MSC Bellissima’s Red Sea Deployment Extended

Galleria Bellissima promenade on MSC Bellissima

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MSC Cruises has announced that its ship MSC Bellissima’s deployment will be extended in Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea for the winter 2021-2022 season. The extension follows a successful inaugural season in the region this past summer.

MSC Bellissima and her itineraries in the area have proven popular since the vessel began sailing out of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in July. This winter, Bellissima will replace MSC Magnifica, which was previously scheduled to serve in the region.

MSC bellissima
(Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises)

The ship’s upcoming itinerary is brand-new for MSC and is the first of its kind. Starting October 30, Bellissima will offer seven-night cruises from Jeddah, calling at Ras Al Abyad, Aqaba (for Petra) in Jordan, Safaga (for Luxor) in Egypt, and Al Wajh and Yanbu in Saudi Arabia.

MSC Bellissima is one of MSC Cruises’ newest vessels; she debuted in 2019.

Ship Highlights

  • MSC Yacht Club spanning three decks
  • 12 dining venues and over 20 lounges
  • Pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury’s Chocolate & Café
  • A dedicated family deck area with activities from LEGO and Chicco
  • The London Theatre and the Carousel Lounge entertainment venues
  • 262 foot long LED Sky Screen above a 315 foot long Mediterranean-style promenade
  • 10 different types of staterooms
galleria bellissima promenade
Galleria Bellissima promenade on MSC Bellissima (Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises)

READ MORE: Details on MSC Group’s New Luxury Cruise Line, Explora Journeys

Itinerary Highlights

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Homeporting in this vibrant city, guests can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Al-Balad — the old town of Jeddah. Jeddah is also known for its waterfront and modern shopping malls.

Ras Al Abyad, Saudi Arabia

Known as “the White Coast” due to its pristine white beaches, guests can spend the day relaxing and unwinding while taking in the beautiful seascapes.

Aqaba (for Petra), Jordan

This city rests on the Red Sea coast and is a haven for both divers and history buffs. From snorkeling in the Aqaba Marine Park to Mamluk Castle and the Aqaba Archaeological Museum, this destination has something for everyone.

Aqaba’s close proximity to Petra offers passengers the chance to travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, inhabited since as early as 7,000 BC.

petra jordan pixabay
Petra, Jordan (Photo courtesy of ChiemSeherin/Pixabay)

Safaga (for Luxor), Egypt

A short distance from one of Egypt’s most spectacular destinations, the small city of Safaga is the gateway to Luxor. From the ruins of the Luxor temples and the unforgettable Necropolis — where guests will find the Valley of Kings and the Valley of Queens — this is a destination to remember.

Al Wajh, Saudi Arabia

Framed by turquoise seas and immaculate beaches, the coastal city of Al Wajh once served as one of the region’s central shipping ports.

Its abandoned old town features ancient Hejazi architecture made from Red Sea coral, and it now serves as a coastal gateway to AlUla, home to Hegra, one of Saudi Arabia’s cultural masterpieces. It features over 110 tombs carved from giant rock formations as well as ancient sites that date back to the 1st millennium BC.

Yanbu, Saudi Arabia

This major port provides the perfect final stop on the seven-night itinerary. The old town of Yanbu, located within walking distance of the port, dates back 2,500 years. It offers one of the oldest souks, where traders used to come from afar to sell their goods.

As well, the city is known as “the diving capital of Saudi Arabia” and has become an increasingly attractive tourist destination due to its white sand beaches and lively coral reefs.

Next Planned Region

At the end of March 2022, MSC Bellissima is scheduled to leave the Red Sea and reposition to Japan for cruises from Yokohama beginning on April 21.

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