Key points of the MSC Bellissima
- This is a large cruise ship operated by MSC Cruises, which entered service in March 2019. With a gross tonnage of 171,598 tons and a length of approximately 316 meters, it is a "city on the sea."
- The ceiling of the indoor promenade that runs through the center of the ship is an approximately 80-meter-long LED sky. With a water park, shows, and numerous restaurants, it's a lively place for families and groups to spend time.
- They operate cruises departing from and arriving in Japan, and in 2026 they will have flights departing from and arriving in Tokyo, Yokohama, and Kobe, as well as flights departing from and arriving in Naha (November 2026 to January 2027).
Last verified: September 29, 2026 (Source at the end of this page)
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What kind of ship is the MSC Bellissima?
The MSC Bellissima is a cruise ship operated by MSC Cruises, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. "Bellissima" means "most beautiful" in Italian, and the ship combines a glamorous Mediterranean design with the latest technology.
Built in Chantiers-de-Latlantique, France, it is the second ship of the Meraviglia class and is one of the largest ships available for cruises departing from and returning to Japan.
Watch MSC Bellissima in video
Basic data
| Operating company | MSC Cruises |
|---|---|
| Launch | March 2019 |
| Gross tonnage | 171,598 tons |
| full length | 315.83 meters |
| Passenger capacity | Approximately 4,500 people (based on double occupancy) |
| Number of decks | 18 |
| construction | Chantiers de l'Atlantique (France) |
Highlights on board the ship
- Galleria Bellissima: A two-story, approximately 96-meter-long indoor promenade located in the center of the ship. LED images are projected onto the ceiling sky, tailored to the time of day and events, making it the heart of shopping, dining, and evening parties.
- Aqua Park: An outdoor swimming pool with water slides. Fun for all ages, from children to adults.
- Shows and interactive attractions: In addition to theaters staging Broadway-style shows, there are attractions such as an F1 simulator.
- A variety of restaurants: In addition to the main dining room and buffet, which are included at no extra charge, there are also paid restaurants such as a steakhouse, teppanyaki, and sushi.
- MSC Yacht Club: An area exclusively for suite passengers. It features a private restaurant, lounge, and pool, and offers 24-hour butler service. This is known as a "ship within a ship."
Differences from other ships
| item | MSC Bellissima | Queen Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| atmosphere | Bright and lively. There are many families and young people. | British tradition and elegance. A sophisticated social gathering place for adults. |
| class | Casual (Yacht Club is luxury) | premium |
| How to enjoy | Aqua park, shows, attractions | Afternoon tea, ballroom dancing, lectures |
| Dress code | Relatively gentle | Dinner and evening events are available. Gala evening events require formal attire. |
One of the key features of the MSC Bellissima is that you can choose between the lively atmosphere of a large ship and the quiet, exclusive space of a yacht club.
Operations in Japan
We operate cruises departing from and returning to Japan almost every year. In 2026, we have planned cruises departing from and returning to Tokyo, Yokohama, and Kobe from spring to autumn, visiting destinations such as Kobe, Hiroshima, Kagoshima, Sasebo, and Busan and Jeju Island in South Korea.
From November 2026 to January 2027, cruises departing from and returning to Naha, visiting Taiwan and the islands of Okinawa, are also planned. For the Naha departures, the Shinminato Pier...Naha Port Cruise Berth 2You may need to use this service. Since it's not possible to walk from the second cruise berth to the city center, you'll need to travel by shuttle bus or taxi. Because it's a foreign-flagged ship, even voyages departing from and arriving in Japan will always call at overseas ports (such as Busan or Taiwan). Don't forget to bring your passport.
Upcoming calls in Japan (next 60 days)
- Fri, Oct 2 This weekNaha PortArr. 07:00 / Dep. 20:00
- Wed, Oct 7 This weekTokyo PortArr. 05:30 / Dep. 19:00
- Fri, Oct 9Hakodate PortArr. 06:00 / Dep. 20:00
- Sat, Oct 10Sakata PortArr. 08:30 / Dep. 17:00
- Sun, Oct 11Kanazawa PortArr. 09:00 / Dep. 19:00
- Wed, Oct 14Kagoshima PortArr. 08:30 / Dep. 19:00
- Fri, Oct 16Tokyo PortArr. 05:30 / Dep. 19:00
- Sun, Oct 18Hakodate PortArr. 07:30 / Dep. 18:30
- Mon, Oct 19Sakata PortArr. 08:30 / Dep. 17:00
- Tue, Oct 20Kanazawa PortArr. 09:00 / Dep. 19:00
- Fri, Oct 23Kagoshima PortArr. 08:30 / Dep. 19:00
- Sun, Oct 25Tokyo PortArr. 05:30 / Dep. 19:00
- Tue, Oct 27Hakodate PortArr. 07:30 / Dep. 18:30
- Wed, Oct 28Sakata PortArr. 08:30 / Dep. 17:00
- Thu, Oct 29Kanazawa PortArr. 09:00 / Dep. 19:00
See all arrivals in Japan Source: WEB CRUISE arrival calendar (Japanese). Schedules may change due to weather. Most piers are restricted areas; please watch ships from public parks and observation spots.
Major ports of call in Japan
- Naha Port5 calls
- Hakodate Port3 calls
- Hakata Port3 calls
- Tokyo Port3 calls
- Kagoshima Port3 calls
- Kanazawa Port3 calls
- Sakata Port3 calls
- Sasebo Port2 calls
- Ishigaki Port1 call
- Aburatsu Port1 call
This data compiles the number of port calls to Japanese ports based on scheduled arrivals from July 2026 to October 2026 (as of September 29, 2026). You can view the port's information page by clicking on the port name link. Source:WEB CRUISE "Cruise Ship Port Arrival Calendar"Comparison with other ships isList of cruise ships coming to Japanfart.
FAQ
Q1Can I board from Japan?
Yes. There are cruises departing from and arriving in Japan, including Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe, and Naha, and some cruises allow you to board without taking a plane. Reservations can be made through the MSC Cruises Japanese website or travel agencies.
Q2Do I need a passport?
Yes, it is necessary. Since it is a foreign-flagged ship, even on routes departing from and arriving in Japan, it will call at overseas ports such as those in South Korea and Taiwan.
Q3What is the MSC Yacht Club?
This is an area exclusively for suite passengers. It includes a private restaurant, lounge, and pool, and guests can enjoy butler service while also having access to the ship's facilities.
Source/Reference Information
- MSC Cruises Official Japanese Website
- Wikipedia "MSC Bellissima" (Basic Data)
- Meitetsu Travel: "2026/2027 Japan Departure and Arrival Cruises on MSC Bellissima"
Photo: Taken by the operator. Last checked: September 29, 2026. Information may change. Please let us know if you notice anything through reviews or inquiries.

review
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A boat perfect for beginners
The MSC Bellissima, made famous by Japanet Cruises and a driving force behind the cruise boom, is simply fun! Highly recommended if you love dancing.
Yacht club cabins offer a relaxing experience with services like a butler and a dedicated floor for yacht club members, but they are more expensive than regular cabins, so when they are offered at a discounted price, it's a great opportunity.
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