By
Laura Hyde |
MSC Cruises is to become the first international cruise line to return to mainland China when MSC Bellissima homeports in the country from 2024.
MSC Bellissima will begin operating international itineraries from Baoshan Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal in Shanghai to neighbouring countries on 16 March 2024.
“With the resumption of international cruises from China, we can really sense a rapid recovery in the country’s cruise industry,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. “MSC Bellissima is much anticipated and will deliver an incredible experience for our guests. Our team in China has been working tirelessly to prepare for our return to the Chinese market and will ensure that we deliver on consumers’ expectations for high-quality cruise tourism products.”
MSC Bellissima will become the largest and newest flagship in Asia, catering for up to 4,500 passengers. During the spring season, it will offer a total of nine voyages lasting either four or five nights to destinations such as Fukuoka, Kagoshima and Sasebo in Japan.
Plans for MSC Cruises’ summer and winter 2024 seasons in China will be released soon.