MSC Bellissima - Dubai UAE - Cruise Ship Review
TEL: +1 608-238-6001 Email: greg@cruisingreview.com
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Looking forward to our next cruise adventure on the MSC Cruises ship, the MSC Bellissima. While there were a good selection of cabins the day before Thanksgiving, the day after, most were gone, and several weeks in December were simply sold out. I guess everybody decided to go on MSC over Thanksgiving ! The fares on Emirates for Business Class also doubled, as flights were booked (mostly from cruise ship arrivals). Word to the wise, book before a holiday, and if you're booking flights, I recommend early booking for Business Class, or book Economy and hope for paid upgrades and space available.
Booking; on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, I was on hold for three hours before I got an agent. They are understaffed (MSC USA) for Black Friday and cyber Monday. When I called on Monday to try to get some issues resolved (on the booking) the wait was still an hour. MSC needs to provide more staff. Once I got agents, they were more than helpful, and pleasant to work with.
First Glitch - do not begin nor end your cruise in Qatar: Doing a two-week cruise was available from Doha, Qatar. The cruise availability out of Dubai were limited, and now I know why. What nobody told me was that it's really difficult to get to Qatar. If you are landing in Dubai there are no direct flights between the two countries, because they have politcal tensions. This means you have to fly into Qatar direct from Europe, or fly to Kuwait or some other country, and then to Qatar. Nothing but pure hassle. Best to just avoid it. This one glitch alone will add at least a day, and additional flights, and costs to the trip. I have asked MSC for assistance, and we will see if they provide it. Update: we will try to board in Dubai and miss a day. The transfer costs from Dubai to Qatar were in excess of $2000 for our group. The MSC agent (Michael) was super helpful, and spent almost an hour with me on the phone trying to get this resolved.
About MSC Cruises: Registered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC (part of Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. which is the second biggest container shipping group) is the largest privately held cruise company. It ranks 4th in terms of the big cruise ship companies (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line) with just under 10 percent of all passengers carried. The line was originally started by Achille Lauro in Naples, Italy in 1960. The MSC Bellissima (4,415 pax) and MSC Grandiosa (4,821 pax) were both launched in 2019 built in Chantiers de L'Atlantique in France. MSC Bellissima is the Meraviglia-class ship, with the MSC Grandiosa slightly larger as the Meraviglia-Plus-class christened in Hamburg Germany on November 9th, 2019. These larger ships are flagged in Malta.
Future MSC Ships: Business must be good, since there are no less than 12 ships slated for production until spring of 2026. Unique qualities of these future builds include LNG fueled ships and purpose-built cruise ships based on the MSC Yacht Club (ship-within-a-ship) luxury concept.
Market: The market to expand luxury cruise capacity, seems to be warranted, "While cruise lines work to expand luxury capacity, demand in the market has also continued to grow. Earlier this week AAA Travel released an analysis of the past 12 months of its booking data that showed a spike in demand for both luxury suites on large cruise ships and sailing on small, luxury cruise lines – by double-digit percentages, in some cases." Source: https://www.travelagentcentral.com/cruises/msc-cruises-to-launch-yacht-club-style-luxury-ships
Environmentally Friendly (sort of): MSC Cruises recently announced it will go carbon neutral by January 2020. This is on the heels of the MSC Grandiosa christening, which is touted as MSC's most advanced ship yet (environmentally speaking). To help achieve this goal, they will be doing carbon offset programs by initiating forest habitats protection, algae production, and even supporting coastal habitats by purchasing blue carbon credits.
Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2019/11/08/msc-cruises-aims-carbon-neutral-2020-adds-msc-grandiosa/2516847001/
The Reality: If you really want to dig deep, most cruise companies are environmentally unfriendly. Only Disney Cruises provide transparency, and get a A- ranking. All others get a D-F rating, due to lack of any transparancy. Unless a cruise line can prove they're actually doing something, assume they're no. The stark contrast and reality can be see at: https://foe.org/cruise-report-card/
Why Do I Cruise, And What Do I Do To Help ? I cruise, because I love the ocean, interaction of meeting new people, and want a great view of a sunset. I have a electric ship design project, where I'm designing and innovating new concepts for sustainable living at sea based on a solar powered catamaran. See: https://electricship.com As an inventor, I also have some revolutionary projects which recycle waste heat to make power, and even make low-grade heat accessible to make power through solar thermal, or even recovering heat from computer server farms. Unfortunately, nobody will fund such projects, so they are mostly dormant. Back in 2004 I invented a process which takes liquid CO2, and made fuel grade ethanol, methanol, and butanol (via a reverse fuel cell). Competing with a oil-based economy, and oil-based greed, is virtually impossible for a small business.
