MSC Bellissima

The 2019-built MSC Bellissima cruise ship is the second of the (Vista Project) Meraviglia-class MSC liners - following the sistership MSC Meraviglia (2017). Bellissima is also the 4th of all 13 newbuilds to join MSC fleet through 2026.

The vessel (IMO number 9760524) is currently Malta-flagged (MMSI 248992000) and registered in Valletta.

History - construction and ownership

MSC Cruises (MSC Crociere) is a passenger shipping company headquartered in Genoa and Naples. It was established in 1960. Today, MSC Crociere is a subsidiary of MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) - the world's 2nd largest containership company. MSC Crociere is the world's largest privately-owned cruise company.

By annual passenger shipping volumes, MSC is ranked the world's 3rd largest cruise shipowner - following only Carnival Corporation and RCG-Royal Caribbean Group.

The 4500-passenger ship MSC Bellissima is scheduled for delivery in spring 2019. The name of the new ship (meaning "beautiful" in Italian) was announced at the ceremony held to mark the float out of sistership Meraviglia at STX France shipyard (Saint Nazaire) on September 2, 2016. Bellissima ship deck plans show "cluster cabins" for families, that allow 2-3 adjacent rooms to be interlinked. Near Field Communication technology allows passengers to access their cabins, make onboard payments/bookings and to locate their kids by using bracelets, boarding cards or smartphones.

Bellissima is fitted with new technologies specifically designed to improve the onboard digital experience. The company entered a partnership with Samsung to support NFC (near-field communication) technology onboard, enabling passengers to use smartphones, cruise card or bracelet to geolocate themselves or their kids, to access their stateroom or make onboard payments. Interactive screens are placed throughout the ship to enable passengers to make real-time bookings and reservations. Beacon technology is also used, sending location-based, customized notifications to users' phones as they move around the ship. Beacons are triggered whenever a connected device moves into their vicinity.

Decks and Cabins

MSC Bellissima staterooms (2244 total, in 32 categories) are in 14 types and ~75% have private step-out balconies. The largest accommodations are MSC Yacht Club Royal Suites (700 ft2 / 65 m2, with Jacuzzi terrace sized 430 ft2 / 40 m2). There are also 46x wheelchair-accessible cabins as well as luxury Spa Suites. Bellissima also has "cluster cabins" (up to 3 connecting staterooms for families) allowing 2-3 adjacent rooms to be interlinked for max capacity 10 guests.

The boat has 18 decks, of which 15 are passenger-accessible and 11 with cabins.

MSC Bellissima decks are named after ships in the current MSC fleet.

The following official MSC Cruises YouTube video release reviews the ship's best features and onboard amenities.

The MSC ship Bellissima has fleet's (and world's) first-ever "Crystal Cabin" - a balcony stateroom adorned with around 0,7 million Swarovski crystals. The YC-Deluxe Suite (room number 16018) is located on Deck 16 forward-starboard (in the MSC Yacht Club) and recognizable by the crystallized number on the entry door. In-cabin Swarovski crystal decorations include furniture (both bedside tables / 2-door nightstands, coffee table's top, sideboard), the wall-mounted bedside lamps (sconces specially designed to provide lighting throughout), walls (with coral-themed artworks adorned with the luxury crystals).

MSC's "Crystal Cabin" was developed in partnership with Swarovski Group and De Jorio Design International. The stateroom is available at no extra cost (same-priced as other "Yacht Club Deluxe" category balcony suites). In addition to the "Crystal Cabin" and the 96 steps with 61,000+ Swarovski crystals, other details consist of crystal-detailed wallpaper (in the MSC Yacht Club) and a crystallized Active Panel illuminated by custom-made LED lighting with ~0,5 million crystals per m2 built (into the Champagne Bar).

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

12 new and creative onboard dining options are available, among which are the Mediterranean Village (specialty dining) and the exclusive Yacht Club Fine Dining Restaurant.

Follows the complete list of MSC Bellissima restaurants and food bars.

