Travel Weekly editor-in-chief Lucy Huxley has officially opened the kids’ club on board new MSC Cruises ship Bellissima.
MSC Bellissima, which has a maximum capacity of 5,686 passengers, is the largest cruise ship to ever be named in Southampton.
Stars including TV presenter Holly Willoughby and tenor Andrea Bocelli were onboard for the event.
The kids’ area will be the joint-biggest on an MSC Cruises ship, with separate rooms for different age groups, a baby room and a teen area.
All the facilities for families, children and teens are in one place and include the Doremi Studio Lounge, a dedicated lounge for all family activities; and the Doremi Tech Lab, which includes a 3D printer.
The baby room was designed in partnership with Italian babywear and product manufacturer Chicco; while the main kids’ rooms are all LEGO-themed.
Speaking on board Bellissima, Huxley said: “It gives me great pleasure to be here today to officially unveil these wonderful facilities onboard what I’m sure we all agree is a truly magnificent vessel.
“As both a champion of the cruising sector and as a parent, I know precisely how important facilities like these are to the enjoyment of those passengers travelling with children.
“And from speaking to the fantastic travel agent readers of Travel Weekly I also understand how a real commitment to providing an outstanding experience for guests of all ages can help create loyal customers who will return time and again.
“In Bellissima, MSC Cruises has created a ship which oozes style and sophistication… but it is this commitment to ensuring the finer details create an unrivalled experience that will truly set the ship apart.
“I am honoured to have been asked to play a small part in the launch celebrations of this beautiful ship, and would like to extend my thanks to UK and Ireland managing director Antonio Paradiso, his team and the crew. I wish you all – and particularly those who will care for your young guests in these wonderful surrounding, many years of smooth sailing and incredible memories.”