Swiss-based MSC Cruises, one of the world's largest privately-owned cruise companies, announced that its newest flagship, MSC Bellissima, will start its maiden call in China in June 2020.

With a gross tonnage of 171,598 tonnes, the 316-meter flagship MSC Bellissima has a maximum passenger capacity of 5,686, making it the largest cruise ship deployed in Asia by the time it arrives.

The ship will depart from Dubai in March 2020 before arriving in the southern China port of Shenzhen in April with about 5,000 inbound guests.

It will homeport in Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao and Shenzhen, starting with its maiden call in Shanghai on June 17, 2020, and operating a total of 35 cruise trips next year, said MSC Cruises.

"We are looking forward to bringing Chinese consumers our high-quality products and experience proven by the international market. Deploying the MSC Bellissima is a further testament to our long-term commitment to China and the Chinese cruise industry," said Achille Staiano, vice president of global sales of MSC Cruises.

Huang Ruiling, president of MSC Cruises China, said that China's cruise tourism market will keep expanding as Chinese people are spending more on upgraded consumption.

(Cover: The MSC Bellissima cruise ship /VCG Photo)