MSC Bellissima
Meraviglia Class · refurbished 2023 · Japan & Asia
The second Meraviglia-class ship, MSC Bellissima entered service in 2019. It has been deployed long-term in Asia, operating year-round itineraries around Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan from homeports including Yokohama, Naha, Shanghai, and Keelung. An indoor promenade with an 80m LED-screen ceiling provides a weather-independent place to spend time, making it well suited to Asia's rainy season. Japan departures often offer Japanese-speaking staff and Japanese signage, making it an approachable first international cruise. A plan has been announced for the ship to move to long-term charter operations from Incheon, South Korea, from June 2027 onward.
Current position (external site)View on VesselFinder (IMO 9760524)External site. Position information has not been checked by Cruise Atlas.
For travelers from Japan
A guide to public baths, Japanese food and language support, payment in yen, smoking, dress codes and power outlets, based on available official and other sources. Details may vary by itinerary and season. Check the official website for current information.
Similar facilities, such as a thermal suite
Japanese-speaking staff and menus
English text in preparation.
Official: confirmed by the cruise line or another official source / Secondary source: confirmed by other sources / Estimated: inferred by Cruise Atlas / Not stated: no information found in official sources
At a glance
What is included and what costs extra
- Meals (main restaurants)Included
- AlcoholExtra charge
- GratuitiesExtra charge
- Wi‑FiExtra charge
- Specialty diningExtra charge
- Shore excursionsExtra charge
There are four fare tiers: Bella (basic; the cabin number is assigned just before boarding), Fantastica (the cabin number can be chosen in advance), Aurea (comes with benefits such as spa access and dedicated dining), and MSC Yacht Club (private area and butler service, with food, drinks, and Wi-Fi included).
- Extra chargeDrinks (one beer)Approximately €6-8 (a guide to the fleet's standard bar prices)
- Extra chargeSoft drinks and waterAbout €4 (750ml bottle, standard fleet guideline)
- Extra chargeDrink packageTiered options such as Easy (basic) to Premium Extra (approximately €85-95/day). These are fleet-wide guidelines, and offerings may vary by region and season.
- Extra chargeWi‑Fi€14.90 to €59.90 for 7 nights. Note: a fleet-wide guide
- Extra chargeGratuities (automatic service charge)€12/person/night for standard cabins; Yacht Club: €16/person/night. Fleet-wide guideline; may differ depending on the booking market.
- Extra chargeLaundryNo self-service laundry. Per-item charges (T-shirts €2.90, jackets €7.50, etc.) or packages (10 items €28/20 items €48/40 items €70). Fleet-wide guideline.
- Shore excursionsShore excursions (optional tours) are not included in the cruise fare and cost extra. In 2026, excursions in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan can be booked through the cruise line, with Shanghai, Yokohama (Tokyo), Naha, and Keelung (Taipei), among others, as departure and arrival ports. Prices vary by port and content.
Prices are shown in the onboard currency; no currency conversion is applied.
Boarding, atmosphere, and links
- Japan departures: Yes
- Home ports: Shanghai (China, year-round), Yokohama (Tokyo, Japan), Incheon (South Korea, planned year-round home port from June 2027 under a charter agreement with Lotte Tour)
- Departure ports: Shanghai, Yokohama (Tokyo), Naha (Okinawa), Keelung (Taipei)
- All ages
- A large family ship born in the Mediterranean, combining a lively atmosphere with full-scale Cirque du Soleil shows and AI-enhanced experiences such as ZOE and a robot dog. Since 2024, deployments have focused on Asia, including China, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea.
- During Shanghai departure seasons, the clientele is mainly Chinese families. Yokohama departures and calls in Japan and South Korea also attract repeaters from Europe, North America, and Asia, while year-round homeporting in Incheon from June 2027 is expected to expand the clientele departing from South Korea.
Uses conventional fuel instead of LNG, with SOx removal by exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers). It is equipped with an advanced wastewater treatment system compliant with MEPC.227 (Baltic Sea standard), with a zero-discharge holding capacity of about 2 days, and has obtained certifications such as ISO14001 and ISO50001.