• Posidonia Restaurant (604-seat dining room, size 1050 m2, open between 7-9 am, 12noon-2 pm and 6:45-9:30 pm) is a complimentary restaurant with fixed dining times. It is the only restaurant on the ship that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (in fact, breakfast is only served at Waves). It is situated behind the Reception on Deck 5 and though at the aft it doesn't have aft windows (only porthole windows), so it is quite dark and with low ceilings. Tables vary in size from 2- to 8 persons.
• "HOLA! Tapas" bar by Michelin-starred chef Ramon Freixas (56-seat, size 1614 ft2 / 150 m2) replaces Eataly Restaurant (Eataly Food Chain designed food store and specialty restaurant)
• Lighthouse Restaurant (730-seat, size 1000 m2, open between 6:15-10 pm) features a high ceiling, large windows, Flexi and MyTime Dining. The restaurant is accessed via the corridor that cuts through IL CILIEGIO and LE CERISIER, passing the wine cellar.
• IL CILIEGIO/LE CERISIER (828-seat, size 1338 m2, open between 6:45-9:30 pm) are part of the same restaurant divided via a central walkway with Enomatic wine-dispensing machines and a wine display in the middle. The venue offers Flexi and MyTime Dining, so passengers can choose when they want to eat here. Tables are ranged tightly around the room and in various sizes.
• Masters of the Sea (81-seat, size 340 m2) is MSC Cruises version of a "British" pub, with a picture of London on its outside wall. Its outside tables are overlooking the promenade. Inside, it is designed in soft greens, with plenty of booth seating and low lighting. There is also space for a small band, 12 beers on tap as well as 47 bottles - a variety of popular brands from around the world. Cider and bar snacks are also offered, including fish 'n' chips starting at EUR 3.
• Katio Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar (open between 12-noon - 2:30 pm and 7-11 pm, a la carte-priced, capacity 30 seats, size 100 m2 - Teppanyaki; capacity 26 seats, size 81 m2 - Sushi) offers 3 menu choices: Geisha (EUR 18), Samurai (EUR 24) and Emperor (EUR 45). The price reflects the seafood and meat choices. The Teppanyaki has two cooking areas, with 8 people sat on stools either side. Meals start with miso soup and a plate of sushi and tempura. Guests specify how they'd like their meat done, so the chef prepares it in front of them. The experience lasts around 2 hours. Reservations are essential in the evening, while the venue is walk-in during the day. Outside is the sushi bar, overlooking the promenade.
• Butcher's Cut (82-seat, size 115 m2, open between 12noon-2:30 pm and 7-11 pm) is an American steakhouse restaurant on Galleria's upper deck, with open kitchen and indoor seating, along with outside seating (overlooking the promenade). The food consists of big cuts of different meats (steak, lamb, even bison), salad starters and prawn cocktail (served on ice), dipping sauces on the side, desserts bar (including a signature lava cake and New York cheesecake).
• Marketplace Buffet (1298-seat self-service buffet restaurant with open kitchens, size 3650 m2, Deck 15). Marketplace Buffet Restaurant and Bar (aft location) is open between 6:30 am - 10 pm and serves international cuisines and Mediterranean specialties, including world food as well as cuisine based on where the cruise ship is sailing along with healthy options.
• Sports Bar (24-seat drinks and finger food bar, size 319 m2) is an American-dinner type food bar that serves beers, soft drinks, hot dogs, popcorns, snacks, energy and protein drinks, shakes, and juices.
• MSC YACHT CLUB Restaurant (120-seat, size 405 m2) serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with no fixed times. A different menu is offered every day, reflecting the current cruise itinerary/region of the ship.
• Jean-Philippe Chocolate & Coffee (80-seat, size 230 m2, open between 7 am -1 am, a la carte priced) is an open-kitchen / patisserie display / chocolate shop / cafe with a few seats by its porthole windows. The emphasis is on the unique sweets creations made by the ship's chocolate team (reefs, octopuses, turtles) displayed in glass cases in front of the open kitchen. Guests can't buy these but can buy an exquisite chocolate shoe for EUR 29 apiece, which is the best-selling chocolate item.
• Jean-Philippe Crepes & Ice Cream (15-seat, size 41 m2, open between 4-10 pm) is an a-la-carte-priced venue serving crepes, gourmet ice cream and ice cream sundaes.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

MSC Bellissima features a large water park connected to an indoor amusement park on two levels and to 2-level entertainment space (interior promenade) housing specialty restaurants, bars, duty-free shops. The Promenade is covered by a LED dome ceiling (digital sky). Additional amenities include complimentary 24-Hour Room-Service, Supervised Children Program, Internet/WiFi Access, Laundry.

