MSC Cruises announced that it will deploy MSC Splendida as its second ship in China in 2024, after previously announcing the operation of MSC Bellissima.
This means that MSC Cruises will be the only international cruise line to deploy two ships in China in 2024, offering the first sailings in the country since 2020.
MSC Cruises has also expanded its offerings with MSC Bellissima from April until September 2024, to operate itineraries from both Shenzhen and Shanghai.
Helen Huang, president of MSC Cruises China, said: “The day that the first spring 2024 itineraries for MSC Bellissima were announced the number of direct sales bookings in a single day hit the highest record in our history in the country with family cabins and MSC Yacht Club suites contributing the largest share of revenue.
“There is clearly a strong demand for vacations at sea in China and our decision to deploy two modern vessels in 2024 featuring our ‘ship within a ship concept’ – MSC Yacht Club – to the country amply demonstrates a rapid recovery in its cruise industry and an appetite for premium voyages.”
MSC Bellissima will make her debut in Shenzhen on 29 June 2024 with eight voyages of two-to-five-night visiting Hong Kong, Okinawa, Yaeyama Islands and Miyako Island.
The ship will operate eight sailings from 31 July and 6 September of four to six nights from Shanghai to Japan, including Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Osaka, Okinawa and Shimonoseki.
MSC Splendida’s winter 2024 itineraries from Shenzhen are being finalized.
Photo by Andrew McAlpine
