South Korea’s Lotte Tour and MSC Cruises have signed a three-year partnership, in which Lotte will charter MSC Bellissima. At 171,598 gross tons, MSC Bellissima is currently the largest cruise ship in Asia and it can accommodate 5,600 guests. Under the agreement, the ship will be based in Incheon starting in June 2027 and will source its passengers from the local market.

MSC Bellissima will sail to the ports of Taiwan and Japan. The first cruise will depart from Incheon on June 14, 2027.

The plans include to add a second ship in 2028 and a third vessel in 2029, but Lotte and MSC Cruises have not yet identified the vessels

Baekhyun, CEO of Lotte Tourism Development, said, "This charter contract is the result of 15 years of experience in operating chartered ships and the trust of global shipping companies. We will raise the level of the Korean cruise market to the next level through cooperation with MSC Cruises and provide the world's best cruise experience.”

According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the South Korean source market generated 55,000 cruise passengers in 2024, which was just 2.1% of total Asian market.