Follows the complete list of MSC Bellissima lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• London Theatre (capacity 985 seats, size 1000 m2, Deck 5 / 6) is a fore-located show lounge hosting 6 different shows per voyage - including opera, flamenco show, grand productions, such as Virtual, based on phone apps (dating apps, maps, a sequence of nurses and doctors, all to energetic dance background. These shows run 3 times per night to cater for different dining times and last around 40 min each. They vary in theme, with the opera and flamenco being more adult-oriented, Virtual being kids-aimed. The theatre has good sightlines and comfy seats. During the day, it is used for a variety of activities including kids activity programs like Doremi Music Match, part of Kelly & Kloe program and Doremi live talent show.
• Bellissima Bar Lounge (64-seat, size 267 m2) is the promenade bar located aft (outside London Theatre). In the early evening, it is a lively spot with a dance floor.
• Infinity Atrium with Reception Lounge (22-seat, size 450 m2) is 3-decks high and crisscrossed via 4 chrome staircases. Each of the stairs is encrusted with Swarovski crystals (in total 31000+). A grand piano is available on a raised dais, with early evening performances. Infinity Bar (28-seat, size 120 m2) is an Atrium Bar popular for daily coffees and evening pre- and post-dinner cocktails with robotic service. The Reception Desk provides 24-hour guest services and assistance.
• 12 weekly Cirque du Soleil shows in the 413-seat Carousel Lounge (accommodating 120 passengers for dinner, plus additional 293 seated guests for drinks, size 1100 m2, Deck 7). The shows include "Viaggio" and "Sonor", each spanning 40 minutes.
• Galleria Bellissima (size 1035 m2, Deck 6/7) is the indoor promenade which features an 80-meter LED ceiling changing throughout the day with different skies, patterns, mini-movies. The Galleria is the ship's social hub, with a double-deck of shops, bars, and restaurants. It is home to nightly parades, featuring the onboard performers. The ceiling over Galleria Bellissima is sized 480 m2 (LED screen "digital sky") and transmits live views (sunsets, sunrises, night sky), also special events, shows, live performances.
• Plaza Bellissima is a semi-circular space (size 130 m2, Deck 6) housing duty-free shops, patisserie (pastry bar), ice cream bar, live music performances. Promo sales are often offered throughout the day. The shops include Perfumes and Cosmetics, Watches and Sunglasses, Fashion, Jewellery, MSC Shop (logoed merchandise), Boutique and Accessories Shop, Fine Watches and Jewellery Shop, Mini-Mall (convenience store).
• EDGE Bar (60-seat pre-dinner cocktail bar, size 160 m2, Deck 6) features a sidecar centerpiece and full-size motorbike.
• Champagne Bar (155-seat, size 594 m2, serves premium Champagne brands, with Atrium seating, Deck 7)
• MSC Aurea SPA complex (open between 9 am - 9 pm, size 1100 m2, Deck 7) consists of Steam Rooms, Saunas, Frigidarium, Relaxation Room, Thalassotherapy hot tubs, heated swimming pool, Whirlpools, Treatment Rooms, Aerobics Studio/Yoga classes, Bar, Solarium Area, Beauty Salon) is the largest on any MSC Cruises ship, with twenty treatment rooms and possibly the largest thermal suite at sea. There are 18 Balinese therapists offering treatments like facials, traditional Balinese massage (EUR 70 for 30 minutes), Thai massage, candle massage and Aurea del Mare treatment with shells (EUR 110). A 45-minute Bali "Holistic" massage is EUR 110 (not including the 15% service charge). Treatments also include anti-cellulite as well as various water treatments. The Thermal Suite has 2 steam rooms (one light, one dark), two saunas (one Mediterranean, one Finnish), 2 relaxation rooms, 2 aromatherapy rooms, salt room, snow grotto, walk-through shower and 2 thalassotherapy pools. A daily pass is EUR 40 per day (EUR 55 per couple), and weekly is EUR 120 (EUR 165 per couple). Jean Louis David salon is adjoining the spa and as well as hair treatments, features beauty therapies including waxing, nail services, men's grooming. Shampoo and style starts at EUR 27.
• The Gallery (6-seat, size 74 m2, luxury jewelry)
• Casino Imperiale Bar (23-seat Casino Bar, Deck 7) has numerous gaming tables and slot machines and hosts daily tournaments and bingo games.
• Casino Imperiale (600-seat Casino Lounge, 1400 m2, Deck 7)
• Carousel Lounge (295-seat, size 1100 m2, aft location) is a dedicated to themed entertainment venue hosting weekly a total of 12 Cirque du Soleil shows (live circus acrobatic performances). The (EUR 20 million construction cost) lounge has capacity 120 seats for dinner. Additional 290 seats are reserved for drinks. Carousel Lounge is operated via an exclusive partnership with Cirque du Soleil for regular live circus-style entertainment at sea. Cirque du Soleil created specifically for MSC a total of 8 original acrobatic shows available exclusively on Meraviglia-class and Meraviglia Plus-class cruise ships.
• Business Centre (58-seat conference room, size 67 m2, Deck 5)
• Excursion Office (size 55 m2, Deck 5)
• Excursion Point (Deck 6)
• Photo Shop and Gallery (size 120 m2, Deck 6)
• Medical Centre (6-seat, size 400 m2, Deck 4)
• Solarium is an adults-only sundeck / relaxation area with a large swimming pool (Grand Canyon Pool) flanked by two whirlpools (outdoor hot tubs) and served by Grand Canyon Bar (150-seat, indoor bar). The 25-meter-long swimming pool is illuminated at night with special lighting.
• Atmosphere Pool Deck has capacity 851 seats (loungers/deckchairs) and is sized 1500 m2. Grand Canyon Pool (140-seats/loungers) is an indoor swimming pool sized 1000 m2.
• The cruise ship's Pool Deck houses two swimming pools (Atmosphere pools), sunbathing area (with loungers) dance floor and stage (for live performances), poolside bars - Atmosphere Bar North (258-seat, outdoor bar), Atmosphere Bar South (84-seat, outdoor), Atmosphere Ice Cream Bar (84-seat, 24-hour food bar).
