MSC Bellissima, the first international cruise ship to serve Japan since 2020, has been named ‘Asia’s Best Cruise Ship ‘at the Asia Cruise Forum staged in Jeju, South Korea.

MSC Bellissima resumed sailing international itineraries in April 2023 in Japan and has since operated to China and South Korea.

The Asia Cruise Forum judging panel granted the prestigious accolade after a detailed review of customer service and operational performance of cruise vessels sailing on the continent. Judges also considered entities that had contributed significantly to the cruise industry’s resurgence in Asia following the global pandemic.

Oliviero Morelli, President of MSC Cruises Japan and Korea, accepted the award from Mr Do-Hyung Kang, South Korea’s Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, at a gala ceremony hosted by Jeju Tourism.

Mr Morelli said, “Receiving the title of ‘Asia’s Best Cruise Ship’ at the Asia Cruise Forum is a tremendous honour for MSC Cruises. This recognition strengthens our presence in the local market and underscores our commitment to deliver unparalleled cruise experiences throughout Asia.”

MSC Bellissima also won the title of ‘Cruise Ship of the Year’ at the end of 2023 by the Japan Oceangoing Passenger Ship Association.

The GT 171,598 MSC Bellissima has a capacity of 5,655 guests and is well-known in the Asian market following the vessel’s involvement in Netflix TV’s hit Japanese film ‘In Love and Deep Water’.