Mega Cruise Ship Carrying 5,700 Passengers to Launch from Incheon Next Year
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
Lotte Tour plans to operate the MSC Cruises’ Bellissima, a 170,000-ton ship with about 5,700 passengers and 1,500 crew, out of Incheon in June 2027. This is the first time a Korean travel agency has chartered such a large vessel. The ship features Broadway-level shows, five swimming pools including a waterpark, 12 restaurants, 18 bars/lounges, and a 96m indoor promenade with an LED ceiling. Lotte signed an MOU to charter more MSC ships through 2029 and will offer a 6-night, 7-day itinerary from Incheon to Keelung (Taiwan) and Sasebo (Japan). Company CEO Baek Hyun says Korea’s cruise market is small but growing rapidly, with Korean cruise passengers rising over 10% annually since 2023; challenges remain such as slow immigration, customs, and quarantine (COVID-19 related procedures) processing and limited terminal capacity. Lotte believes premium offerings like the “MSC Yacht Club” (a suite-level, concierge service similar to airline business/first class) will boost inbound cruise tourism and regional economic benefits if the government supports streamlined port procedures.
