THE BRAND NEW MSC BELLISSIMA

The MSC Bellissima is the brand-new cruise ship to come from the MSC family. MSC are a family run company and are really passionate about providing a cruise ships that are focused and aimed at families. Everything about this fantastic ship is for families. The official launch event took place on 2nd March in Southampton and this is the largest ship to ever to be christened in the UK which is a note to how important the UK market is to the cruise industry and MSC in particular. I was lucky enough to be invited to the CLIA conference on board on 1st March and the industry launch event on 3rd March. I had the opportunity to look around the ship and experience everything it has to offer. All the speciality dining restaurants were open and serving small tasting plates and everything I tried was absolutely delicious. I enjoyed lunch and dinner in the main dining room and my meal was excellent. The staff were very friendly and attentive. The presentation made the meals very appealing. The main buffet restaurant was open 20 hours a day and served an exceptionally wide variety of food, there is no way even the pickiest of eaters could not find something they would like. In fact, you would be spoiled for choice. All the stations were kept replenished and looked fabulous. The public areas are all very spacious and look amazing, I particularly enjoyed the Champagne bar. The theatre is tiered, so everyone had a great view of the stage. The show was fantastic and really enjoyable. My favourite area was the promenade area with the stunning 80m LED ceiling, the walkway is lined with shops and the speciality dining restaurants, it provides a very cosmopolitan feel and a great atmosphere. The gelato parlour and chocolate shop are also along here, the gelato is amazing. There is also a lounge area here with live music for a nice relaxed drink before or after dinner. The Sky Lounge is great for adults only and would be the perfect place to enjoy a drink in the evening if the children are off enjoying all of the great activities on board for them or for those passengers travelling without children and want to enjoy a drink away from the little people. The Yacht Club is an exclusive area with added privileges and has its own lounge and restaurant. It is like a ship within a ship. The cabins are in a better location and have the benefit of coffee machines and a butler service. The pool area is spacious with lots of different areas to relax, there are also fast food areas and bars, so you never have to leave your sunbed. The water park area is fantastic for kids of all ages, even the grown-up kids, there is no way anyone will bored on this ship. The indoor pool area has hot tubs and a retractable roof as well so can be enjoyed in all weathers. There is a bar here as well and some really comfy seats for relaxing and maybe just reading a book. For those who book the Aurea package you will benefit from and Easy Drinks Package and unlimited access to the thermal spa and a treatment per adult. You will also have the benefit of a balcony cabin. This is perfect for when the children are in the kid’s club and the parents can relax and enjoy the adult only area in the Aurea Spa I was particularly impressed with the facilities for the children. There were kids’ clubs for each age group right up to the teens and there is a really great hang out area with their own disco and bar (non-alcoholic). The bowling alley, F1 simulator, arcade, kids’ clubs and XD cinema are all in the same area so lots to do for the younger generation. I would highly recommend purchasing your Fun Pass before you travel, and this can be used by everyone in your cabin. The cabins are fantastic and offer a wide range of options to suit everyone’s needs. There are inside cabins which are surprisingly spacious and offer a great option for those on a budget. There are then ocean view rooms which have a large window. The balcony cabins are great for those who want a little quiet time as well. Some have exceptional large balconies with hot tubs as well. The great thing about MSC is the offering for larger families and you can have a duplex suite, a family cabin that sleeps up to 5 or interconnecting cabins if you are a multi-generational family or larger party. I was able to see around the cabins on show and so have a great idea of what will best suit your needs. This is very important when selecting a cruise as each company offers so many different options. I am on board the MSC Bellissima in July and really can’t wait to experience this with my family. MSC as so much to offer for families and have such great itineraries. I will be happy to find you perfect cruise for you.