MSC Cruises resumes operations from Mainland China marking a historic first for an international cruise line

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

MSC Cruises heralded its return to mainland China today with a momentous occasion aboard MSC Bellissima in Shanghai, marking the Company as the inaugural international cruise line to recommence voyages from the area post-pandemic. To commemorate this significant milestone, the cruise liner extended invitations to government dignitaries, travel agents, media representatives, and partners to partake in the inaugural sailing of its Asian flagship.

Esteemed chefs Enrico & Roberto Cerea, renowned for their culinary prowess at the esteemed restaurant DA VITTORIO, curated a bespoke menu for the event and the ship’s maiden voyage. Attendees were treated to a captivating drone spectacle and onboard entertainment to celebrate the arrival of MSC Bellissima in Shanghai.

Throughout the summer of 2024, MSC Bellissima will serve as a home port in Shanghai, Keelung, and Shenzhen. Additionally, the cruise line disclosed its plans for Winter 2024-25 deployment in China, with MSC Splendida slated to operate from Shenzhen and Xiamen between December 2024 and April 2025, while MSC Bellissima will return to Shanghai as her home port in January 2025.

This strategic move positions MSC Cruises as the sole international cruise brand to deploy two ships from four major ports within the first year of its resurgence in the region.

Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, commented: “MSC Bellissima’s maiden call in Shanghai reaffirms our commitment to a market that continues to play an important strategic role for us. We are fulfilling our commitment to bring to the region a modern Asian flagship and we are dedicated to further invest in China and benefit the local economy. We want to push high-quality development of the cruise industry in the region, promote the cultural tourism industry and related home port markets.”

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