A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to be on the last Mediterranean cruise of MSC Bellissima before her repositioning to much warmer climates of UAE and ultimately the Far East! I had a wonderful time on this beautiful (Bellissima in Italian means beautiful!) ship and these are my top reasons why you should book a cruise on her!
Luxurious design!
From the glamorous, blinged out Swarovski staircase to the artfully themed Galleria Bellissima, you will be surrounded by elegance in all design elements on this ship. Perhaps the most stunning example is the almost 90 meters long LED dome that projects a digital sky over the 2-story promenade. Whether you are shopping, dining at one of the specialty restaurants, sipping a cocktail in one of the bars, or socializing and enjoying in some live entertainment, you are sure to love Galleria Bellissima and the rest of the luxurious touches throughout the ship.
Galleria Bellissima was probably my favorite area of the ship. There was always something happening in the Galleria and no matter how many times I walked along the promenade I was always in shock that this is actually… on a ship!
Dining
Along with the traditional main dining room and buffet, MSC Bellissima has several specialty venues for cruisers to indulge in various cuisines. Continuing the Mediterranean-influence, MSC Bellissima is home to Hola Tapas Bar by Michelin-starred chef Ramon Freixa. Cruisers will also find the American-style steakhouse, Butcher’s Cut, serving up prime cuts. Kaito Teppanyaki and Sushi Bar serves up Asian favorites in a lively atmosphere. One new specialty restaurant also made a debut on MSC Bellissima, L’Atelier Bistrot, a french restaurant whose design was inspired by neo-classical French architecture. An authentic experience all troughout, from cuisine to interior design! Further, those with a sweet tooth will love Jean Philippe’s Crepes, Ice Cream, and Chocolate.
The main dining room and buffet offer a good variety of quality dishes but I would definitely recommend dining in at least one speciality restaurant. They all offer themed dishes and an authentic, unique experiences! Oh, and definitely treat yourself with some Jean Philippe’s Crepes located in the Galleria, they were delicious…!
Entertainment
In addition to nightly live music and six different productions shows in the main theater, MSC Bellissima also hosts two one of a kind Cirque du Soleil shows. The Carousel Lounge is a circular venue that is custom built to accommodate these theatrical performances. Guests can enjoy a dinner and a show experience. Each of these shows has a unique concept, ambiance, storyline, and costumes. These shows, not found anywhere else in the world, are part of a longstanding partnership with the entertainment leader for a total of eight original shows on MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia class ships. You can also participate in various dance lessons, quizzes and other types of entertainment onboard!
Top deck activities
With some of the most deck space per passenger on any modern cruise ship, MSC Bellissima has a lounge chair for every guest. The Atmosphere Pool, centrally located on the pool deck, offers plenty of space for those seeking the sun. The Horizon Pool, located aft on the ship, offers more poolside relaxation and some great views. This area then becomes an outdoor entertainment area by night. The Grand Canyon Pool is an indoor pool with a retractable roof that allows cruisers to still take a dip even if the weather is not cooperating (this pool was really useful on my sailing!). There is even a splash pool for kids to keep everyone in the family entertained. And if you are more of a jacuzzi type person there are plenty of them onboard!
Family friendly
MSC Bellissima offers a diverse range of activities that are fun for cruisers of all ages. The Arizona waterpark features 3 waterslides. Thrillseekers will enjoy the Himalayan bridge, a ropes course suspended high up above the ship that offers a variety of challenges. There is an interactive XD cinema dark ride experience, a full size bowling alley, a flight simulator, F1 racing simulators, and the Sportplex. There are also multiple LEGO-themed activities for kids, including LEGO-designed play rooms. Too bad ships like this didn’t exsist when I was a kid…
Powered by technology
Besides the technology behind the innovative stage productions and LED dome, MSC Bellissima features the MSC for Me smartphone app. MSC for Me is MSC Cruises’ multi-channel digital program that enables guests to interact with the ship and crew members anytime, in any place, to better serve their needs, save them time and really make the most of their vacation. Key features include a handy app for smartphones, an interactive TV in the stateroom and interactive digital screens around the ship, meaning guests can access information, book services – like specialty restaurants and on board performances – navigate around the ship, and more.
One new feature onboard MSC Bellissima is Zoe, the first virtual cruise assistant, ZOE can speak seven languages, answer hundreds of questions about the cruise and provide information about on-board services, guidance and suggestions or help to book a service.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend booking a cruise on Bellissima or on her sister ship Meraviglia that is currently homeporting in Miami! This ship has everything you can think of and more. There is always something to do it just depends on what you like! Bellissima also had an amazing itinerary in the Mediterranean which is now operated by Bellissima’s brand new and bigger sister ship MSC Grandiosa!
If you want to read a full review of my cruise on MSC Bellissima, CLICK HERE and if you have any questions about MSC or Belissima or anything really, feel free to send me a message on Instagram, Twitter or just e-mail me!