Drew Barrymore has taken on a new role as a cruise ship performer, albeit in a unique way.

Barrymore will appear with Orlando Bloom in MSC Cruises’ inaugural Super Bowl advertisement, which is set to air on February 9. In the teaser unveiled on Thursday, the duo is shown enjoying themselves near a piano on an MSC vessel while Barrymore delightfully sings Madonna’s “Holiday.”

This advertisement coincides with a significant expansion for the Europe-based cruise line in the United States. With the upcoming launch of the MSC World America ship in April, they will introduce a new homeport in Galveston, Texas this fall and will start offering Alaska voyages next year.

In an interview with YSL News, Barrymore discussed her collaboration with MSC, her cherished cruise experiences, and her passion for RV travel. The interview has been condensed for brevity and clarity.

Q: What inspired you to collaborate with MSC for this commercial?

A: I have a deep passion for travel. My journey began at the age of 7 when I had the incredible opportunity to travel the world on the promotional tour for “E.T.” Before that, my only travel experience was a quick drive to Palm Springs since I lived in Los Angeles, and it opened my eyes to a much larger world, changing me forever.

I’m largely self-taught. I didn’t attend a conventional school; instead, books and travel have been my education. This has given me a greater appreciation for how varied our perspectives can be and has made me more open-minded. I can’t imagine who I would be without those experiences.

Typically, I plan the majority of my trips. However, for the first time recently, I’ve felt an urge to let someone else take the reins. Normally, I enjoy organizing everything myself – from restaurants to hotels to activities. But now, I wish someone could arrange it for me and expose me to places I wouldn’t normally choose. I believe that if someone else handles the planning, you can relax and truly enjoy your travels. So when MSC’s offer came to me, I immediately checked their prices and itineraries and thought, “I’m in!”

Q: What was the experience of making the ad like?

A: The concept of the commercial revolves around how both America and Europe are represented and how they perceive things differently.

I felt fortunate to work with Orlando Bloom, though we hadn’t really met before. It turns out we have mutual friends, but we didn’t know each other. I approached the ad with practicality, considering we could share a fun, platonic perspective. I’m aware he has a family, and since I’m single, I wanted to ensure it didn’t feel like we were a couple in the commercial.

So, in the ad, we are portrayed as companions with differing viewpoints. I had hoped it would come together in a certain way, and thankfully, it did. From the moment I learned Orlando wanted to chat before shooting, I felt reassured – not every co-star does that, and I appreciated it.

Q: The teaser has such a lively vibe.

A: Our director encouraged us to be more relaxed and spontaneous, which was a bit daunting for me since I’m usually told to tone it down. I was worried about coming across as insincere, but it worked out beautifully. The chemistry we had with our director created a great dynamic.

Q: Do you have any favorite cruise memories?

A: Absolutely! I’ve had great experiences on cruises, and I went into this project genuinely excited. Being a Pisces, I’ve always felt a connection to the ocean. Growing up, while I wasn’t right on the beach, I lived only about 40 minutes away from it, and I love being on the water. Sleeping on a boat is truly enchanting. So, the combination of my love for travel and boats made this opportunity delightful for me.

Q: Are there specific places or cities you enjoy visiting while on vacation?

A: I strive to explore new destinations and rarely revisit the same places. I think of it as trying to experience every book or location possible. Recently, my kids and I traveled to Vietnam, Singapore, and Australia during the summer, and we’re planning a trip to Tokyo for spring break. Lately, it seems we choose destinations that are as far-flung as possible, often pushing through jet lag!

Additionally, I have a strong passion for RV travel. If an opportunity for an RV commercial arises, I would dive right in! I’ve come to appreciate travel beyond flying, including cars, RVs, trains, and boats. It’s about finding a way to feel the most liberated while exploring. Cruises offer a wonderful sense of ease, as you can visit numerous places without the hassle of airport transfers.

I recently drove an RV from New York to Miami through the Carolinas, which was fantastic. I’m eager to do something like that again. I enjoy seeking out unusual places across the country – not in a negative way, but I love finding unique accommodations in off-the-beaten-path areas. I’m also not afraid to embrace typical tourist attractions; I believe in experiencing everything.

One of my favorite travel tips is to ask locals or fellow travelers for recommendations when you arrive at your destination. You’ll discover gems that you won’t find in any guidebook or website.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter based in Nashville.