MSC Bellissima is the second ship in MSC’s Meraviglia Class and debuted in 2019. Built as the follow up to MSC Meraviglia, she features the same core design but with refined spaces, upgraded styling and improved flow throughout the ship. Bellissima combines a large selection of dining venues, an impressive indoor promenade, strong entertainment choices and a family friendly layout that works in almost any region of the world. If you like modern ships with plenty to do and a lively onboard atmosphere, Bellissima is a great choice.
Quick Facts: MSC Bellissima at a Glance
Class: Meraviglia Class
Entered Service: March 2019
Gross Tonnage: About 171,600 GT
Guests: About 4,500 at double occupancy, up to roughly 5,700 max
Crew: About 1,500
Length: 1,036 feet
Beam: 141 feet
Top Speed: 23 knots
Builder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique
Registered In: Malta
Godmother: Sophia Loren
Cost to Build: Approximately 950 million dollars
Notable features include the Galleria Bellissima indoor promenade, the Carousel Lounge with immersive acrobatic shows, the Polar Aquapark, and a full MSC Yacht Club enclave at the front of the ship.
What “Bellissima” Means and Why MSC Chose the Name
The name Bellissima comes from Italian and translates to “most beautiful” or “extremely beautiful.” MSC has a tradition of giving its ships Italian names that reflect elegance, emotion, or the onboard experience, and Bellissima fits that theme perfectly.*
According to MSC, the name was chosen to represent the ship’s visual design, its grand indoor promenade, and the artistic elements found throughout the vessel. The ship’s LED dome, dramatic theater spaces, and stylish restaurants were all meant to live up to the promise of being bellissima — a ship full of beauty and standout features from bow to stern.
MSC’s godmother, Sophia Loren, helped christen Bellissima, continuing her long relationship with the brand and reinforcing the glamorous meaning behind the ship’s name.
Layout and Flow Around the Ship
Like her sister ship MSC Meraviglia, Bellissima is anchored by the Galleria Bellissima, a stunning LED domed indoor promenade running through the center of the ship. Shops, bars, lounges and several dining venues line this space, and the LED dome displays animated ceiling shows throughout the day. It is one of Bellissima’s most recognizable and photographed areas.
The ship balances indoor and outdoor spaces extremely well. Outdoor pool decks are spacious enough for sunny sailings, while the ship’s many lounges and indoor pool make it well suited for cooler weather regions.
Navigation for returning cruisers is simple because Bellissima shares nearly the same layout as Meraviglia. If you have sailed one, you will feel instantly at home on the other.
Dining on MSC Bellissima
Bellissima offers a wide range of dining options, including several included venues and a strong selection of specialty restaurants.
Included Dining
The ship features multiple main dining rooms with rotating menus that lean heavily into Italian and Mediterranean flavors. The Marketplace Buffet offers a large variety of food throughout the day, and depending on itinerary, you may find complimentary gelato stations.
Specialty Restaurants
Bellissima’s specialty dining lineup is nearly identical to Meraviglia, with spaces that feel slightly more refined due to updated design work. Options include:
Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse
Kaito Teppanyaki and Sushi
Hola Tacos and Cantina
Jean Philippe Crepes and Gelato
L’Atelier Bistrot
These options give you everything from high end steak dinners to casual tacos, along with one of the better sushi offerings at sea.
Links to your individual dining venue pages should go here for internal navigation.
Bars and Lounges
MSC Bellissima is strong in nighttime entertainment thanks to its bar and lounge variety. Popular spots include:
Masters of the Seas Pub
Champagne Bar
Bellissima Bar and Lounge
Sky Lounge
TV Studio and Bar
These venues are positioned along or near the Galleria, making the ship ideal for bar hopping and enjoying live music in the evenings.
Entertainment and Shows
MSC Bellissima offers a wide lineup of entertainment, headlined by:
Broadway style productions in the main theater
Live music across lounges
Trivia, games and themed parties
LED dome shows in the Galleria
The Carousel Lounge is home to Carousel Productions at Sea, MSC’s immersive acrobatic and musical shows.
Pools and Outdoor Areas
The ship features multiple pools and outdoor relaxation areas:
Atmosphere Pool, the main pool deck
Horizon Pool at the aft, great for evening views
Polar Aquapark with slides and splash areas
The Bamboo Pool with a retractable roof for all weather swimming
This mix makes Bellissima comfortable in warm and cool climates alike.
Staterooms and Suites
Bellissima offers a wide range of accommodations, including:
Interior, oceanview and balcony cabins
Many connecting options ideal for families
Duplex suites with private whirlpools
Promenade view cabins overlooking the Galleria
Premium suites in the Yacht Club
Cabins are similar to Meraviglia but with updated colors and styling.
MSC Yacht Club on Bellissima
The Yacht Club complex on MSC Bellissima is one of the most polished versions in the fleet. It includes:
Private pool and sun deck
Top Sail Lounge
Dedicated Yacht Club restaurant
Concierge service
Butler service
Priority boarding, premium dining, and included drinks and WiFi
Guests looking for a ship within a ship luxury experience will find strong value here.
Who Will Enjoy MSC Bellissima Most
MSC Bellissima works well for many types of cruisers:
Families looking for activities and flexible dining options
Couples who enjoy nighttime lounges and entertainment
First time MSC cruisers who want a modern ship with an easy layout
Travelers who enjoy promenade based ships similar to Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class
Guests sailing in regions with mixed weather thanks to Bellissima’s extensive indoor spaces
Tips and Tricks for Sailing MSC Bellissima
- Book specialty dining early once onboard for the best times
- Visit the Galleria during LED dome shows for excellent photos
- Head to the Horizon Pool for a quieter atmosphere
- Arrive early for Carousel Lounge seating
- Use the MSC for Me app to track reservations and show schedules
Final Thoughts
MSC Bellissima builds on the Meraviglia design with updated venues, polished styling and strong entertainment programming. It is a ship designed for guests who want a modern cruise experience filled with dining, activities, shows and lounges, all wrapped into an easy to navigate layout. Whether sailing in Asia, Europe or the Middle East, Bellissima delivers a complete, enjoyable experience for families, couples and first time MSC cruisers alike.