By
Elizabeth Robinson |
MSC Cruises’ MSC Bellissima is to be deployed in Asia in spring 2020 making her the newest flagship for the region.
MSC Bellissima, which is MSC Cruises’ second Meraviglia-class ship, is currently being constructed at STX France’s shipyard in Saint-Nazaire and will enter service in March 2019. The vessel will have multiple new innovations. Following her inaugural summer season in the Mediterranean, MSC Bellissima will sail a ‘Maritime Silk Road’ itinerary to her new Shanghai homeport, where she will mainly serve the Chinese market. She will also offer a number of sailings from Japan to cater to the growing demand for the MSC Cruises product and experience from Japanese consumers. A number of Asia sailings will also be reserved for international guests.
“This market is a global priority and we are committed to serving it with our very best ships and product,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. “For this reason, I’m delighted to announce that MSC Bellissima will homeport in Asia as of spring 2020, marking the next step of our growth in one of the world’s most appealing cruise markets.”
MSC Cruises revealed itinerary plans for MSC Bellissima as MSC Splendida made her maiden call in Shanghai on 25 April. The 4,363-guest vessel will offer multiple cruises from both Shanghai and Yokohama, Japan.
Before her arrival, MSC Splendida underwent an extensive renovation to overhaul her interiors and introduce new onboard experiences that cater to the tastes and preferences of Asian guests. The vessel now features a selection of Asian and Western cuisines in three new restaurants; the signature hot pot restaurant Sea Pavilion by Chinese chef Jereme Leung; the Hong Kong-style Dim Sum and Teahouse; and the Butcher’s Cut, an American-style steak house.
MSC Splendida is also now equipped with MSC for Me, MSC Cruises’ digital innovation programme which provides guests a dedicated app so they can book excursions or restaurant tables, and access other services to tailor their cruise experience according to their personal preferences.