MSC Bellissima is finally launching in a star-studded Southampton ceremony. We have all the details of the ship and what to expect…
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What
MSC Bellissima – meaning beautiful – arrived in Southampton today (Friday 1st March), bringing a dose of Italian charm, class and the crown for the largest ship to be christened in England along with it. It is 213ft tall, with 19 decks which provide beautiful views wherever you might be docked. The sister ship to the MSC Meraviglia, they share a lot of the same features, but the Bellissima has a few upgrades and differences. The first of this is the new Hola! Tapas bar, as well as brand new Cirque du Soleil shows at sea and the addition of the new in-tech AI system Zoe. Zoe is the world’s first virtual personal cruise assistant and can help you out with anything from information about your cabin, to where to dine, what excursions you have booked, and any other cruise questions you might have. The ship itself is utterly beautiful, from its 260ft-long LED sky dome that constantly changes through colourful displays to its sparkling Swarovski crystal staircases and elegantly designed pool and bar areas. It is a ship to be proud of and a ship that will have you tearing yourself away to get off at the ports you dock at. It goes that one step further to prove that cruising really is all about the journey and not just the destination.
When
The naming ceremony of the ship is happening tomorrow (Saturday 2nd of March) and will be hosted by Holly Willoughby and christened by Sophia Loren. There will be performances from Nile Rogers, Andrea Bocelli and son Mateo to launch the ship at Southampton ahead of its sailing to Genoa. Following this inaugural ten night cruise, it will offer a series of seven-night itineraries in the Mediterranean, with future destinations including the Emirates and China.
To do
There are a whole plethora of things to do on board MSC Bellissima, from entertainment including six Broadway-style theatre shows, 40 hours of live music per day, a spacious sports complex for games such as basketball, tennis, volleyball and football and an open deck dedicated running track. There are multiple pools onboard, as well as hot tubs, an aquapark and a rope course which sits 80 metres above the water. For the competitive among you, you can head to the virtual games arcade where you can immerse yourselves in authentic F1 racing simulators, a virtual reality maze (a first for any MSC cruise ship) as well as a full size bowling alley and a host of other arcade games. You will also have to be sure to check out the Galleria Bellissima – the social hub of the ship, which links many of the bars and speciality restaurants as well as the shops. It is home to an 80 metre LED sky that shows different shows and images throughout the day, making each walk through the ship a real awe-inspiring experience.
To eat
There are twelve different dining venues on board the MSC Bellissima, with a selection of casual, complimentary and speciality restaurants to choose from. This means no matter what culinary treat you are on the hunt for, you are sure to find it. There are three main restaurants – the Lighthouse, Il Ciliegiio and Le Cerisier as well as the Marketplace buffet for your main dining options. For something a little extra, you can dine in the Hola! Tapas bar ( a new offering for MSC) the Butchers Cut, L’Atelier Bistrot and Kaito Teppantaki & Sushi Bar. To satisfy your sweet tooth head to the Jean Philippe Chocolat & Cafe for two-time world Champion in pastry Jean-Philippe Maury’s delicious cakes, crepes and gelato. Drinks wise, the Champagne bar is a must for pre or post dinner bubbles, the Masters of the Sea for a British pub experience (we dare you to take on their beer stein!) or Edge cocktail bar, where you can indulge in a wide range of delicious cocktails.
To book
To book and find out more information on the MSC Bellissima, check out their website here.
