Madrid, November 22, 2018: Just 100 days remain until the inauguration of MSC Bellissima. MSC Cruises' new flagship will be christened in Southampton, UK, on March 2, 2019. With a maximum capacity of 5,686 passengers and a gross tonnage of 171,598, MSC Bellissima will be the largest ship ever christened in Southampton and will undoubtedly live up to its name by offering passengers an engaging and unforgettable cruise experience.
MSC Bellissima is the second ship in the innovative Meraviglia class and the fourth of MSC Cruises' next-generation ships to enter service in just over 18 months. In its inaugural season (starting in March), it will sail 7-night Mediterranean cruises departing from Barcelona every Friday and calling at Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina, and Valletta. After the warmer months, MSC Bellissima will relocate to the United Arab Emirates for the 2019/2020 winter season.
In addition to offering the latest technological innovations for passengers, MSC Bellissima will feature an innovative mechanism to reduce its environmental impact and other characteristics that make it a truly sustainable cruise ship, such as a system that cleans exhaust gases to produce cleaner emissions. Like MSC Meraviglia, this ship will also have an advanced wastewater treatment system, several intelligent heating and ventilation systems, air conditioning (HVAC) to recover heat from the engine rooms, LED lighting, and smart devices with the aim of achieving significant energy savings. All of this is part of MSC Cruises' commitment to offering passengers the best vacation experiences at sea in a sustainable way.
Some of the most attractive features that MSC Bellissima passengers will be able to enjoy are:
ZOE: NEW DIGITAL CRUISE ASSISTANT
Passengers aboard MSC Bellissima will be the first to experience the world's first digital cruise assistant, available in seven languages and designed to answer frequently asked questions from the comfort of their cabins. Zoe is a AI device installed in every cabin and was developed specifically for cruises in partnership with HARMAN International. This cutting-edge technology enhances and enriches the onboard experience and service for MSC Cruises passengers.
RAMÓN FREIXA'S NEW TAPAS RESTAURANT CONCEPT
Located on Deck 6, right in the heart of the iconic Mediterranean-style promenade, the “HOLA! Tapas Bar by Ramón Freixa” invites all passengers to enjoy an incredible culinary experience created by renowned Spanish chef Ramón Freixa, who has been awarded two Michelin stars. Designed as a social and gastronomic experience, passengers can enjoy shared dishes and a fantastic evening in true Mediterranean style. Throughout the day, the lively tapas bar will offer a wide variety of delicious dishes that combine tradition and innovation in a spacious, contemporary, yet welcoming setting, with both shared and individual seating options.
Ramón Freixa explained: “I want passengers to enjoy the authentic taste of Spain thanks to the delicious tapas and bar atmosphere.” Freixa said he was delighted to be collaborating with MSC Cruises again: “This collaboration is special for me, as we share very strong values, and this new restaurant embodies our passion for sharing the pleasures of Mediterranean cuisine.”
In addition to Freixa's new restaurant concept, passengers can choose from 12 other international restaurants and 20 bars, including a new French specialty restaurant: L'Atelier Bistrot. The ship also features the chocolate shop of renowned pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury, dedicated exclusively to creating unique and elegant chocolate desserts and treats—a true delight for passengers with a sweet tooth.
TWO COMPLETELY NEW CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AT SEA SHOWS
MSC Bellissima will be the second MSC Cruises ship to host Cirque du Soleil at Sea. This time, it will present two entirely new shows designed exclusively for MSC Bellissima passengers (the new show concepts will be revealed next month). Thanks to this partnership with the world leader in entertainment, Cirque du Soleil will also create four other new shows for the MSC Grandiosa, premiering in November 2019, and the MSC Virtuosa, scheduled to premiere in 2020.
ATTRACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS THROUGHOUT THE DAY
From the new Grand Canyon section of the water park, with three thrilling slides, to a full-size bowling alley, an F1 simulator, and an XD cinema, passengers of all ages will find plenty of fun and interactive entertainment options. In addition, six new West End-style shows will leave passengers in awe each night in the 985-seat theater, and they can also enjoy a full program of activities organized by the onboard entertainment team throughout the day. There's never a dull moment!
On MSC Bellissima, you can also enjoy an iconic 80-meter Mediterranean-style promenade with an LED screen that serves as the ship's meeting point, as well as a shopping arcade with over 200 designer boutiques. For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the Balinese-inspired MSC Aurea Spa offers 79 different body and facial treatments, in addition to a stunning thermal area. And there's so much more to discover!
NEW CHILDREN'S MAGIC PROGRAM
MSC Cruises is renowned for its award-winning children's offerings across its entire fleet. MSC Bellissima has taken things a step further, enhancing and expanding the activities and facilities designed by its partners LEGO® and Chicco. MSC Bellissima will be the first ship in the MSC Cruises fleet to feature a unified theme across all its children's play areas and entertainment lounges. This impressive 700 m² children's play area will host a new School of Magic and the weekly Magic Talent, adding a truly extraordinary touch to the holidays for our youngest travelers.
For more information about MSC Bellissima and how to book, please visit: https://www.msccruises.es/es-es/Homepage.aspx