Ship character
- • Japan departures for international cruising
- • Short family cruises
- • Asia itineraries
- • Travelers seeking a quiet adults-only atmosphere
- • Travelers seeking small luxury ships
Cruise stories and videos on external sites
5 linksThese are articles and videos by other publishers, not Cruise Atlas. Their content is their own and has not been reviewed by us. Links open in a new tab.
- Personal blogJapanesekiriblo2022.com
kiriblo2022.com · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
- Personal blogJapaneseameblo.jp
ameblo.jp · Link checked Oct 5, 2026
- ArticleJapanesePR / hosted trip disclosedcruise-ism.com
cruise-ism.com · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
- Personal blogJapanesefhtetsukuzu.blog.fc2.com
fhtetsukuzu.blog.fc2.com · Sailed Nov 23, 2024 · Link checked Oct 5, 2026
- Personal blogJapaneseseacruisetrip.com
seacruisetrip.com · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
English text in preparation.
Sources
- Officialmsccruises.com
- Secondary sourcecruise.us
- Secondary sourcecruisedeckplans.com
- Secondary sourcecruisedeckplans.com (2)
- Secondary sourcemsccruisefan.com
- Secondary sourcemsccruisefan.com (2)
- Secondary sourcemsccruisefan.com (3)
- Secondary sourcemsccruisefan.com (4)
- Secondary sourcecruisecomparator.com
- Secondary sourcecruisecomparator.com (2)
- Secondary sourcecruisecomparator.com (3)
- Secondary sourcecruisecomparator.com (4)
- Secondary sourcecruiseline.com
- Secondary sourcecruisetotravel.com
- Secondary sourcewhitewaterwest.com
- Secondary sourcepackthepjs.com
- Secondary sourcecruisingkids.co.uk
- Secondary sourcemscpressarea.com
- Secondary sourcetomlovescruising.com
- Secondary sourceftnnews.com
- Secondary sourcetravelandtourworld.com
- Secondary sourcecruisedig.com
- Secondary sourcecruise-arabia.com
- Secondary sourcecruisemummy.co.uk
- Secondary sourcecruisewithleo.com
- Secondary sourcemsccruisefan.com (5)
- Secondary sourcefindmyexcursions.com
- Officialmsccruises.com (2)
Cabins by category
| Cabins | Size | Occupancy and beds | Features | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Interior (IR1/IR2/IW) Standard interior cabins, among the largest categories overall, with 657 cabins. They have no windows or balconies but are spacious enough for up to 4 guests, and some (18 cabins) are barrier-free. 657 cabins / Decks 5 and 8-14 | 14–17 m² (151–183 ft²) | Maximum 4 people Double bed (convertible to twin) + sofa bed. | Accessible | Check the official page |
Studio Single (IS) A small studio cabin with 32 rooms designed exclusively for single occupancy. One of the few options for solo travelers who want to avoid the supplement based on double occupancy, often sold only with the Bella fare type. 32 cabins / Decks 5 and 9-14 | 12 m² (129 ft²) | 1 person (single occupancy) French bed (140×200 cm), 1 bed | Solo | Check the official page |
Oceanview (OL2/OR1/OM2/OO/OW) Cabins with a window and an ocean view but no balcony. With 122 cabins, they are a minority compared with balcony cabins. The upper Premium types (OL2/OR1) extend up to 25 m², and there are also family variants to which a fifth and sixth bed can be added. 122 cabins / Decks 5 and 8 | 16–19 m² (172–205 ft²) | Maximum 4 people Double bed (convertible to twin) + sofa bed. | Window | Check the official page |
Balcony (BP/BR/BL/BA/BS/BW) The main category, with 1,282 cabins, the most of any category. Standard cabins for families and couples, including 26 barrier-free cabins. Size and view vary by subclass. 1,282 cabins / Decks 8-14 | 17–23 m² (183–248 ft²) | Maximum 4 people Double bed (convertible to twin) + sofa bed. | BalconyAccessible | Check the official page |
Premium Suite Aurea (SLJ) Upper-tier suites available only with the Aurea fare type. These 10 cabins feature terraces with jacuzzis and are concentrated on decks 9-13. The same floors also include duplex suites (8 cabins) as another variant. 10 cabins / Decks 9-13 | 27 m² (291 ft²) | Maximum 4 people Double bed (convertible to twin) + sofa bed. | Balcony | Check the official page |
MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite (YC1) The main Yacht Club suite category, with 78 rooms. The Yacht Club as a whole comprises about 97 rooms, including Spa Suites (2 rooms), Interior-type suites (15 rooms), and top-tier Royal Suites (2 rooms on deck 15, with a terrace of about 40 m² and a dining table with a jacuzzi). Room 16018 on deck 16 is decorated with about 700,000 Swarovski crystals and offered as the world's first "Crystal Cabin" at the same fare. 78 cabins / Decks 14, 15, 16, and 18 | 28–34 m² (301–366 ft²) | Maximum 4 people Single or double bed (changeable on request) + sofa bed | BalconyConciergeAccessible | cruisedeckplans: MSC Bellissima Yacht Club Deluxe Suite Details |
Approximate figures from official and reliable sources. Cabins vary by ship, category, and sailing.Links generally lead to official pages; some have not been verified.
