MSC Cruises takes delivery of second Meraviglia vessel

MSC Bellissima’s design incorporates some of the latest environmental technologies available, such as a UV ballast water treatment system from Montpellier-based supplier Bio-Sea, as well as a cutting-edge hybrid exhaust gas cleaning system, an advanced wastewater treatment plant and water-lubricated propeller shaft bearings. The vessel also features a heat recovery system and LED lighting.

The four main diesel generators are driven by Wärtsilä 46F-series medium-speed engines, whereby two of the aggregates are each powered at 16,800kW by 14-cylinder models, and two are fitted with 12-cylinder units delivering 14,400kW.

The considerable array of manoeuvring thrusters comprises four Wärtsilä tunnel thrusters forward each of 3.3MW, and two CT300M tunnel thrusters forward each of 3.3MW, and two 6.1 metre diameter ABB azipods aft, delivering 20,000kW each.

MSC Cruises has an ambitious new builds programme and another 13 next generation cruise ships are due to join its fleet by 2027. This includes four LNG-fuelled World Class mega cruise ships as well as four smaller ships that will serve the ultraluxury segment.

MSC Bellissima departed on her maiden voyage on 4 March, taking her to Genoa, Italy, where she will spend her inaugural season, offering Western Mediterranean cruises. In November 2019, she will reposition to the Gulf, providing weekly sailings out of Dubai. In spring 2020 she will be deployed to Asia.

Also on 27 February, MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique held a keel laying ceremony for the MSC Virtuosa, the second of three Meraviglia-Plus ships. Due to be delivered in November 2020, she will become the fourth Meraviglia Class ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet.

PRINCIPAL PARTICULARS – MSC BELLISSIMA