[caption id="attachment_2032" align="alignnone" width="1080"]
Dubai Sunrise on December 1st, 2019. Photo Credit: Tyler Patton from the YouTube Channel, Growing Up, Without Borders https://growingupwithoutborders.com[/caption]
Pre Cruise Soak: MSC Cruises does a great job offering lots of a-la-carte pre-cruise items. As you see below, the cruise can get quite expensive.
https://www.msccruisesusa.com/
Here are some of the offerings...
Fun Pass
Buy in advance and you’ll get the best deal!
The Fun Pass is your all access pass to the Amusement Area and it has a value of 180 €/$ depending on the currency on board.
It can be associated to 1 passenger only (credit cannot be splitted on multiple cruise cards), but it can be used by all family.
It's valid for the Formula 1 Simulator, Bowling, Interactive XD Cinema, Select Video Games, and the Zip Line or Flight Simulator or Vr Maze*. F1, Zip Line, Flight simulator, Vr Maze and Cinema admittance starting from 110 cm height.
* Zip Line is offered on MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview, the Flight Simulator is on MSC Meraviglia and the Vr Maze is on MSC Bellissima only.
Book it now and take advantage of this strong discount (the prices shown are already discounted).
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Per Adult $ 120.00
Premium Internet
Book now and save 20% vs. onboard price!
Data limit: 7 GB that can be used throughout the length of the cruise
Up to 4 devices
Benefits:
Full Internet package, perfect for heavy users or families. This package allow to connect up to 4-device and offers full web browsing, access to all social networks and chat APP and email checking. If you finish your MB before your cruise ends, you can recharge your package buying more MB at a cheaper price.
Per Adult $ 135.00 Per Child $ 135.00
Standard Internet
Book now and save 20% vs. onboard price!
Data limit: 3.5 GB that can be used throughout the length of the cruise
Up to 2 devices
Benefits:
Ideal for limited internet usage, the "Standard Internet" package lets you access all social networks and chat APPs, check email and browse the web. If you finish your MB before your cruise ends, you can recharge your package buying more MB at a cheaper price.
Per Adult $ 90.00 Per Child $ 90.00
Unlimited Internet Cruise Package
Book now and save 20% vs. onboard price!
Duration: entire cruise
Data limit: unlimited
One device at a time
Benefits:
This cruise package gives you access to unlimited web surfing, email access, social media access, Youtube and all apps. It can be used only on one device at a time. This package does not allow video streaming (e.g. access to websites such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Audible, Hulu etc.). Per Adult $ 173.00 Per Child $ 173.00
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AT SEA SYMA
DINNER & SHOW
Book now your Dinner and SYMA Show!
Composed of a three courses Cirque du Soleil's menu including:
a starters (vegetarian or not)
a choice of meat, fish or vegetarian dish
a fixed dessert
The package includes food only.
Our exclusive table d'hôte menu offers eclectic selection of creative dishes that will be served before the breathtaking Cirque du Soleil SYMA show. SYMA will take you on the epic journey of a young sailor, brimming with imagination.
This package is for people from 3 years old up. No payment for kids under 3 years old. Day booking to be confirmed on board. Per Adult $ 42.00 Per Child $ 42.00
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AT SEA SYMA SIGNATURE COCKTAIL & SHOW
Book now your Signature Cocktail and SYMA Show!
Composed of:
Alcoholic or non-alcoholic cocktails from the Cirque du Soleil's menu
The package includes drinks only.
