MSC CRUISES KICKS OFF 100-DAY COUNTDOWN TO MSC BELLISSIMA, REVEALING DETAILS OF THE GUEST EXPERIENCE

• Michelin-starred chef Ramón Freixa to open his second restaurant at sea with MSC Cruises

• World-class entertainment to include two exclusive new Cirque du Soleil at Sea performances

• MSC Bellissima to be equipped with the most modern environmental technology and energy-saving features

The launch of MSC Bellissima is officially less than 100 days away, with MSC Cruises newest flagship being named in Southampton, UK on March 2, 2019. With a maximum capacity of 5,686 guests (≈4,434 double occupancy) and gross tonnage of 171,598, MSC Bellissima will be the biggest ship to be named in Southampton and will certainly live up to her name, meaning “most beautiful,” by offering guests a beautiful and memorable cruise experience.

MSC Bellissima is the second ship in the innovative Meraviglia class and the fourth of MSC Cruises next-generation ships to come into service in just over 18 months. 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.

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 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, among others. This is all part of MSC Cruises’ commitment to provide guests with the best vacation experiences at sea in a sustainable way.

Highlights of the on board guest experience include:

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 stateroom. Zoe is a voice-enabled artificial intelligence device fitted in every stateroom and custom designed for MSC Cruises in partnership with HARMAN International. This tool will elevate the guest service experience with state-of-the-art technology, enhancing and enriching life on board for guests.

Located on deck 6 at the heart of the iconic Mediterranean-style promenade, HOLA! Tapas Bar welcomes guests into an amazing culinary experience created by the renowned, two-Michelin-starred Spanish chef Ramón Freixa. Designed as a social dining experience, guests can enjoy shared plates and a wonderful celebration of the Mediterranean way of life. Throughout the day, HOLA! Tapas Bar will be a bustling venue with both communal and individual seating, featuring a delicious range of traditional and inventive dishes in a contemporary but warm open space.

Ramón Freixa explains, “I want guests to enjoy a true taste of Spain through appetizing tapas and a cheerful bar atmosphere. I am delighted to be collaborating again with MSC Cruises. This partnership is special to me as we have such strong shared values, and this new restaurant embodies our passion for sharing the joys of Mediterranean food.”

Ramón Freixa’s tapas bar is just the beginning, with the ship offering a total of 12 international dining venues and 20 bars to choose from. Cruisers can experience joie de vivre at a new French specialty restaurant L’Atelier Bistrot, as well as acclaimed pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury’s Chocolaterie and Chocolate Bar, dedicated entirely to unique and elegant chocolate creations, desserts and treats for every sweet tooth.

MSC Bellissima will be the second MSC Cruises ship to feature Cirque du Soleil at Sea, with two brand new show concepts designed exclusively for MSC Cruises guests, to be revealed this December. This long-standing partnership with the renowned entertainment leader, Cirque du Soleil, will also result in four additional shows created for sister ships MSC Grandiosa, launching November 2019, and MSC Virtuosa, launching in 2020.

From a brand new Grand Canyon-themed aquapark with three exhilarating water slides to a full-size bowling alley, F1 simulator and XD cinema, there are fun and interactive activities for guests of all ages. Six brand new Broadway-style theater performances will wow guests each evening in the 985-seat theater. Cruisers can also participate in a full program of activities and entertainment organized and hosted by the on board entertainment team.

A highlight design feature includes MSC Bellissima’s iconic Mediterranean-style promenade with an 262-foot LED sky screen. The promenade, as the social hub of the ship, will feature a shopping gallery with over 200 brands for some serious retail-therapy. For those looking for relaxation and rejuvenation, the authentic Balinese-style MSC Aurea Spa offers 79 different body and facial treatments along with a stunning thermal area. And there is so much more to discover!

MSC Cruises is renowned for the award-winning kids offering across the fleet and MSC Bellissima further enhances this offering with enriching activities and facilities designed in partnership with LEGO® and Chicco. An impressive 7,534 ft² children’s play area with a brand-new School of Magic program and weekly Magic Talent Show to bring a truly extraordinary touch to young travelers’ vacations.

To find out more about MSC Bellissima and how to book visit www.msccruises.com.

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