MSC Bellissima #BeautyatSea

Dinah Alonso-Wilkes on 07 March 2019
I was invited by CLIA (cruise lines international association), with whom I am CLIA Master, to see the brand new MSC Bellissima in Southampton. Travelling down from North Yorkshire is always a long journey, especially in the rain, so having driven for 6 hours it was a pleasure to arrive at the Premier Inn, West Quay.

Following morning, an early start to walk down to Mayflower Park to get the best view of this beautiful ship as she glided down the river, escorted by 2 fire boats blasting water high into the sky. Well worth getting up so early. She docked next to another MSC vessel (MSC Vidhi, container carrier).

Back for hot coffee and breakfast, before check-in commences. Once on board. WOW! What a glitzy ship! Starting from the top, I explored this vessel, from The Yacht Club, (a ship, within a ship) exclusive luxury club, with private grill and bar, sundeck and pool area, restaurant and panoramic lounge.

Onto the Solarium, a lovely area with bar and pool, great when the weather is a little increment The main pool area is overlooked by a large screen. The kids are not forgotten, with 4 waterslides and rope suspension bridge and range of pools. Continuing the theme for the kids, MSC have a tie up with LEGO and wonderful kids’ clubs.

And the adults will have great fun with the Sportplex, Gym and F1 simulator, VR Maze, immersive 4D cinema, bowling at sea, Casino and the many bars. A very good choice of eateries 12 dining venues, 5 speciality restaurants from Market Place buffet to Carousel Lounge.

And who could forget the heart of the ship’s 96 metre promenade covered by 80metre LED sky dome display, encompassing 2 levels of bars, restaurants and shops, including Jean-Philippe Maury Chocolaterie.

The London Theatre has 6 different Broadway-style shows every week, with two performances per night.

My evening meal was in Il Ciliegio, with a salmon starter and seabass for my main, finishing off with a chocolate and caramel desert.

After a day of exploration, amazement and delight, I headed to bed around midnight. Surprisingly quiet in the Market Place for Breakfast at 7am, off the ship by 8, for my journey home. Thank you MSC & CLIA for a wonderful invitation, was very pleasantly surprised how much I liked the ship.