Who is the male actor in the MSC cruise commercial?
Subtitle: Spotlight on the male lead of MSC Cruises’ 2025 Big Game ad
By Carmichael Phillip
The man: Orlando Bloom
The male actor featured in the new MSC Cruises commercial is Orlando Bloom. In January 2025, MSC officially announced that Orlando Bloom and Drew Barrymore would star in their first-ever “Big Game” (Super Bowl) ad, to promote their upcoming flagship ship, MSC World America.
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Why Orlando Bloom was chosen
MSC aimed to bring a blend of star power, international appeal, and charm to its U.S. campaign. Bloom — a globally recognized actor with roots in British cinema — offers that cosmopolitan flair. In the press release, MSC said the campaign, starring Bloom and Barrymore, would highlight MSC’s “signature blend of European style and American comfort.”
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In the commercial, the dynamic between Bloom and Barrymore hinges on lighthearted contrast and friendly banter — part of a strategy to make cruising seem fun, accessible, and aspirational for American audiences as MSC grows its presence in the U.S.
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What Orlando Bloom does in the ad
In the teaser version of the commercial, Bloom and Barrymore are shown aboard MSC World America — specifically inside the luxurious “Yacht Club” Top Sail Lounge. Barrymore sits at a piano and sings a playful rendition of Madonna’s “Holiday,” while Bloom leans against the piano and reacts. When Barrymore asks jokingly “Was that good?”, Bloom deadpans back, “Not great.” It’s a moment of humor and casual charm meant to set the tone for the cruise-line’s “holiday” vibe.
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This performance is meant to personify MSC’s brand message: cruising should be both elegant and fun — combining European sophistication with easygoing comfort. Bloom’s calm, slightly sarcastic delivery complements Barrymore’s exuberance, giving the spot balance and broad appeal.
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What this means for MSC’s brand and audience reach
By casting Orlando Bloom, MSC isn’t just going for a celebrity face — they’re going for a symbol of crossover appeal. Bloom’s international fame, European roots, and film legacy can attract both longtime cruise fans and newcomers, particularly those who might be drawn to a “luxury vacation” image.
That said, the ad’s tone remains approachable — humorous, casual, and relatable enough for everyday viewers. The comedic interplay with Drew Barrymore helps demystify the notion of cruise vacations, making them seem less “fancy resort” and more “fun getaway.” For a brand pushing into the U.S. market with MSC World America launching from PortMiami, that balancing act could help broaden its appeal.
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What’s next: Bloom, Barrymore, and MSC World America
The advertisement is part of a larger U.S. push by MSC Cruises. MSC says that with this campaign, they want to introduce American travelers to what the company calls “European style and American comfort.”
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Bloom, alongside Barrymore, will also take part in other promotional events — including the christening of MSC World America. According to MSC’s public announcements, when the ship is officially named at their new Miami cruise terminal, both will be present.
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In that sense, Orlando Bloom isn’t just a one-off celebrity in a commercial — he’s part of an ongoing brand narrative. His involvement suggests that MSC sees him as a face capable of bridging markets and helping rebrand cruising for a new generation of travelers.
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