The largest and newest flagship cruise vessel in Asia, MSC Bellissima, is set to arrive in Shanghai on March 15, with its maiden voyage departing the metropolis on March 16, marking the first return of an international cruise ship to the Chinese mainland.

With a maximum capacity of 5,686 passengers, MSC Bellissima's inaugural spring season will include nine voyages, taking guests to popular destinations such as Fukuoka, Japan. As the first international cruise ship returning to a Chinese mainland port, MSC Bellissima has made thorough preparations that cater to Chinese travelers.

Huang Ruiling, president of MSC Cruises China, stated, "We have upgraded many dining options to suit Chinese tastes and added some Chinese cultural elements. Bringing Asia's largest flagship cruise vessel to China demonstrates our commitment to the Chinese market and our expectations for the Shanghai market."

As of March 11, Shanghai immigration authorities had conducted 132 inspections of international cruise ships this year, with over 263,000 inbound and outbound passengers. Immigration authorities anticipate over 380 inbound and outbound cruise ship visits this year.

Source: Knews