• Top Sail Lounge (167-seat, size 423 m2) is exclusive (open to Yacht Club passengers only) with dedicated concierge service. It features floor-ceiling windows (for panoramic bow views), plenty of seating (sofas, chairs and tables), designated Bar (table service). Drinks are served free to all MSC Yacht Club passengers. Snacks are also complimentary and offered throughout the day. The entire YC SUite-exclusive complex is named MSC YACHT CLUB Lounge & Bar.
• MSC Gym by TechnoGym (fitness center, size 570 m2, open between 9 am - 10 pm) features floor-ceiling windows, cardio equipment, 14 treadmills, 6 exercise bikes (of which 3 pro and 3 recumbent), Kinesis machine, free weights training area, separate spinning room and circuit training area, separate studio for classes. Yoga, pilates, and group bike training cost EUR 10 per person per hour. A fitness package (including 3 personal training sessions and 2 body analyzer scans) costs EUR 59.
• XD Cinema (EUR 8 per person, EUR 6 for kids), SPORTPLEX Team Sports Arena (multiuse sports court for playing basketball, tennis, football, volleyball, size 208 m2, lower level 1 of 2), Super Amusement Park (TV Games, team sports, two Formula 1/F1 car simulators, full-size Bowling Alley, Flight Simulator), Virtual Games Arcade, Power Walking Track (runs around half the entire ship / 1 lap = 328 m).
• Horizon Amphitheatre is a sundeck (outdoor theatre, size 1075 m2, decks 16-18) with capacity 140 seats (loungers-deckchairs) and sundeck pool (size 860 m2).
• Sky Lounge & Bar (180-seat, size 630 m2) is an indoor lounge with floor-ceiling windows (overlooking the main pool deck) and separate Cigar Room. Sky Lounge is ideal for pre- and post-dinner cocktails, with a menu that includes "molecular" cocktails. A guitarist, pianist and singer entertain passengers throughout the day.
• Sky Lounge & Bar (180-seat, size 630 m2) is an indoor lounge with floor-ceiling windows (overlooking the main pool deck) and separate Cigar Room. Sky Lounge is ideal for pre- and post-dinner cocktails, with a menu that includes "molecular" cocktails. A guitarist, pianist and singer entertain passengers throughout the day.
• Attic Club (55-seat disco nightclub bar, size 70 m2) is Horizon Bar's indoor area with a dance floor and overlooking the Seaplex. The 45-seat Horizon Bar serves Horizon Amphitheater (pool deck) and nightly serves as it is tiny but serves a large space.
• Reception (for the children's facilities), Doremi Tech Lab (with 3D printer)
• Doremi Studio (size 48 m2) is a theatre-like (TV studio) with a big LED screen and tiered seating, family time games, dance floor, interactive gaming.
• Baby Club CHICCO (size 47 m2) is a nursery (babysitting facility via partnership with CHICCO / Italian babywear company). It is open for toddlers from 6 to 36 months old and offers a lot of free baby products (diapers, wipes, bottles, Infant formula, selection of strollers and cots). The nursery has a large TV, colored books and soft play area with age-appropriate toys, a separate room with cots, bathroom. Supervised activities include Mini Olympic games, cooking class, Baby Time (allows parents to play with their kids), Baby Care (allows parents to leave their children / 1-year-old and older for ~90 min in the morning-afternoon-evening). Parents must do the feeding, but the staff change nappies. Nursery's opening hours are between 9 am - 1 pm, 3-6 pm and 8-11 pm.
• Mini Club LEGO (playroom for 3-6-year-olds, size 65 m2) has a lot of Lego and Duplo bricks, cinema, foosball, kids books, crayons, pens, age-appropriate toys, kids programming with supervised activities (sports, arts-crafts, treasure hunts, musical chairs, games, dressing up, cooking in the TV Studio).
• Juniors Club LEGO (playroom for 7-11-year-olds, size 70 m2) has a big play pit full of bricks, age-appropriate toys and games, cinema, foosball, supervised activities (games, sports, arts-crafts), educational activities, a daily session at Doremi Lab. The two rooms are connected and when opened up create a large playground.
• Young Club (size 80 m2) is for the 12 to 14-year-olds (the "tweens") and operates on a different basis from the younger kids' clubs. Programming is offered all day on sea days and only in the afternoon on port days. Facilities include table tennis, foosball, PS4, some double seats in which kids can lounge back to play video games from a TV placed in the ceiling, as well as traditional board games. The most innovative technology asset is a multi-media table allowing kids to post messages and pictures which then get screened on the club's walls. Programming includes generation games, lip sync battles, sports tournaments in the Sportplex. There is a EUR 10 per kid per hour charge for use of the club between 11 pm - 2 am (otherwise access is free).
• Teen Club (size 50 m2) is aimed at 15- to 17-year-olds. The private room is adjacent to the kids' club. It is a circular lounge with dance floor, plenty of chairs, large TVs, beanbags, video games (PS4, VR, Nintendo Switch). The programming includes generation games, sports and dancing competitions including ping pong and mini-golf.
• The fore-located MSC Yacht Club Open Area is an exclusive sundeck (for YC passengers only) with Swimming Pool, Bar, Grill, two Solariums (sundecks each with a large-size Jacuzzi / Whirlpool).
• TOP 19 Exclusive Solarium is an adults-only sundeck sized 500 m2. Top 19 is for Wellness- and Aurea- cabin passengers only. Towel service is available.
• Arizona Aquapark (2-deck Super Amusement Park, size 1000 m2) and Bar has four twisting waterslides, swimming pools, Himalayan Bridge, Ropes Course, Arizona Bar (12-seat ice cream bar). Himalayan Bridge is an 82-meter-long suspension bridge spanning Deck 19's entire width.

