. Guests staying in the luxurious MSC Yacht Club or travelling with a Premium Drinks Package can enjoy Blackeye Gin as part of their onboard experience while sailing too.
MSC Yacht Club Experience
For those unfamiliar with MSC Yacht Club, the exclusive “ship within a ship” concept offers a more elevated way to cruise, complete with private lounges, a dedicated restaurant and sun deck, 24-hour butler service, premium drinks and priority embarkation, creating a boutique luxury feel at sea. (You can read our review of our experience here!)
An Elevated Food and Drink Offering on MSC Cruises
The partnership forms part of MSC Cruises’ wider move to tailor its food and drink offering to UK guests, bringing recognisable British brands onboard while maintaining the line’s signature sense of luxury and international flair.
Antonio Paradiso, VP of International Sales at MSC Cruises, said:
“We are delighted to offer Blackeye Gin to guests on MSC Virtuosa. It is an exciting opportunity to introduce something new and distinctive for our guests — a product that delivers both exceptional taste and a strong sense of identity. Its premium quality and British heritage make it a perfect fit for MSC Virtuosa and for our UK guests to enjoy at sea.”
Mike Tindall, co-founder of Blackeye Gin, added:
“The three of us have been on a mission to create a gin we genuinely wanted to drink, while also giving back to the game we love through the Blackeye Rugby Fund. Seeing Blackeye Gin served onboard MSC Cruises feels like a huge milestone for the brand, and we can’t wait for guests to experience it.”
The partnership arrives just in time for MSC Virtuosa’s Rugby Champions Cruise departing Southampton on 8 August 2026. The 12-night Canary Islands sailing will feature rugby legends Ben Cohen, Ben Kay and Neil Back onboard for coaching sessions, Q&As and meet-and-greets, alongside dance classes hosted by former Strictly professional Kristina Rihanoff. Prices for the sailing start from £1,149 per person.
Find out more about MSC x Blackeye Gin and book your next break on their website here.