Enjoy the surprising freshness of a selection of our creative cocktails while watching the amazing Cirque du Soleil SYMA show. SYMA will take you on the epic journey of a young sailor, brimming with imagination.
This package is for people from 3 years old up. No payment for kids under 3 years old. Day booking to be confirmed on board. Per Adult $ 18.00 Per Child $ 18.00
3 DISTINCT EXPERIENCES
TRILOGY
Book now three distinct Dining Experiences!
Composed of three distinct Dining Experiences at selected Restaurants:
L'Atelier Bistrot: including high-quality snacks, from cheese and charcuterie to escargots and foie gras
Kaito Sushi Bar: including sushi, sashimi and tempura delicacies crafted by expert sushi chefs, with more to discover at the bar
Butcher's Cut Steakhouse: including beef breeds and cuts from a glass-fronted meat-ageing fridge.
This package includes food only.
This package is for guests over 13 years old. Menus for children up to 12 years old are available on-board. No payment for the kids under 3 years. Day of booking to be confirmed on board. Per Adult $ 102.00 Per Child $ 102.00
TWO PLUS ONE: L'ATELIER BISTROT, BUTCHER'S CUT & CIRQUE DU SOLEIL SYMA SHOW
Book now three distinct Dining Experiences!
Composed of three distinct Dining Experiences at selected Restaurants:
L'Atelier Bistrot: including high-quality snacks, from cheese and charcuterie to escargots and foie gras
Butcher's Cut Steakhouse: including beef breeds and cuts from a glass-fronted meat-ageing fridge.
The Cirque du Soleil Dinner and SYMA Show experience: including a three-course menu with a choice of main course only (meat, fish or vegetarian) as well as a set starter and dessert. The menu will be served prior to the breathtaking SYMA show
This package includes food only.
This package is for guests over 13 years old. Menus for children up to 12 years old are available on-board. No payment for the kids under 3 years. Day of booking to be confirmed on board. Per Adult $ 108.00 Per Child $ 108.00
4 DISTINCT EXPERIENCES
THE FINEST FOUR
Book now four distinct Dining Experiences!
Composed of four distinct Dining Experiences at selected Restaurants:
L'Atelier Bistrot: including high-quality snacks, from cheese and charcuterie to escargots and foie gras
Kaito Sushi Bar: including sushi, sashimi and tempura delicacies crafted by expert sushi chefs, with more to discover at the bar
Butcher's Cut Steakhouse: including beef breeds and cuts from a glass-fronted meat-ageing fridge
Holà Tapas Bar by Ramón Reixa: including food inspired from great street foods and shared experiences
This package includes food only.
This package is for guests over 13 years old. Menus for children up to 12 years old are available on-board. No payment for the kids under 3 years. Day of booking to be confirmed on board. Per Adult $ 138.00 Per Child $ 138.00
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AT SEA VARÉLIA
DINNER & SHOW
Book now your Dinner and VARÉLIA Show!
Composed of a three courses Cirque du Soleil's menu including:
a starters (vegetarian or not)
a choice of meat, fish or vegetarian dish
a fixed dessert
The package includes food only.
Our exclusive table d'hôte menu offers eclectic selection of creative dishes that will be served before the breathtaking Cirque du Soleil VARÉLIA show. VARÉLIA will put a futuristic twist on a traditional medieval tale by tracing the arduous course of an unconventional courtship between a princess with distinctive violet skin and a charming hero.
This package is for people from 3 years old up. No payment for kids under 3 years old. Day booking to be confirmed on board. Per Adult $ 42.00 Per Child $ 42.00
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AT SEA VARÉLIA SIGNATURE COCKTAIL & SHOW
Book now your Signature Cocktail and VARÉLIA Show!
Composed of:
Alcoholic or non-alcoholic cocktails from the Cirque du Soleil's menu
The package includes drinks only.
Enjoy the surprising freshness of a selection of our creative cocktails while watching the amazing Cirque du Soleil VARÉLIA show. VARÉLIA will put a futuristic twist on a traditional medieval tale by tracing the arduous course of an unconventional courtship between a princess with distinctive violet skin and a charming hero.
