MSC BELLISSIMA
19 Decks in Total Able to hold 5686 passengers 4 Pools 10 Restaurants 20 Bars/Lounges Casino Theatre Aqua Park Kids Clubs Teen Club Spa Gym Bowling Alley F1 Simulator Sports Court Shops Galore 1250 Balcony Cabins 136 Ocean View Cabins 175 Family Cabins 628 Interior Cabins 12 Interior Studio Cabins (single) 54 Cabins for guests with reduced mobility or disabilities 34 Suites 8 Duplex Suites Yacht Club Cabins : 15 Interior 77 Deluxe Suites 2 Royal Suites
So there is no getting away from it - yes she is a big ship and even though I am super speedy in the 24 hours I was on board I didn't get to see everything but what I did see was hugely impressive.
The first thing you will notice, and this is something everyone talks about, are the Swarovski Staircases - rumoured to be worth 250,000 Euros for each staircase they are stunning and an absolute must for a photo opportunity. Walk up these steps to bring yourself onto Deck 6 and the Galleria Bellissima an indoor promenade that stretches over 96 metres with places to shop, dine, drink and relax - beware it is impossible to resist the offerings at the Jean-Phillipe Chocolat & Café.
The promenade is very impressive - I would imagine it is busy in the evenings but what really wows you is when you look up to the sky and all along the roof there are various displays of colour, patterns, real life scenes - it changes all the time and is mesmerizing to watch.
On Deck 7 there are lots of speciality restaurants - Japanese, steak, tapas etc, to eat in these you would have to pay a surcharge but it’s not much and from the taster bites I had I would recommend them 100%.
After a quick walk around these 2 decks I ventured to my cabin, I have to admit I got a bit lost at first but then that happens on every cruise I go on and maybe the cocktails had disorientated me a little! I was lucky enough to be staying in a Balcony cabin, I found it very roomy with a huge bed, wardrobes, lots of draw space, flat screen TV, mini bar and sofa, the bathroom was lovely with a glass door shower.
The best thing about the cabins is your very own personal assistant "ZOE" she is like a little mini Alexa. She speaks 8 different languages and can help you with pretty much everything on your cruise like choosing and booking restaurants, spa sessions, you can check your bill with her (although she wont pay it!) You can also connect your mobile devices to her and play your music through her so no need to bring speakers.
After that it was time for a whistle stop tour of the ship, the outdoor pool is lovely with a big screen to watch films on (the pictures don't do it justice - that's English weather for you) I was most impressed with the indoor pool area which is really stunning. There is an Aqua Park with slides, rope courses and lots and lots of sunbeds.
The ship is very technology based and there is an F1 Simulator you can try out, virtual reality games, a whole host of arcades games and for the younger members of your family an excellent kids club and teen area too.
I managed a quick stop at the MSC Yacht Club - if you want to give yourself a bit of luxury then this is the place to go. You need to book a cabin that is exclusive to the Yacht Club to use these facilities but in my opinion it's really worth it - 24 hr butler service, upgraded cabins, complimentary mini bar, private pool area, exclusive restaurant and lounge - I absolutely loved the Yacht Club areas and would definitely compare the prices for my next cruise.
For entertainment there is so much going on from the speciality restaurants to the bars and discos, there are also pianists, singers etc all around the ship and there are 2 brand new shows with Cirque Du Soleil in the theatre - simply stunning. And when you just want to chill don't forget there is a luxurious spa on board - you can choose from 160 massages, body and facial signature treatments, there is a sauna and steam bath and also a hair salon and nail salon.
Foodwise, the variety of food on offer is just mind blowing - I loved everything. I also ate in the huge buffet restaurant known as Market Place and found that to offer lots of different choices and the food was delicious. The main dining rooms were also very good and the food very tasty.
So all in all I absolutely loved the ship, she's big, she's exciting, she's new and she's really is beautiful. There is so much to do for everyone, it wouldn't matter if you cruised as a couple, a family or even on your own you would always find something going on or if you prefer there are plenty of quiet places where you can just sit back and chill.
From March to November Bellissima will be in the Med sailing for 7 nights prices from £1289pp flights included and she will then sail over to Dubai for the Winter, with prices from £1149pp flights included. Did I mention that price includes Premium Drinks as well! If you just fancy a taster then I have a cheeky little mini cruise starting at £259pp.
If you have any questions or would like more information on MSC Cruises then don't hesitate to get in touch.
Kerry 01277 840262 kerry.cansdale@travelcounsellors.com