The countdown is on to the launch of the MSC Bellissima!

The countdown to the launch of MSC Bellissima began today with the new MSC Cruises flagship to be named in Southampton, UK on 2nd March 2019.

With a maximum capacity of 5,686 guests and gross tonnage of 171,598, MSC Bellissima will be the biggest ship to be named in Southampton and will certainly live up to her name meaning “most beautiful” by offering guests a beautiful and memorable cruise experience.

MSC Bellissima is the second ship in the innovative Meraviglia class and the fourth of MSC Cruises next-generation ships to come into service in just over 18 months. MSC Bellissima will spend her inaugural season in the Mediterranean offering 7-night cruises to some of the region’s most popular ports before moving to the Emirates for Winter 2019/2020.

Of the upcoming naming ceremony celebrations Antonio Paradiso MD for MSC Cruises UK & Ireland said:

“We are so excited that the countdown to the launch of our ‘most beautiful’ ship has finally started. We are having three full days of celebrations in the city of Southampton and we look forward to sharing this landmark moment with media, consumers, the city of Southampton and our travel agents, who we’d like to thank for their continued support of our business. The event, as always, promises to be a star studded, glittering affair with over 5,000 people attending over the three day period from over 20 countries around the world. We have so much still to announce over the next few months from the celebrity acts that are performing at the ceremony to the concepts and show names for the new Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows. ”

Here are just some of the most beautiful highlights guests can expect:

NEW DIGITAL CRUISE ASSISTANT – ZOE

Guests on board MSC Bellissima will be the first to experience the world’s first digital cruise assistant available in seven languages designed to answer the most commonly asked questions in the comfort of their cabin. Zoe is a voice-enabled Artificial Intelligence device fitted in every cabin and has been custom designed for the cruise experience in partnership with HARMAN International. This will elevate the guest service experience to the next level and is employing start-of-the-art technology to enhance and enrich life on board for MSC Cruises guests.

NEW TAPAS RESTAURANT CONCEPT FROM RAMON FREIXA

Located on deck 6 at the heart of the iconic Mediterranean-style promenade, HOLA! Tapas Bar welcomes you into an amazing culinary experience created by the two Michelin starred chef Ramón Freixa. Designed as a social dining experience where guests can enjoy shared plates and a wonderful celebration of the Mediterranean way of life. Throughout the day, HOLA Tapas Bar is bustling and features a range of delicious dishes and is a mix of tradition and vanguard in a contemporary but warm open space with both communal and individual seating.

Ramón Freixa explains, “I want guests to enjoy a true taste of Spain through appetizing tapas and a cheerful bar atmosphere.” Freixa continues, “I am delighted to be collaborating again with MSC Cruises. This partnership is special to me as we have such strong shared values and this new restaurant embodies our passion for sharing the joys of Mediterranean food.”

In addition to the new restaurant concept from Freixa, guests will be spoiled for choice with 12 international dining venues and 20 bars to choose from including a new French specialty restaurant L’Atelier Bistrot. The ship will also feature acclaimed pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury’s Chocolaterie and Chocolate Bar, dedicated entirely to unique and elegant chocolate creations and desserts and a delight for anyone with a sweet tooth.

TWO BRAND NEW CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AT SEA SHOWS

MSC Bellissima will be the second MSC Cruises ship to feature Cirque du Soleil at Sea, with two brand new shows designed exclusively for MSC Cruises guests. The new show concepts will be revealed next month. This long-standing partnership with world-leader in live entertainment, Cirque du Soleil will also see a further four new shows created for sister ships MSC Grandiosa, launching November 2019 and MSC Virtuosa launching in 2020.

BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS AND EXPERIENCES WITH ROUND THE CLOCK ENTERTAINMENT

From a brand new Grand Canyon theme for the aquapark with three exhilarating water slides to a full-size bowling alley, F1 simulator, XD cinema there is fun and interactive entertainment for guests of all ages. Six brand new West-end style theatre shows will wow guests each and every evening in the 985 seater and a full programme of activities are organised and hosted by the onboard entertainment team. There is a never a dull moment!

MSC Bellissima features an iconic Mediterranean-style promenade with an 80-metre LED sky screen as the social hub of the ship and a shopping gallery with over 200 brands will delight those who love some retail-therapy. For those looking for relaxation and rejuvenation, the authentic Balinese MSC Aurea Spa offers 79 different body and facial treatments along with a stunning thermal area. And there is so much more to discover!

NEW MAGIC THEMED KIDS’ PROGRAMME

MSC Cruises is renowned for the award-winning kids offering across the fleet and for MSC Bellissima this is further enhanced and enriched with activities and facilities designed in partnership with LEGO® and Chicco. An impressive 700m² children’s play area will a brand-new School of Magic programme and weekly Magic Talent Show to bring a truly extraordinary touch to young travellers’ holidays.

In addition to offering the very latest in guest technology, MSC Bellissima will be fitted with a large number of environmental features and innovative technology to reduce her environmental footprint. Just like her sister ship MSC Meraviglia, she will be equipped with, amongst others: an exhaust gas cleaning system for cleaner emissions; an advanced wastewater treatment system; smart heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) to recover heat from machinery spaces; and LED lighting and smart devices to significantly save energy. This is all part of MSC Cruises commitment to provide guests with the best holiday experiences at sea in a sustainable way.

SOURCE: MSC CRUISES