Boutique and Accessories Shop (fashion boutique for men, women and kids, size 173 m2, Deck 6), Fine Watches and Jewellery (size 75 m2, Deck 6), Watches and Sunglasses (size 55 m2, Deck 6), Perfumes and Cosmetics (size 93 m2, Deck 6), Fashion and Jewelry Shop (size 45 m2, Deck 6), Photo Gallery and Shop (size 120 m2, Deck 6), La Vetrina (Temporary shop, size 45 m2, Deck 6), MSC Shop (Logo shop, size 55 m2, Deck 6), Mini Mall (Tobaccos, liquors and snacks shop, size 85 m2, Deck 6), Duty-Free Shop

Among Bellissima ship's 200+ major retail brands are Guerlain (beauty products), Dior (beauty), 3 luxury watch and jewelry boutiques (Bulgari, Damiani, Chopard, Omega, Longines, Tag Heuer), Italian accessories (Furla, Coccinelle), premium clothing brands (Armani, Lacoste, Calvin Klein). Fleet's first is the Technology Shop (wearables and other devices by leading tech brands like Bang & Olufsen, Bose, Apple, Samsung). Bellissima has MSC's largest selection of sunglasses brands. Via an exclusive partnership with Swarovski Crystal, MSC sells limited-edition Mandarin Ducks and fleet's only Swarvoski Statement Necklace Collection and exclusive Swarovski MSC pens. Other partner brands are LEGO and Chicco (each selling exclusive MSC-logoed toys), and the jewelry brands Trollbeads (Denmark) and Infinity & Co (UK).

