Cruise News
A WHOLE WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT
IN the end, the zombie pirates won over the virtual bunnies.
Given the choice of two 3D experiences on MSC Bellissima, I plumped for the immersive cinema, put on the special glasses and prepared to fire at dozens of undead buccaneers, while my seat was rocked around in sync with the action on screen.
A few minutes later I was on a ghost rollercoaster, feeling the sensation of soaring up or rattling down the tracks, thanks to my shuddering chair.
As I left the cinema I saw a gamer in the Virtual Reality Maze next door, gazing around himself in a 3D headset as he battled evil rabbits. Opposite me were two full-size Formula One simulators.
The latest MSC Cruises ship is buzzing with technology. Every cabin has a digital personal assistant called Zoe, who can answer 800 questions in seven languages.
Say “OK Zoe” and she bleeps into life, ready to help. In the corridors are 94 interactive screens to give you directions and tell you about destinations.
But fun on Bellissima goes way beyond cyberspace. A sports complex offers basketball, tennis, volleyball and football games.
An aquapark boasts three water slides plus a rope course. Night owls can choose from 11 dance areas to party in until 2am. Plus there is a two-lane bowling alley.
On a special four-night preview voyage, I didn’t have the time to savour all the entertainment on board, including West End-style shows and opera.
World-famous Cirque du Soleil has produced two exclusive shows for the ship, to be performed in a specially designed £17million lounge with a rotating stage and 130ft-long
LED screen.
I enjoyed delicious steak in the Butcher’s Cut restaurant, while other venues include a tapas bar, French bistro and a teppanyaki grill.
Everywhere, you’re spoilt for choice. A chocolate cafe allows you to create a personalised bar from more than 1,000 options, while a creperie serves 13 flavours of ice cream.
Thank goodness calories at sea don’t count, or so they tell me.
I always enjoy the glitz and sparkle of MSC Cruises. Guests tend to be of all ages, from all nationalities.
But Brits are made to feel right at home, with English widely spoken and familiar beers served in a pub based on a London tavern. Other bars specialise in cocktails and Champagne.
Children have a great time, too, with clubs for youngsters aged from under three to 17. Once on every cruise, there’s a special magic night where kids can learn amazing tricks. MSC Cruises now wants to cast its spell over the luxury market, having announced it is setting up a brand for four highend ships it has on order between 2023 and 2026.
Even after 300 years of seafaring, the Aponte family, which runs the company, is still pulling rabbits out of the hat – even if some of the bunnies are trapped in a virtual maze.