This package is for people from 3 years old up. No payment for kids under 3 years old. Day booking to be confirmed on board. Per Adult $ 18.00 Per Child $ 18.00
TWO PLUS ONE: L'ATELIER BISTROT, BUTCHER'S CUT & CIRQUE DU SOLEIL VARÉLIA SHOW
Book now three distinct Dining Experiences!
Composed of three distinct Dining Experiences at selected Restaurants:
L'Atelier Bistrot: including high-quality snacks, from cheese and charcuterie to escargots and foie gras
Butcher's Cut Steakhouse: including beef breeds and cuts from a glass-fronted meat-ageing fridge
The Cirque du Soleil Dinner and VARÉLIA Show experience: including a three-course menu with a choice of main course only (meat, fish or vegetarian) as well as a set starter and dessert. The menu will be served prior to the breathtaking VARÉLIA show
This package includes food only.
This package is for guests over 13 years old. Menus for children up to 12 years old are available on-board. No payment for the kids under 3 years. Day of booking to be confirmed on board. Per Adult $ 108.00 Per Child $ 108.00
PREMIUM PACKAGE
Unlimited consumption of all drinks priced up to €10!Give yourself an almost endless choice of ways to refresh yourself anytime you want. This offer includes a wide range of cocktails, spirits, liqueurs, aperitifs, wines by the glass, draught and bottled beers, sodas, fruit juices, bottled mineral water, energy drinks, classic and special coffee drinks, hot chocolate delights and organic tea. The offer is valid in all onboard bars, as well as the self-service buffet and restaurants, including speciality restaurants.
TERMS & CONDITIONS: This package is for personal use only and valid for one booking at a time. The ID card issued with the package is non-transferrable. Abusing the terms of the package may result in the service being withdrawn and the remaining days not being refunded. The price of the package applies to each day of the cruise except for the day of disembarkation; the package cannot be purchased on a daily basis. Once activated on board, the package cannot be terminated and refunded. The package must be booked by all guests occupying the same cabin, or travelling together and wishing to eat at the same table, including minors who must book the Child version of the package. The package is not obligatory for infants under 3 years old (i.e. who have not yet reached their 3rd birthday). The following items are not included in the package: tobacco, souvenir glasses, ice cream menu, retail items, minibar and room service. Per Adult $ 658.00
EASY PACKAGE
Unlimited consumption of all drinks priced up to €6!Savour the freedom to satisfy your thirst at any moment with a dedicated selection of house wines by the glass, draught beer (Heineken*), selected spirits and cocktails, non-alcoholic cocktails, soft drinks and fruit juices by the glass, bottled mineral water, classic hot drink (espresso, cappuccino, caffe latte, hot tea) and coffee and chocolate delights. You can take advantage of this offer in all onboard bars, as well as the self-service buffet and restaurants, excluding speciality restaurants. *The brand of beer may vary overtime.
TERMS & CONDITIONS: This package is for personal use only and valid for one booking at a time. The ID card issued with the package is non-transferrable. Abusing the terms of the package may result in the service being withdrawn and the remaining days not being refunded. The price of the package applies to each day of the cruise except for the day of disembarkation; the package cannot be purchased on a daily basis. Once activated on board, the package cannot be terminated and refunded. The package must be booked by all guests occupying the same cabin, or travelling together and wishing to eat at the same table, including minors who must book the Child version of the package. The package is not obligatory for infants under 3 years old (i.e. who have not yet reached their 3rd birthday). The following items are not included in the package: tobacco, souvenir glasses, ice cream menu, retail items, minibar and room service. Per Adult $ 490.00
NON-ALCOHOLIC PACKAGE CHILD
Unlimited soft drinks and more! Give your kids the freedom to enjoy their choice of alcohol-free cocktails, sodas, energy drinks, bottled mineral water, flavoured water, fruit juices, a wide range of premium coffee drinks, hot chocolate delights, organic tea and soft ice cream. These can be consumed in all onboard bars, as well as the self-service buffet and restaurants, excluding speciality restaurants. This offer is only available to CHILDREN AGED 3-17 YEARS who are part of a group/family purchasing an ADULT package.