In 2022, MSC introduced on Bellissima two shows at The Carousel Lounge - SWEET and MYuT. The 40-minute shows (developed by MSC's new brand "Carousel Productions at Sea") combine sound and light effects with music, dancing and live acrobatic performances by professional artists.

Itineraries

MSC Bellissima itinerary program is based on year-round homeporting in Yokohama (Japan). The summer program is based on 8-9-night roundtrips. The winter program is based on 6-9-11-night roundtrips. In January-March 2024, Bellissima is homeported in Naha/Okinawa.

Bellissima's winter 2023-2024 Japan program includes 4-5-night short breaks visiting Keelung/Taipei (Taiwan). In addition to Taiwan, longer itineraries visit Japan's Okinawa, Ishigakijima Island, Miyakojima Island.

For winter 2019-2020, the liner was homeported in Abu Dhabi and Dubai (UAE ports). Two different 7-night Persian Gulf itineraries were offered. Itinerary 1 visited Sir Bani Yas Island, Khasab and Muscat. Itinerary 2 visited Bahrain and Qatar.

Following the Coronavirus crisis, the MSC ship Bellissima started operations on November 6, 2021, with 7-day "Saudi Arabia and Red Sea" itineraries leaving from homeport Jeddah. The roundtrips (Saturday departures) visited Saudi Arabia's ports King Abdullah (KAEC) and Yanbu Al-Bahr, as well as Aqaba-Petra Jordan.

The vessel (STX France, Chantiers de l’Atlantique yard/hull number F34) has volume 171598 GT-tons, DWT-deadweight tonnage 12200 tons, max draught 9 m. The powerplant is based on 4x Wartisla marine diesel engines (models 2x 12V46F + 2x 16V46F) with combined output 67,2 MW (90120 hp). The propulsion is based on 2x Azipod thrusters with combined output 40 MW (53640). The registered shipowner is MSC MEDITERRANEAN SHIPPING CO (previously VISTA 2 COMPANIA NAVIERA SA), while the registered manager is MSC CROCIERE SPA.

Bellissima (sistership to MSC Meraviglia) is second only to Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class vessels in terms of passenger capacity. Meraviglia-class are also the largest passenger ships ever constructed for a European-based company. Two larger (Meraviglia-Plus liners) were scheduled for 2019 (Grandiosa) and 2020 (Virtuosa). The name "Bellissima" translates from Italian as "gorgeous".

The liner's inaugural Chief Officers were Raffaele Pontecorvo (Captain, Italian, with MSC since 1982 - starting as deck cadet), Antonio Iacarino (chief engineer, Italian, with MSC since 1995) and Orazio Caci (hotel director, Norwegian). Raffaele Pontecorvo became Captain in 2000 (on MSC Monterey - 2008-built container ship with capacity 4900 TEUs / containers). In 2010, he became Captain of MSC Splendida (2009-built) and in 2017 - Captain of MSC Meraviglia.

The vessel's powerplant generates a total of 38,4 MV (51500 hp) combined power output. The ship features a huge outdoor water park, connected to a 2-deck amusement park, entertainment space (aft lounge) and interior promenade styled like a Mediterranean village. This area houses bars, specialty restaurants, and shops, and is covered by a 5167 ft2 (480 m2) LED dome ceiling (called "digital sky" / length 80 m). Other unique features are the interlinked "cluster cabins" allowing up to 3 cabins to be opened up for families. The MSC Yacht Club represents the concept of "ship within a ship" with its separate restaurants, duplex suites, exclusive lounge and solarium.

