The first of two new cruise ships for MSC Cruises is expected to be ready to launch soon.
The Meraviglia-class MSC Bellissima's first sailing will take place in March. Before that can happen, the ship will depart the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France for Southampton for her naming ceremony on March 2.
The ship will be the largest ever to be launched at the port marking a historic moment for the cruise line and port.
The Bellissima's naming ceremony will be hosted by Holly Willoughby, of UK television show This Morning.
MSC is planning to have a performance of Cirque du Soleil at Sea during the cruise ship naming ceremony, along with godmother Sophia Loren in attendance.
MSC Bellissima maiden voyage is schedule for March 1 which includes the naming ceremony and overnight in Southampton. The ship will sail a short special cruise to Guernsey before arriving back to port in the UK on March 4, 2019.
MSC Bellissima will be 167,800 gross tons with a guest capacity of over 4,400 at double occupancy.
Matt Hochberg
Matt loves to cruise, and started Cruise.Blog as a place to share different cruise experiences, advice, and what to know before going on a cruise.
He lives in Florida with his wife and two daughters, where he can be found on any given day trying to convince his wife they "need" to book another cruise.
