Msc-Bellissima Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

The MSC Bellissima faced an unfortunate setback on the evening of December 6, 2024, when it failed to depart from the port of Naha at 7 p.m. due to navigation and engine issues. This disruption led to the immediate cancellation of the vessel's scheduled four-night cruise. Passengers were initially informed that the planned stop in Ishigaki would not occur, and the ship would remain docked in Okinawa until December 10, when the voyage was expected to conclude. Additionally, stops at Keelung, Taiwan, and Miyakojima, Japan, were also scrapped. In response to the situation, MSC Cruises has dispatched a team of skilled engineers from Europe to address the maintenance concerns. While Japanese passengers have been granted the opportunity to disembark, around 1,880 Taiwanese guests are still on board. The cruise line is collaborating with Japanese authorities to facilitate shore leave for these guests on December 9, allowing them to arrange their return travel. Passengers who exit the ship on that date will also be assisted with travel arrangements, which may include a flight to Keelung for those affected. It's yet to be determined if the necessary repairs will be finalized in time for the MSC Bellissima to set sail on its next planned cruise on December 10, which features the same itinerary. Despite the inconvenience, guests onboard have been able to enjoy the vessel's amenities, and MSC Cruises has generously offered a full refund to all passengers impacted by the cancellation, including refunds for any excursions missed that were booked through the cruise line.

On October 30, 2022, Salvament Maritimo called off its search for a potential overboard passenger at the Port of Barcelona after no evidence confirmed the claims of a missing person. The search began early in the morning when the cruise ship 'MSC Bellissima' alerted authorities at approximately 6:30 a.m. about an individual allegedly in the water as it approached the port's southern entrance. Despite the Civil Guard's classification of the incident as involving a passenger, surveillance systems aboard the 'MSC Bellissima' provided no indication of anyone falling overboard. A thorough inspection of the ship confirmed that all passengers and crew were accounted for. To facilitate the search, Barcelona's Maritime Rescue Service deployed a speedboat and a helicopter, alongside response teams from the local Fire Department, a Civil Guard patrol boat, and four additional vessels from the port's practical staff. The Red Cross, along with members from the Fiscal and Borders Company of the Civil Guard stationed at the port, participated in the operation, which was coordinated from Madrid by Salvament Maritimo. The Civil Protection agency indicated that the Port of Barcelona's self-protection plan was activated in response to the search efforts in the estuary area, though it had no impact on other port operations. Notably, during the search, the Civil Guard patrol boat did locate a life preserver with a light signal deployed by the 'MSC Bellissima's crew; however, the search concluded without finding any sign of the alleged victim. The sighting of the purported person in the water was reported by a crew member around 7:30 a.m.

On August 20, 2022, a remarkable operation by the Italian Coast Guard took place when a helicopter was dispatched from Decimomannu to carry out a medical evacuation (medevac). A 5-year-old child had sustained injuries while on board the MSC Bellissima, which was navigating approximately 40 miles southwest of Sardinia. The skilled crew successfully hoisted the child to safety and promptly transported them to a hospital in Cagliari for urgent medical attention. This event highlights the dedication and efficiency of maritime rescue operations. For more information, check out this video: https://twitter.com/i/status/1560931557308866560.