The latest marvel of the MSC fleet, MSC MERAVIGLIA, just floated off the coast of Saint-Nazaire as this mega ship reaches the final stages of construction before she sets sail for exotic locations. 

The float out ceremony was the perfect occasion to reveal the name of the next MSC Cruises sensation, MSC BELLISSIMA. 

Announcing MSC BELLISSIMA, the latest jewel in the MSC fleet, was not only cause for celebrations, it demonstrated MSC’s commitment towards its business expansion plan, which includes the building of 11 more luxury liners as well as a constant and extensive modernization of its current fleet.   

On September 3rd, STX France and MSC Cruises focused their energies on the floating out of the newest ship, the MSC Meraviglia. This fantastic event was further enhanced when MSC Cruises’ CEO, Mr Onorato announced the name and launch date of the next ship, MSC Bellissima, coming into service in 2019.  

The name, Bellissima, which means “beautiful” in Italian, says it all. But Gianni Onorato, , commented that the ship’s new features and amenities have all been specially designed to meet the needs of guests of all ages from toddlers through to adventurous grownups.   

As well as Bellissima it is also “grandissima” (very large indeed)! An impressive 315 meters long and 43 meters wide, with a gross tonnage of about 167,600 tons. It boasts 2,250 cabins for guests, and nearly 820 crew cabins, accommodating 5,700 passengers and 1,536 crew members. 

MSC Bellissima will be the fourth cruise ship to be built in the STX France shipyards since the 2014 expansion plan began with a total planned commitment of €9 billion. 

For the remaining ships, delivery is planned between 2019 and 2026. This expansion, which began two years ago, will not only triple MSC Cruises’ fleet but will introduce a whole new category of next-generation ships into the world of cruising.  

MSC Cruises’ dedication to providing their guests with the best possible cruising experience is reaffirmed both by the grandeur and elegance of the ships themselves as well as the attention to every last detail. 

All MSC Cruises ships offer infinite possibilities of entertainment. Infinite dining options, both in terms of location and choice of cuisine, panoramic spaces, amusement parks, colossal theatres, aqua parks, arcades, enclosed promenades and all around sun decks are just come of the amazing features that make these ships a destination in their own right. 

Not forgetting special family cabins and the “extended” MSC Yacht Club, the entirely self-contained ship within a ship on the prestigious foredecks that will now offer its guests a vast solarium, a private lounge and restaurant as well as duplex suites.  

MSC is also breaking new ground in technological implementation to enable guests to make the most of their cruise by being constantly informed of events and special offers, all in real time. Thanks to a strategic partnership with Samsung, all ships will be equipped with new generation technology, from interactive displays to mobile solutions to augmented reality. Furthermore, near Field Communication (NFC) and iBeacon technology will allow one to one communications using cruise cards, bracelets or smartphones.   

With such exciting new. modern ships, cruising will never be the same again!