MSC Cruises announced the baptizing ceremony of their latest cruise ship MSC Bellissima, will be held in the Port of Southampton UK, on March 2, 2019. The cruise line made this announcement in London as part of the presentation of the company's new brochure 2019/2020 for travel agents and media.

With the launch of MSC Bellissima, the vessel will become new flagship of MSC Cruises, and will be the fourth mega cruiser of MSC that will enter service in less than three years from 2017. This is part of a mega investment program of $10, 5 Billion euros in 10 years, where they contemplate the construction of 12 new ships are planned.

Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said "The highlight of the launch of any new ship is its baptizing, a traditional maritime ceremony that is of great importance to us. For each new ship, MSC Cruises carefully selects a country and a port to celebrate the christening. "

"In the case of MSC Bellissima, we have chosen Southampton as a symbol of our continued commitment to growth in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is a really beautiful ship, worthy of the name Bellissima, and this christening will be a truly special moment for both MSC Cruises and the United Kingdom, "Onorato added.

MSC Bellissima which is an evolution of the Meraviglia class of vessels was first introduced in mid-2017 by its sister ship MSC Meraviglia. With a capacity of 5,700 passengers, the ship features Galleria Bellissima, a promenade of 96 meters with shops, bars, and restaurants on the sides. The promenade is covered with a digital LED ceiling that projects sunrises/sunsets or stars depending on the time of day.

When delivered, MSC Bellissima will sail in its inaugural season through the western Mediterranean, while in winter it will move to the United Arab Emirates, with stops in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas, Muscat, and Khasab.