Southampton (TAN): Switzerland-based MSC Cruises’ newest addition MSC Bellissima has been officially named by Hollywood star Sophia Loren at a traditional maritime naming ceremony at the port of Southampton in the United Kingdom.
The Hollywood style icon named her 14th MSC Cruises ship.
Others to join the celebrations included stars, travel partners and top management from MSC Cruises and its parent company MSc Group.
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While English TV presenter and star of ITV, Holly Willoughby hosted the event, Andrea Bocelli and Matteo Bocelli entertained guests with their music. The ‘Cirque du Soleil at Sea’ performance on the occasion marked the first Cirque du Soleil performance at the launch of a ship.
MSC Cruises also announced a new partnership with two-Michelin-starred chef, Raymond Blanc, OBE.
Guests were treated with a menu designed by Blanc for the Yacht Club Gala Dinner to celebrate the new journey together.
“I am truly looking forward to collaborating with MSC Cruises on some exciting projects, including the development of one of my signature dishes for the Elegant Dinner menu,” Blanc said.
“I believe we have a shared passion for the guest experience, and together we will create some truly memorable moments for diners on board,” he added.
The second Meraviglia class ship to come into service, MSC Bellissima features modern guest-centric technology, including ‘Zoe’, the world’s first virtual personal cruise assistant.
To cut carbon footprint, the ship is equipped with technology such as exhaust gas cleaning system for cleaner emissions, advanced wastewater treatment system, smart heating, LED lighting, smart devices, and ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) to recover heat from machinery spaces.
It hosts 10 types of staterooms, over 20 bars and lounges, and 12 dining places, including a new French specialty restaurant L’Atelier Bistrot, and pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury’s Chocolate & Café.
The MSC Yacht Club features accommodations across three decks, and butler service.
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In terms of entertainment, MSC Bellissima offers LED sky screen, Cirque du Solei at Sea shows, and kids’ activities from partners LEGO and Chicco, among several others.
The ship will be in the Mediterranean in her inaugural season, with seven-night cruises on offer, after which it will sail to the Middle East for the winter 2019-2020 season, and Asia in 2020.
