MSC BELLISSIMA TO BE THE “BELLE OF THE BALL” AS SHE PREPARES TO BE NAMED IN SOUTHAMPTON, UK

• MSC Cruises announces new partnership with Michelin starred chef Raymond Blanc

• Performances from Nile Rodgers, Andrea Bocelli and Matteo Bocelli

Southampton, UK, 2nd March 2019 - This evening MSC Cruises, the leading cruise line in Europe will officially welcome the latest addition to the Company’s modern fleet - MSC Bellissima. The Company’s new flagship will be named in a glamourous and traditional maritime Naming Ceremony in the port of Southampton. Present will be host of stars, VIPs, key travel partners and international media as well as top management from MSC Cruises and its parent company MSC Group. Gianluigi Aponte, MSC Group’s founder and executive chairman as well as the ship owner, will attend together with the Aponte and Aponte-Vago families. MSC Cruises’ Godmother Sophia Loren will officially name her 14th ship and it is only fitting that the glamourous Hollywood legend who is renowned for her style and elegance, should name this beautiful ship.

MSC Cruises announced today a new partnership with one of the finest chefs in the world, Raymond Blanc, OBE. The two Michelin starred chef has had a profound influence on Britain’s culinary landscape and to kick-off the relationship, VIP guests at the Naming Ceremony will enjoy an exquisite menu that chef Blanc has designed for the Yacht Club Gala Dinner. This marks the start of a new collaboration with MSC Cruises and the celebrated chef who will go on to devise a dish for the Elegant Dinner menu.

Raymond Blanc commented, “I am truly looking forward to collaborating with MSC Cruises on some exciting projects, including the development of one of my signature dishes for the Elegant Dinner menu. I believe we have a shared passion for the guest experience, and together we will create some truly memorable moments for diners on board.”

Hosting the evening’s celebrations will be English TV presenter and star of ITV, Holly Willoughby. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and three-time Grammy Award-winner Nile Rodgers will perform some of his most danceable hits with his band Chic. Also taking to the stage will be world-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli and Matteo Bocelli. The Bocelli family have a long-standing relationship with MSC Cruises dating back over 10 years when Andrea first performed for the Naming Ceremony of MSC Poesia in Dover, UK. Guests will also experience a very special performance from Cirque du Soleil at Sea. This will be the first time that the world-leader in live entertainment, Cirque du Soleil, has performed at the launch of a ship.

MSC Bellissima is the second of the Meraviglia class ships to come into service and these ships are designed as the ship for all seasons, rich in guest features including the very latest guest-centric technology with the introduction of the world’s first virtual personal cruise assistant, ZOE. Another key highlight will be the two new Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows, exclusive to MSC Cruises’ guests. SYMA – Sail beyond Imagination takes you on the epic journey of a young sailor, brimming with imagination. VARÉLIA – Love in Full Colour puts a futuristic twist on a traditional medieval tale.

Other key highlights include:

- With 12 dining venues and more than 20 bars and lounges, guests will be spoiled for choice including a new French specialty restaurant L’Atelier Bistrot. The ship will also feature acclaimed pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury’s Chocolate & Café, dedicated entirely to unique and elegant chocolate creations and desserts and a delight for anyone with a sweet tooth.

- An award-winning family offering with kids’ activities and services from partners LEGO and Chicco with a dedicated family deck area

- The MSC Yacht Club with luxurious accommodations spanning three decks, private facilities and butler service round-the-clock

- The longest LED Sky Screen at Sea at 80 metres long encompassing a stunning 96-metre-long Mediterranean-style promenade, designed to become the social hub of the ship

- Comfortable and innovative accommodations to meet every need demonstrating the way that MSC Cruises puts the guest at the heart of its designs and ship building and with 10 different types of cabin to choose from, there really is something for everyone.

MSC Bellissima will be fitted with a large number of environmental features and innovative technology to reduce her environmental footprint. Just like her sister ship MSC Meraviglia, she will be equipped with, amongst others: an exhaust gas cleaning system for cleaner emissions; an advanced wastewater treatment system; smart heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) to recover heat from machinery spaces; and LED lighting and smart devices to significantly save energy. This is all part of MSC Cruises commitment to provide guests with the best holiday experiences at sea in a sustainable way.

MSC Bellissima will spend her inaugural season in the Mediterranean offering 7-night cruises to some of the region’s most popular ports before moving to the Emirates for Winter 2019/2020. Following that she will be deployed in Asia in 2020.

For more information please visit www.msccruises.com