MSC Bellisima for One Night Only

Sally-Jo Asser on 11 March 2019
MSC Bellisima for One Night Only

I was fortunate enough to experience an overnight onboard MSC Bellisima whilst in Southampton in March 2019.

I’ll be honest, although I do have a passion for being on the water and have enjoyed being onboard a dive liveaboard, chartering yachts and catamarans, a bit of dinghy and hobie cat sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing, MSC Bellisima was my first cruise experience on such a large vessel, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I can assure you she did not disappoint me, I will certainly be recommending her to my clients.

There’s a great selection of cabins types from comfortable inside or balcony cabins to duplex and royal suites. Each cabin is equipped with ZOE, the very first virtual personal cruise assistant. With a simple “Ok ZOE” (in 1 of 7 languages) she can reply to hundreds of questions regarding your cruise experience from daily programme to Club member benefits or information for the kids. With her you can explore onboard activities, choose and book restaurants, your shows, your excursions or your spa session. She also gives you a hand to check your bill and learns from every interaction you have with her so she can offer an even more personalised service. The vessel is fully equipped with innovative technology to enhance and personalise your experience onboard from the app to the interactive screens on board, helping you to find your way around as well as being able to locate your travel companions.

I tried a few of the eateries, all of them were outstanding. Marketplace Buffet with spectacular sea views is open 20 hours a day. The food is as varied as it is delicious. You can choose from a wide variety of offerings depending on the mealtime. Breakfast offered full English, Continental, omelette to order, pancakes and waffles, porridge and cereals and more. Lunchtime, fresh fruit and salad, Pizza, Pasta, Ethnic dishes, Grills, Roasts, Desserts, even has a dedicated children’s food bar and much more. Even in the early hours of the morning a much-needed pizza bar is fully operational.

Dinner in the very elegant Il Ciliegio restaurant…. Marinated Alaskan King Crab, Shrimp Risotto, Angus Beef Tenderloin and Coconut & Raspberry Posset, delicious.

I was able to sample a few treats from the speciality restaurants; a particular favourite was Kaito Teppanyaki with the chef performing his cooking skills – I love food theatre. I also really enjoyed the ice cream and crepes parlour on Galleria.

At the heart of all the ship is Galleria Bellisima, an incredible two deck inside 96meter promenade featuring a spectacular 80meter long LED dome ceiling, lined with places to shop, eat and drink and filled with onboard activities of all kinds, at any time of day or night. Watching its displays whilst out for a stroll was an evening’s entertainment!

MSC Bellisima offers endless fun for the whole family, from the high-tech London Theatre seating 975, 2 exclusive Cirque du Soleil shows to the interactive multi-storey Grand Canyon themed aquapark, aerial assault course and multiple swimming pools. The Amusement area was one of my favourites with 2 full size Formula 1 car simulators, bowling alleys, VR Maze, XD Cinema, Sports Bar, basketball court which doubles as a nightclub. There are dedicated clubs and activities from babies up to 17years, allowing parents a little R&R from their kiddies/teens. All age groups have its own programme of activities, events and dedicated areas.

The Aurea Spa is a peaceful haven to relax and chill out. It offers a wide selection of beauty treatments and therapies to help you find your cruising mojo.

I was keen to visit MSC Yacht Club, to find out what could possibly be more luxurious than the main ship. Located on the prestigious foredecks the MSC Yacht Club is an even more luxurious cruise within a cruise. It is an exclusive luxury private club experience with its own cabins, personal butler, restaurant, bar, pool and sun deck, while also allowing you to enjoy access to the countless recreation and entertainment options the rest of the ship affords. A great option for those celebrating a special occasion or those wishing for a little quieter experience whilst still having so many ship facilities at hand.

MSC Bellisima far exceeded my expectations and I would thoroughly recommend her to solos, couples, families and multi-generational. You’re sure to have as fun packed and relaxed holiday as you wish for.

If you are interested to know more, please feel free to contact me. She’s departed Southampton now and will be sailing around the Med until the autumn 2019 before moving on to sail the shores of the UAE for the winter. Into Spring 2020 she will continue her voyage through the Indian Ocean and onto the Far East. There are lots of different itinerary duration from 4 to 17nights, something to suit everyone.

Happy Cruising