MSC Bellissima - The Naming Ceremony Visit #BeautyAtSea

Attending the Naming Ceremony* of the aptly named MSC Bellissima earlier this year was not only a great honour, but an opportunity for me to experience my first ever MSC cruise ship.  I had high expectations but even those were exceeded.

Whilst I was obviously seeing the ship in her “Sunday Best” because of the grandeur of the occasion and the fact that she was brand new, I was also able to explore widely and freely and so here is my unbiased review of this beautiful new ship. 

 *This was not a sponsored press or travel industry visit. I had actually won a public competition to attend.

Key Facts

First Impressions

Awaiting embarkation, I was in awe of the white, gleaming vastness of her 19 deck hull, (as tall as 13 stacked double decker busses apparently), which looked inviting even on a grey, damp Southampton morning.

Passengers are welcomed into the ground floor of the magnificent Infinity Atrium on Deck 5, where in addition to the ubiquitous Guest Services and Shore Excursions desks, you will find the Infinity Bar and a small stage for live music performances.  Deck 5 also accommodates the Business Centre, Posidonia Restaurant and the impressive London Theatre.

On either side of the Atrium is a panoramic lift (elevator), but I couldn’t resist choosing to make an entrance by ascending the signature Swarovski staircase (stopping of course for the obligatory photo opportunity). Each crystal-studded tread came with a £10,000 price tag and looks every bit as stunning as you would imagine. 

The Infinity Atrium is three decks high giving access to the many shops, restaurants, bars and lounges of the elegant promenade, 2-storey Galleria Bellissima on Decks 6 and 7 which runs from the centre to the front of the ship. The highlight of this area is the breathtaking, ever-changing LED Dome ceiling, which at 80m is the longest at sea. I had never seen anything like it - it really is a beautiful sight.

We headed up to find our cabin on deck 10 via the elevator and I was struck by how bright the lift lobby was compared with other more traditional ships.

MSC Bellissima Cabins

There are no less than 15 categories of cabins on MSC Bellissima (657 inside, 136 Ocean View and 1250 Balcony cabins) and we were invited to explore an example of each type from the entry level solo interior studios to the grand Suites of the prestigious MSC Yacht Club (the ship-within-a-ship).

The interior cabins measure 180 sq ft (17 sq m) and seemed a little roomier than the outside cabins which range between 160-270 sq ft (15-25 sq m),  The balcony cabins were of average size - 185 sq ft (17 sq m) with 45 sq ft balcony (4 sq m)  but there are also 34 Angle Balcony suites with large corner balconies containing a whirlpool bath.   There are 12 Interior Solo (studio) cabins available measuring 130 sq ft (12 sq m) which are bigger than on some other ships.

The Bellissima boasts the largest MSC Yacht Club so far with 78 deluxe suites, of around 305 sq ft (28 sq m) with a balcony measuring 55 sq ft (5 sq m) plus 15 inside suites (180 sq ft (17 sq m) and two apartments. Expect Egyptian cotton sheets, memory foam mattress and a choice of pillows plus a 24-hour Butler!

My own cabin was a more humble, but perfectly serviceable, balcony cabin on Deck 10 which smelt like a new car as I entered (in a good way). The modern grey cabin door was a little difficult to open (as it was so new) but once inside, I was impressed by the contemporary interior and spacious bathroom. There was ample storage and enough plug/charger points for all my appliances and tech.  I was also pleased to find I was sharing my cabin with Zoe - no not a new friend, but MSCs ‘MSC for Me” virtual personal cruise assistant.  Zoe can help you reserve restaurants and excursions, check your bill and more, a real bonus if, like me, you are used to an AI speaker at home.  The furnished balcony was roomy enough (although we had no real opportunity to use it as we were berthed in Southampton for the duration - a cruise to nowhere you might say. The cabin decor was modern, and restful - the bed was really comfy, ensuring the best nights sleep ever!  

MSC BELLISSIMA POOLs

Our first exploration took us to the pool decks to see what might entice us should we ever find ourselves on the ship basking in sunshine.

Whilst MSC Bellissima has four pools plus 9 whirlpool/Jacuzzis and an adult only Top 19 Exclusive Solarium, the family-favourite has to be the Grand Canyon Pool. As it’s name suggests, it has a desert theme, and boasts a retractable roof for those days when the weather is a little less than perfect.

Arizona Waterpark is an extension of the Grand Canyon Pool and is an ideal place for family fun, with its three exhilarating water slides and other aquatic activities. The water depth is 0.5m and there is a lovely splash pool and a bucket tip.

The Atmosphere Pool is the main pool area on the ship with an expansive deck area (10 sq metre per guest of public space), a 25 metre pool, luxurious sun loungers, a huge LED screen and atmospheric lighting adding to its appeal even after dark.

The Horizon Pool is set at the aft of the ship with amphitheatre style lounging with stunning views over the wake to the horizon beyond. At night the area transforms into a dance floor. I was taken with the state-of-the-art poolside showers (weird I know, but I hate seeing people enter a pool without showering), and also the beautifully voluptuous statue of a bathing belle overlooking the pool - Bellissima herself, I wonder? 

The Yacht Club pool is exclusively for the use of MSC Yacht Club members and, as such, is a lovely serene area - “a haven of refinement”.

MSC Bellissima - Family Facilities

I knew that MSC Cruises had a reputation as a family-friendly cruise line but the family facilities on board MSC Bellissima, surpassed my expectations. You can read more in my related post here.

Firstly, as mentioned above, the two child-friendly pool areas were fabulous and I imagine in fair weather you would have trouble extricating children from them as they look so much fun.

