MSC Bellissima's Maiden Voyage
I was lucky enough to attend the launch weekend, studded with celebrities such as Sophia Loren, the ship’s godmother, and Craig David who entertained the attending travel industry into the early hours. I was then given the opportunity to extend my stay with a personal cruise on Bellissima’s maiden voyage to Lisbon, joined by my husband. This way, I was able to explore the ship in greater detail and experience everything it has to offer. All in the interest and to the benefit of my future cruise customers!
I was invited to view the various stateroom/cabin types. You will be surprised by the wide range of cabin options that suit everyone’s needs. The lead-in interior cabins are surprisingly spacious and are great for the budget-conscious clients who don’t plan to spend much time in their room. The next level up are the ocean view staterooms which offer a large window and seating area. If you prefer some ‘outside’ space, then the balcony cabins are great – you can have a little quiet time reading a book on your own balcony, breath the sea air and watch the world go by over a stunning sunset. A big advantage that MSC is offering to its clients is the great number of interconnecting cabins which make it ideal for larger parties or a multi-generational family holiday. You can choose from a duplex suite (over two floors) or a family cabin (with a bunk bed and sofa bed) that sleeps up to 5. And if you really want to treat yourself, then there are several suite types available, too – from interior suites to deluxe suites to the two royal suites that come with their own hot tub and bar.
This ship caters for gourmets who won’t be disappointed on Bellissima. There are 7 lovely restaurants with a further 5 fabulous speciality dining restaurants (at an extra cost), such as the French Bistrot, the Spanish Hola Tapas Restaurant, the Butcher’s Cut Steak Restaurant, Kaito’s Japanese and Tepanyaki restaurants. Michelin-star chefs Ramon Freixa and Harald Wohlfahrt (together with Raymond Blanc) are creating exciting, new menues for the MSC ships. Spread around the ship, you find 20 bars & lounges with a big culinary choice and live entertainment. The main buffet restaurant is open 20 hours a day and served a wide variety of food - we were spoilt for choice. The staff was very friendly and attentive. The presentation made the meals very appealing.
My favourite speciality restaurant was the modern Spanish ‘Hola’ tapas restaurant, my husband was partial to the delicious steak and matching red wines served in ‘Butcher’s Cut’.
Before dinner, we would wander down the beautiful ‘galleria’, the ship’s central promenade, lined with shops and speciality restaurants. On the 80-meter curved ceiling above you could admire fabulous LED display shows in regular intervals. This unique walkway gave it a cosmopolitan and Italian feel. The Jean-Philippe Maury ice cream parlour and chocolate factory along there attracted old and young people with a sweet tooth. The Sky Lounge is great for adults only and is the perfect place to enjoy a drink in the evening when the children are off enjoying all the great kid’s club activities on board.
The public areas are spacious and look amazing. Our favourite pre-dinner location was the central Champagne bar, located by the famous ‘diamond staircase'. You can sample a drink in 20 bars and lounges – from outdoor bars to sports bar, an English pub to the Attic Club, the ship’s night club and disco bar. The Horizon Bar is the place for stunning views and sundowner drinks.
The main entertainment hub is the ‘London Theatre’ which is tiered for best stage views. The shows were varied and enjoyable -from Broadway-style shows to a mime artist to a famous ‘Frank Sinatra’ style singer. Bellissima is offering two ‘Cirque du Soleil at Seat’ shows – performed in the Carousel Lounge watched over a cocktail or a dinner. The casino opens its door in the evenings until late.
The ‘Yacht Club’ is an exclusive area with added privileges and its own lounge and restaurant. It is 'a ship within a ship'. Cabins are in prime location and come with coffee machine and butler service.
The main pool area is spacious with lots of different areas to relax, there are also some fast food areas and bars, so you never have to leave your sunbed. The Aquapark area is fantastic for kids of ‘all ages’ and the ‘Himalayan Bridge’ walk high above the ship is not for the faint hearted. The indoor pool area has hot tubs and a retractable roof, so can be enjoyed in all weathers. Here you can find a relaxing bar with comfy chairs, ideal to just read a book and chill out. There is also a lovely, more private pool at the ‘aft’ of the ship as well as a hot tub to relax tired muscles after a day on shore sightseeing and exploring.
On board you find a hairdresser, a state-of-the-art gym, a power walking track on deck and a ‘sportplex’ with a multi-sports basketball, tennis, football and volleyball court.
I was particularly impressed with the facilities for the children - kids’ clubs for each age group – from the Chicco baby club right up to the teens with a great hang out area complete with their own disco and bar. The two-lane bowling alley, F1 simulator, arcade, kids’ clubs and XD cinema are available for the younger generation. I would highly recommend purchasing a money-saving ‘Fun Pass’ before you travel.
During my stay I only managed to discover certain areas of this impressive floating resort. The great choice of activities (apart from lovely excursions in beautiful destination) makes it perfect for couples, groups and multi-generational family holidays. There is a cruise out there for everyone!
Best of all – you only have to unpack your suitcase once yet experience many destinations during one exiting cruise! Get in touch with me to find your perfectly suited cruise holiday experience.