I’m not a professional reviewer—just sharing my personal experience from the heart. Hope it helps fellow travelers make informed choices!
📸 Scenery – Truly Worth It
Was it worth spending around ¥8,000 per person for 5 nights on MSC Bellissima? For me, absolutely yes. The sunrise at sea was magical—a moment of pure awe when the sun peeks over the ocean, sky and sea blending into one. Many passengers gathered early in reverent silence just to witness it. Don’t miss it! I missed sunset due to dinner, but I can imagine it was just as beautiful.
🍽 Dining – A Food Lover’s Dream
If you’re here to eat, this is paradise. Six meals a day, with rich variety and high quality. The main dining room served fantastic dishes—some better than what you’d get on land! Though it was quite crowded during summer holidays and service could be slow at peak times, the food was consistently good. The nightly shows were another highlight—especially the dance performances, which were powerful and polished.
🎡 Shore Excursions – Mixed Experiences
We joined the group tours instead of exploring independently.
In Sasebo, Huis Ten Bosch was charming and scenic. Looking back, I think the Kujukushima Island cruise might have been more peaceful and suitable for my pace. Japanese service and infrastructure were, as expected, excellent. If you’re looking to shop, Sasebo is nice for small souvenirs. For bigger items, a Fukuoka itinerary may be better.
Busan, on the other hand, was less ideal. Many shops were closed, and the atmosphere was not as vibrant. We were dropped off near Jagalchi Market to find food on our own. I tried a popular cold noodle spot with a 4.7-star rating—but honestly, the experience didn’t quite meet expectations. At that moment, I found myself missing the hearty meals on the ship.
🎰 Service – Mostly Great, With One Exception
Overall, the crew on MSC Bellissima were welcoming and helpful. But on such a large ship with 1,500+ staff, it’s natural to encounter some inconsistencies. At the casino, I had a negative encounter with two staff members while trying to buy lottery tickets. One seemed impatient and closed the window mid-conversation. It was an isolated experience, and I still appreciate the efforts of the rest of the crew who made the trip enjoyable.
✅ Tips & Takeaways
• Avoid fully booked sailings if you prefer a more relaxed onboard atmosphere.
• Shore excursions in Japan are smooth, scenic, and well worth it.
• Personally, I’d skip Korea next time and stick with Japan for a better overall experience.
• Despite small hiccups, MSC Bellissima remains a solid choice for a scenic and comfortable sea journey.
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