Kids Deck

Deck 18 is where the children’s facilities are situated,   wiith dedicated clubs for babies up to teens:

• Baby Club 0-3 years

• Mini Club 3-6 years

• Junior Club 7-12 years

• Young Teen Club 12-14 years

• Teen Club 15-17

Outdoors there is the Arizona Waterpark (see above) plus the Himalayan Rope Bridge spanning 82m above the deck (don’t worry you are harnessed - but still not for the faint hearted - I declined and left it to my husband to try out).

There are further family activities at extra cost (you can buy packages) including: 

• F1 Simulator

• Virtual Games Arcade

• Bowling

• VR Maze

• XD Interactive Cinema

All very cool and I’m sure very popular with the kids, so make sure you budget accordingly - the cinema for example costs €10 and the VR Maze €15  - this could work out quite expensive if you have more than one child!

Family Dining

Children are welcomed in the main dining room and buffet - in fact wherever you choose to dine. However there are two other options which may appeal to families - the Happy Dinner (children dine with parents and then escorted back to the kids clubs); and Fun Time Dinner (children eat together at their own buffet in their clubs).

When you leave the ship, you can opt for one of the family friendly excursions offered by the Family Explorer Club.  

If you want to go ashore alone, MSC offer a complimentary childcare service for children aged 3 to 11.  

MSC Bellissima Wellbeing

Aurea Spa

The spa on MSC Bellissima is a haven of calm   offering a range of treatments including Balinese Massage using aromatic essential oils.  Designed with natural stone, precious woods and rich mosaics, taking a break in the spa is both luxurious and relaxing.  It does incur additional charges but is definitely worth it.

Medi Spa Center 

In addition to the traditional spa, MSC also offer a range of safe and effective Anti-Ageing treatments.  Unfortunately, although I  am definitely in need of some help, I was unable to take advantage of this facility on my visit.  However, for a fee, you can choose to return from holiday looking even more rejuvenated than usual.

Thermal Area

I don’t know about you, but I am always drawn to the gentle sound of the bubbling water in a Thermal Spa, particular if it’s grey and cold outside, as it was on our visit. I would have happily jumped into the wonderful whirlpool or steam room had I been suitably attired, but I think I may have chickened-out of using the ice cave - although no-doubt a great way to cool down after a day in the sun.

Hair & Beauty  

There is a beauty salon on board offering a range of options including manicures, pedicures and treatments for your body. There is both a ladies hair salon (Jean Louis David International) and, more unusually, also a Barbers Shop onboard - so now you can BOTH look fabulous for the evening ahead.

Fitness

Whilst, with all the good food on board, weight gain is all but inevitable,  if you have the willpower there is provision on board to help you minimise the damage. With a huge indoor multi-purpose sports court which can be used for basketball, tennis, football or volleyball, plus a massive MSC Gym by Technogym® with state of the art Technogym® equipment for cardio and strength training, there really is no excuse (other than you on holiday of course)! Fitness classes and training programmes are also available onboard available for an extra fee.

MSC Bellissima Entertainment

MSCs entertainment is plentiful and varied.  I was able to checkout the fabulous tiered London Theatre where great shows are held every evening. There is a nice open feel to this contemporary theatre which can be accessed from two decks. 

I also visited the multi-purpose TV studio & Bar that doubles as a karaoke bar and comedy club. Another lovely contemporary space with modern swivel chairs, small stage and bar. Trivia shows, quizzes and live music are performed and streamed from here.

The Carousel Lounge is a technology-packed, entertainment and dining venue designed especially to meet the needs of Cirque du Soleil, who perform twice every night, six nights a week, They perform two original shows during the week (SYMA – Sail beyond Imagination and VARÉLIA – Love in Full Colour), and we were fortunate enough to have a taste of some of the highlights which was stunning. The custom-built Carousel Lounge covers about 1,000 sq.m. and can accommodates up to 450 guests.  There is capacity for 100 of these guests to enjoy a combined cabaret/dining experience. It should be noted that these shows carry an additional fee (around £30 with dinner/£15 with cocktail).

There are many lounges and open bars around the ship where various performances and live music is performed.   

MSC Bellissima Dining

There are so many dining options on board that you could eat somewhere different for every meal over the course of 7 night cruise  (there are a staggering 12 dining venues). Read more about Dining on MSC Bellissima in my related post here.

Having worked up an appetite after our initial exploration, we headed to the Marketplace Buffet for a light lunch and some much needed vino. 

Main Dining Rooms 

There is not one, but four main dining rooms on  MSC Bellissima:

• Il Ciliegio

• Le Cerisier

• The Lighthouse

• Posidonia

The menus are changed daily and offer a variety of international and Mediterranean cuisine.  Only The Lighthouse serves breakfast however.

We were seated in il Ciliegio for our 5 course gala meal  Both the food and the service was excellent.  

Speciality Restaurants

There are so many speciality restaurants on board, and sadly we had such little time but we did try to at least sample some tasty treats from as many as we could on our overnight stay. You will be spoilt for choice from these tempting options:

• The Butchers Cut

• Hola! Tapas Bar by Ramon

• Kaito Teppanyaki

• Kaito Sushi

• L’atelier Bistrot

• Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Café 

Speciality restaurants If you like the idea of speciality dining, there are good savings to be had with three packages, the cheapest of which, at €81, buys you dinner in three of the restaurants, with a limited but reasonable selection from the menu in eachTwice every night, six nights a week, guests on MSC Bellissima have the unique opportunity to see two original shows by Cirque du Soleil, the world leader in live artistic entertainment, and savour a superb culinary experience in the same glamorous venue.  This custom-built lounge covers about 1,000 sq.m. and can accommodate up to 450 guests, including more than 100 enjoying the full show-and-dining experience.

it is clear from my introduction to this #BeautyAtSea, that she is big, beautiful and quite rightly proud of her slightly ostentatious European heritage.