"Near Field Communication" (digital technology) enables passengers to access their rooms, make payments or geo-locate their kids on board, by simply using their bracelet, cruise card, smartphone. Bellissima is also fleet's first liner served by the digital assistant Zoe. Available in 7 languages, Zoe is fitted in every stateroom and integrated into the retail offer.

On November 26, 2016, officially started the vessel's construction with the steel-cutting ceremony held at St Nazaire shipyard. The ship was launched/floated out from drydock on June 14, 2018. On December 19th (2018), assisted by tugboats, MSC Bellissima left Chantiers de l'Atlantique with ~450 people (crew, shipyard employees, subcontractors) to conduct sea trials in Bay of Biscay (Atlantic Ocean).

Bellissima was officially delivered to MSC on February 28, 2019. The delivery ceremony was attended by Gianluigi Aponte (MSC Group's/parent company's Founder and Executive Chairman), Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC's Executive Chairman), Laurent Castaing (shipyard's General Manager) and other VIP guests.

The ship was christened in Southampton (England UK) on March 2, 2019. The naming ceremony was attended by the musicians Nile Rodgers (and his band Chic), the English singer Craig David and Andrea Bocelli. Ceremony's host was Holly Willoughby (British TV presenter). MSC's traditional godmother is Sophia Loren (born 1934 / age 84). The event was supposed to feature a dockside Cirque du Soleil performance followed by onboard evening entertainment with live music from Leee John (British singer and actor) and a special Gala Dinner. However, due to bad weather (high winds in the harbor), the quayside event was canceled as the erected next to the ship marquee (large tent) started to shake. For safety reasons, the outdoor ceremony was moved onto on the liner.

On March 3, 2019, started a VIP-only (1-day) mini-cruise with 3500+ UK and Ireland travel agents. On March 4th started the pre-inaugural cruise (Southampton to Genoa repositioning voyage / shown at page bottom).

Note: MSC's first cruise vessel named in the UK was Poesia (2008, in Dover England).

MSC Bellissima's first drydock refurbishment was in 2023 (November 27 through December 13) conducted by Shanghai Huarun Dadong Dockyard Co Ltd (a shipyard in Shanghai China). The drydocking project included routine maintenance works, repairs, classification inspections, as well as hull cleaning and painting and general renovations to public areas.

Compared to Meraviglia, Bellissima has 30% larger (750 m2 / 8070 ft2) retail shopping space, including 3 boutiques (for luxury watches and jewelry), 8 more shops, fleet’s first shipboard retail theatre, 30% bigger Beauty Salon. Ship's shopping gallery represents 200 brands. Bellissima also has 2 new tapas venues (Ramon Freixa, Hola! Tapas Bar). It is also MSC's 2nd liner (after Meraviglia) with Cirque du Soleil at Sea (in Carousel Lounge) with 12 weekly shows (including 2 new, ship-exclusive).

Meraviglia-Class ship technology

Most prominent features of Meraviglia-Class ships include:

• "cluster cabins" (interlinked for families allow up to 3 staterooms to be opened up)
• "Near Field Communication" technology (enables guests to access cabins, make payments on board or geo-locate children by simply using their MSC cruise card, bracelet or smartphone)
• huge outdoor water park (connected to an indoor amusement park)
• Interior promenade with specialty restaurants, bars, shops (covered by a 5165 ft2 LED dome ceiling called "digital sky")

Meraviglia-class is MSC's first vessel with a museum - showcasing original art masterpieces from The Louvre (Paris, France). The original artworks are shown behind bullet-proof glass (like in all land galleries). MSC signed a special insurance policy, according to which in case of damages / lost the company would personally purchase these assets. Ship's museum is on the 2-deck indoor promenade (called Galleria). The whole area is covered with a LED screen ceiling (virtual sky). On Meraviglia-Plus ships, this promenade was extended by 15 m / 49 ft.

