MSC Bellissima is a very appropriate name for a new cruise ship when your godmother is Hollywood legend Sophia Loren. The star named her 14th MSC cruise ship at a glittering ceremony in Southampton – helped along by another beauty, TV favourite Holly Willoughby.
Holly presented the event, which included a performance by world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo and a Cirque du Soleil at Sea showcase.
The 4,500-passenger Bellissima has six speciality restaurants, including the HOLA! Tapas Bar by Ramón Freixa and 11 bars. And MSC has just announced a new partnership with one of the finest chefs in the world, Raymond Blanc.
The VIP guests at the naming ceremony were the first to enjoy the collaboration with a special menu that Blanc designed for the Yacht Club Gala Dinner.
Raymond said:“I am looking forward to collaborating with MSC Cruises on some exciting projects. I believe we have a shared passion for the guest experience, and together we will create some truly memorable moments for diners on board.”
Highlights of MSC Bellissimo include:
The latest guest-centric technology with the introduction of the world’s first virtual personal cruise assistant, ZOE.
Two new Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows, exclusive to MSC guests. SYMA – Sail beyond Imagination takes you on the epic journey of a young sailor, brimming with imagination. VARÉLIA – Love in Full Colour puts a futuristic twist on a traditional medieval tale.
12 dining venues and more than 20 bars and lounges.
An award-winning family offering with kids’ activities and services from partners LEGO and Chicco with a dedicated family deck area.
The MSC Yacht Club spanning three decks, private facilities and butler service round-the-clock.
The longest LED Sky Screen at Sea at 80 metres long encompassing a stunning 96-metre-long Mediterranean-style promenade, designed to become the social hub of the ship.
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. Following that she will be deployed in Asia in 2020.
Pictures: Anthony Devlin/Getty and Ivan Sarfatti