MSC CRUISES REVEALS A “BEAUTIFUL” LINE-UP FOR MSC BELLISSIMA’S MARCH 2 NAMING CEREMONY IN SOUTHAMPTON

Geneva, Switzerland and Southampton, UK - 24th January 2019 – With just over one month until MSC Cruises’ new flagship MSC Bellissima comes into service, the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise line has revealed today details of the all-star line-up for her glittering naming ceremony on March 2nd. The new addition to the MSC Cruises fleet will become the largest ship to be launched in Southampton. The event will capture the essence of the ship’s name Bellissima, which means “possessing intense beauty, delighting the senses,” with a stunning array of live entertainment and performances awaiting the specially invited guests from around the world as well as from across the UK & Ireland – one of MSC Cruises’ key markets.

MSC Bellissima will feature two brand new Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows VARÉLIA and SYMA and as part of the evening’s celebrations, attending guests will be treated to a very special and exclusive Cirque du Soleil at Sea performance during the ceremony on the pier. This will be the first time that Cirque du Soleil, the world leader in live entertainment, has performed at the launch of a ship and this will provide a taster of what lies in store for MSC Cruises guests on board MSC Bellissima.

Hosting the evening’s proceedings as the Master of Ceremonies will be the English TV presenter and star of ITV, Holly Willoughby. Best known for her current presenting roles on ‘This Morning’ (ITV), ‘Dancing on Ice’ (ITV) and ‘Celebrity Juice’ (ITV2). She recently joined Dec in jungle for a once in a lifetime opportunity co-hosting last year’s 'I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!’. Holly will bring her trademark charm and wit as well as style and elegance to the stage.

Providing the live music for the evening and getting the audience on their feet will be none other than Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and three-time Grammy Award-winner Nile Rodgers and his band Chic. His decades of danceable hits will definitely raise the roof and make this a memorable night.

No MSC Cruises naming ceremony would be complete without Academy Award-winning actress and MSC Cruises’ beautiful godmother - Sophia Loren who will perform the traditional ribbon-cutting and officially name the spectacular vessel, MSC Bellissima.

MSC Bellissima is the fourth ship from MSC Cruises to launch in less than two years and will be closely followed by MSC Grandiosa in November this year. This next-generation ship will feature some of the most innovative technology at sea with the introduction of the world’s first virtual personal cruise assistant ZOE, taking the connected cruise experience to the next level. Other highlights include a new specialty restaurant concept HOLA! Tapas from two-time Michelin-starred Chef Ramón Freixa, a new French specialty restaurant, l’Atelier Bistrot and a Chocolaterie and Chocolate Bar from the award-winning pastry chef and chocolatier Jean-Philippe Maury. The state-of-the-art ship will offer world-class entertainment, the stunning MSC Aurea Spa, outstanding facilities for families in partnership with LEGO Group and Chicco, the MSC Yacht Club as well as the iconic 96 metre promenade with the longest LED sky screen at sea with a shopping gallery featuring over 200 brands.

MSC Bellissima will depart Southampton on March 4th to commence her 10-night inaugural cruise to Genoa. From March 17th MSC Bellissima will commence 7-night itineraries in the Mediterranean calling Genoa, Naples and Messina (Italy) Valetta (Malta), Barcelona (Spain) and Marseille (France)

To find out more about MSC Bellissima visit here.