Its all about MSC this week …

This weekend is dominated by the grand launch of MSC Bellissima in Southampton. She is the largest ship to launch in the UK Port and I am sure guests will not be disappointed.

The naming ceremony was hosted by Holly Willoughby, followed by a performance by Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo Bocelli. Cirque Du Soleil was also set to showcase an exclusive performance.

As talked about in previous blogs MSC is giving us some real WOW factors with their new ships. The ships are larger ships and as always offer amazing value for money.

This week MSC also revealed a brand new partnership with Two Michelin Star chef Raymond Blanc of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire. Creating the lines Elegant Dinner Menu, that is yet to be revealed but will be permanently available onboard. MSC CEO Gianni Onorato said The three pillars of what we do is Dining, Entertainment and Technology, he said they were looking to partner with someone that can really help with that experience. Mr Onorato also revealed that German Three-star Michelin chef Harald Wohlfahrt will also partner MSC but the ships have not been confirmed that his dishes will feature on.

Another cruise line gratuities debate dominated cruise forums this week and it has been confirmed that MSC will be removing auto gratuities for the UK and Ireland passengers on departures from the UK from April 2019.

Lastly MSC offers have been amazing recently and they are even including Premium Drinks packages on select cruises when booking their Fantastica Experience fares until the 17th of March 2019. That in itself is a great value, they are definitely raising their bar!