MSC Cruises announced today that MSC Bellissima will extend its deployment to Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea for the 2021/2022 winter season, following a successful inaugural season in the region this summer. MSC Bellissima and its itineraries in this area have proven highly popular since it began sailing there in July from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Its continued deployment in the region will further enrich the cruise experience for passengers seeking the ultimate winter getaway. MSC Bellissima will replace MSC Magnifica, which was previously scheduled to sail these itineraries.
This itinerary for winter 2021/2022 is completely new for MSC Cruises and is the first of its kind, offering local and international passengers unique opportunities to discover Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan on a cruise, visiting destinations of great cultural richness and pristine beaches, and giving passengers the chance to immerse themselves in the incredible history and tradition of the region.
Starting October 30, 2021, MSC Bellissima will offer 7-night cruises departing from Jeddah, calling at Ras Al Abyad, Aqaba for Petra in Jordan, Safaga for Luxor in Egypt, and then Al Wajh and Yanbu in Saudi Arabia. For Spanish passengers, this itinerary will also offer the option of a cruise and direct flight package from Madrid with transfers to the ship included
MSC Bellissima, launched in 2019, is one of the newest ships in the MSC Cruises fleet, offering passengers a rich and varied onboard experience with modern and innovative facilities including:
- MSC Yacht Club with luxurious cabins spanning three decks, private facilities and 24-hour butler service.
- 12 restaurants and more than 20 lounges so passengers have plenty of choices, including the French specialty restaurant L'Atelier Bistrot, the popular American-style steakhouse Butcher's Cut, as well as the Kaito Teppanyaki bar and Kaito Sushi.
- A delightful chocolate shop from acclaimed pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury, “Jean-Philippe Maury's Chocolate & Café”, dedicated entirely to unique and elegant chocolate creations and desserts.
- An award-winning family offering with activities and services for children from LEGO and Chicco, with a dedicated family terrace area.
- Two impressive entertainment venues: the London Theatre and the Carousel Lounge, offering original theatre productions and live entertainment.
- An 80-meter-long LED Sky screen spans a stunning 96-meter-long Mediterranean-style promenade, designed as the ship's social hub filled with shops, bars, and restaurants.
- Comfortable and innovative accommodations, with 10 different cabin types, to meet all the needs of our customers, who are always at the heart of the company's designs and shipbuilding. There really is something for everyone.
Itinerary highlights:
- JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA: A vibrant city that blends history and modernity. Al-Balad, Jeddah's old city and a cultural melting pot dating back to the 7th century, boasts beautiful buildings and an ancient souk and is one of Saudi Arabia's UNESCO World Heritage sites. Jeddah is also known for its waterfront promenade and modern shopping malls.
- RAS AL ABYAD, SAUDI ARABIA – known as “the White Coast” because of its stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters.
- YANBU, SAUDI ARABIA: The old town dates back 2,500 years and boasts one of the oldest souks. The city is known as “Saudi Arabia’s diving capital” with its beautiful coral reefs, offering opportunities for snorkeling and water activities in Saudi Arabia’s pristine Red Sea.
- AL WAJH, SAUDI ARABIA – Framed by turquoise seas and 100 km of pristine beaches on either side. Home to Hegra (the archaeological site of Al-Hijr), one of the masterpieces of Saudi Arabian culture and its first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- SAFAGA FOR VISITING LUXOR, EGYPT – Just a short trip up the Nile from one of Egypt's most spectacular destinations, the small town of Safaga is the gateway to Luxor, from the ruins of the Luxor and Karnak temples to the unforgettable Necropolis.
MSC Bellissima is equipped with a host of environmental features, technologies, and innovative solutions to minimize its environmental footprint. These include: an exhaust gas cleaning system for cleaner emissions; an advanced wastewater treatment system; intelligent heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to recover heat from machinery spaces; LED lighting; and smart devices for significant energy savings. All of this is part of MSC Cruises' commitment to providing passengers with the best holiday experiences at sea in a sustainable way.
At the end of March 2022, MSC Bellissima will leave the region and move to Japan for its planned cruises from Yokohama starting on April 21.