TERMS & CONDITIONS: This package is for personal use only and valid for one booking at a time. The ID card issued with the package is non-transferrable. Abusing the terms of the package may result in the service being withdrawn and the remaining days not being refunded. The price of the package applies to each day of the cruise except for the day of disembarkation; the package cannot be purchased on a daily basis. Once activated on board, the package cannot be terminated and refunded. The following items are not included in the package: tobacco, souvenir glasses, ice cream menu, retail items, minibar and room service. Per Child $ 238.00
PREMIUM PLUS PACKAGE
Unlimited consumption of all drinks by the glass, with no price limit! Enjoy the finest beverages available, and the freedom to quench your thirst however, whenever and wherever you like! Drinks and food from the minibar and the room service menu and drinks from theme bar menus are all included as well. This offer also entitles you to a 30% discount on bottles of wine and champagne from our wine lists. You can order your drinks in all onboard bars, as well as the self-service buffet and restaurants, including the speciality restaurants.
TERMS & CONDITIONS: This package is for personal use only and valid for one booking at a time. The ID card issued with the package is non-transferrable. Abusing the terms of the package may result in the service being withdrawn and the remaining days not being refunded. The price of the package applies to each day of the cruise except for the day of disembarkation; the package cannot be purchased on a daily basis. Once activated on board, the package cannot be terminated and refunded. The package must be booked by all guests occupying the same cabin, or travelling together and wishing to eat at the same table, including minors who must book the Child version of the package. The package is not obligatory for infants under 3 years old (i.e. who have not yet reached their 3rd birthday). The following items are not included in the package: tobacco, souvenir glasses, ice cream menu and retail items. Per Adult $ 868.00
NON-ALCOHOLIC PACKAGE
Unlimited soft drinks and more! Refresh yourself whenever you like with a choice of alcohol-free cocktails, sodas, energy drinks, bottled mineral water, flavoured water, fruit juices, a wide range of premium coffee drinks, hot chocolate delights, organic tea and soft ice cream. The drinks included can be ordered in all onboard bars, as well as the self-service buffet and restaurants, excluding speciality restaurants. This offer is only available to ADULTS over 18 years of age.
TERMS & CONDITIONS: This package is for personal use only and valid for one booking at a time. The ID card issued with the package is non-transferrable. Abusing the terms of the package may result in the service being withdrawn and the remaining days not being refunded. The price of the package applies to each day of the cruise except for the day of disembarkation; the package cannot be purchased on a daily basis. Once activated on board, the package cannot be terminated and refunded. The following items are not included in the package: tobacco, souvenir glasses, ice cream menu, retail items, minibar and room service.
Per Adult $ 322.00
EASY PACKAGE
Unlimited consumption of all drinks priced up to €6!Savour the freedom to satisfy your thirst at any moment with a dedicated selection of house wines by the glass, draught beer (Heineken*), selected spirits and cocktails, non-alcoholic cocktails, soft drinks and fruit juices by the glass, bottled mineral water, classic hot drink (espresso, cappuccino, caffe latte, hot tea) and coffee and chocolate delights. You can take advantage of this offer in all onboard bars, as well as the self-service buffet and restaurants, excluding speciality restaurants. *The brand of beer may vary overtime.
TERMS & CONDITIONS: This package is for personal use only and valid for one booking at a time. The ID card issued with the package is non-transferrable. Abusing the terms of the package may result in the service being withdrawn and the remaining days not being refunded. The price of the package applies to each day of the cruise except for the day of disembarkation; the package cannot be purchased on a daily basis. Once activated on board, the package cannot be terminated and refunded. The package must be booked by all guests occupying the same cabin, or travelling together and wishing to eat at the same table, including minors who must book the Child version of the package. The package is not obligatory for infants under 3 years old (i.e. who have not yet reached their 3rd birthday). The following items are not included in the package: tobacco, souvenir glasses, ice cream menu, retail items, minibar and room service.