Families, adults-only areas, and practical information
- • Arizona Aquapark & Himalayan Bridge — On Deck 19, about 1,000 m². It has several water slides, including Champagne Bowl, Constrictor and Giant AquaTube, plus a ropes course. The signature attraction is the Himalayan Bridge, a suspension-bridge-style adventure walkway 82 m long.
- • Baby Club by Chicco — Baby Club for ages 1 to 3. Chicco-brand childcare items such as diapers, wipes, and powdered milk are provided, and infant care, which is often charged by the hour on many ships, is free.
- • Mini/Junior Club (LEGO) & Doremi Studio/Lab — Kids Club for ages 3 to 11. In addition to the Mini and Junior Clubs furnished with LEGO-brand play equipment, it has the DOREMI Studio and Lab, which offers educational programs such as 3D printing and science experiments.
- • Young Club (12-14) & Teen Club (15-17) — Teen-only spaces divided into two groups, for ages 12 to 14 and 15 to 17. Events include dance contests, game tournaments, and karaoke nights.
- • Grand Canyon Pool — Indoor pool and solarium with a retractable roof on Deck 18. Usable regardless of weather, this adults-only area also features 2 jacuzzis and a bar.
- • Top 19 Exclusive Solarium — A sundeck for adults only on Deck 19, about 500 m². It is intended mainly for guests in Wellness and Aurea-class cabins, and is lit up at night.
- • Casino Imperiale — Deck 7 casino with slot machines and table games arranged around the central circular bar.
- Onboard currency
- EUR / USD
- Gratuities
- A daily hotel service charge is added automatically to your onboard account. The amount generally cannot be changed, but if you are dissatisfied with the service you can speak to Guest Relations. Prepayment is also available.
- Payment
- Cashless onboard
- Voltage
- Supplies both 110V and 220V.
- Formal nights
- On a 7-night cruise there are about 2 gala nights (elegant nights), usually scheduled on sea days.
- Medical facilities
- Every ship has a medical center with resident doctors, and emergency care is also available outside opening hours. Consultations and treatment are charged.
- Bringing items onboard
- Bringing both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on board is not allowed in principle. Alcohol purchased at ports of call is held at boarding and returned on disembarkation, which is strict even compared with other lines.
- Mobile and connectivity
- Mobile phone calls, SMS and data can also be used at sea, but maritime roaming charges tend to be expensive, and using a Wi-Fi package is recommended.
- Japanese support
- Staff NoMenus PartialAnnouncements No
Dining
Four main dining rooms included in the cruise fare. The same menu is served at assigned venues according to cabin category, with The Lighthouse operated exclusively for Aurea experience guests.
Hours: Breakfast 7:00-9:00, lunch 12:00-14:00, dinner with multiple seatings (mainly around 18:00 and 20:00; varies by restaurant)
A large buffet included in the cruise fare, featuring live cooking in an open kitchen and long operating hours of 20 hours.
Hours: Open 20 hours a day (continuous service from breakfast, lunch, light meals, and dinner through late-night snacks)
A sweets venue with an attached cafe and shop where guests can watch chocolate being made in an open kitchen. Most coffee drinks are covered by the beverage package; chocolate and cakes are charged individually.
Hours: All day (specific hours vary by day)
Dining and a panoramic lounge exclusively for Yacht Club guests. The cost is included in the suite fare, with concierge service available.
