100 days until MSC Bellissima is named!
The countdown is on! Today marks marks 100 days to the MSC Bellissima naming ceremony which will take place on the 2nd March 2019 in Southampton. She will be the biggest ship to be named in Southampton and the event promises to be spectacular.
The ship is the second of the much loved Meraviglia class of ships and today MSC Cruises has announced some of the new details about the on board products. She will feature a brand new restaurant concept HOLA! Tapas by Michelin starred chef Ramón Freixa, magic themed kids area with new DOREMI Magic concept and further details on MSC ZOE, which will speak 7 different languages.
Bellissima will feature many of the features found on Her sister. From the 80-metre LED Galleria, to the signature MSC Aurea Spa, and a brand new Grand Canyon theme for the aquapark with three exhilarating water slides. Or why not try the full-size bowling alley, F1 simulator and the XD cinema. 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.
Introducing Zoe – the new digital cruise assistant
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.
Hola! Tapas Bar – a new 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.
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.
Cirque du Soleil at Sea
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.
A 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.
Technology and Sustainability
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.
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. To find out more, and to book, visit here.
I visited Bellissima this summer at the shipyard when she was floated out – take a look at my trip here. I’ll be rejoining Bellissima at the Shipyard in France for her handover ceremony and sailing on her to Southampton before her naming ceremony in March 2019. Remember to follow me on social media to get live updates of my adventures.