MSC Cruises announced this week it would be sending a new build ship, the MSC Bellissima to sail around Asia by 2020.

She will be the newest flagship for the region and will be tailored for the Asian market. The Bellissima will be launched in March 2019 and following her inaugural season in the Mediterranean, will then sail to Shanghai where she will be based, and head to destinations like Japan.

Some of her features include the longest LED Sky Screen at Sea at 80 metres long encompassing a stunning 96 metre long Mediterranean-style promenade, designed to become the social hub of the ship. Guests will be able to enjoy brand-new and exclusive to MSC Cruises Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows every night as well as next-generation MSC Yacht Club, with new features and luxurious accommodations spanning three decks, private facilities and butler service round-the-clock. MSC Bellissima will be among the biggest and most innovative cruise ships deployed in the region.

While MSC Bellissima will be mostly based in Shanghai to serve the Chinese home market, she will also offer a number of sailings from Japan with a number of Asian sailings for guests wanting to discover this popular region from the comfort and style of an MSC Cruises ship.

Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ CEO said, “MSC Splendida does not mark the end of our ambitions in China and Asia overall. This market is a global priority and we are committed to serving it with our very best ships and product. For this reason, I’m delighted to announce that MSC Bellissima will homeport in Asia as of Spring 2020, marking the next step of our growth in one of the world’s most appealing cruise markets.”

The announcement comes as MSC Splendida has completed her Maritime Silk Road sailing, which has taken her from Dubai, UAE, to Shanghai, China.

During her season in Asia, she will also operate mostly out of Shanghai as well as Yokohama, Japan. With 137,936 GRT, MSC Splendida is one of the largest, most modern cruise ships currently operating in the Asia region.

She features 1,637 cabins, 76% of which come with a balcony and can accommodate up to 4,363 guests.

Prior to her arrival in Shanghai, MSC Splendida went through an extensive overhaul process to renovate her interiors, install new as well as upgrade the onboard experiences. MSC Splendida now features an exclusive selection of Asian and Western cuisines in three new restaurants: the signature hot pot restaurant Sea Pavilion by the acclaimed Chinese chef Jereme Leung globally recognised for his contemporary interpretation of Chinese cuisine; the Hong Kong style Dim Sum & Teahouse; and the Butcher’s Cut, a popular American-style steak house on board MSC Cruises’ fleet.

Also onboard is a new app called MSC for Me helps guests plan every bit of their holiday – whether they are booking shore excursions or a specialty restaurant.