MSC Cruises marked its resumption of service in mainland China with a special event on board MSC Bellissima in Shanghai, making the Company the first international cruise line to resume sailings from the region since the pandemic. To celebrate this milestone, the cruise line invited government officials, travel agents, media and partners on board to experience its Asian flagship.

World-renowned chefs Enrico & Roberto Cerea, from acclaimed restaurant DA VITTORIO, crafted a special menu for the ceremony and the ship’s first sailing. Guests also enjoyed a stunning drone show and entertainment around the ship to help celebrate MSC Bellissima’s arrival in Shanghai.

MSC Bellissima will home port in Shanghai, Keelung and Shenzhen throughout summer 2024. The cruise line also used the event to announce Winter 2024-25 deployment in China that will see MSC Splendida operating from Shenzhen and Xiamen between December 2024 and April 2025, while MSC Bellissima will return to her home port in Shanghai in January 2025.

This makes MSC Cruises the only international cruise brand to deploy two ships, operating from four major ports, within the first year of returning to the region.