• New onboard programme powered by MSC Foundation brings ocean literacy to children and families on every journey across the MSC Cruises fleet
• Expected to engage thousands of children from everywhere around the world annually through immersive ocean education experiences

To mark World Oceans Day, MSC Foundation and MSC Cruises today announced the launch of Oceans Day powered by MSC Foundation, a new onboard programme designed to help children and families better understand, celebrate and care for the ocean through experiences that combine learning, creativity and participation. The programme is expected to engage thousands of children from around the world each year, helping nurture the next generation of ocean ambassadors.

Developed by MSC Foundation together with MSC Cruises’ Entertainment team, Oceans Day powered by MSC Foundation is progressively rolling out across the MSC Cruises fleet, transforming every cruise into an opportunity to connect younger generations with marine conservation. The programme draws on the MSC Foundation’s years of collaboration with conservation and education partners, combining lessons from its restoration work at Ocean Cay in The Bahamas with the expertise of organisations such as Mission Blue and Marevivo to create immersive, age-appropriate experiences. It also reflects the growing role of MSC Cruises’ global Entertainment team as a hub for the creation and production of original family experiences at sea.

“Oceans Day powered by MSC Foundation reflects our belief that education is fundamental to long-term ocean conservation,” said Daniela Picco, Executive Director of MSC Foundation. “We believe that if you know the sea, you protect it — everything starts from there. By helping children and families build a deeper connection with the ocean, we hope to foster curiosity, responsibility and a lifelong commitment to caring for the marine world.”

Built around three pillars — celebrating the ocean on every cruise, placing children and families at the centre, and fostering ocean literacy — the programme offers children aged 3 to 17 a range of interactive activities. From Everybody Loves the Sea, an original song developed with a children’s choir, to games, quizzes, creative workshops, drawing activities and conservation challenges, each element is designed to spark curiosity about the marine world. Guests will also be encouraged to make personal pledges to protect the ocean through the “My Wish for the Ocean” initiative and receive an Ocean Ambassador Passport filled with practical actions they can continue at home. The experience culminates in a celebratory parade featuring children’s participation and music designed to reinforce positive environmental messages in a fun and memorable way.

“Through Oceans Day, MSC Cruises is proud to help bring MSC Foundation’s ocean education mission to life onboard, creating meaningful shared experiences that encourage children to better understand and care for the ocean,” said Matteo Mancini, Family Entertainment Development Director at MSC Cruises.

Oceans Day powered by MSC Foundation will be progressively rolled out across the MSC Cruises fleet, helping bring greater awareness of ocean conservation to children and families. On ships featuring an MSC Foundation Centre, Foundation representatives will also take part in activities, helping deepen children’s connection with the ocean. The programme will continue to evolve over time, with new experiences introduced to keep it engaging, relevant and impactful for future generations.