MSC to christen Bellissima in UK

MSC Cruises is to christen its first ship in the UK for ten years at a ceremony in Southampton.

MSC Bellissima, the line’s fourth mega-ship will be launched on March 2, 2019 with 2,000 VIP guests invited. The ship will be in port for a further three days allowing 3,000 travel agents to get on board.

The launch is the latest in MSC’s 12 ship, €10.5 billion investment programme.

“MSC Cruises is going from strength to strength in the UK and Ireland, and the fact that such a high profile event is being held here is a signal of the importance of the UK and Ireland to MSC Cruises,” Antonio Paradiso, managing director MSC Cruises UK & Ireland said. “This is an opportunity for us to thank our travel agents for helping us expand our distribution and reach new audiences. During the three day Christening celebrations we will have the opportunity to showcase our new and innovative ship whilst the inaugural voyage from Southampton to Genoa will allow our UK guests the opportunity to be the first to sail on this beautiful ship.”

The company also announced that it would be adding voice-enabled technology to MSC for Me, its “digital cruise personal assistant”. MSC Bellissima will be the first ship to get the technology.

The new MSC ships will also be continuing the company’s partnership with Cirque du Soleil at Sea – with two new shows that will only be available onboard MSC Bellissima. The theatre will feature the longest LED screen at sea.

“We have chosen to host the Christening of MSC Bellissima in Southampton as a demonstration of our continued commitment to growth in the UK and Ireland,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. “This is a truly beautiful ship, worthy of the name Bellissima and this Christening will be a truly beautiful moment for MSC Cruises and the UK .”