Hours: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (no fixed seating; menus change daily). The Top Sail Lounge is open for extended hours with light meals and afternoon tea
A paid steakhouse centered on dry-aged Angus beef. Since 2025, fleetwide pricing has been simplified to a fixed-price system, with individual à la carte additions also available.
- Fixed course (appetizer + main + 2 side dishes + dessert, adults)€39
- Same as above (children's)€12
- Salmon (a la carte)€29
- Dry-aged tomahawk (à la carte, per 1 kg)€98
Performance-style teppanyaki prepared by chefs in front of guests. It uses a three-tier Shochiku-bai course system and operates in an adjacent area under the same Kaito brand as the sushi bar.
- Katana Menu (white fish/chicken)€29
- Sencho Menu (salmon, shrimp, sirloin)€39
- Shogun Menu (filet, scallop, lobster)€59
A paid Japanese restaurant serving sushi and sashimi à la carte or as fixed courses. Individual items range from €4–32, and service may sometimes use a conveyor belt.
- Kaito Dining Experience (fixed course)€28
- Deluxe sushi (nigiri, maki and temaki set)€20
- Dragon Roll€9
A casual Mexican restaurant along the Mediterranean Promenade on Deck 6, serving tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and more as all-you-can-eat or a la carte. It was rebranded from the former HOLA! Tapas Bar.
- Tacos (single order)€2 and up
- Burrito€12
- All-you-can-eat plan (1 person)€22.99
French dining inspired by bistros along the Seine, serving traditional dishes such as foie gras, escargot, sole meunière, and beef bourguignon.
- Dining experience (fixed-course menu with appetizers and mains selected from four types)€23
- A la carte items (tartare, charcuterie, boeuf bourguignon, etc.)€6–22
Facilities and activities
Main pool deck with approximately 1,500 square meters and more than 850 lounge chairs.
Indoor pool and solarium with a retractable roof on Deck 18. Usable regardless of weather, this adults-only area also features 2 jacuzzis and a bar.
A sundeck for adults only on Deck 19, about 500 m². It is intended mainly for guests in Wellness and Aurea-class cabins, and is lit up at night.
On Deck 19, about 1,000 m². It has several water slides, including Champagne Bowl, Constrictor and Giant AquaTube, plus a ropes course. The signature attraction is the Himalayan Bridge, a suspension-bridge-style adventure walkway 82 m long.
Baby Club for ages 1 to 3. Chicco-brand childcare items such as diapers, wipes, and powdered milk are provided, and infant care, which is often charged by the hour on many ships, is free.
Kids Club for ages 3 to 11. In addition to the Mini and Junior Clubs furnished with LEGO-brand play equipment, it has the DOREMI Studio and Lab, which offers educational programs such as 3D printing and science experiments.
Teen-only spaces divided into two groups, for ages 12 to 14 and 15 to 17. Events include dance contests, game tournaments, and karaoke nights.
Treatment rooms for massages, facials, and other treatments, plus a sauna, steam room, thermal area, and heated loungers. Aurea guests can use the thermal area free of charge.
A gym in a panoramic location overlooking the sea, equipped with full-scale TechnoGym machines.
Outdoor jogging track circling the aft part of Deck 16. One lap is about 200 yards (0.33 km), with separate lanes for walkers and runners.
Deck 7 casino with slot machines and table games arranged around the central circular bar.
Main theater on Deck 6 with about 975 seats. Broadway- and Las Vegas-style production shows are performed every night.
A venue with 295 seats and about 1,100 m², designed specifically for Cirque du Soleil as a combined theater and dining-entertainment space. It stages an original acrobatic show 12 times a week.
Arcade area near the sports bar on Deck 16, consisting of a VR maze, a 4D cinema, and two F1 simulators. Most experiences require an additional fee.
A late-night nightclub of about 70 m² with 55 seats. Music and dancing are available in the area attached to the Horizon Bar.
A variety of bars, including Champagne Bar, English pub Masters of the Sea, late-night karaoke venue TV Studio and Bar, and the sports bar on Deck 16.
An indoor promenade centered on Deck 6, lined with shops, bars and restaurants. Its LED screen ceiling, about 80 m long and about 480 m², shows video day and night and is a signature feature that ranks among the longest at sea.
Duty-free shops around the Deck 6 atrium and in the Galleria sell everything from logo goods and daily necessities to high-end watches and bags.