Per Adult $ 490.00
PREMIUM PACKAGE
Unlimited consumption of all drinks priced up to €10!Give yourself an almost endless choice of ways to refresh yourself anytime you want. This offer includes a wide range of cocktails, spirits, liqueurs, aperitifs, wines by the glass, draught and bottled beers, sodas, fruit juices, bottled mineral water, energy drinks, classic and special coffee drinks, hot chocolate delights and organic tea. The offer is valid in all onboard bars, as well as the self-service buffet and restaurants, including speciality restaurants.
TERMS & CONDITIONS: This package is for personal use only and valid for one booking at a time. The ID card issued with the package is non-transferrable. Abusing the terms of the package may result in the service being withdrawn and the remaining days not being refunded. The price of the package applies to each day of the cruise except for the day of disembarkation; the package cannot be purchased on a daily basis. Once activated on board, the package cannot be terminated and refunded. The package must be booked by all guests occupying the same cabin, or travelling together and wishing to eat at the same table, including minors who must book the Child version of the package. The package is not obligatory for infants under 3 years old (i.e. who have not yet reached their 3rd birthday). The following items are not included in the package: tobacco, souvenir glasses, ice cream menu, retail items, minibar and room service.
Per Adult $ 658.00
FRUITS IN CABIN
Book now
Including:
A bowl of 7 different seasonal fruits
can be consumed in your cabin
Fresh, vital and healthy!
Per stateroom $ 8.50
ROMANTIC SUNSET PACKAGE
Book now
Including:
1 bottle of champagne Moet and Chandon Brut (75cl)
2 MSC flutes (souvenir to take home)
1 tray of 10 chocolate-dipped strawberries
Can be consumed in cabin
Enjoy a romantic toast in the intimacy of your cabin!
Per stateroom $ 83.00
CHOCOLATE-DIPPED STRAWBERRIES
Book now
Including:
1 tray of 10 chocolate-dipped strawberries
Can be consumed in cabin
Indulgent and special!
Per stateroom $ 14.50
VIP TREATMENT
Book now
Including:
1 bottle of sweet sparkling Asti wine
1 bowl of selected seasonal fruits (7 kinds)
Can be consumed in cabin
Surprise your beloved with class!
Per stateroom $ 32.50
BON VOYAGE PACKAGE
Book now
Including:
1 bottle of Prosecco
2 MSC flutes (a souvenir to take home)
1 tray of canapes
1 bowl of fresh fruit
The tray will be served in cabin at the embarkation together with a Captain's welcome letter. The fresh fruit will be served in cabin every day
The perfect way to start your voyage of discovery!
Per stateroom $ 59.00
ROSE PETAL PACKAGE
Book now
Including:
1 bottle of Moscato "Il Vino dell'Amore" presented in a deluxe packaging
2 MSC flutes (a souvenir to take home)
1 tray of "Petit Four" (fine mignon pastry)
Delivered to cabin on embarkation day
Colour your cruise with passion!Per stateroom $ 44.50
BON VOYAGE DELUXE PACKAGE
Book now
Including:
1 bottle of champagne Veuve Clicquot Brut
2 MSC flutes (a souvenir to take home)
1 tray of chocolate-dipped strawberries (10 pieces)
1 bowl of fresh fruit
The tray will be served in cabin at the embarkation together with a Captain's welcome letter. The fresh fruit will be served in cabin every day
Say "I love you" in a deluxe way!
Per stateroom $ 119.00
DELUXE CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST IN CABIN
Book now
Including:
Selection of hot drinks (coffee, tea/infusions, milk whole/skim)
Freshly squeezed orange juice
Bread rolls and croissants
3 varieties of marmalade and 1 of honey, butter, margarine
Selection of cheese (40g per person)
Roses of prosciutto (40g per person)
Eggs "à la coque" with toasted bread
Cereals (muesli) or selection of yogurt
Mosaic of fresh fruit of the season
Can be consumed in cabin
Enjoy your Deluxe Continental Breakfast in cabin for two!
Per stateroom $ 17.00
ASTI & STRAWBERRIES
Book now
Including:
1 bottle of sweet sparkling Asti wine
2 MSC flutes (a souvenir to take home)
1 tray of 10 chocolate-dipped strawberries.
Can be consumed in cabin
The perfect combination: bubbles and strawberries!
Per stateroom $ 35.00