A Night on MSC Bellissima, March 2019
This amazing new ship, which was part of a star-studded naming ceremony the first weekend of March was an amazing sight to behold. On my approach to the docks from Southampton train station, the Bellissima sat towering over the security and embarkation check in points. Staff lined up waiting to greet me. The day itself was a wet and windy one, so I was extremely glad to be welcomed on board by lots of smiling faces and helpful pointers as to where I was headed.
I rounded the corner, rushed, windswept and tired after a 4.5-hour train journey from Manchester. The sight was one of amazement. Greeted by the Infinity Atrium, dazzling staircases adorned in Swarovski crystals. Whilst I could also see the Infinity Bar to the side of the Atrium, my first stop was the cabin.
For this overnight stay I was in cabin number 9051 which was to the fore of the ship and on the port side. I entered the cabin and was amazed at the space. Resisting the urge to lie down for an hour right there on what looked like an amazingly made bed, I dropped my bag, had a freshen up and headed back out to explore this amazing ship.
Headed down to Deck 7 to meet friends at the amazing Champagne Bar, we grabbed a glass each and then headed off to see if we could find our feet or sea legs should I say. I don’t honestly think food was the first thing on my mind, but we quickly came across one of the speciality restaurants, The Butchers Cut. Realising we had the option to try the steak, sides, deserts and amazing red wine on offer we headed in. Well worth a visit on one night of your stay. The food was delicious.
After our pit stop a-la-carte tasting we headed out towards the other speciality restaurants, to see what they had to offer. Noticing on the way that we were underneath the Galleria Bellissima. This amazing gallery ceiling changes the image that you are under from the Sistine Chapel to stars at night, amazing art deco imagery and tropical flowers.
This promenade gives you access to some of the 20 bars and 10 restaurants. I could talk to you about them forever in this blog, but I’d rather tell you about them in person.
We headed up to have a look at some of the other facilities and have to say I was impressed by all the other cabins I looked at, from the duplex suites, balcony cabins, inside cabins and inside studios, all of which had amazing facilities and only differed in the space available. The MSC Yacht Club Suites of which there are 2 Royal Suites, 78 Deluxe Suites and 15 Interior Suites. What amazed me most were the family suites and again you can read more about this in my next blog which goes into detail, suffice to say being a mum to 2 girls and having 2 stepsons (making a family of 6) I was overjoyed at what I was seeing in terms of family space.
The entertainment available on board is another showstopper with the amazing Cirque du Soleil at Sea performing in the Carousel Lounge on Deck 7 – they have 2 unique shows exclusive to the MSC Bellissima. Not your sort of thing? Then you can relax in the Bellissima Bar and Lounge, the Attic Club, the London Theatre with 6 different Broadway style shows twice per evening.
The pools are amazing with an indoor Grand Canyon pool, the Atmosphere pool which is the location for the White Party and the Sail Away Party, the Horizon pool which at night becomes a stunning outdoor venue for guests to dance under the stars. Last but not certainly not least is the Aquapark – this is the place to be if you are a big kid at heart. 4 twisting slides and the Himalayan Bridge for those who like some high wire adventure.
Leading me on nicely to the kids (that’s kids of all ages) entertainment areas. Whether you want something for your little poppet who can’t yet get about on their own or something for those hormonal teens who just want to face time their mates – here’s a rundown on what you can utilise to keep the little legged humans you have with you busy – so you can be a grown up.
Baby Chico Club for -3yrs Mini Club 3-6 yrs Junior Club 7-11 yrs Young Club 12-14 yrs Teen Club 15-17yrs
All these options are somewhere your children can play securely – if you want them to. But, if like me you want this time to detach them from their IPad and mobile phone then why not go with them to explore the Doremi Lab where you can create 2d magical wall Lego creation, or really get their creative surges going & utilise the 3d printer that is here too. Or the Doremi Studio, TV family studio, where you can enjoy specially created activities together. Not enough? There is the F1 simulator, Bowling, Virtual Reality mini cinema, a 208 square meter arena to play volleyball, basketball, tennis.
After exploring all this I was ready to get back, take a shower and see what the evening had in store. It was more great food, lots of great wine and cocktails, some celeb spotting and a very special performance from Craig David. Before I made my way back to my cabin, clambered into bed for what is one of the best night’s sleep, I have had in a long time. The morning was amazing again and disembarkation was a breeze.
I can honestly say that if the MSC Bellissima staff can take on over 4000 travel trade staff, providing amazing service and facilities, in their first weekend before they have even welcomed a guest! Well they are all set to cope with the families that will flood in this summer to take advantage of this wonderful ship, as well as the amazing rates available with child prices starting from £159.
If you’re not one for family themed holidays there are lots of grown up things to do too and I can suggest some itineraries and options which will suit you, such as 7 nights in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & India from £499p. I can’t wait to get back on board with my family.
Fancy it? Give me a call to have a chat about why MSC Bellissima & the other members of the fleet could be the cruise you are looking for in 2019/2020