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Countdown to MSC Bellissima launch

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MSC Bellissima to be named in Southampton next March
The 100 day countdown to the launch of MSC Bellissima begins today with MSC Cruises' latest entrant to be named in Southampton, UK on March 2, 2019.

With a maximum capacity of 5,686 guests and 171,598gt MSC Bellissima will be the biggest ship to be named in Southampton.

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.

Guests on board MSC Bellissima will be the first to experience the digital cruise assistant, Zoe, available in seven languages designed to answer the most commonly asked questions in the comfort of their cabin.

In-cabin Artificial Intelligence Device

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.

Located on deck 6 at the heart of the iconic Mediterranean-style promenade, HOLA! Tapas Bar is created by the two Michelin starred chef Ramón Freixa.

Freixa explains, ‘I want guests to enjoy a true taste of Spain through appetizing tapas and a cheerful bar atmosphere.’

Freixa continues, ‘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.’

12 dining venues and 20 bars

In addition to the new restaurant concept from Freixa, there will be 12 international dining venues and 20 bars to choose from including a French specialty restaurant L’Atelier Bistrot.

The ship will also feature acclaimed pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury’s Chocolaterie and Chocolate Bar.

MSC Bellissima will be the second MSC Cruises ship to feature Cirque du Soleil at Sea, with two brand new shows to 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.

MSC Bellissima features an iconic Mediterranean-style promenade with an 80mtr LED sky screen and a shopping gallery with over 200 brands. The Balinese MSC Aurea Spa offers 79 different body and facial treatments.

Kids School of Magic

Kids activities and facilities are once again designed in partnership with LEGO® and Chicco and a 700sq mtr children’s play area will a brand-new School of Magic programme and weekly Magic Talent Show will be new.

Talking about the impending launch, Antonio Paradiso MD for MSC Cruises UK & Ireland said: 'We are having three full days of celebrations in the city of Southampton and we look forward to sharing this landmark moment with media, consumers, the city of Southampton and our travel agents, who we’d like to thank for their continued support of our business. Over 5,000 people will be attending over the three day period from over 20 countries. We have so much still to announce over the next few months from the celebrity acts that are performing at the ceremony to the concepts and show names for the new Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows.'

MSC Bellissima will spend her inaugural season in the Mediterranean offering 7-night cruises before moving to the Emirates for winter 2019/2020 and then onto Asia.