28 March 2018
MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately owned cruise company and leading cruise line in Europe and South America, has revealed that MSC Bellissima, which will be MSC Cruises’ next flagship, will be christened in the Port of Southampton.
The glamorous event will take place on 2nd March 2019 and will be attended by more than 2,000 guests, including VIPs and important British stakeholders. The ship is capable of carrying up to 5,700 passengers and will become MSC Cruises’ fourth mega-ship to come into service in less than three years since 2017.
Antonio Paradiso, MSC’s Managing Director for the UK and Ireland, said: “This is a huge demonstration of our commitment to the UK market and the city of Southampton.”
Alastair Welch, Director ABP Port of Southampton, commented: “We will be delighted to welcome MSC Bellissima to Southampton for her Christening in March 2019, alongside over 40 other cruise ship calls from the MSC fleet in 2018 and 2019. This demonstrates confidence in the strength of the UK market, and Southampton’s important role within the global cruise industry.
“Again voted the UK’s number one departure port, Southampton continues to work as a port community to ensure we are prepared to serve these new mega-ships with the infrastructure, services and stand-out events they require and deserve.”