MSC Bellissima has originally installed "Man Overboard Detection System". This is an intelligent video capturing, image processing and analysis system that was tested and tuned on the cruise ship for over 25,000 hours, resulting in confirmed accuracy level of 97%. The real-time video data (provided by the ship's CCTV) is monitored and analyzed in a central security center by 2 independent image processing systems, which significantly lowers false alerts. When the alarm activates (in a man overboard case), light and acoustic signals notify the ship’s security officer who can immediately review the recorded video and notify the Navigation Bridge crew to start a rescue operation.

Cruise vessel's certifications and installed environment-friendly and sustainable systems include:

• Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (scrubber) removes SOx from the exhaust gases, which allows the ship to meet IMO's stringent emissions regulations.
• Advanced Waste Water Treatment System - treats wastewater by mixing different streams together, then filtering out all undesirable components. The ship also has a wastewater Non-Discharge Operation (wastewater holding) capacity of 2 days.
• Latest maritime technologies and energy-saving materials used for the construction result in lowered environmental impact and improved energy efficiency. The ISO 50001 certification guarantees the vessel's energy-efficient management.
• For onboard safety (for both crew and passengers) was given the OHSAS 18001 certification (crew health and safety management).
• The ISO 22000 standard is the highest for onboard food safety and covers the entire food supply and preparation chain ("farm to fork”)
• The ISO 14001 standard is for coherent environmental management systems.

The ship has Bureau Veritas' "8 Golden Pearls” certificate for "Outstanding Sustainable and Environmental Stewardship". This is maritime industry's highest (globally recognized) certification for QHSE (abbrev "Quality, Health, Safety, Environmental Management") on a cruise vessel. This also made MSC world's first cruise company receiving the Bureau Veritas certificate.

MSC's ZOE

On February 1, 2019, MSC officially revealed the in-cabin digital assistant ZOE. The technology ("cruise industry first") was developed by Harman International (US-based company, a fully-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics). Harman International has developed digital audio solutions for major corporations (Including Google, Microsoft, Amazon).

• ZOE is an artificial intelligence device (voice-enabled, with advanced voice recognition software) available in all passenger staterooms.
• ZOE speaks 7 languages, answer cruise-related questions, provides info on shipboard services-activities-facilities, makes reservations and bookings.
• The digital device features far-field microphones, top-quality speaker, quad-core processor (for fast response times), direct phone connection (through Bluetooth). The system can also upgrade its own database to answer previously unanswerable questions.
• Passenger data (including itinerary/tour and shipboard preferences) is stored in the Cloud Storage system and used on the next scheduled voyage.
• The device (sized ~15 cm) can be activated whenever passengers choose. A waiver must be signed to agree for their personal data to be stored.

Starting with Bellissima (2019), ZOE will be available on all newbuild MSC liners - including Grandiosa (2019) and Virtuosa (2020) - and introduced fleetwide over 2019-2024.

Inaugural cruise itineraries 2019

Bookings for Bellissima were opened on May 15, 2017. The new ship operates on Central and Western Mediterranean itineraries (starting March 2019). The Inaugural Cruise (maiden voyage's) date was initially March 24, 2019, but later were added other (preceding) dates. Early Booking Deals (made by July 31, 2017) received a complimentary "Cirque du Soleil at Sea" (dinner show) experience.

The following tables show all "Inaugural Cruise" itineraries as ports of call sequence and port times.

9-day repositioning from UK (Southampton to Marseille), also 8-day to Barcelona

3-day repositioning from Lisbon to Barcelona

3-day Inaugural Mediterranean Cruise

7-day Mediterranean maiden voyage (prices started from USD 600 pp / double occupancy inside cabin rates)

On Bellissima, MSC also added Port Doha as company's new homeport in the Persian Gulf for winter 2019-2020 season. The first cruise was planned for November 28, 2019. Next is shown the 14-day "MSC Grand Voyages" itinerary's ports sequence and port times (arrival/departure). All 14-day voyages visit 9 call ports, including Dubai (twice, both overnights).

Via new partnership with Qatar Airways, MSC passengers are offered fly-cruise package deals from Europe (London, Paris, Civitavecchia-Rome, Vienna, Milano) to Doha, where they have a full day for city exploration prior to embarkation and the sunset departure. Qatar is currently one of the world's fastest-growing must-see destinations (~2 million vacationers per year) due to huge investments in unique facilities and tourist attractions.

Godspeed!